ImagnOrlando Pride are now unbeaten in 23 straight games, and have officially won the 2024 NWSL Shield. It was an exciting weekend of games, with the North Carolina Courage clinching a playoff berth, Kansas City Current extending their unbeaten streak to five games, and of course, Orlando doing Orlando things and winning the club’s first-ever Shield.
Let's dive into INDIVISA's NWSL power rankings.
USA TODAY SportsThe Houston Dash are officially out of playoff contention, after falling 0-2 to Chicago on Friday. The Dash did put on a strong performance, with Bárbara Olivieri being to credit for the attacking front cooking.
USA Today Sports The Royals managed a second straight win after taking down Portland, but their playoff hopes were dashed long ago. The young talent gives Utah fans hope for the future, but for now, it's all about finishing the season on a high note.
ImagnWith their fourth straight defeat coming at the hands of Angel City, and despite having talent on the roster, it’s clear that Reign’s form has collapsed when it mattered most. The question now is how Reign will reshape themselves after a dismal finish to the year.
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GettyPortland’s free fall continues. With just one point from their last seven matches, the Thorns are unrecognizable from the team we saw earlier this season. Portland needs a serious reset, and this slide needs to stop soon as they make a push for the playoffs.
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ImagnSan Diego dropped points on the road against North Carolina, but their performance was much stronger compared to recent weeks. With just a few games left, the Wave are teetering on the edge of elimination, and it's all about survival now.
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GettyThe team played NY/NJ Gotham FC tough—until the last 20 minutes. But, those 70 minutes showed promise, with defensive immaturity costing them big. The remaining matches in their schedule are brutal, so they'll need to tighten up and finish strong to reach the postseason.
Getty ImagesAngel City stays in the eighth spot after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Seattle. With Alyssa Thompson and Claire Emslie in fine form on the wings, they managed to break down Reign’s defense when it mattered.
ImagnRacing Louisville’s attack simply couldn't get going against KC Current, leaving them three points off the playoff line with a few matches left to make up the deficit. If they can hit their stride here, it could mean a first time postseason for Louisville.
ImagnChicago moves up after a 2-0 win over Houston that pushed them further up the table. Ludmila was the hero, putting the ball in the back of the net twice, securing a seven-point advantage for a slot in the postseason.
ImagnWashington’s injury streak continues, with Andi Sullivan the latest casualty in their loss to Orlando. With countless missing starters, it’s no surprise the Spirit struggled, but they’ll need to get healthy fast before the playoffs.
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USA TODAY SportsTheir 2-1 win over San Diego was solid, with Kerolin back in the starting lineup. Clinching the playoffs is big, but the Courage still have work to do. Tightening up that back line should be priority number one down the stretch.
ImagnKansas City is flying high, powered by brilliant performances from Temwa Chawinga, who tied the NWSL record for most goals in a season with her 18th strike. With Schult anchoring the defense, Kansas City has become one of the most balanced teams in the league.
ImagnGotham’s 5-1 demolition of Bay FC showed their ability to switch into high gear when it matters. Sitting comfortably in third place, they’ve secured home-field advantage for the semifinals. Will this be the key to their playoff success?
ImagnOrlando Pride, take a bow! The Pride clinched their first NWSL Shield in club history after dismantling Washington -0, and they look unstoppable heading into the playoffs. Firing on all cylinders, this team is the one to beat.