NWSL Power Rankings: Week 15
NWSL Chaos continues! Who are this week's risers and fallers?
Week 15
NJ/NY Gotham FC (+4) - Margaret “Midge” Purce dominated the game and led Gotham to one of their best wins of the season, 2-1 over Portland Thorns.
North Carolina Courage (-1) - They were outplayed for the majority of the game against Angel City. This remaining schedule as difficult as it gets, can they find ways to stay in the playoff chase?
OL Reign (-1) - This team’s lack of consistency away from home is baffling. They’re too good to be this inconsistent on the road. The 0-1 loss at Orlando is another reminder of that.
Portland Thorns (-1) - Three consecutive losses, luckily still remain in 2nd of the table. Getting no points without their key contributors and stars, is not an acceptable excuse. The system has to be adapted to the personnel you have.
Washington Spirit (-1) - Solid rebound performance after last week’s blowout loss to Orlando.
San Diego Wave - Even in a draw, this by far was one of their best performances of the season. They were bossing the ball around and playing good football. Taylor Kornieck’s goal was well deserved for the Wave.
Racing Louisville (+1) - A much needed win at home over the Kansas City Current. If they’re going to make the playoffs, they’ll need to find results over the top teams too.
Angel City FC (+1) - Massive home win for the team, coaches, and their fans. Becki Tweed has this team playing with a new level of intensity and newfound belief. Winning against the top team in the NWSL table is big time. Their coaching search might be completed.
Orlando Pride (+1) - Seb Hines is one of the best coaches in the NWSL. Orlando Pride’s 1-0 win at home against OL Reign is a reminder how young, but talented this team truly is. Julie Doyle and Messiah Bright are in incredible form.
Houston Dash (-3) - They’ve scored 0 goals in their last 4 regular season games and have scored 1 goal in their last 6 matches in all competitions. The latest loss at home to Chicago Red Stars should set off alarm bells. Is it time to hit the panic button? Yes.
Chicago Red Stars (+1) - Back to back wins for the Chicago Red Stars. Their defense is showing significant signs of improvement.
Kansas City Current (-1) - After winning two consecutive games, they fell flat against Racing Louisville. Their defense was exposed all game and counterattack was non-existent.
*Key: Teams with (+ or -) moved up or down from last week’s rankings
Tier 1 - The Favorites: Gotham, North Carolina, OL Reign, Portland
Tier 2 - Dark Horses: Washington, San Diego
Tier 3 - Playoff Chase: Louisville, Angel City, Orlando
Tier 4 - Nope: Houston, Chicago, Kansas City
https://twitter.com/nikefootball/status/1680244733300592640?s=20
Oh this is GOOD good
Here's a fun little preview of the WC from a Portland soccer perspective, with some flattery of the Thorns as well (also filming this at Prov Park apparently.) This was just released a few days ago, and honestly, they're three folks who I really wouldn't be surprised if they were part of the new ownership/FO group in the future. All are former US Women's National Team players: Michelle French, Shannon Boxx, and Tina Frimpong Ellertson. All very respected people as well. I know Tiffeny Milbrett also lives up here and works on the academy level, I think for some other youth program in the Portland area.
French and Frimpong Ellertson are the coach and assistant coach respectively of the Portland Pilots, and well, we know who Shannon Boxx is. I think she's been doing a lot more woso broadcasting the past year and is pretty involved in the Portland community with things like Lupus awareness...They all talk about the joy of going to Thorns games and how unique the woso scene is here, more so than anywhere else in the world. I would LOVE for them to all be involved in this team going forward. Just gonna dream a little dream and pretend the three of them together at Prov Park means something positive...but for now, enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR9OVuNNnxI