NWSL Week 5: Power Rankings
After an unusual week 5 slate of NWSL games, I try to make sense of it in the power rankings.
Week 5 Power Rankings
Portland Thorns - Bella Bixby saved the Thorns from suffering their first loss on the year with an insane backheel in the last moments of the game against Angel City. Portland has not found their 2022 form yet, but they continue to get results off their star power and sheer determination.
OL Reign - The Reign are a completely different team on the road compared to at home. They were very fortunate to escape Louisville with a draw after being outplayed for the majority of the game. Huitema is starting to score and that should scare every single defender in NWSL.
Washington Spirit (+1) - They are still unbeaten and finding ways to get results. Offensively, they are underperforming. The Spirit have only scored 6 goals, tied for 7th best in the league.
San Diego Wave (-1) - San Diego have been unrecognizable the past few weeks, their attack is almost non-existent. The midfield has got to start playing better or getting results will be increasingly difficult even with an elite defense. Losing at home to Orlando has to be a wake up call.
NJ/NY Gotham FC (+1) - Gotham took a loss to preseason favorites, Kansas City Current, who played their best match of the year. They have a chance to rebound next weekend in Chicago.
Houston Dash (-1) - Losing at home in a weather shortened game to North Carolina Courage should never happen. Is it unfair the game ended like that? Yes — but they were sloppy all half/game. This team just can’t seem to score even with top tier frontline talent, and where is the midfield?
Racing Louisville - This is another game they should have won. Racing Louisville dominated OL Reign, but could not finish the job. They’re very close! Don’t be surprised if they go on a run during the WWC window.
Kansas City Current (+1) - Debinha is going to will her team to results. The Current played their best match of the year, but can they keep it going?
Angel City FC (+1) - Alyssa Thompson was dominant against Portland and nearly led ACFC to an upset win on the road in Portland. Ertz was her dangerous self on set pieces and scored her first Angel City goal. Can Freya Coombe build on this performance?
Chicago Red Stars (-2) - Chicago is a fun team to watch on offense. They have so much young attacking talent and an insanely bright future. Only reason they moved down 2 spots was the teams in front of them, just played their best soccer over the weekend.
North Carolina Courage - Sean Nahas has NCC playing very good soccer and that should be commended. Solid weather-shortened win in Houston.
Orlando Pride - What a win over the San Diego Wave, Seb Hines and the Orlando Pride surprisingly dominated the 2022 semi-finalists. They came back from one goal down to shock the Wave 3-1.
*Key: Teams with (+ or -) moved up or down from last week’s rankings
Tier 1: Portland, OL Reign
Tier 2: Washington, San Diego, Gotham, Houston
Tier 3: Racing Louisville, Kansas City, Angel City
Tier 4: Chicago, North Carolina, Orlando
Did you know?
There have only been two goals scored by GKs in NWSL history, both by Portland Thorns: Michelle Betos and Bella Bixby.
Do you agree with the power rankings? How about the tiers?
Let me know in the comments!
I like the tiers because right now there are only two legit top teams. San Diego and KC have fallen and the Spirit, Gotham and the Dash still have a lot to prove. The bottom tier is what it is.
Another angle of the Moultrie to Weaver goal.
https://twitter.com/ThornsFC/status/1653472130439454721