The NWSL’s matchweek eight brought more red cards, drama, and excitement.
San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit faced off in what could be a postseason matchup preview, Mina Tanaka extended the Utah Royals unbeaten run to eight games, Temwa Chawinga added a brace after last week’s hat trick, Janine Sonis scored another brace, and AKB just collected Gotham FC’s seventh clean sheet.
There’s a new No. 1 in the power rankings, who could it be?
16. Chicago Stars | Latest Result: 0-4 loss at North Carolina Courage
The defensive struggles for the Chicago Stars continue… They also have the worst xG differential at -17.8.
How has Elise Evans not played a single minute this season?
15. Houston Dash (-4) | Latest Result: 0-3 loss at KC Current
After a historic start to their season, it has all gone south for the Houston Dash.
14. Racing Louisville (-1) | Latest Result: 1-2 loss at Utah Royals
Bev Yanez and Racing Louisville remain winless on the road (0-6-0).
Ella Hase also left the game early…
13. Seattle Reign (-5) | Latest Result: 0-2 loss vs Gotham FC
The goalscoring struggles continue at 500 minutes and counting…
12. Angel City FC (+2) | Latest Result: 0-0 draw at Portland Thorns
ACFC were the first team in the 2026 season to hold the Portland Thorns without a goal and the draw also snapped a four match losing streak.
11. Boston Legacy (+1) | Latest Result: 1-1 draw at Bay FC
Filipa Patão and Boston Legacy keep finding ways to get results and now they’re on a five-match unbeaten streak.
And also…
However, Bianca St-Georges picking up her second red card, cannot happen again. The team absolutely have to make acquiring a defender the top priority in the summer window.
10. Orlando Pride (-3) | Latest Result: 1-3 loss at Denver Summit
One win and four losses in the last five isn’t going to cut it…
Barbra Banda is on pace for an MVP season, but the support from the rest of the squad has been lackluster.
9. Bay FC (+1) | Latest Result: 1-1 draw vs Boston Legacy
Emma Coates and Bay FC are now on a three-match unbeaten streak.
After going up a player for over a half and settling for a draw, they’ll want that game back.
8. North Carolina Courage (+6) | Latest Result: 4-0 win vs Chicago Stars
A much-needed win for Mak Lind and NC Courage.
And Manaka and Ashley Sanchez continue to take their games to a whole new level.
Evelyn Ijeh and Ally Schlegel also scored their first goals for North Carolina.
7. Denver Summit (+3) | Latest Result: 3-1 win vs Orlando Pride
What has got into captain Janine Sonis? That’s back-to-back braces and four goals on the season.
After a four match winless streak, Nick Cushing and Denver Summit have responded with two crucial wins.
6. Kansas City Current | Latest Result: 3-0 win vs Houston Dash
That’s three consecutive wins for Chris Armas and KC Current.
Reigning two-time MVP, Temwa Chawinga, followed up a hat trick with a brace.
5. Portland Thorns (-1) | Latest Result: 0-0 draw vs Angel City FC
The first time they’ve been held off the scoresheet all season long.
And Isa Obaze and M.A. Vignola both left the match early.
Can Robert Vilahamn and the Portland Thorns hold on until the break?
4. Gotham FC (+1)| Latest Result: 2-0 win at Seattle Reign
The first team in NWSL history to earn seven clean sheets in their first 10 matches of the regular season.
3. Washington Spirit (-1) | Latest Result: 1-2 loss at San Diego Wave
A eight match unbeaten streak and five match winning run ended due to a late goal. That was their first loss since the season opener in March.
Admittedly, No. 3 feels too low for a team of this caliber with Washington Spirit near the top in almost every metric in both attack and defense.
Can they complete their next mission? The CONCACAF W Champions Cup.
2. Utah Royals (+1) | Latest Result: 2-1 win vs Racing Louisville
The Utah Royals are playing like the top team in the league, reaching eight games unbeaten.
Mina Tanaka provided the late game-winner – her third goal of the season.
How long did their shutout streak last? 539 minutes – the fourth longest in NWSL history.
One thing to monitor? Captain Paige Cronin’s status moving forward…
1.San Diego Wave (+1) | Latest Result: 2-1 win over Washington Spirit
After consecutive losses, the San Diego Wave have followed it up with two massive wins.
Kimmi Ascanio’s late game-winner sealed all three points against the hottest team in the NWSL, Washington Spirit.
What’s even more impressive? They did it with 41% possession, way below their average – finding a brand new way to win.
The Wave also lead the NWSL in xG difference at 8.4 which is how dominant they’ve been on both ends of the pitch.
