NWSL Power Rankings: Week 17 Analysis

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. Here's a breakdown of the latest Power Rankings based on Matchday 17 performances.

1. Kansas City Current

Previous ranking: 1 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. NC Courage, 7.30 p.m. ET

The Kansas City Current remain unstoppable, securing a 2-0 victory over the Portland Thorns. Temwa Chawinga's goal in the 71st minute sealed their 10th consecutive unbeaten match, solidifying their position as the league's top team.

2. San Diego Wave FC

Previous ranking: 2 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Seattle Reign, 10.30 p.m. ET

Despite a 1-0 loss to Racing Louisville, the San Diego Wave showed promise with an xG over 2 and eight shots on goal. They aim to bounce back in their next match against the Seattle Reign.

3. Washington Spirit

Previous ranking: 4 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 31 vs. Chicago Stars, 4 p.m. ET

The Washington Spirit delivered a strong performance with a 3-2 victory over Bay FC, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches across all competitions.

4. Orlando Pride

Previous ranking: 3 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Gotham FC, 8 p.m. ET

The Orlando Pride's struggles continue with a 1-0 loss to Angel City, marking their fifth consecutive match without a win. The absence of Barbra Banda is deeply felt, and the team hopes for a turnaround with Lizbeth Ovalle's arrival.

5. Racing Louisville FC

Previous ranking: 6 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Houston Dash, 7.30 p.m. ET

Racing Louisville impressed with a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Wave, thanks to Emma Sears' header and goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer's eight saves. They look to maintain this form against the Houston Dash.

6. Portland Thorns

Previous ranking: 5 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Utah Royals, 10.30 p.m. ET

The Portland Thorns' 10-match home unbeaten streak ended with a 2-0 loss to the Kansas City Current. They aim to recover in their next match against the Utah Royals.

7. Seattle Reign FC

Previous ranking: 7 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. San Diego Wave, 10.30 p.m. ET

Sofia Huerta became the NWSL's record assist provider in a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dash. The Reign, now winless in their last three matches, seek to regain momentum.

8. North Carolina Courage

Previous ranking: 8 Next match: Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. KC Current, 7.30 p.m. ET

The North Carolina Courage's winless run continued with a 3-3 draw against the Chicago Stars. Ludmila's hat trick was a highlight, but the team needs more consistency.

9. NJ/NY Gotham FC

Previous ranking: 9 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Orlando Pride, 8 p.m. ET

Gotham FC struggled to score in a 0-0 draw with the Utah Royals. Despite 18 total shots, they couldn't break through, leaving fans frustrated.

10. Angel City FC

Previous ranking: 10 Next match: Monday, Sept. 1 vs. Bay FC, 9 p.m. ET

Angel City FC secured a much-needed 1-0 win over the Orlando Pride, thanks to Alyssa Thompson's deflected shot. The team hopes this victory marks a turning point in their season.

11. Houston Dash

Previous ranking: 11 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Racing Louisville, 7.30 p.m. ET

The Houston Dash's unbeaten streak extended to four matches with a 1-1 draw against the Seattle Reign. They aim to continue their upward trajectory.

12. Bay FC

Previous ranking: 12 Next match: Monday, Sept. 1 vs. Angel City FC, 9 p.m. ET

Bay FC's rally fell short in a 3-2 loss to the Washington Spirit. The team continues to seek their first win since June 7.

13. Chicago Stars FC

Previous ranking: 13 Next match: Sunday, Aug. 31 vs. Washington Spirit, 4 p.m. ET

Ludmila's record-breaking hat trick earned the Chicago Stars a 3-3 draw with the North Carolina Courage. Despite the draw, the team struggles to find consistent wins.

14. Utah Royals

Previous ranking: 14 Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Portland Thorns, 10.30 p.m. ET

The Utah Royals earned a scoreless draw with Gotham FC, thanks to goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn's standout performance. The team shows subtle signs of progress.