Speed Runs and a Dash of Red Cards | NWSL Power Rankings

The league of chaos has lived up to its reputation through the first two weeks of the season.  Houston, Portland, and Angel City sit atop the table while the Pride and Spirit sit near the bottom with a single point from two matchdays. It’s tempting to overreact to these results, but remember, nothing is real until the first 5 game block… if anything is ever real until the final weekend. 

That in mind, there were a few falls this week with some teams looking exposed through their lack of depth and adaptability. There’s always time to bounce back.

1. Gotham FC (Last Week 1)

This team continues to just grind opponents into dust, build up after build up after build up. And then Esther scores… well, sometimes she doesn’t. It doesn’t always look pretty; in fact, it rarely does, but as the NWSL’s contenders struggle to find their footing, the bats are the same as they have ever been. 

That being said, a scoreless draw in the home opener should slightly move the concern meter. Jordynn Dudley impressed in her substitute role week one in Boston and was rewarded with the start next to Esther in the 4-2-2-2. Unfortunately for Gotham, North Carolina came up for the task and frustrated Juan Carlos Amorós’s side over the course of 90 minutes. 

Gotham had their usual moments, but the sharpness isn’t there. 

No Gotham player has over .5 xG through two matches, and through 180 minutes, they’ve managed just three shots on target. 

The openings just haven’t been there, and while they’ve yet to concede, the attack is capital F Flat. That’s forgivable in the first month of the season.

Those supporting runs will come; the roster is too talented not to figure out the spaces they can float into without abandoning the structure, but for now, it… could be more exciting. Cumulatively, this one had 0.71 xG on Target, not exactly thrilling.

2. Angel City (Last week 4)

If last week’s dominant win was about Giselle Thompson and ACFC setting up shop with FBs pressing high, this week was about Sveindís Jónsdóttir’s ability in transition. Jónsdóttir popped up in space all night; winning cleared balls, finding the open ball on set pieces, and in transition. It was one of the more complete performances of the weekend, or would be if it wasn’t for Barbra Banda and Emma Sears. 

A brace and an assist on 1.69 expected while completing 13/13 passes. I’d buy Jónsdóttir stock while it’s still available. 

Straus has something here, and if he can find a way to involve Riley Tiernan more often then ACFC will be tough to plan against but there is still a dimension to add if they want to be a complete contender. Maybe that would’ve been Suguita in the midfield but in her absence they’ll have to find a rotation that supports the CBs more often. 

It’s hard to see ACFC leading the league in dead balls and expected goal differential all season, but for now, they’ve taken care of business. 

3. Portland Thorns (Last week 5)

Is this sustainable? I don’t know but it’s a ride I’d like to stay on for a while. 21,321 were on hand to watch in disbelief as Cassandra Bogere picked up two straight yellows within 9 minutes of kickoff the Cascadia Derby. The crowd would find another lever after — despite nearly an entire half of 10v11 — the Thorns entered halftime up 2-0. 

Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner, and Olivia Moultrie somehow found space to operate and the Reign were stunned.

Moultrie dropped deep into space to make up for Bogere’s absence and somehow benefited from it, progressed with ball at her feet and had the wherewithal to initiate switches despite the additional attention.

To make this performance even more impressive, Reyna Reyes picked up a straight red for violent conduct in the 57th minute. The Thorns had to see out a 2-0 Cascadia lead with 9 players for over half an hour. Yet… Seattle managed just 3 shots on target with the 2 player advantage worth just 0.33 xGOT. Poor attempts from poor play caused by the Thorns compact unit against the ball and safe, but tidy play.

Sarah Lowdon deserves immense credit for having the Thorns organized to this effect, allowing Robert Vilahamn to hit the ground running. 

“[This match] was the best experience I've ever had, even when I played in the men's game. It was amazing." - Robert Vilahamn

The Thorns play San Diego on Wednesday before hosting KC on Saturday. A couple of big tests — especially without Reyes at Snapdragon— but tests that will tell us if this has been real or just an early season mirage.

4. Washington Spirit (Last week 2)

The current aren’t a middling NWSL team, they’re just a temporarily embarrassed contender. Any attack woes that might have bled over from last week’s loss to Portland were eased with how well the Spirit moved the ball vs Louisville. Racing only generated 0.6 xG from open play, and only allowed 3 shots on target. 

The problem: Sandy MacIver allowed 2 goals from those 3 shots – a total of 1.22 xG on target. 

On the road in Louisville this should have been a good performance, but a goalkeeping gaff on the first goal:

And a lack of transition defense – albeit, against one of the best players in the world on transition – were the differences. 

Wednesday night against Utah should be a reprieve, but there is a clear need as Haley Carter organizes her Summer business. 

5. Kansas City Current (Last week 3)

This is a complete overreaction, but there are some concerning developments following the 2-1 loss to the Chicago Stars.

The Current have conceded on set pieces in back to back weeks against Utah and Chicago, teams that were in the bottom 4 in set piece goals scored last season. Correlation isn’t always causation, especially after matchday two, but one of last season’s strengths – allowing the 3rd least goals from dead balls – has become their Achilles Heel early on. 

