Following a busy weekend featuring seven games over two days, the 2025 NWSL regular season is well underway. With the five-week mark now passed, the power rankings reflect recent competitive performances and shifts among teams. After several consecutive weeks with the same clubs holding the top spots, recent results have finally brought changes to the upper portion of the rankings.
If Week 5 had a defining characteristic, it was rivalry. This included not only traditional regional matchups but also crucial head-to-head contests offering insights into potential playoff scenarios. Notably, Orlando and Washington met for the first time since November 2024 without a championship on the line. The outcome of that match significantly impacted the current rankings compared to where teams stood last week.
Typically, the most movement occurs in the middle of the table, and Week 5 was no exception. Teams positioned between fifth and ninth made significant strides. San Diego, in particular, is making a quiet but steady climb, and it appears we are entering a phase of the season where we`ll frequently see the California-based sides competing closely for positions.
Conversely, the lower end of the rankings seems to be solidifying, much like the top tier. The opening five weeks have been challenging for Chicago, Louisville, and Utah, and current trends suggest this pattern may persist for some time.
2025 NWSL Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Change | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kansas City Current | — | Maintaining a five-game winning streak, scoring goals from various players across the squad, including early MVP candidate Debinha. They are formidable opponents, securing victories against top contenders, playoff hopefuls, and teams at the bottom alike. |
| 2. | Washington Spirit | +1 | Even without Trinity Rodman (for now), the Spirit are showcasing their roster depth and remain a tough challenge for weaker opponents and a serious threat to elite teams. |
| 3. | Orlando Pride | -1 | It feels unusual to see Orlando in third place. They are a powerful team that has often won games by narrow margins, but this approach caught up with them in Week 5. They will need to be more clinical in front of goal to reclaim a top position. |
| 4. | NJ/NY Gotham FC | — | Gotham shows no signs of slowing down after the international break. Alongside Kansas City, they are riding a wave of top form despite managing injuries. |
| 5. | Seattle Reign FC | +1 | Seattle made a strong statement with their performance against the Portland Thorns, and Lynn Biyendolo made her first start of the season. This was a well-timed moment for the Reign to climb the rankings. |
| 6. | Angel City FC | -1 | Coaching adjustments did not yield positive results against a playoff contender, Gotham FC, last week. Interim coach Sam Laity has approximately a month to refine lineups before newly appointed manager Alexander Straus arrives in June. |
| 7. | San Diego Wave FC | +1 | San Diego is experiencing rising fortunes, continuing their ascent in the rankings. French internationals Delphine Cascarino and Kenza Dali are consistently delivering crucial performances, and San Diego looks increasingly dangerous week after week. |
| 8. | Houston Dash | -1 | The initial excitement seems to be fading for Houston. There are reasons for optimism with first-year acquisitions and a new head coach, but ultimately, results on the field are needed. |
| 9. | Bay FC | +2 | They moved up the table following a notable performance, perhaps highlighted by Kiki Pickett. If they can improve their finishing and convert more opportunities, they might be able to break into the top half of the rankings. |
| 10. | North Carolina Courage | -1 | They appear to be struggling to find their footing. While the tactical plans seem sound, the roster is finding it difficult to execute them effectively. A change in formation might be necessary as current strategies aren`t yielding results. |
| 11. | Portland Thorns FC | -1 | They failed to capitalize on momentum swings during a rivalry game. Having only one win in five matches puts them in the same position as this time last year – not where they aspire to be. |
| 12. | Utah Royals | — | Wins are a precious commodity, and sometimes you have to earn them by facing another struggling team. Thankfully, Ally Sentnor’s composure from the penalty spot provided a crucial moment. |
| 13. | Chicago Stars FC | — | The coaching staff made numerous substitutions, possibly influenced by travel and altitude towards the end of the match. This was perhaps the most memorable aspect of their performance in Week 5. |
| 14. | Racing Louisville FC | — | Each passing week presents new questions for Louisville. This week`s central question seems to be, `Where do we go from here?` |
