NWSL Power Rankings: Week 3

After the results from Week 3 of the NWSL season, who are the risers and fallers?

Crystal Dunn is back and playing like one the best midfielders in the world. Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer/ Portland Thorns FC

NWSL Power Rankings: Week 3

1. Portland Thorns - They outshot Houston Dash 22-14, but still could not score the second goal to secure all 3 points. Crystal Dunn has scored two goals in the past two games. She is part of the best midfield in NWSL.

2. OL Reign (+1) - They’ve allowed 1 single goal all season. Phallon Tullis-Joyce and the backline have been superb. One problem they still have is a consistent goalscorer. Bonus: Rapinoe looked very sharp with her minutes.

3. San Diego Wave (-1) - When they play top-tier teams, their midfield seems to hold them back. Going direct against teams like OL Reign and Portland will not work.

4. Washington Spirit - Mark Parsons has his side tied for 1st in the table with Portland. However, this team has not looked convincing at all. They’re going to struggle to consistently get results without a strong backline and an offensive tactics that are too bland.

5. Houston Dash - María Sánchez was dominant against Portland in the first half. Ordóñez and Salmon continue to gel and look more dangerous every week. Backline got a bit lucky with the amount of chances Portland failed to capitalize on. They’re going to be a fun team to watch the rest of the year.

6. Racing Louisville (+1) - This team has picked up three straight draws. After going ahead 2-0, they could not hold onto the lead. Racing Louisville is so close to taking the next step, but there will still be lessons to be learned along the way.

7. NJ/NY Gotham FC (+1) - Gotham FC have all the talent in the world, but there seems to be a huge disconnect between the players and the system. They managed to secure the three points against Orlando, but needed extra time to get it done.

8. Chicago Red Stars (+2) - Penelope Hocking had her breakout game with a brace! Chicago’s defense has already given up 7 goals in their first 3 games. Winning high scoring games is not a winning formula.

9. Kansas City Current (-3) - Their backline can’t get it done. Even with Debinha starting, they have struggled all year with injuries to key players and the lack of cohesive play on the pitch. Still, it’s very early and the Current aren’t fully healthy yet.

10. Angel City FC (-1) - ACFC look to be adding both Julie Ertz and Amandine Henry. The timing could not be any better as their midfield has let them down all season. Freya Coombe needs to figure out ways to control the game more and keep possession. If they are going to continue to be a direct team, it’s going to be a long season. Ertz and Henry being on the pitch together will help connect play and give chances to their stars up front.

11. North Carolina Courage - The Courage are not too far away from competing. They’ve got good pieces to build around.

12. Orlando Pride - An extremely young team going through the growing pains of a total rebuild.

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