NWSL Power Rankings: Week 20 Recap

As the 2025 NWSL season progresses, the competition heats up with thrilling matches and standout performances. Here’s a breakdown of the latest Power Rankings and key highlights from Week 20.

1. Kansas City Current

• Previous Ranking: 1
• Next Match: Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. Seattle Reign, 7:30 p.m. ET Kansas City Current continues to dominate, becoming the first team to reach 50 points this season. Despite a scoreless draw against Washington Spirit, their attacking prowess remains unmatched. Temwa Chawinga’s absence was felt, but the team’s unbeaten streak keeps them firmly at the top.

2. Washington Spirit

• Previous Ranking: 2
• Next Match: Thursday, Sept. 18 vs. Angel City FC, 10:30 p.m. ET Washington Spirit secured a point against Kansas City but missed a golden opportunity to close the gap. Hal Hershfelt’s red card hampered their efforts, and they’ll need to regroup quickly for their next match.

3. NJ/NY Gotham FC

• Previous Ranking: 6
• Next Match: Sunday, Sept. 21 vs. Bay FC, 8:30 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+) Jaedyn Shaw’s debut for Gotham FC was nothing short of spectacular. Her goal in a 2-0 victory over San Diego Wave has propelled Gotham up the rankings. The $1.25 million investment in Shaw is already paying dividends.

4. San Diego Wave FC

• Previous Ranking: 3
• Next Match: Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. Portland Thorns, 10 p.m. ET San Diego Wave struggled against Gotham, failing to convert possession into goals. Their inability to create high-quality chances continues to be a concern as they drop in the rankings.

5. Orlando Pride

• Previous Ranking: 4
• Next Match: Friday, Sept. 19 vs. NC Courage, 7:30 p.m. ET Orlando Pride’s winless streak extended to eight games after a 1-1 draw with Bay FC. Despite Ally Watt’s equalizer, the team’s playoff hopes are fading fast.

6. Racing Louisville FC

• Previous Ranking: 5
• Next Match: Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET Racing Louisville’s match against Seattle Reign was abandoned after Savannah DeMelo collapsed on the field. Our thoughts are with DeMelo as she recovers.

7. Portland Thorns

• Previous Ranking: 8
• Next Match: Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET Olivia Moultrie’s stunning free-kick goal wasn’t enough for Portland Thorns, who conceded a late equalizer against Chicago Stars. The Thorns need to tighten their defense to climb higher.

8. Houston Dash

• Previous Ranking: 7
• Next Match: Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Chicago Stars, 8 p.m. ET Houston Dash’s six-game unbeaten run ended with a 2-0 loss to Utah Royals. The team’s lack of attacking threat raises questions about their playoff credentials.

9. Seattle Reign FC

• Previous Ranking: 9
• Next Match: Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. KC Current, 7:30 p.m. ET Seattle Reign’s match against Racing Louisville was abandoned. The rescheduled match will be crucial for their playoff push.

10. North Carolina Courage

• Previous Ranking: 11
• Next Match: Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Orlando Pride, 7:30 p.m. ET Manaka Matsukubo’s brilliance led North Carolina Courage to a 2-1 victory over Angel City FC. With Jaedyn Shaw gone, Matsukubo’s role is more critical than ever.

11. Angel City FC

• Previous Ranking: 10
• Next Match: Thursday, Sept. 18 vs. Washington Spirit, 10:30 p.m. ET Angel City FC’s struggles continued with a 2-1 loss to North Carolina Courage. The team’s attack looked disjointed, and they’ll need to find solutions quickly.

12. Utah Royals

• Previous Ranking: 14
• Next Match: Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Racing Louisville, 10 p.m. ET Utah Royals’ solid defensive display secured a 2-0 win over Houston Dash. With two wins in their last three games, they’re building momentum.

13. Bay FC

• Previous Ranking: 12
• Next Match: Sunday, Sept. 21 vs. Gotham FC, 8:30 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+) Bay FC’s winless streak extended to nine games after a 1-1 draw with Orlando Pride. The playoffs seem increasingly out of reach.

14. Chicago Stars FC

• Previous Ranking: 14
• Next Match: Friday, Sept. 19 vs. Houston Dash, 8 p.m. ET Chicago Stars managed a 1-1 draw against Portland Thorns, but their attack remains a work in progress. More consistency is needed to move up the rankings.

Conclusion

Week 20 of the NWSL season brought both excitement and challenges. With Jaedyn Shaw making an immediate impact and Kansas City Current maintaining their lead, the race for the playoffs is intensifying. Stay tuned for more action as the season progresses.