Maybe in a month, Gabby Robinson’s headed clearance actually leaves the play or escapes danger, but this weekend, it landed right on the foot of Tessa Dellarose. 

The problem has been more in their execution early on, they’re creating opportunities, they’re still aggressive against the ball – both in the attacking and middle thirds – and they’re generating big performances from the bench. Haley Hopkins was especially effective replacing Michelle Cooper at halftime. Hopkins scored the Current’s only goal, and came inches away from a second, thanks to her ability to cut into the box and find opportunities in the six yard box. Debinha and Bethune found those spots in the early 15 minutes, but until Hopkins’s moments after the half – and after those moments, too – the Current were shut out of the center of the pitch exhibited by 0.79 expected goals on target from 1.95 expected goals. It was a lack of sharpness, and a distinct lack of clinical finishing. 

Some important sequences:

Some of this is explained by early season rust and players returning from injury in difficult conditions (and Alana Cook’s continued absence). Some of this is explained by Ally Sentnor still learning how to play as a striker… but not all of it.

Grosso has a free pass through the midfield because everyone pinches the flank to win the ball from Chicago’s throw-in attempt. It’s a nearly identical sequence to Debinha’s chance earlier in the match, however, when the ball is turned over, Grosso can run into the space LaBonta vacated to push forward, and Katie Scott is too far away to make the recovery. It’s a bad defensive sequence along the backline too, but it shouldn’t have reached that point.

Ok, let’s look at the positives:

The Hopkins goal shows how the Current – and the USWNT for that matter – want to use Ally Sentnor up top. She retreated into the space to provide absorb the pressure, sent the ball right back into Bethune as she charged ahead, and then held her run enough to be a dummy for Rodriguez‘s dime into the box. Hopkins is clinical from there. 

Izzy Rodriguez continues to improve, 3 interceptions, 2 recoveries, and a crucial tackle on top of direct involvement on both of the Current’s shots on target. 

Ultimately, as long as the Current are hosting a playoff match, they’ll be happy, but this level of performance against Portland next weekend will be a disaster.

Can Chris Armas make the necessary adjustments?

6. North Carolina Courage (Last week 7)

I continue to be impressed by Mak Lind’s Courage. A scoreless draw away to the defending champs, and outplaying the bats as they grew into the match. Ashley Sanchez was, once again, a focal point, not just in the attack, but in how the Courage pressed and harassed Gotham backwards. 

The difference under Lind is already noticeable in week 2. The Courage have been methodical in their buildup while also being more direct in how they move up the pitch. See here:

The final product is missing from those buildups, but they’re also winning duels in the attacking and generally looking up to the task. 

“The work ethic and the yards they are covering on the pitch is impressive.” Mak Lind said post match, “Many times we chase them down and put them in bad positions, they give the ball away. Good transition moments at the same time building up with the keeper. A couple of times, we found the free player getting into Zone 2 and created a couple of good scoring opportunities. This game shouldn’t have ended 0-0.”

Gotham were able to key in on Ashley Sanchez at times stalling the momentum, but when Manaka is in the middle to both demand defenders’ attention and provide that pressure release valve that will add another dimension. That bore out in Ryan Williams and Maycee Bell creating down the right side with Gotham shifted to the left, and while it didn’t result in the winner, it shows how the Courage can unbalance opponents this season.

I need to see more, but I’m noticing.

7. San Diego Wave (Last week 6)

What are the San Diego Wave?

They needed a Tatum Milazzo red card to put away Utah, and have been flimsy at the back:

Now, add Cat Macario to an attack that is already flying with Dudinha and Ludmilla, and that makes a difference. They’re still a CB and a GK away from looking complete.

8. Racing Louisville (Last week 9)

Alright, Emma Sears. 

Louisville were a bit lucky to be in this one, but can also lament losing a 2-0 lead against an NWSL Cup Finalist. 

Sears, Emma Fisher, and Taylor Flint have been among the best in the NWSL through two weeks in two tough matchups. There’s a lot to like – or hate if you’re playing against them – with this version of Bev Yanez’s Racing, but they’re still a piece of two away, especially along the backline. 

Against Seattle they’ll have an interesting style clash – can they disorganize a depleted Reign who will make it hard to find transition moments?

That will be a true test of where Racing is right now. 

9. Orlando Pride  (Last week 8)

I’m docking the Pride until they figure out how to finish off teams. It’s the same story as the majority of last season. Orlando couldn’t finish off the Summit despite allowing just one shot on target – Kössler’s goal – and creating 3.56 expected goals on target. 

They had to win a match like this, not for the sake of their season or anything, but for the confidence of any striker not named Barbra Banda.

Ovalle connected with Banda on the tying goal though, that’s a really good sign. 

The Pride are a good team, these things should even out over the course of the season, but one point after home games vs Seattle and Denver is a bad start. 

10. Seattle Reign (Last week 6)

Up two players for a third of the match and couldn’t create anything because of the lack of width.

Laura Harvey, please do something. 

