After an exhilarating summer time break for worldwide tournaments, the 2025 NWSL common season returned with loads of motion throughout week 14. The second half of the season is formally underway, and whereas some groups hit the pedal and revved the engine, others are nonetheless on the facet of the highway with the hazard lights flashing. With 12 matchweeks left within the season, it may very well be a great time to reset my energy rankings.

Sure golf equipment aren’t making it simple, although. The highest three groups of the rankings have not precisely shifted, as Kansas Metropolis Present proceed their tremendous type and wasted no time increasing their expertise hole, the place different groups competed simply to maintain tempo with them. Whereas the underside three groups confirmed some battle in week 14, there’s little change there both, leaving an entire bunch of motion in the course of the ability pack. If you happen to’re holding monitor of the place groups ended up previously, try my earlier energy rankings from June. 

So, which groups will rise in energy and fall in stagnancy? Week 15 will probably be right here quickly, so do not miss any motion. Followers can watch choose NWSL common season matches throughout CBS, CBS Sports activities Community, Paramount+, and CBS Sports activities Golazo Community.

2025 NWSL Energy Rankings 

Here is how the league stacks up because the second half kicks into excessive gear:

1. Kansas Metropolis Present (–)

It is getting more durable and more durable to seek out flaws with Kansas Metropolis, particularly after they hold including attacking choices to their roster in U.S. girls’s nationwide staff ahead Ally Sentnor. The second-year participant did not get time in week 14, however that does not matter as a result of the Present are stacked. Ahead Temwa Chawinga is holding issues shut within the NWSL Golden Boot race as she scored her ninth purpose this season. 

2. Washington Spirit (–)

Trinity Rodman could not be extra again if there was some kind of hidden time-shifting tunnel within the Spirit locker room. The winger made a triumphant return to the pitch after a four-month absence and scored in her comeback, serving to Washington safe a win. With extra Spirit gamers getting again into type with Croix Bethune and Hal Herfshfelt within the combine, new head coach Adrian Gonzalez might have a deep roster to work with down the stretch.

3. Orlando Satisfaction (–)

Orlando Satisfaction had loads of possibilities to tug off a comeback this week, however they simply could not discover the tip purpose. Nonetheless, late sport adjustments by supervisor Seb Hines did make a distinction, and Prisca Chilufya’s efforts paid off within the type of an equalizer. The group may not be this season’s tremendous staff, however they discover a method to stay elite. 

4. Seattle Reign (+1)

Head coach Laura Harvey was a little bit of a prankster in week 14. After getting thrilling attacking gamers in Mia Fishel and forward-going-fullback Sofia Huerta, the top coach flexed the roster’s tactical potential as they rolled out with 5 on the again. Good motion by the participant fluctuated issues, and good substitutions turned issues round as veteran Jess Fishlock aided the staff in a victory. A dark-horse staff might very quickly be an enormous drawback for the contenders within the league. 

5. San Diego Wave (-1)

Seems like this group light forward of the break and nonetheless have to shake off summer time hibernation. They managed to get into harmful areas in week 14 however simply could not determine how you can get a lot on the right track. In the event that they wish to be a extra highly effective staff, they’re going to have to seek out a few of that first half of the season type once more. 

6. Portland Thorns FC (+2)

Had excellent stretches of play regardless of not getting any factors to indicate for it of their return to play. The squad have been streaky within the first half of the yr, however massive particular person performances by Sam Coffey and Hina Sugita within the midfield have helped cowl the deficiencies. If Olivia Moultrie’s lone purpose is an indication of issues to return for the Thorns, they may upset different contenders. 

7. Racing Louisville FC (+2)

Had a great run of type earlier than the summer time break and hit a wall named Kansas Metropolis face-first of their return to play. I wish to imagine that is the yr this membership figures out a manner into the playoffs, however they’ve struggled on the whole in opposition to higher-rated opponents, and their schedule will not do them any favors over the following few weeks. However I’m able to be harm once more and hold them within the higher half of the rankings for now.

8. Gotham FC (-1)

It is that time of the yr the place casuals will view matches and rosters on paper and say this staff ought to beat that staff, however Gotham simply aren’t doing it.. The squad will appropriately have a good time rookie Khyah Harper’s efficiency with the lone purpose, however they’re going to be completely happy to get golden boot chief Euro runner-up Esther Gonzalez again ASAP after the group managed simply two photographs on the right track in week 14.

9. Bay FC (+2)

For a very long time this yr, Bay FC have been the definitive line on the ability rankings, and even within the league desk, and after their efficiency in week 14, they inch again nearer. I’m right here for Rachael Kundinanji’s relentlessness, and likewise for Penelope Hocking because the main membership purpose scorer this season. If the duo can determine extra collaborative efforts, Bay might pattern up. 

10. Angel Metropolis FC (-4)

I merely can not afford to look silly in these rankings anymore, and holding Angel Metropolis within the higher half of the standings even on the break is inexcusable. Not a single win in six video games, and regardless of all of the “studying” the group is getting from new supervisor Alex Strauss, wins aren’t coming. The workers might want to determine how you can rotate gamers into profitable situations in the event that they wish to get again into the higher half of the rankings. 

11. North Carolina Braveness (-1)

The Braveness have been on a small run of excellent type earlier than the break, and it seemed like perhaps that disjointed some issues of their return. Nonetheless, some thrilling issues to keep watch over for the group, because the teaching workers slotted Tyler Lussi on the left, and he or she functioned extra as an attacking fullback. 

12. Houston Sprint (–)

It is the little issues that make a distinction, and generally that appears like your veteran midfielder concerned when the going will get powerful. Former Canadian worldwide Sophie Schmidt got here up massive for the Sprint down the stretch, and having an enforcer who can rating off the bench may very well be the x-factor the Sprint want for the second half of the season. 

13. Utah Royals (–)

Mina Tanaka had an enormous sport for Utah in opposition to a prime facet in Orlando. With Sentnor formally gone to Kansas Metropolis, Tanaka may very well be the following playmaker to reset issues for the Royals if chemistry builds alongside Brecken Mozingo and Bianca St-Georges.

14. Chicago Stars FC (–)

Gotta have a good time the wins the place you may get them, or on this case, stable performances for a draw. Chicago have struggled this season, however interim head coach Ella Masar has the group competing and having some enjoyable whereas doing it. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is again, and Ally Schlegel is scoring, and now perhaps it is their flip to make others undergo.