NWSL Power Rankings: Week 11
Three straight weeks with a new #1 team. This league is the best top to bottom for a reason.
Week 11
San Diego Wave (+1) - They settled for a draw against Racing Louisville, but this defense is as stout as they come. San Diego have not conceded a goal in their last 4 road matches.
OL Reign (+1) - They had to rebound against Kansas City Current at home, and got the job done.
Portland Thorns (-2) - The trap game was predicated by many due to the weather conditions and injuries. The two goal loss at Orlando is very similar to their first loss in Houston. This was the team’s worst performance of the year. Chicago is up next and is a must win.
NJ/NY Gotham FC - A road draw at Houston is always a good result.
Washington Spirit - Narrowly beating Angel City at home is a reminder of how this team constantly plays down to their opponents. However, they have the least amount of losses in the league.
Houston Dash (+1) - The Dash have been so much better these past few weeks. They look to be one of the dark horses to make a late season run.
North Carolina Courage (+1) - Got back on track with a 5-0 shelling of Chicago. Kerolin is a superstar, NCC has got to find a way to keep her.
Racing Louisville (-2) - They are ahead of last year’s pace by 2 points. Racing Louisville have to find a way to get wins instead of draws though.
Orlando Pride - Huge statement win at home against the Thorns. They now have wins over Portland and San Diego Wave this season. How will they follow it up?
Kansas City Current - Their reaction to going down 2 goals is how they need to play all the time. The Current playing with urgency and free flowing is who they need to be. The shuffling at GK is not helping either. AD is the right starter.
Angel City FC (+1) - Too many questions that need to be answered. This team looks absolutely lost and lack of a identity. Their midfield cannot control any game and it has cost them all season. Henry going to the WWC won’t help their chances this year either. Is it time to hit the panic button? Almost.
Chicago Red Stars - Why are they still rolling out three in the back?
*Key: Teams with (+ or -) moved up or down from last week’s rankings
Tier 1 - The Favorite: N/A
Tier 2 - Contenders: San Diego, OL Reign, Portland, Gotham, Washington,
Tier 3 - Playoff Chase: Houston, North Carolina, Louisville, Orlando
Tier 4 - Nope: Kansas City, Angel City, Chicago Red Stars
I'd still put the Thorns above Reign. Beating them by two goals in their house a week ago still carries ranking weight this week, even if we did just play a stinker of a game.
Also I'd put the Spirit above Gotham, based on not much more than whim and not really believing in Gotham. Okay, maybe also some favoritism toward MarPar.
https://twitter.com/Jose_M_Umana/status/1669366592474415105?s=20
Sounds like she'll end up at Arsenal, but good to see a non-ACFC NWSL club linked.
(But again....gonna keep putting the alarm out there that the longer this sale drags out, the longer the Thorns stay static while the rest of the league grows. And it's happening quickly!)