NWSL Power Rankings: Week 10

We have a new #1 team in the power rankings. Who could it be?

Photo Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer/Portland Thorns FC

Week 10

1. Portland Thorns (+2) - This is the performance everyone has been waiting for. They were in control for the majority of the game against OL Reign and it showed. Emily Menges at the postgame presser: “I’m finally feeling like myself again.”

2. San Diego Wave (+3) - The Wave are one of the toughest teams in this league. They may not have played a particularly convincing game against Gotham, but they got the hard-fought road win.

3. OL Reign (-1) - Losing to your rival at home 0-2 is not the result you ever want, however they weren’t at full strength.
   Huge shoutout goes to one of the best head coaches in NWSL history, Laura Harvey. She just coached her 200th game in the league.

4. NJ/NY Gotham FC (-3) - Tough loss at home when they outshot, out-possessed, and for large parts outplayed the San Diego Wave.

5. Washington Spirit (-1) - A home draw against Racing Louisville is not good enough. They played with a one player advantage for over 20 minutes and still could not find the game winner. Washington have only one loss on the season which is tied with Portland for the least in the league. This team has the pieces to be in the championship picture, but something is missing with their play.

6. Racing Louisville (+1) - Savannah Demelo is her. She has been one of the best players in the NWSL this season. In any other cycle with a different head coach, Demelo would be headed to the WWC.

7. Houston Dash (+1) - Alozie has been so good on the right wing for Houston. That’s 2 consecutive wins for the Dash and 3 wins in their last 4 games.

8. North Carolina Courage (-2) - Their unbeaten streak is over at 5 games. Although they lost on the road, it was to Kansas City Current who were winless in their last 5.

9. Orlando Pride - Back to back road losses against Houston and Chicago. These are the games they had to get results in. Portland comes into town next Sunday, can Orlando respond?

10. Kansas City Current (+2) - They needed a win badly and managed to get it. Could this be a turning point?

11. Chicago Red Stars (+1) - Alyssa Naeher is GK #1 at the World Cup, no debate.

12. Angel City FC (-3) - Losing at home to Chicago Red Stars just can’t happen.
    Are there any positives? Yes: Sydney Leroux is back!

*Key: Teams with (+ or -) moved up or down from last week’s rankings

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Tier 1 - The Favorite: Portland
Tier 2 - Contenders: San Diego, Gotham, OL Reign, Washington,
Tier 3 - Playoff Chase: Louisville, Houston, North Carolina
Tier 4 - Nope: Orlando, Kansas City, Chicago Red Stars, Angel City

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Did You Know?

When was the last time Portland won in Seattle during the NWSL regular season? 2017.