NWSL Power Rankings: San Diego Wave Rise to No. 1 as Washington Spirit Halt Gotham and Seattle Reign Strengthen Playoff Bid

The battle for the NWSL Shield remains open as the regular season nears its end. Some teams have clinched their playoff spots, while others have seen their hopes dashed after another weekend of intense matches.

Seattle Reign FC strengthened their playoff bid with a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Stars, securing the league's last postseason position. Following an international break, the league resumed with several teams confirming their place in the playoffs. The Washington Spirit earned a key win against Gotham FC, guaranteeing their postseason appearance. Meanwhile, despite having top scorer Ashley Sanchez, North Carolina Courage slipped outside the playoff zone after a 2-1 loss to San Diego Wave.

Racing Louisville, Houston Dash, Bay FC, and Chicago Stars are now officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Shield, though, is still undecided, keeping the competition fierce as the season winds down.

Team-by-Team Breakdown

16. Chicago StarsPrevious Rank: 16Result: Lost 3-1 to Seattle ReignImpact: The Stars' playoff hopes ended long ago. Simone Charley scored her first goal for Chicago but it wasn't enough as Seattle climbed into eighth place.
15. Racing LouisvillePrevious Rank: 15Result: Lost 2-1 to Boston LegacyImpact: Louisville looked resigned to defeat. Kayla Fischer gave them an early lead, but Boston rallied with two second-half goals to seal the comeback.
14. Bay FCPrevious Rank: 14Result: Drew 2-2 with Portland ThornsImpact: Already out of playoff contention, Bay FC fought hard. Goals from Caroline Conti and Kennedy Fuller helped secure a valuable point.
13. Houston DashPrevious Rank: 13Result: Lost 2-1 to Orlando PrideImpact: Houston was eliminated prior to this match. Danielle Colaprico scored, but the team fell short against Orlando.
12. Boston LegacyPrevious Rank: 14Result: Won 2-1 over Racing LouisvilleImpact: Both sides had no playoff hopes, but Boston showed more fight, with goals from Amanda Gutierres and Deja Davis.
11. Orlando PridePrevious Rank: 11Result: Won 2-1 vs. Houston DashImpact: Luana’s penalty and Solai Washington’s first NWSL goal secured victory, but Orlando remains out of the playoffs.
10. Denver SummitPrevious Rank: 9Result: Lost 3-2 to Angel City FCImpact: Denver struggled defensively against Angel City. Melissa Kössler and Lindsey Heaps scored, but three quick goals conceded cost them the game.
9. Kansas City CurrentPrevious Rank: 10Result: Won 2-0 over Utah RoyalsImpact: Haley Hopkins scored twice to power Kansas City into fourth place with 47 points as they build momentum late in the season.
8. Utah RoyalsPrevious Rank: 4Result: Lost 2-0 to Kansas City CurrentImpact: The Royals were overwhelmed by the Current and now sit sixth with 46 points, still safe but shaken.
7. Angel City FCPrevious Rank: 7Result: Won 3-2 vs. Denver SummitImpact: Angel City climbed to fifth place thanks to quick goals from Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Taylor Suarez, and Ally Sentnor before Denver responded.
6. Portland ThornsPrevious Rank: 6Result: Drew 2-2 with Bay FCImpact: A tightly contested match that showcased rising rivalry. Morgan Weaver scored early, but Bay FC fought back, with Caiya Hanks securing a draw for Portland.
5. Seattle Reign FCPrevious Rank: 8Result: Won 3-1 over Chicago StarsImpact: Maddie Mercado’s two goals and one from Nérilia Mondésir helped Seattle clinch the final playoff spot.
4. North Carolina CouragePrevious Rank: 3Result: Lost 2-1 to San Diego WaveImpact: After weeks hovering near the playoff line, North Carolina dropped below it following the defeat. Time is running out for their postseason hopes.
3. Washington SpiritPrevious Rank: 4Result: Won 1-0 vs. Gotham FCImpact: The Spirit sealed their playoff berth with a win against rivals Gotham. Lucia Di Guglielmo scored her first NWSL goal to decide the match.
2. Gotham FCPrevious Rank: 1Result: Lost 1-0 to Washington SpiritImpact: Gotham missed the chance to claim the Shield as a costly error left them empty-handed. Their playoff spot is safe, but celebrations must wait.
1. San Diego WavePrevious Rank: 2Result: Won 2-1 vs. North Carolina CourageImpact: The Wave extended their winning streak to four games. Melanie Barcenas and Trinity Byars scored, with Byars reaching 11 goals this season, the highest for a Wave player since Alex Morgan in 2022.