NWSL Power Rankings: Week 7

How much movement will their be in the power rankings after NWSL's week 7 slate of games?

May 16, 2023

OL Reign - Their road woes continue, but they are still the most complete team right now.
Washington Spirit (+1) - VAR :)
Portland Thorns (-1) - This team played a terrific first half and it all came crashing down in the second half. Portland’s 2022 form is nowhere to be seen at the time. This is the time they need to wake up and start playing Thorns football. A game against Chicago could not be coming at a better time.
NJ/NY Gotham FC - Gotham struggled mightily against Orlando and never seem to be in control. They can’t boss any game with their midfield, and this team is being carried by Lynn Williams who is an early MVP candidate.
San Diego Wave - Huge win at Kansas City. Could this reignite their winning ways?
Houston Dash (+1) - Huge comeback win for the Dash. Ebony Salmon and Michelle Alozie were outstanding in the game. Can they find ways to get Diana Ordóñez and Salmon more central? They’ve got to consider going to a two forward look.
Angel City FC (-1) - VAR :( ACFC deserved a draw and once they have Press and Leroux return, this team is going to be dangerous. Sarah Gorden has been exceptional at CB and if the WWC were next year, she’d be on that roster.
Racing Louisville - Their best performance and first win of the season was much needed against an overmatched Chicago Red Stars side. After playing their worst match, they rebounded brilliantly.
North Carolina Courage (+1) - NCC is unbeaten in their last four (including Challenge Cup) and look to be trying to get into the playoff picture. This team has imposed their athleticism and high press on every team they face. The fact that they are in 6th right now is incredible. Huge credit to Sean Nahas and his staff.
Orlando Pride (+1) - Seb Hines and the Orlando Pride have looked phenomenal the past three weeks. They have a bright future.
Kansas City Current (-2) - Another underwhelming performance. The Current can’t stop conceding and have given up the second most goals in NWSL.
Chicago Red Stars - Why are they still in a three back system? They’ve conceded 18 goals already this year, and it likely won’t slow down in Portland this weekend.

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

Tier 1: OL Reign, Washington
Tier 2: Portland, Gotham, San Diego,
Tier 3: Houston, Angel City, Racing Louisville, North Carolina, Orlando
Tier 4: Kansas City, Chicago Red Stars

PTFC Dave

May 19, 2023Edited

With Dunn in midfield, I'd play Sugita as the 10 and Dunn as an 8. I think Sugita is better than Dunn in tight spaces and is a more accurate passer, both of which which are 10 talents. Dunn is excellent when she has a little bit of space - she doesn't need much but she needs more than Sugita. The big question is whether Dunn would defend; we know from the nats that she can, but I'm not sure she would if attacking opportunities were right in front of her.

I think Dunn would also do fine as a right winger. In fact my preferred formation has her there:

Weaver - Smith - Dunn

Rocky/Moultrie (8) - Coffey (6) - Sugita (10)

Kling - Sauerbrunn - Hubly - Kuikka

Bixby

Moultrie seems like a more natural replacement for Sugita as a 10, but I want Sugita out there, dammit!

In a diamond you risk losing width, and IMO we *would* lose it because we have only one player who likes hugging the touchline, Weaver.

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