The 2025 NWSL season has officially reached its quarter point after six weeks of play. This milestone signals a time to review the power rankings, as significant shifts have occurred. While discussions often center on established regional club rivalries, week six served as a reminder that intense competition can also emerge unexpectedly from chaotic matchups.
Leading teams vying for the Shield faced off again, resulting in multi-goal games with surprising outcomes. Meanwhile, teams lower in the standings managed to steal points from each other, often without clear long-term strategic solutions. The performances were notable, and at this stage of the season, simply winning doesn`t always guarantee an automatic jump in the rankings, reflecting a similar dynamic to the rankings after week five.
Gotham FC and Portland Thorns both played two matches during week six, including a midweek clash between them and another over the weekend. Both teams experienced mixed results but performed well enough to improve their positions. For the first time this season, 13 out of the 14 clubs saw movement in the power rankings, highlighting the league`s inherent week-to-week unpredictability.
2025 NWSL Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Change | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Orlando Pride |
+2 |
After suggesting last week they needed more clinical finishing, Barbra Banda and Marta responded by scoring goals. This is excellent news for the Pride and concerning for the rest of the league. |
|
2. |
Kansas City Current |
-1 |
Suffered a road upset against the league`s only winless team. Still considered elite, but the Midwest club must now contend with lingering injuries to Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper. |
|
3. |
Gotham FC |
+1 |
Sometimes success is about how you finish, and other times it`s simply having Esther Gonzalez, who is scoring at a rate where game circumstances are less critical because she`s a relentless goal producer right now. |
|
4. |
Washington Spirit |
-2 |
The Spirit were quickly brought back down to earth after conceding just three minutes in. While things continued to unravel, the bright spot was Croix Bethune`s return from a meniscus injury. |
|
5. |
San Diego Wave FC |
+2 |
San Diego has positioned itself for a strong season run thanks to key international signings. Cascarino, Dali, and Corely consistently challenge opposing teams, contributing to the Wave`s steady rise in the rankings. |
|
6. |
Seattle Reign FC |
-1 |
This team is achieving results but not delivering performances that dominate the league. This will likely keep them in playoff contention, but it limits their power ranking potential. |
|
7. |
Bay FC |
+1 |
Rachael Kundinanji finally scored this season, a crucial moment at home. The Bay Area side has successfully made PayPal Park a difficult place for opponents to visit and now needs to consistently be a tough team to face overall. |
|
8. |
Portland Thorns FC |
+3 |
A significant week for the Thorns, making different kinds of statements in their two week six matches. They continue to rely on first-year players, with Caiya Hanks entering the conversation for impactful rookie performances. |
|
9. |
Angel City FC |
-3 |
The team`s momentum has swung dramatically in the negative direction. The young squad appears uncertain during major momentum shifts in games against top contenders, suggesting the coaching staff needs to find solutions. |
|
10. |
North Carolina Courage |
— |
Can you call it a “smash and grab” if it`s on home turf? Arguably not. North Carolina won a strategic substitution battle, which was enough to secure a major upset and keep them from dropping in the rankings. More consistency is needed to move up. |
|
11. |
Houston Dash |
-3 |
The biggest positive for the Dash this week was Delanie Sheehan`s performance. At this point in the season, securing a hard-fought win against another struggling club doesn`t necessarily equate to significant power. |
|
12. |
Racing Louisville FC |
+2 |
Showing signs of renewed energy, but will it be sufficient? Savannah DeMelo finding her goal-scoring form again could potentially be the catalyst the team requires. |
|
13. |
Utah Royals |
-1 |
Navigating challenging territory and likely to remain there. They had momentum to potentially steal a road win against Houston but failed to convert scoring chances when it mattered most. |
|
14. |
Chicago Stars FC |
-1 |
Jameese Joseph remains a positive standout, but Chicago was thoroughly defeated at home by the Wave this week, placing them firmly back in a difficult period. |
