The stakes are getting greater for the 2025 NWSL common season with only a handful of weeks left on the schedule. Week 20 supplied a playoff preview between Kansas Metropolis Present and the Washington Spirit, and the 2 greatest groups confirmed why they’re prime canines within the playoff pack with a scoreless draw between them. The Spirit will attempt to lengthen their factors after they face Angel Metropolis FC on Thursday (12:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+). The Los Angeles facet are three factors shy of the playoff line and in determined want of an announcement win.
The playoff image is hardly in place, with Kansas Metropolis Present the one squad to clinch a spot within the postseason, however the 13 remaining golf equipment are ensuring to increase the race as weeks dwindle down. That is the place the NWSL Energy Rankings are available in. Groups which are playoff longshots are hovering up the rankings, whereas some postseason hopefuls are struggling. For those who’re conserving observe of crew energy tendencies, try my earlier rankings.
So, which groups will rise and who will fall? Week 21 might be right here quickly, so do not miss any motion. Followers can watch choose NWSL regular-season matches throughout CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports activities Golazo Community.
2025 NWSL Energy Rankings
This is how the league stacks up as week 21 approaches:
1. Kansas Metropolis Present (–)
Dare I say Kansas Metropolis Present regarded weak with out Temwa Chawinga? Sure. They did. Additionally they regarded pissed off and keen to point out why they’re the crew to beat this season. If the plan is to relaxation Chawinga’s knee until nearer to the playoffs, it is not a nasty thought, however the group wants to determine how you can rating with out her.
2. Washington Spirit (–)
Whereas the NWSL Defend is likely to be out of attain, the Washington Spirit are usually not messing round on the subject of gamers stepping up and making an announcement. Midfielder Leicy Santos flexed off her defensive capabilities alongside her creativity, and Tara McKeown confirmed off why she’ll be a future finalist for NWSL Defender of the Yr.
3. Portland Thorns FC (–)
This roster goes toe-to-toe with different groups who’re peaking on the proper time. Portland Thorns may really feel like they missed alternatives in entrance of objective not too long ago, however it’s not sufficient to knock them down in these rankings.
4. Seattle Reign FC (+1)
Personally, an enormous fan of the ol’ snatch and seize, and Seattle executed it on the excellent time. There’s nonetheless loads of query marks across the lack of objective scoring, however nothing like having veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock as your smash-in-case-of-emergency possibility.
5. Gotham FC (+2)
Speak about hitting your stride on the proper time, Gotham FC are nearly making it look simple because the season winds down. Esther Gonzalez is main the Golden Boot race, and midfielder Jaelin Howell is getting concerned in objective contributions every time she’s not disrupting opposition.
6. Orlando Delight (-2)
Newly acquired Jacqueline Ovalle received into the attacking combine along with her first NWSL profession help, and it is a good factor as a result of Orlando are quickly fading down the stretch.
7. San Diego Wave (+2)
San Diego are in direct competitors with Orlando repeatedly stumbling crew. Lack of objective scoring and passive tempo makes us all surprise who that squad was within the first half of the season, and the place they went.
8. Racing Louisville (–)
It has been a troublesome week for a bunch that is hanging with the extra highly effective groups within the pack. Ideas and positivity for Savannah DeMelo as she recovers from a medical episode out of week 20.
9. Chicago Stars FC (+1)
Chicago Stars FC are the one crew which are unbeaten because the summer season break, and there is no query they’re the crew that nobody needs to face proper now as they construct in direction of subsequent season. A scrappy group of gritty grinders and all the opposite blue-collar superlatives you want to insert right here. That is Chicago personified.
10. Houston Sprint (-1)
What a run for the Sprint during the last six weeks. They sadly got here up towards one other scrappy facet and paid for it. Like different groups, they appeared to fade towards some altitude, however good groups can bounce again, and that is the following step for Houston.
11. Utah Royals FC (+1)
Paige Monaghan has been in prime kind for the Utah Royals and received on the scoresheet once more. This time, the roster was in a position to handle the sport in a approach that was extra dominating than their earlier hard-nosed stalemates.
12. North Carolina Braveness (+2)
North Carolina Braveness by no means say die, and possibly nobody says it louder than midfielder Brianna Pinto. The squad wanted a momentum-shifting efficiency, they usually might need gotten it between Pinto and Manaka Matsukubo’s magic.
13. Bay FC (–)
The one purpose Bay FC is not decrease is due to goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz. An absolute clinic in objective by the shot stopper and relentless effort by Racheal Kundenanji lastly paid off.
14. Angel Metropolis FC (-3)
They’re nonetheless within the playoff image, however Angel Metropolis is not giving many energy vibes with time operating out on the schedule. Wanted a definitive efficiency, and produced the dangerous form.
