Time is winding down within the 2025 NWSL common season. Week 17 was one other instance of simply how slim the margins are between groups because the playoff push heats up. Prime-table groups dropping factors to lower-seeded groups is changing into a pattern, and loads of consideration will probably be on second-place Washington Spirit as they tackle Thirteenth-place Chicago Stars FC on Saturday (4 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBS). Each side are unbeaten in 4 consecutive video games, however the place did they land on this week’s rankings?
Whereas time is operating out to spice up playoffs hopes, there’s nonetheless loads of alternative for groups to flex their muscle in my rankings. Kansas Metropolis nonetheless rule the league standings and these rankings, however any membership can climb up or tumble.
Simply because Chicago are second-to-last within the standings doesn’t suggest they’re sewer dwellers in my rankings. Or San Diego’s prime three standing within the league is not fairly reflective of their current type, however don’t fret, it is famous on this listing. When you’re retaining monitor of group energy tendencies, try my earlier energy rankings.
So, which groups will rise and who will fall? Week 18 will probably be right here quickly, so do not miss any motion. Followers can watch choose NWSL common season matches throughout CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports activities Golazo Community.
2025 NWSL Energy Rankings
Here is how the league stacks up as week 18 approaches:
1. Kansas Metropolis Present (–)
At this level, we’re operating out of superlatives about this group. A number of issues could be true, like Kansas Metropolis Present having a pointy protection and deadly assault. It isn’t shocking once you’ve obtained centerback Kayla Sharples out the again and ahead Temwa Chawinga up prime.
2. Washington Spirit (–)
Performed spoiler because the visiting aspect in entrance of a document crowd of 40,091 and have emerged because the closest rival to Kansas Metropolis for any league titles. They will should tighten issues on the defensive aspect in the event that they wish to be essentially the most highly effective group in NWSL, they usually have the items to do it with Nigerian worldwide midfielder Deborah Abiodun again from a mortgage with Dallas Trinity.
3. Orlando Delight (–)
With Barbra Banda out for the remainder of the season, this is likely to be the final time I’ve Orlando within the prime three of my energy rankings. Banda led the group and the league in complete photographs (71) and was the main scorer on the roster with eight targets. Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle is an thrilling signing, however Banda’s sneakers weren’t those she was purported to fill.
4. Portland Thorns (–)
The Thorns went up towards the perfect group within the league final weekend and faired about in addition to another membership; they misplaced. Maybe an ethical victory is that they did not play tremendous poorly and have been threatening within the closing third, and it felt like a efficiency that’ll ultimately propel them larger up the rankings.
5. Seattle Reign (–)
This squad is doing simply sufficient to not stumble, and that is not precisely a praise. Sofia Huerta lastly breaking a long-elusive NWSL assists document might be an indication of higher issues to come back, as they’re higher than most groups within the league, however no more highly effective than the golf equipment in entrance of them.
6. San Diego Wave (-2)
The Wave have struggled to generate a lot momentum throughout the second half of the season after being the most important shock group earlier than the mid-season break. One win in 5 matches, and there is no simple schedule for groups at this level within the season. If San Diego wish to be a robust contender, they should get again to consistency.
7. Racing Louisville FC (–)
Racing have quickly turn into the group that others hate to face, they usually simply obtained higher. The membership made a transfer on the deadline to deliver some extra attacking choices with a commerce for Makenna Morris. She’s a younger participant in her second yr within the league however already has postseason and championship expertise after a runners-up end with Spirit in 2024.
8. Angel Metropolis FC (+1)
Angel Metropolis can virtually contact the playoff line on the league desk, and that is about as highly effective as they’re in my rankings. An enormous-time objective by rising star Alyssa Thompson towards a contender may shake issues up, however the group can also be dropping gamers throughout the switch window. Laborious to gauge fairly the place the membership needs to go together with the remainder of the season.
9. Gotham FC (-1)
By some means, Gotham managed to remain within the combine within the higher half of my rankings, however an absence of creativity and objective scoring lastly bumps them out. Esther Gonzalez continues to be within the operating for NWSL Golden Boot, and there have been loads of possibilities, however the ending is not there.
10. Houston Sprint (+1)
Rankings are only a quantity for the Houston Sprint. They’re quietly climbing the listing with constant performances out of the mid-season break. Strong defensive performances from Natalie Jacobs, Avery Patterson, and Paige Nielsen have modified issues for the Sprint, and if Yazmeen Ryan retains scoring, they’re going to stay a risk.
11. Chicago Stars FC (+2)
Possibly it is the underside of the rankings which can be extra enjoyable than the highest throughout this stretch of the season, or perhaps that is only a line of considering for the nerds and sickos who root for weekly chaos. There’s been no higher instance of manufacturing outrageous late-game finishes within the league than Chicago, and their thrilling comebacks bump them up the ability rankings.
12. Utah Royals FC (+2)
It is virtually just like the Royals have found out that their dwelling subject can be utilized to their benefit. It is no secret that visiting groups have struggled to attain towards within the altitude, however the Royals’ protection has additionally made issues troublesome. If the group can flip attracts into wins, they keep a pesky aspect down the stretch.
13. Bay FC (-2)
This group has been baffling all season. One week, they appear to be they have it found out, and the following, they can not handle a sport. Sort of unhappy to see Nigerian worldwide objective scorer Oshola Asisat diminished to a bench participant and the membership trying much less highly effective and extra complicated.
14. North Carolina Braveness (-2)
You may’t concede three targets in 10 minutes and climb the rankings. You may’t concede a hat-trick to a single participant who subbed into the sport. However North Carolina did that, they usually dropped in energy due to it.
