NWSL Power Rankings: Seattle Reign struggles continue as they concede four to rival Portland Thorns

1.

Kansas City Current

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The team seemed happy to return home after a long trip, and remains unbeaten in eight games, which is why they remain at the top of the standings. Temwa Chawinga is doing just that for Kansas City in the final third, and Debinha’s goal only makes the Current stronger.

two.

Orlando Pride

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After their sixth consecutive victory, the team remains undefeated after nine matches. The only goal on Saturday came from a penalty won by Barbra Banda, but this group showed that they beat teams in different ways and are a dangerous team due to their ability to adapt and survive.

3.

Portland Thorns FC

+1

Sophia Smith is starting to make a name for herself in the NWSL Golden Boot race and racking up assists and goals. She’s getting the ball thanks to Hina Sugita and Sam Coffey pulling the string in midfield.

4.

Spirit of Washington

+1

I’m not sure it’s too early to declare the NWSL Rookie of the Year race over, but Croix Bethune can’t be denied. The squad is in good shape, acting on triggers when they can, and is yielding results with clinical finishes.

5.

North Carolina Courage

-two

The group suffered a small crisis on the road. They managed to keep the game respectable against league leaders Kansas City, but midfielder Denise O’Sullivan’s exit from the game with a leg injury only adds more layers of uncertainty for the Courage.

6.

Chicago Red Stars

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I finally got a win at home with multiple scorers on the scoreboard, although it was against a Utah club with one win in nine games. When Mallory Swanson isn’t assisting or scoring, she’s helping drive traffic, and it looks like everything is working for Chicago — for now.

7.

NJ/NY Gotham FC

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A key factor for injury-plagued Gotham has been getting the goal and keeping the chaos organized. Ella Stevens receives praise for Gotham’s only goal this week, and Ann-Katrin Berger is pushing her way into the goalkeeping spotlight with another solid performance.

8.

San Diego Onda FC

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The coaching staff had to get a little creative defensively this week, with an expanded injury list and red card suspension for Kristen McNabb, so naturally a defender scored the team’s only goal. Anchored by Kalien Sheridan’s strong performance, the club doesn’t fall in the rankings, but it doesn’t rise either.

9.

Angel City FC

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This week, Angel City had advantages in total shots, possession, total passes and passing accuracy. They still lost to Houston Dash at the death. What a call.

10.

Seattle Reinado FC

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Will the group feel aggrieved by a poor handball call from VAR (and they are correct by the rulebook), but concede a place of four on the road to their biggest rival with two injury-time goals? Not good.

11.

Racing Louisville FC

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Louisville fumbled this week and was unable to capitalize on its first-half momentum. Taylor Flint has been a huge asset in midfield and Savannah DeMelo is still effective on set pieces, but the wins aren’t coming just yet.

12.

Houston dash

+1

There’s nothing better than getting a trade deadline deal for a player and then having that player deal a death blow to his old team. Paige Neilsen showing she can defend and score for the Dash, and Houston showing she can play a little – even if it took her 98 minutes to score and get the win.

13.

Bay FC

-1

The new team started the season wildly and freely and had goals to show for it. Right now, Bay FC look disconnected and need some chemistry ASAP.

14.

Utah Royals FC

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Another week, another game where newcomer Ally Sentnor impresses. Another loss to Utah, and with four games left in the season, the franchise needs to figure things out soon.