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Who’s in form and who’s struggling? GOAL presents the updated rankings for all 16 teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

The NWSL standings are growing tighter each week, with another packed round of fixtures adding to the unpredictability of the season.

San Diego Wave reclaimed the top position after their Friday night win over Washington Spirit, though the margin remains razor-thin. Utah Royals continued their impressive run with a 2-1 victory against Racing Louisville on Sunday, while Portland Thorns stayed firmly in contention. San Diego now lead with 21 points, with Utah and Portland both trailing by just one point.

In Chicago, there were glimpses of progress for the struggling Stars despite another tough defeat. The Stars suffered a 4-0 loss to North Carolina Courage—their eighth defeat of the season—but celebrated the long-awaited return of U.S. Women’s National Team forward Mallory Swanson, who made her first appearance since maternity leave. She came on in the 76th minute, providing a morale boost for the bottom-placed side.

Kansas City Current, meanwhile, continue to thrive thanks to Temwa Chawinga’s brilliance. The striker netted twice against the Houston Dash and now has five goals in just two games since returning from injury.

With all that in mind, here’s how the 16 NWSL teams stack up after another dramatic week of action.

16. Chicago Stars

Previous Rank: 16

Result: Lost 4-0 vs. North Carolina Courage

Overview: Despite Mallory Swanson’s return, the Stars remain unable to find the net and stay bottom of the table with only six points and a 2-8-0 record. It was another frustrating outing for the Chicago side, who were once again outplayed by a superior opponent.

15. Racing Louisville

Previous Rank: 13

Result: Lost 2-1 vs. Utah Royals

Overview: Racing Louisville continue to underperform given their squad depth. After Kayla Fischer equalised in the 68th minute, Japan’s Mina Tanaka restored Utah’s lead just 10 minutes later, leaving Louisville empty-handed once more.

14. Boston Legacy

Previous Rank: 15

Result: Drew 1-1 vs. Bay FC

Overview: The Boston Legacy remain one of the toughest defensive units in the league, powered by their relentless pressing game. They enjoyed a solid week, beating Orlando Pride 2-1 on Tuesday before earning a draw with Bay FC on Friday to collect four points from two matches.

13. Bay FC

Previous Rank: 10

Result: Drew 1-1 vs. Boston Legacy

Overview: Bay FC picked up a point against Boston but are still struggling to string together consistent wins. Sitting 10th with 11 points and a 3-3-2 record, Dorian Bailey’s goal was the highlight in an otherwise modest showing.

12. Denver Summit

Previous Rank: 14

Result: Won 3-1 vs. Orlando Pride

Overview: The expansion side is quietly making waves, climbing into playoff contention with 12 points and a 3-3-3 record. Janine Sonis was the star performer, scoring twice in the 3-1 victory over Orlando Pride on Saturday.

11. Houston Dash

Previous Rank: 12

Result: Lost 3-0 vs. Kansas City Current

Overview: After a promising start to the season, Houston Dash have struggled for consistency. They had no answers for Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga, who ran riot with her pace and finishing. The Dash now sit 13th with a 3-5-1 record.

10. Angel City

Previous Rank: 9

Result: Drew 0-0 vs. Portland Thorns

Overview: Angel City continue to show flashes of quality but remain inconsistent in front of goal. With Riley Tiernan and Taylor Suarez leading the attack, the potential is evident, but the finishing touch still eludes them. The goalless draw against Portland showed resilience but underlined their need for attacking sharpness.

9. Orlando Pride

Previous Rank: 7

Result: Lost 3-1 vs. Denver Summit

Overview: Barbra Banda remains Orlando’s standout performer, scoring her ninth goal in 10 games. However, the Pride’s overreliance on her has become a concern. With 11 points from a 3-5-2 record, they share ninth place with Bay FC and Seattle Reign.

8. Seattle Reign FC

Previous Rank: 8

Result: Lost 2-0 vs. Gotham FC

Overview: The Reign’s defensive structure, anchored by Sofia Huerta and Claudia Dickey, remains solid, but their attack continues to misfire. Gotham FC managed to exploit key gaps, with Jaedyn Shaw and Tierna Davidson both scoring in the match.

7. North Carolina Courage

Previous Rank: 11

Result: Won 4-0 vs. Chicago Stars

Overview: North Carolina’s offense came alive with four different scorers in their rout of the Chicago Stars. Ashley Sanchez netted her sixth goal of the campaign in nine appearances, keeping her close behind Barbra Banda in the Golden Boot race.

6. Gotham FC

Previous Rank: 4

Result: Won 2-0 vs. Seattle Reign

Overview: Tierna Davidson marked her return from a long ACL injury with a goal, while Jaedyn Shaw added another to seal a comfortable victory for Gotham. The reigning champions continue to look dangerous, especially away from home.

5. Washington Spirit

Previous Rank: 3

Result: Lost 2-1 vs. San Diego Wave

Overview: Rebeca Bernal equalised for the Spirit in the 33rd minute after conceding early, but they couldn’t hold on and eventually lost all three points to the Wave. The defeat highlights their need for more composure in closing out tight matches.

4. San Diego Wave

Previous Rank: 5

Result: Won 2-1 vs. Washington Spirit

Overview: The Wave’s home win, inspired by goals from Trinity Byars and Kimmi Ascanio, propelled them to the top of the table. With 21 points and a 7-3-0 record, they are now the team to beat in the NWSL.

3. Kansas City Current

Previous Rank: 6

Result: Won 3-0 vs. Houston Dash

Overview: Temwa Chawinga has transformed Kansas City’s attack since her return, scoring five goals in just two matches. Her brace against Houston highlighted her importance as the Current moved up to sixth place with 15 points and a 5-4-0 record.

2. Portland Thorns

Previous Rank: 1

Result: Drew 0-0 vs. Angel City

Overview: Portland shared the spoils with Angel City in their first draw of the season. Despite only one point from the weekend, the Thorns remain third with 20 points and a 6-2-2 record, tied with Utah Royals.

1. Utah Royals

Previous Rank: 2

Result: Won 2-1 vs. Racing Louisville

Overview: Utah Royals continue to impress, securing their sixth win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Racing Louisville. With 20 points and a 6-2-2 record, their consistency and momentum make them the league’s most in-form side at present.