NWSL Week 15 Power Rankings: Utah Royals and Courage Impress, Gotham FC Leads

The National Women's Soccer League saw some thrilling moments this week. Sam Kerr and Gotham FC scored twice each, the Utah Royals hammered five goals past the Portland Thorns, and the North Carolina Courage made a strong comeback with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Orlando Pride.

The league standings shook up unexpectedly as midweek matches stirred the pot. The Kansas City Current experienced a rollercoaster week, scoring five goals against Racing Louisville but settling for a 1-1 draw with Angel City in their second match.

The Washington Spirit kept proving why they are favorites for the Shield, especially with a tight 1-0 win over the Royals during midweek. Despite losing to San Diego Wave on Sunday, the Spirit still look like one of the most balanced teams in the league. Star forward Trinity Rodman is heating up, reaching eight goals and moving closer to the Golden Boot race, though Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda leads with 12 goals while away at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

It was a high-scoring week overall. After falling to Washington, Utah bounced back spectacularly by defeating Portland 5-1. Meanwhile, North Carolina crushed Orlando 5-0, sending a strong message.

Gotham FC keeps finding ways to win despite injuries piling up, including the season-ending loss of defender Emily Sonnett. They edged out Bay FC 1-0 midweek and then narrowly beat the Houston Dash thanks to Sam Kerr.

Full Power Rankings Breakdown

16. Chicago StarsPrevious: 16Result: Lost 2-1 vs Racing LouisvilleNotes: Still struggling for consistency, the Stars showed promise but fell short again, running out of chances to climb the table.
15. Racing LouisvillePrevious: 15Result: Won 2-1 vs Chicago StarsNotes: The win was needed badly. Though still second to last, they boosted their points total to 14.
14. Boston LegacyPrevious: 12Result: 1-1 Draw vs Denver SummitNotes: Scored first but conceded a late penalty goal. They sit just behind Denver in 12th place.
13. Denver SummitPrevious: 13Result: 1-1 Draw vs Boston LegacyNotes: Defensive errors nearly cost them, but a penalty equalizer kept them alive. Lindsey Heaps needs to contribute more goals soon.
12. Kansas City CurrentPrevious: 14Result: 1-1 Draw vs Angel CityNotes: Probably feel like they dropped two points after missing chances to gain momentum.
11. Orlando PridePrevious: 9Result: Lost 5-0 vs North Carolina CourageNotes: A heavy loss raises doubts after recent improvements; talent remains but confidence will take a hit.
10. Bay FCPrevious: 11Result: Lost 3-2 vs Seattle ReignNotes: Scoring twice was positive, but defensive mistakes continue. Abby Dahlkemper’s return from maternity leave is a bright spot.
9. Houston DashPrevious: 10Result: Lost 1-0 vs Gotham FCNotes: Held off a potent Gotham offense for stretches but failed to score again, highlighting ongoing offensive struggles.
8. Angel CityPrevious: 8Result: 1-1 Draw vs Kansas City CurrentNotes: Needs more attacking firepower despite having top forwards like Ally Sentnor and Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir.
7. Seattle ReignPrevious: 6Result: Won 3-2 vs Bay FCNotes: Proved their strength with a close win, thanks to goals from Mia Fishel, Jess Fishlock, and Maddie Dahlien.
6. Portland ThornsPrevious: 4Result: Lost 5-1 vs Utah RoyalsNotes: A crushing defeat exposed defensive weaknesses, something they hadn’t faced since conceding five goals in March 2024.
5. North Carolina CouragePrevious: 8Result: Won 5-0 vs Orlando PrideNotes: Their dominant win could shift perceptions and boost confidence, potentially pushing them back into playoff contention.
4. San Diego WavePrevious: 5Result: Won 1-0 vs Washington SpiritNotes: A statement victory showing they can shut down elite teams, with Lia Godfrey’s goal sealing the deal.
3. Washington SpiritPrevious: 1Result: Lost 1-0 vs San Diego WaveNotes: A rare off night dropped them to second place but they remain strong contenders with 36 points.
2. Utah RoyalsPrevious: 3Result: Won 5-1 vs Portland ThornsNotes: One of the season's biggest wins, proving Utah belongs among the league’s best, now sitting third with 33 points.
1. Gotham FCPrevious: 2Result: Won 1-0 vs Houston DashNotes: Look like champions even amid injuries, controlling games and finding decisive moments to secure narrow wins.