The 2025 NWSL common season is offically into the ultimate quarter of the yr.  Time is working out for golf equipment who’re within the hunt, and tenth place Angel Metropolis FC is simply three factors shy of the playoff line and can face eleventh place North Carolina Braveness on Saturday (12:30 p.m. ET, on Paramount+ and CBS).

Week 19 introduced some vital upsets and a reminder that the ultimate stretch of the common season is usually essentially the most difficult for groups within the playoff push. It is the very best time of yr for groups to showcase the power of their squad in opposition to the desk, and it does not matter the place groups lie within the standings on the subject of current kind. That is the place the NWSL energy rankings are available. 

Final yr’s title holders, Orlando Pleasure, are taking a gradual stumble down the rankings, whereas lower-seeded groups, Houston Sprint, Chicago Stars, and Utah Royals, are clawing their approach into greater positions. When you’re retaining observe of staff energy developments, take a look at my earlier energy rankings. 

So, which groups will rise and who will fall? Week 20 might 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 

This is how the league stacks up as week 20 approaches:

1. Kansas Metropolis Present (–)

I want I may merely write two phrases right here, Temwa Chawinga, however my editors would ask me to supply extra right here. So I am going to additionally say Michelle Cooper, Kayla Sharples, and Vlatko Andonovski. They group already clinched a spot within the playoffs, and now they’re assured a house quarterfinal sport. They will be on cruise management except one other staff shakes issues up.

2. Washington Spirit (–)

The Spirit keep constant, and so they’re getting key items again at a vital time. If Trinity Rodman stays productive as she builds her minutes in her return from a again damage, the group might be an issue down the stretch. 

3. Portland Thorns FC (+1)

Good groups discover a approach, and that is precisely what Portland did on the street out of week 19. It took an personal aim to alter their fortune, however not like the opposite groups hovering across the prime three of the rankings, the Thorns are not less than getting the ball at the back of the web with eight objectives of their final 5 video games. 

4. Orlando Pleasure (-1)

I actually do not know if Orlando will fall additional down the rankings, however they should do one thing with the video games remaining in entrance of them. Barbra Banda is just not round to alter video games, and it will take a collective effort to copy a few of her lacking impression. 

5. Seattle Reign (–)

Whoever put the scoring jinx on this staff is way too highly effective, as a result of it retains Seattle completely mid-level. They don’t seem to be dropping video games, however they’re additionally not profitable or getting the ball at the back of the web. With one aim in three video games, the assault must get clicking asap.

6. San Diego Wave (–)

One other squad that may’t purchase a aim regardless of the efforts. The Wave are rapidly dropping the aura they constructed over the primary half of the season with lackluster performances following the midseason break. They’ve some gaps on the league desk, however they’re caught on my energy rankings with the shape simply not there. 

7. Gotham FC (+2)

Rose Lavelle had per week the place she confirmed she wants simply seconds to destroy a backline’s day. If the membership can get extra constant minutes from her, they will maintain rising, and if new acquisition Jaedyn Shaw can discover a spark with the teaching workers, be careful.

8. Racing Louisville (-1)

Soccer is a staff sport, however Racing fully missed midfielder Taylor Flint in week 19. They will welcome her again with open arms and be a greater staff after feeling onerous completed by going out on an personal aim. 

9. Houston Sprint (+1)

The Sprint are bringing the warmth, and it is not simply because they’re from Houston. Head coach Fabrice Gautrat has the squad’s kind blazing proper now. They don’t seem to be the staff opposing sides wish to face proper now, irrespective of the place they rank this season. 

10. Chicago Stars FC (+1)

The Stars aren’t right here to spoil any social gathering; they’re the social gathering. One other facet that is taking part in higher than their file, and that makes them a troublesome opponent to face and defend, now that the squad has a number of gamers aside from Ludmila scoring objectives on the roster. 

11. Angel Metropolis FC (-3)

The membership misplaced Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea FC through the switch window, and it is onerous to not view that as the start of the top for this yr’s playoff hopes. Riley Tiernan remains to be a standout participant, and Svenedis Jonsdottir is adapting rapidly to her new membership, however that is a whole lot of strain on two first yr gamers. Possibly the arrival of Nealy Martin will supply aid within the midfield. 

12. Utah Royals FC (–)

It is nearly just like the Royals have found out that their residence subject can be utilized to their benefit. It is no secret that visiting groups have struggled to attain in opposition to them within the altitude, however the Royals’ protection has additionally made issues tough. If the group can flip attracts into wins, they keep a pesky facet down the stretch.

13. Bay FC (–)

Bay FC by no means appeared to seek out the consistency they have been searching for this yr, and now the franchise has stated a pre-farewell to its head coach, Albertin Montoya. The group might want to handle the backline with out veteran Abby Dahlkemper as properly, because the centerback lately introduced her being pregnant.

14. North Carolina Braveness (–)

The membership made a significant commerce to ship Jaedyn Shaw to Gotham FC for $1.25 million. The season is not over, and the gamers will not stop, however the membership has loads of money now to purchase the provides for a white flag.