Following an exciting summer pause for international competitions, the 2025 NWSL regular season resumed with a dynamic Week 14. The second half of the campaign is now in full swing, and while some clubs have accelerated, others appear stalled. With just twelve matchweeks remaining, it`s an opportune moment to reassess the league`s power dynamics.
However, predicting shifts isn`t straightforward. The top three teams remain consistently strong, with Kansas City Current maintaining their exceptional form and widening the gap on competitors who are struggling to keep up. Similarly, the bottom three showed some resilience in Week 14, yet their positions largely held. This has led to considerable shuffling among the mid-table contenders. For reference, my previous power rankings were published in June.
The question now is, which teams will ascend, and which will falter? Week 15 is fast approaching, so make sure not to miss any of the thrilling matchups. NWSL regular season games are available on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
- 2025 NWSL Power Rankings
- 1. Kansas City Current (–)
- 2. Washington Spirit (–)
- 3. Orlando Pride (–)
- 4. Seattle Reign (+1)
- 5. San Diego Wave (-1)
- 6. Portland Thorns FC (+2)
- 7. Racing Louisville FC (+2)
- 8. Gotham FC (-1)
- 9. Bay FC (+2)
- 10. Angel City FC (-4)
- 11. North Carolina Courage (-1)
- 12. Houston Dash (–)
- 13. Utah Royals (–)
- 14. Chicago Stars FC (–)
2025 NWSL Power Rankings
As the season`s second half intensifies, here’s how the league currently stands:
1. Kansas City Current (–)
It`s increasingly challenging to identify weaknesses in Kansas City`s lineup, especially as they continue to bolster their attack with additions like U.S. Women`s National Team forward Ally Sentnor. Though Sentnor didn`t feature in Week 14, the Current`s roster depth is undeniable. Forward Temwa Chawinga, with her ninth goal this season, remains a strong contender for the NWSL Golden Boot.
2. Washington Spirit (–)
Trinity Rodman made a triumphant return to the pitch after a four-month absence, scoring in her comeback and helping Washington secure a crucial win. With more Spirit players like Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt regaining form, new head coach Adrian Gonzalez is poised to command a formidable, deep roster for the remainder of the season.
3. Orlando Pride (–)
Despite numerous opportunities for a comeback, Orlando Pride struggled to find the decisive goal this week. Nevertheless, late-game tactical adjustments by manager Seb Hines proved effective, with Prisca Chilufya`s efforts culminating in an equalizer. While perhaps not the league`s `super team` this season, they consistently demonstrate elite performance.
4. Seattle Reign (+1)
Head coach Laura Harvey`s tactical decisions in Week 14 were certainly surprising. After acquiring dynamic attacking talents like Mia Fishel and the versatile Sofia Huerta, she showcased the roster`s adaptability by deploying a five-player defensive line. Fluid player movement and astute substitutions, particularly with veteran Jess Fishlock`s impactful contribution, ultimately secured a victory. This dark-horse team could quickly become a formidable challenge for the league`s top contenders.
5. San Diego Wave (-1)
It appears San Diego Wave lost momentum before the break and are still emerging from their summer slumber. While they created promising opportunities in Week 14, they struggled to hit the target. To regain their competitive edge, they must rediscover the form they exhibited in the first half of the season.
6. Portland Thorns FC (+2)
Portland Thorns FC displayed strong periods of play upon their return, even if they didn`t secure points. Their first half of the year was inconsistent, but standout individual performances from midfielders Sam Coffey and Hina Sugita have often compensated for team weaknesses. If Olivia Moultrie`s recent goal signals future success, the Thorns could become a significant spoiler for other contenders.
7. Racing Louisville FC (+2)
Racing Louisville FC enjoyed a good run before the summer break, only to collide with Kansas City upon their return. While I hope this is their year to reach the playoffs, they`ve generally struggled against higher-ranked opponents, and their upcoming schedule presents further challenges. Despite my reservations, I`ll maintain their position in the top half of these rankings for now.
8. Gotham FC (-1)
At this point in the season, it`s easy for observers to predict wins based on team sheets, but Gotham FC isn`t consistently delivering. While the team rightly celebrated rookie Khyah Harper`s solo goal, they`ll be eager for the swift return of Golden Boot leader and Euro runner-up Esther Gonzalez, especially after managing only two shots on target in Week 14.
9. Bay FC (+2)
For much of the year, Bay FC has been a consistent presence in the lower mid-table of both power rankings and the league standings. However, their Week 14 performance suggests they are inching upwards. Rachael Kundananji`s relentless play combined with Penelope Hocking`s club-leading goal tally is promising. If this duo can forge stronger collaborative efforts, Bay FC could continue to rise.
10. Angel City FC (-4)
I can no longer justify keeping Angel City in the upper half of these rankings; maintaining their position even through the break was a misjudgment. With no wins in six games, and despite the `learning` phase under new manager Alex Strauss, victories remain elusive. The coaching staff must urgently devise strategies to deploy players effectively and engineer winning scenarios if they hope to climb back up the table.
11. North Carolina Courage (-1)
North Carolina Courage enjoyed a brief period of good form before the break, but their return to play seemed somewhat disjointed. Nevertheless, there are intriguing developments to watch, such as the coaching staff`s deployment of Tyler Lussi on the left, where she operated effectively as an attacking fullback.
12. Houston Dash (–)
Often, it`s the small details that make a significant impact, and for Houston Dash, that might be the involvement of their veteran midfielder when challenges arise. Former Canadian international Sophie Schmidt delivered a crucial performance late in the game. Her presence as a seasoned player who can contribute goals from the bench could prove to be the x-factor the Dash need in the second half of the season.
13. Utah Royals (–)
Mina Tanaka delivered an outstanding performance for Utah against top-tier Orlando. With Ally Sentnor`s official move to Kansas City, Tanaka is poised to become the Royals` primary playmaker, particularly if strong chemistry develops with teammates Brecken Mozingo and Bianca St-Georges.
14. Chicago Stars FC (–)
It`s important to celebrate victories, or in this instance, strong performances that secure a draw. Chicago Red Stars have faced difficulties this season, but interim head coach Ella Masar has them competing with renewed spirit and enjoyment. With goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher back and Ally Schlegel finding the net, perhaps it`s now their turn to challenge opponents more effectively.