11. Bay FC (Last week 11)

The warning signs were there in week one, but Denver playing down a player helped Bay see out the win. Against ACFC, they were bullied around the pitch, and connected on just one shot attempt inside the box. Bay weren’t good enough through the middle of the park, weren’t mobile enough against ACFC in transition, and were too positionally flexible. 

In general, this is bad positioning.

There will be better days for Bay this season. Cristiana Girelli’s work opening up for the assist into Huff was a nice point of reference for how Bay can succeed when they aren’t the dominant club in transition.  

Angel City isolated the midfield – to the point of just 17 touches for Karlie Lema on the left wing – and then kept Bay out of transition, rough to find opportunities from there.  

Another tough one in Cary this weekend without Taylor Huff and Racheal Kundananji, and if Kundananji is out long term, maybe this is a team that’ll need to be reevaluated down the line, but the ideas are there – just maybe not the talent. 

12. Denver Summit (Last Week 13)

The Summit had no business saving a point from this trip to Orlando but Abby Smith is the answer to how this team will stay above water until the Summer. Smith faced 3.56 expected goals on target, and prevented 2.56… an otherworldly day between the sticks. 

Ayo Oke had a strong performance – sans the corner marking vs Banda – and Melissa Kössler became the first striker since Sam Kerr to score in the first two weeks for an expansion side. 

The loss of Jasmine Aikey for the season hurts, and the over reliance on Tash Flint could be exposed but for now, this is better than expected. 

13. Houston Dash (Last week 15)

This was much better from Houston who are now 2-0 and 2nd in the table. I’m not prepared to buy in that fervently yet, but Jane Campbell stealing the match in San Diego last week might just be her this season. 

The Dash only needed two saves from Campbell in this one, creating from short combinations through Avery Patterson, and long balls into the left flank with Kiki van Zanten and Makenzy Robbe floating wide while Leah Klenke either stayed home or inverted into the midfield. 

All match Houston punished Boston’s deep buildups, winning the ball in the attacking third, causing Casey Murphy loads of problems, and coming a missed pen and two called off goals away from a complete drubbing. However, the goal to focus on was the Dash’s first, a complete team build up finished by a quick 1-2-3 into van Zanten.

Yeah, that’ll do. This was gorgeous soccer, a blend of high impact pressing and calm buildups, a nice progression from the proto Energy Drink soccer Fabrice Gautrat brought to the table last season. 

The Houston rookies are thriving – along with Avery Patterson in year three – but it might be foolish to expect this every week. Regardless, that’s 6 points on the board ahead of a *checks notes* top of the table clash with Angel City on Friday.

How can you not love this league?

14. Chicago Stars (Last week 16)

Life is better on the lake.

The Stars beat the defending NWSL Shield winners 2-1 after ACFC put them to the sword last week. It wasn’t a great performance by any means, but the Stars were able to take advantage of crucial KC mistakes which is more than could be said for past weeks.

Martin Sjögren’s vision is starting to come into clarity. 

López and Manaka stifled KC’s attempts to set up in the channel through most of the match, while Dellarose and Alozie attempted to provide width. Jordyn Huitema proved her worth after failing to find too much involvement outside of that movement through 61 minutes. Huitema had just 19 touches compared to Jameese Joseph’s 20 touches in 29 minutes of relief up top. That’s potentially a nice 1-2 punch, Joseph as the more dynamic attacker in possession while Huitema can work as a true target striker. 

From Joe Chatz:

“I’m really, really proud of what we did today,” Sjögren said, “because we needed this, we needed this win. And also in the way we won it, because it wasn’t pretty. But it was a win and three points…”

Moving into next week, where in the world is Elise Evans? Sjögren gets a reprieve from the agenda for a moment with Bea Franklin playing well in this one – 2 dribbles, 5 passes into the attacking 3rd, 6 interceptions, and 7 clearances – but that’s a player Chicago should want to see minutes through this compressed schedule. 

15. Utah Royals (Last week 14)

Is it time for Jimmy Coentraets? Has this experiment run its course? 

Some weeks the Royals look greater than the sum of their parts, some weeks it looks like another manager can get more out of this group. It’s hard to say without Mina Tanaka or Miyabi Moriya, but why are they still playing from the back when the player profile isn’t there to do it? Utah conceded another goal this week in which the attacker was sent a gift in on goal.  

I’m inclined to say that Utah’s record is more in line with the backline being among the worst in the NWSL, but how much longer can the be among the bottom of the NWSL before any fan interested in the initial return of the club completely loses interest? Can a new manager change that? Or is it the decision to extend the Sporting Director and Head of Recruitment last fall that is the real root of this thing. 

Should I really be this existential about the Royals in week 2?

16. Boston Legacy (Last week 12)

A burn the tapes performance in Houston after a good showing week one.

The Legacy were poor in every phase of play. Houston passed through the midfield with ease, Casey Murphy found disaster playing out the back, and didn’t create a single high danger chance. Just 0.9 expected goals through the first two matches, it has to be better. Sammy Smith and Alba Caño were the lone bright spots as the Swans were pinned back.

Alright folks, enjoy the Wednesday games, and we’ll be back soon. 

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