It’s Monday, and another round nwsl The action is in the books, which means it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Who is climbing the table? Who is in free fall? Our writers studied the action across 24 matchdays to determine this week’s standings for all 14 teams in the league. Let’s dive in.
Previous ranking: 1
Next match: Saturday October 18 vs Houston Dash, 7.30pm ET
Kansas City is advancing to the postseason after defeating another top team in the standings this weekend. temwa chawinga And Bea Zanaretto The goals were awarded as the league-leaders placed between them and 2023 champions Gotham FC 2-0 Win at CPKC Stadium. With the goal, Chavinga also added space between himself and Gotham esther gonzalez At the top of the Golden Boot race, he is now ahead by two goals. also saw victory Current set a new NWSL record for points in a season,
Previous ranking: 2
Next match: Saturday October 18 vs Orlando Pride, 12.30pm ET
trinity rodmanCary’s left-footed strike from inside the box (his fifth goal of the season) gave the Spirit the lead in the second half, but they were tied 1–1 against ninth-ranked North Carolina. With the draw (as well as Gotham’s loss to Kansas City), the Spirit officially clinched home-field advantage in the playoff semi-finals. After a record-breaking year for total attendance at Audi Field, this is huge for last year’s runners-up, who are poised to make a compelling playoff run.
1:11
North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit – Game Highlights
Watch game highlights of North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit, 10/12/2025
Previous ranking: 3
Next match: Sunday October 19 vs. Racing Louisville, 3 PM ET
2024 nwsl goalkeeper of the year Ann-Katrin Berger Gotham missed Gotham’s marquee meeting with Kansas City due to a knee injury, so the Bats started the 27-year-old goalie shelby hogan On the road to CPKC Stadium in a massive test. Hogan’s three-save performance helped limit the Current’s dynamic attack, but Gotham left Missouri with a 2–0 loss. They outclassed their hosts, but managed only two goals themselves, while the team’s top scorer, Aster, extended her scoreless run to four games. They entered the weekend fourth in the standings, but will struggle to maintain the home-field advantage with final tests in their next two games against teams competing for playoff positions (Racing Louisville, then North Carolina).
Previous ranking: 5
Next match: Saturday, October 18 vs Washington Spirit, 12.30pm ET
In his first match after a back injury, the unique club veteran Marta He was forced to score a heroic own goal in stoppage time to secure a hugely consequential three points against the Portland Thorns. It was Orlando’s second win on a three-game undefeated run in the regular season, marking a much-needed turnaround after a nine-game winless rut. The defending champions finished the weekend in third place, but will play second-place Washington Spirit and fifth-place Seattle Reign in their final games.
Previous ranking: 4
Next match: Sunday October 19 vs Angel City FC, 5pm ET (Stream live on ESPN+,
In a similar encounter on the road in Orlando (in which both sides had a total of four shots on goal), the Thorns lost due to Marta’s 93rd-minute effort from a corner, which was officially ruled an own goal. Portland could clinch a playoff spot with a win or a draw pending other results in the table. But after that last-minute loss, the seventh-ranked Thorns will try to do the same next weekend against Angel City.
1:19
Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns FC – Game Highlights
Watch game highlights of Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns FC, 10/11/2025
Previous ranking: 6
Next match: Friday, October 17 vs. Utah Royals, 10 PM ET
Seattle’s Welsh giant who never stops, jess fishlockCame to Rennes’ rescue in a 1–1 draw against Bay FC. Fishlock’s sixth goal of the season gave them a second consecutive draw in a three-game undefeated run of results, leaving them in fifth place ahead of the final weekend. They may regret not getting all three points as they chase home-field advantage, but they are on track to make the postseason.
Previous ranking: 8
Next match: Saturday, October 18 vs. Chicago Stars, 10 PM ET
San Diego was one of the few clubs that missed or missed the playoffs this weekend. But they needed a result against Utah to keep their postseason goals alive. Despite dreadful weather and falling behind early, they secured a crucial 3–2 win (ending a seven-game winless streak) which leaves them sixth in a crowded table ahead of the final weekend. They still have the tools to make a splash in the playoffs but will need to stay focused to secure their spot.
1:16
Utah Royals vs. San Diego Wave FC – Game Highlights
Watch highlights of Utah Royals vs. San Diego Wave FC game, 10/12/2025
Previous ranking: 7
Next match: Sunday October 19 vs Gotham FC, 3pm ET
bethany balserA 93rd-minute equalizing goal against the already eliminated Chicago Stars could prove decisive in Louisville’s quest for its first playoff berth. They finished the weekend in eighth and final playoff spot, four points ahead of the North Carolina Courage. They have two games left – starting with a tough test on the road in Gotham – and will make club history if they stay above that line.
Previous ranking: 10
Next match: Friday October 17 vs Bay FC, 10pm ET
The Courage joined San Diego as one of two clubs (including those that were not already eliminated or secure in their playoff spot) that did not win or were eliminated this weekend. Playing at home, they went down early against the second-placed Spirit, but fought back to earn a 1–1 draw, leaving them one place and four points off the playoff positions. With two remaining matches against Bay FC and then Gotham, they will have to find positive results and hope that the teams above them falter.
Previous ranking: 12
Next match: Sunday October 19 vs. Portland Thorns, 5pm ET (Stream live on ESPN+,
Had Racing Louisville won their 1–1 draw against Seattle, the Angel City would have been left with little to do to remain in postseason contention. But they took fate into their own hands heading into Sunday’s contest and earned an impressive 2-0 win against Houston. They showed great offensive progress in the win and have two games to go to reach a playoff position. They need to win both their remaining games to maintain their chances. Next up, Portland.
1:19
Angel City FC vs. Houston Dash – Game Highlights
Watch game highlights from Angel City FC vs. Houston Dash, 10/13/2025
Previous ranking: 9
Next match: Saturday, October 18 vs KC Current, 7:30 pm ET
Mathematically, Houston can still make the playoffs. But the odds are not in their favor after losing 2-0 to fellow playoff-aspirants Angel City FC on Sunday. They are now in 11th place and need to win their remaining games to maintain their slim chances of making the postseason. Unfortunately, they will play Kansas City next.
Previous ranking: 11
Next match: Friday October 17 vs Seattle Reign, 10pm ET
The Utah Royals made a bold effort at the end of the season. A 3-2 loss to the San Diego Wave on Saturday ended their eight-match unbeaten streak (four wins, four draws) and officially eliminated them from the playoffs. They took an early lead in the ninth minute and later equalized, but needed a win to keep their post-season hopes alive. Nonetheless, fans can be proud of the Royals’ year-end form.
Previous ranking: 13
Next match: Friday October 17 vs NC Courage, 10 PM ET
Bay FC was eliminated from the playoffs after a 1–1 draw with Seattle Reign, but they put in an impressive performance playing on the road. Jordan Silkowitz Contributed three saves to nearly win, holding Seattle scoreless until the 84th minute. On the other end, the Bays made almost as many shots as Seattle in a winning game.
Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Saturday, October 18 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 pm ET
Alyssa Naeher She doesn’t let us forget why she’s one of the GOATs of US Soccer. The World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist made eight saves for the Stars in a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville, which they looked set to win until Balcer’s stoppage-time equaliser.
