​The NWSL has finally returned from the international break, and our current power rankings aim to highlight which clubs came back ready to roll and which still have work to do. Here’s how the teams stack up after the resumption:
16. Racing Louisville | 0-4 loss at Portland Thorns
After requesting a trade, Emma Sears could be primed to trigger a domino effect for Racing Louisville. The club has now dropped four straight matches, signaling a troubling slide as the season progresses.
15. Houston Dash (-4) | 1-2 loss at Washington Spirit
Rookies Linda Ullmark and Kate Faasse combined for a late equalizer, but Houston still conceded a late goal to slip to defeat. The silver lining is that they remain just three points out of playoff contention, keeping hope alive.
14. Bay FC | 2-2 draw at Boston
Legacy forward Claire Hutton netted her first NWSL goal and added an assist, yet the points were shared as Bay FC couldn’t close the deal for a crucial win.
13. Boston Legacy (-1) | 2-2 draw vs Bay FC
Amanda Gutierres opened her account with a first open-play goal, followed by Aïssata Traoré’s equalizer from the spot. Boston’s late comeback resilience has produced nine points from losing positions this season—the second-most for expansion sides in NWSL history—suggesting a bright future ahead.
12. Chicago Stars (+3) | 3-2 win vs Utah Royals
Mallory Swanson has been a transformative presence, while Jordyn Huitema tallied a brace and delivered the late winner against Utah Royals. With four goals on the season, Huitema is on a tear, and her CANWNT pedigree adds to Chicago’s growing impact.
11. Seattle Reign (-1) | 1-3 loss at NC Courage
One win in eight matches isn’t enough to move the needle. Seattle’s attack has managed just 11 goals all season, tying for the second-worst mark in the league, and they now face Portland Thorns, the league’s top scoring team, in a regional clash.
10. Denver Summit (-1) | 0-3 loss vs KC Current
A rough home defeat underscores Denver’s struggle for consistency. Could the arrival of Lindsey Heaps provide the needed spark to stabilize the team and lift their results?
9. Orlando Pride (-2) | 0-2 loss at ACFC
Finding an attacking rhythm without MVP frontrunner Barbra Banda remains a challenge, and there’s no timetable yet for her return. The Pride will need a collective effort to compensate for the absence.
8. Angel City FC (+5) | 2-0 win vs Orlando Pride
In their first match since the firing of Alex Straus, Sveindís Jónsdóttir scored after coming back from injury, with Maiara Niehues striking for the third consecutive match. Is this coaching change the spark this team needed?
7. Gotham FC (-3) | 0-2 loss at San Diego Wave
Gotham’s attack continues to underperform, with the club ranking among the lowest scorers in the league. Improvements in finishing will be essential if they want to climb and compete.
6. North Carolina Courage (+1) | 3-1 win vs Seattle Reign
Four wins from four since the break, and even with Manaka’s departure, Ashley Sanchez remains in MVP-caliber form, adding another brace. Head Coach Mak Lind has the Courage firing on all cylinders.
As we look ahead, the question remains: which clubs are truly ready to push for the postseason, and who still needs to address the gaps that could determine their fate for the rest of the year? The season’s second half will reveal which teams can sustain momentum and which will struggle to regain it.