NWSL Power Rankings (Matchweek 11): San Diego Wave top Gotham FC, Portland Thorns roll, Washington Spirit win it late, and much more

The NWSL made its long awaited return from the international break.

Which clubs came out of the break ready to go and who still has work to do?

Here’s our latest power rankings:

16. Racing Louisville | 0-4 loss at Portland Thorns

After requesting a trade from the club, could Emma Sears potential departure create a domino effect for Racing Louisville?

The club have now dropped four consecutive matches.

15. Houston Dash (-4) | 1-2 loss at Washington Spirit

Rookies Linda Ullmark and Kate Faasse combined for a late equalizer.

And somehow the Houston Dash surrendered a late goal to leave empty-handed.

The good news? They’re still only three points from playoff contention.

14. Bay FC | 2-2 draw at Boston Legacy

Claire Hutton scored her first ever NWSL goal and added an assist.

And it still wasn’t enough for the three points…

13. Boston Legacy (-1) | 2-2 draw vs Bay FC

Amanda Gutierres scored her first open-play goal and Aïssata Traoré followed it up with the equalizer from the spot.

That’s now nine points from losing positions – second most for expansion sides in NWSL history.

The future is bright for Boston Legacy.

12. Chicago Stars (+3) | 3-2 win vs Utah Royals

Mallory Swanson’s presence has been an absolute gamechanger for Chicago Stars.

Jordyn Huitema tallied a brace and scored the late game-winning goal in the upset win over Utah Royals. Her four goals on the season are the most since the 2023 season.

Now, the CANWNT forward is also an absolute legend for this:

11. Seattle Reign (-1) | 1-3 loss at NC Courage

One win in the last eight matches isn’t going to cut it…

The attack has only mustered 11 goals all season long – tied for second worst in NWSL.

Now, they have to face off against Pacific Northwest rivals, Portland Thorns who lead the league in goals scored.

10. Denver Summit (-1) | 0-3 loss vs KC Current

A brutal home loss for the expansion side who are struggling to find consistency.

Could the arrival of Lindsey Heaps provide the much-needed boost Denver Summit FC desperately need?

9. Orlando Pride (-2) | 0-2 loss at ACFC

Can they find an attack without MVP frontrunner Barbra Banda? No.

No timetable provided on the injury yet…

8. Angel City FC (+5) | 2-0 win vs Orlando Pride

In their first match since the firing of Alex Straus, Sveindís Jónsdóttir returned from injury with a goal and Maiara Niehues scored for the third straight match.

Could the change at head coach be just what this team needed?

7. Gotham FC (-3) | 0-2 loss at San Diego Wave

The attacking woes continue…

Only three teams have scored less than Gotham FC.

6. North Carolina Courage (+1) | 3-1 win vs Seattle Reign

Four wins in four games.

Even with the departure of Manaka, Ashley Sanchez continues her MVP caliber season with another brace.

Head Coach Mak Lind has this team firing on all cylinders.

5. KC Current (+1) | 3-0 win at Denver Summit

Temwa Chawinga can’t stop scoring. Croix Bethune and Michelle Cooper combined for two goals.

Three consecutive wins now for Kansas City Current who are finding their form.

If Kansas City can continue to up their form on the road like this 3-0 win at Denver, they will climb the table quickly.

4. Utah Royals (-3) | 2-3 loss at Chicago Stars

URFC had seven players out this past week, including MVP candidate Mina Tanaka and three additional starters…

The Chicago Stars took advantage and pulled off the upset.

The timetable of these injuries will be pivotal…

3. Portland Thorns (+2) | 4-0 win vs Racing Louisville

After a shocking 1-3 loss earlier at Racing Louisville, the Portland Thorns got their revenge at Providence Park 4-0.

The Portland Thorns front four continues to dominate led by Olivia Moultrie (5 goals and 5 assists) and Pietra Tordin (4 goals & 6 assists).

Soph Wilson’s most recent accomplishment? 50 NWSL goals. Also, don’t forget about the insane backheel.

Reilyn Turner has also matched her 2025 output already.

2. Washington Spirit (+1) | 2-1 win vs Houston Dash

Trinity Rodman’s brace rescued all three points for Washington Spirit.

Her reaction to the goal? Brilliant.

Seven wins in their last eight – their only loss in that span? The No. 1 team in NWSL.

1.San Diego Wave (+1) | 2-0 win vs Gotham FC

Without Dudinha, Melanie Barcenas stepped up in and delivered against the NWSL’s top defense.

The goal and celebration? Iconic.

It’ll take everyone on the frontline to make up for their star winger, but a win against the reigning champions is a very good start.