Seattle Reign and Racing Louisville Surge to Midseason Dominance in NWSL Power Rankings Shakeup
Kentucky witnessed an extraordinary evening. Racing Louisville's commanding 2–0 victory against the reigning champions Orlando Pride stands as one of the most significant achievements in the franchise's history.
This triumph marked the culmination of Louisville's finest opening campaign. For a club that has never secured a National Women's Soccer League playoff berth, aspirations are now taking flight.
Manager Bev Yanez has transformed an underestimated squad into genuine postseason contenders.
Likewise, following a disappointing 13th-place finish and one of their most challenging campaigns in 2024, the Seattle Reign have made a remarkable comeback. An encouraging opening half of 2025 reached its peak with a dominant 4–1 victory against the Utah Royals.
This result represented Seattle's most impressive performance of the campaign, providing essential momentum for a side that has maintained defensive solidity while struggling to find the net consistently.
The NWSL will now enter its summer hiatus until August, as the break accommodates various global competitions, including the 2025 Women's Euros, Copa America Femenina, and the Women's African Cup of Nations.
Below are your NWSL power rankings at the midway point.
14. Utah Royals (1-10-2) [Previous: 14]
Previously, Amy Rodriguez began with a 2-10-1 record before her dismissal as Utah's manager. Jimmy Coenraets is likely experiencing mounting pressure as the Royals reached their lowest point following a devastating 4–1 defeat to Seattle Reign. Allowing sixteen goals across their last five matches represents a catastrophic defensive showing.
13. Chicago Stars (1-9-3) [Previous: 13]
Under interim manager Masaki Hemmi, this squad demonstrates considerable commitment, yet there's minimal progress in offensive creativity. Chicago fought valiantly to minimize damage and ultimately fell 1–0 to the Thorns. While avoiding heavy defeats shows improvement, the Stars remain winless across nine matches.
12. Houston Dash (3-8-2) [Previous: 12]
Houston continues its inconsistent pattern of progress and setbacks. Avery Patterson netted the quickest goal in franchise history this weekend (52 seconds in), with the Dash attempting to preserve a 1–0 advantage but ultimately falling 2–1 following Sarah Puntigam's dismissal. Houston must acquire at least one striker during the transfer period and establish their scoring identity. Thirteen goals across 13 matches ranks as the league's third-poorest offensive output.
11. Bay FC (4-5-4) [Previous: 11]
Despite suffering two losses, recent weeks haven't been disastrous for Bay, demonstrating their ability to generate scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, the team struggles with game management. After battling from 1–0 down previously, Bay took the lead but quickly surrendered it in a 2–1 loss to Gotham. The positive development is Penelope Hocking's continued impact on this squad. Hocking has contributed four goals and one assist over her past six appearances.
10. Angel City (4-5-4) [Previous: 10]
Angel City displayed solid defensive organization during their away fixture against the Current this weekend, and had Alyssa Thompson converted her penalty attempt, the match might not have concluded 1–0 in Kansas City's favor. This remains a team discovering its identity and optimal playing style. Abundant talent exists, with consistency and unity still developing.
9. NJ/NY Gotham FC (5-5-3) [Previous: 8]
Gotham secured consecutive victories with some fortune against Bay FC. Esther González notched her tenth goal of the season following Alyssa Malonson's mistake, while Geyse added the second in their 2–1 triumph after receiving a sublime through ball from Nealy Martin. Gotham possesses a roster that appears stretched thin. However, credit belongs to their defense, which maintained their advantage once regained. The upcoming transfer window could prove active in strengthening bench depth.
8. Portland Thorns (6-3-4) [Previous: 9]
Following a convincing 1–0 victory against the Chicago Stars, the Thorns enter the summer recess with an unblemished home record. Given this team recently lost Caiya Hanks to an ACL injury, their resilience and faith in emerging talent during crucial moments is admirable.
7. North Carolina Courage (5-5-3) [Previous: 6]
Reflecting on two months ago, the Courage remained winless after five weeks. Following last weekend's 2–1 triumph over the Houston Dash, North Carolina has claimed victory in five of their previous eight contests. Jaedyn Shaw scoring her inaugural goal for the club as a substitute in the Houston victory carries significant importance. The Courage will improve as Shaw settles into her role.
6. Racing Louisville (6-4-3) [Previous: 7]
Racing ranks among the NWSL's most impressive teams alongside San Diego Wave and Orlando Pride, excluding the KC Current currently. Manager Bev Yanez's work in unifying this group is beginning to resemble Coach of the Year caliber.
5. Seattle Reign (6-4-3) [Previous: 5]
Should the Reign continue increasing their goal output, this team could evolve from playoff aspirants to legitimate title contenders. Seattle has found the net as frequently in their last three matches (eight goals) as they managed in the preceding nine games. The Reign have areas requiring attention but have demonstrated their readiness to compete among the power rankings' elite.
4. San Diego Wave (7-3-3) [Previous: 4]
In their goalless 0–0 stalemate with the Washington Spirit, the Wave controlled the match and applied significant pressure on their opponents. The NWSL's possession specialists, maintaining 59.1% average per game, have excelled throughout this season's first half. Despite Maria Sanchez's departure, this team should remain competitive for the title.
3. Washington Spirit (7-4-2) [Previous: 3]
Securing a point away at San Diego proved commendable for the Spirit, who maintained defensive discipline. Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury produced six saves and delivered a match-winning performance. The Spirit require recovery and rejuvenation during the summer break, but their championship ambitions remain intact.
2. Orlando Pride (8-4-1) [Previous: 2]
Despite another defeat, the 2–0 away result in Kentucky, the Pride remain among the NWSL's most cohesive units. Barbra Banda faces multiple defenders yet has still accumulated eight goals. The crucial factor for this team involves supporting attackers like Summer Yates, Ally Watt, and Julie Doyle stepping forward when Banda draws defensive attention.
1. Kansas City Current (11-2-0) [Previous: 1]
No team approaches the Current's dominance atop the NWSL standings currently. Exceptional in virtually every aspect. Leading the league in goals scored, boasting the strongest defense, and maintaining an impressive home record of six victories from six matches. Kansas City holds four more points (33) than last season's champions Orlando (29) possessed at this identical stage.