Another week, another shakeup in the NWSL! The Kansas City Current continue their dominant run, securing the NWSL Shield at record speed. Temwa Chawinga celebrated her birthday with a goal, bringing her level with Esther González in the Golden Boot race. Their impressive 17-2-2 record leaves little doubt about their postseason dominance.
Meanwhile, the Washington Spirit remain undefeated in nine games, though a string of draws keeps them from the top spot. Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune continue to shine, showcasing their return to form after injury setbacks. Their consistent performance, however, underscores a need for more decisive wins.
NJ/NY Gotham FC secured a draw against Bay FC, with Rose Lavelle finding the back of the net. Their upcoming games against playoff contenders will be crucial in determining their postseason fate. The San Diego Wave, despite their offensive prowess, have struggled recently, managing only a draw against Portland. Their winless streak since August is a cause for concern.
The Portland Thorns fought back for a draw against San Diego, thanks to a late goal by Reyna Reyes. This result keeps them just above San Diego in the standings, highlighting the fierce competition for playoff spots. The Houston Dash secured a 1-0 victory against Chicago, propelled by Yazmeen Ryan’s goal. Their upcoming match against the Washington Spirit will be a true test of their playoff ambitions.
The Orlando Pride’s struggles continue, extending their winless streak to nine games after a late defeat against North Carolina. Their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and a win against San Diego is paramount. Racing Louisville’s recent struggles have left their playoff hopes in jeopardy, with three consecutive losses putting a damper on their season. Their upcoming match against Angel City is crucial for their postseason aspirations.
North Carolina Courage, after a period of instability, have secured two consecutive wins, including a 1-0 victory over Orlando. Their resurgence is a significant development in the playoff race. Seattle Reign FC, despite a win over Racing Louisville, suffered a loss against the unstoppable Kansas City Current, highlighting the gap between the top teams and the rest of the league.
Angel City FC played out a 2-2 draw with Washington, showcasing strong performances from Gisele Thompson and Angelina Anderson. Their playoff hopes remain alive, but they need to significantly improve their consistency. Utah Royals, after a period of struggles, are on a six-game undefeated run. Their recent 3-2 victory over Racing Louisville demonstrates a remarkable turnaround.
Bay FC continues to search for their first win in months, settling for a draw against Gotham. Racheal Kundananji’s goal provides a glimmer of hope. Finally, Chicago Stars FC suffered a 1-0 defeat to Houston, despite a solid performance from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Their playoff chances are dwindling as the season winds down.
