Temwa Chawinga has now scored a goal against every team in the NWSL, after Kansas City’s win over San Diego Wave. Playoffs are getting closer, and the NWSL is heating up with Gotham FC beating the Orlando Pride, and Utah Royals climbing their way back up the table. In other news, dates, times, and host venues are now set for the quarterfinal round of the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel.
NWSL Power Rankings: With playoffs approaching, Gotham FC stuns Orlando, and final two spots remain open in post-season run
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14HOUSTON DASH ↔️
It’s been a painful season for Houston, and their 2-1 loss to Seattle was another gut punch. With just 20 goals across the entire season and a playoff-less future ahead, Houston’s biggest goal now? Rebuild mode.
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13SAN DIEGO WAVE ⬇️
The Wave’s 4-1 loss at the hands of Kansas City was the final nail in their 2024 coffin. From last year’s Shield winners to a team that’s now blown away in a must-win game, San Diego will need to completely revamp their approach if they want to contend next season.
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12SEATTLE REIGN ↔️
Finally breaking their brutal five-game losing streak, Seattle showed they still have some fight left, even if it’s too late. Nerilia Mondesir netted her first NWSL goal in her debut start—something for Reign fans to cling to as this season ends.
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11UTAH ROYALS ⬆️
Claudia Zornoza celebrated her 34th birthday in style with a jaw-dropping free kick goal against Angel City, helping Utah climb the ranks. Playoffs might be out of reach, but there’s definite hope for a much better 2025.
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10PORTLAND THORNS ⬇️
Portland took one step forward and two back this week. After knocking off the Shield winners, they slipped in a 1-0 loss to Racing Louisville, leaving their playoff chances hanging by a thread. It’s do-or-die time.
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9ANGEL CITY FC ⬇️
Angel City’s struggles this season came down to one major flaw—the need to be younger, faster, and more consistent. Leroux’s goal against Utah was a reminder of the flashes of brilliance they possess, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in playoff contention.
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8RACING LOUISVILLE ↔️
Their win over Portland wasn’t flashy, but it was all Louisville needed to keep playoff hopes alive. Let’s be real, though—this squad is surviving more than thriving. The lack of offensive punch haunts them, and Racing can’t keep relying on last-second conversions.
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7CHICAGO RED STARS ⬇️
Chicago has looked flat the last two weeks, following up their loss to Gotham with a beat down at the hands of Washington. Three shots on target in the past two matches isn’t going to cut it come playoff time.
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6BAY FC ⬆️
Abby Dahlkemper’s game-winner—let’s talk about it. Clutch, gorgeous, all the positive adjectives. Bay FC remains in the playoff race, and another win over Houston on Saturday could seal the deal.
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5NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE ↔️
It’s becoming a pattern for the Courage—lots of possession, not enough cutting edge in the final third. Playoff bound, sure, but the Courage need to sharpen up their offense if they want to hang with the NWSL’s top dogs in the postseason.
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4WASHINGTON SPIRIT ⬇️
Washington’s 2-0 win over Chicago was a drama-filled affair that also showed their attacking dominance. Trinity Rodman and the Spirit are one of the toughest teams to beat heading into playoffs, but they’ve got to watch the discipline.
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3KANSAS CITY CURRENT ⬆️
Temwa Chawinga, everybody. Again. Her latest strike not only secured a 4-1 win over San Diego, but also made her the first player in NWSL history to score against every team in the league in a single season. For that reason and more, KC is a nightmare matchup for anyone this postseason.
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2ORLANDO PRIDE ⬇️
Two straight losses have Orlando looking vulnerable for the first time this season. Yet, they’re still the Shield winners and have a four-point cushion. In the sports world, we call this a slump, and the Pride just need to snap out of it—this week, preferably.
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1GOTHAM FC ⬆️
Gotham FC is the new queen in town. They took down Orlando 3-1, extending the winning streak to seven. Kelley O’Hara’s pre-retirement celebration was the cherry on top of a dominant performance. All this to say, Gotham looks ready to defend their title.