NWSL Power Rankings: Issues Facing Washington Spirit

As the NWSL regular season for 2026 picks up steam, it’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for ESPN’s latest Power Rankings. Who’s poised for a rise in the standings, and who’s looking perilously close to hitting rock bottom? Our analysts have combed through the action from Matchday 3 to present this week’s lineup of all 16 teams in the league. Let’s dive in.

Previous ranking: 1
Next match: Saturday at North Carolina Courage, 6:30 PM ET

Nothing restores confidence quite like a commanding victory following a midweek disappointment. Portland Thorns emphatically bounced back with a 2-0 triumph over Kansas City, marking a standout performance from Sophia Wilson, who made her first start since returning from maternity leave. While Wilson didn’t score, her influence was undeniable as she consistently threatened the opposition, even winning a penalty that set up the Thorns’ initial goal. This team is clearly a formidable contender.

Previous ranking: 2
Next match: Friday at Orlando Pride, 8 PM ET

Angel City continues to impress, now securing wins in all three of their outings. Although the match against Houston Dash started somewhat sluggishly, the team swiftly turned things around, scoring twice within minutes of the second half and sealing a 2-1 victory. Star striker Sveindís Jónsdóttir emerged as the hero with a game-winning goal—an impressive feat in her inaugural NWSL campaign. As the schedule intensifies, Angel City remains unfazed, managing their pressures with remarkable finesse.

Previous ranking: 12
Next match: Friday at Boston Legacy, 7 PM ET

San Diego Wave unleashed a dominating performance on Saturday, defeating Chicago 2-0 in a match that couldn’t have been more one-sided. Chicago managed a mere two shots—neither from within the penalty box—while San Diego showcased near-complete control of the field, highlighted by a stunning strike from teenage substitute Melanie Barcenas. With three wins in a row and Catarina Macario joining the ranks, optimism abounds in San Diego.

Previous ranking: 7
Next match: Saturday vs. Denver Summit, 8:45 PM ET

Questions loomed over Seattle entering the 2026 season: could a team lacking prolific attacking talent really find the back of the net? With five goals over their last two matches, early signs indicate a resounding yes. While Louisville’s Jordyn Bloomer inadvertently assisted Seattle by fumbling the ball into her own net during a recent 2-1 victory, the Reign’s attack displayed encouraging creativity, particularly Nérilia Mondésir’s striking goal stemming from clever possession play. Seattle’s winning streak continues to roll.

Previous ranking: 8
Next match: Sunday vs. Washington Spirit, 5 PM ET (stream live on ESPN)

Among the striking narratives unfolding this season is the emergence of teenager Alex Pfeiffer for Bay FC. The 18-year-old dazzled with her opening strike in a 3-1 victory over North Carolina, later adding an assist to her tally. With four non-penalty contributions so far, Pfeiffer is undeniably a breakout performer in the league. There’s surely more to come from both her and Bay FC this season.

Previous ranking: 4
Next match: Friday vs. Racing at Louisville, 8:30 PM ET

Though Houston Dash faced a 2-1 defeat at Angel City, early signs pointed positively as they outshot their opponents nine to two in the first half. A beautifully served ball from right-back Avery Patterson set up Maggie Graham for an opening goal, providing hope for the Dash—at least until a second half lapse led them to concede two consecutive goals, ultimately returning home empty-handed.

Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Friday vs. Angel City, 8 PM ET

The Pride’s 0-0 draw against Gotham on Sunday revealed their usual counterattacking style fell short when Barbra Banda, their offensive spearhead, was silenced. Despite the lack of goals, the Pride can take comfort in securing a draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium—a commendable outcome considering the challenges of expected turnovers.

Previous ranking: 3
Next match: Saturday at Kansas City Current, 4 PM ET

The alarm bells are ringing for Gotham following their recent 0-0 draw with Orlando, a frustrating outing for Juan Carlos Amorós and his squad. With just one goal scored all season—back in Boston Legacy’s opening game—Gotham has struggled tremendously in attack, falling short of expected goals for the third time in four matches. It’s time for a reassessment as they search for solutions on offense.

Previous ranking: 5
Next match: Saturday vs. Portland Thorns, 6:30 PM ET

North Carolina Courage encountered the challenges synonymous with possession-oriented play during their recent 3-1 loss to Bay FC. Under the new guidance of head coach Mak Lind, the team continues to navigate their tactical transformation, only to suffer from costly turnovers that directly led to three first-half goals against them. Growing pains remain as they seek a more cohesive style.

Previous ranking: 11
Next match: Saturday at Seattle Reign, 8:45 PM ET

At Mile High Stadium, excitement off the field eclipsed the action on it as 63,004 fans turned out, smashing the NWSL attendance record. While Denver Summit couldn’t quite secure a win against Washington Spirit—a draw ending in a goalless stalemate—the occasion showcased the immense growth potential for women’s soccer in the U.S. Securing a point is still a commendable outcome for Denver.

Previous ranking: 9
Next match: Sunday at Bay FC, 5 PM ET (stream live on ESPN)

Did anyone predict the Washington Spirit would still be searching for their first win after four games? With recent performances culminating in a lackluster 0-0 draw against Denver, they remain winless in 2026. The Spirit’s offense seems misaligned, generating merely two shots from inside the 18-yard box during the match. With their roster brimming with talent, one can only hope this squad finds its rhythm soon.

Previous ranking: 10
Next match: Friday at Houston Dash, 8:30 PM ET

Racing Louisville is struggling to bounce back from the mistakes costing them dearly. Their recent encounter with Seattle showcased their woes when goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer let a routine save slip through her grasp, handing Seattle a 1-0 lead. Despite a late-game push, Racing failed to regain control, culminating in a 2-1 loss and leaving them winless through their first three games of the new season.

Previous ranking: 6
Next match: Saturday vs. Gotham FC, 4 PM ET

Kansas City is likely conducting some intense soul-searching following three consecutive losses to Chicago, Seattle, and now Portland, capped by a disheartening 2-0 defeat to the Thorns. The Current struggled to retain possession, finding little threat in counterattacks. With defensive blunders leading to Portland’s decisive goal, the team eagerly awaits the return of star forward Temwa Chawinga.

Previous ranking: 15
Next match: Friday vs. Chicago Stars, 9 PM ET

In a match that lacked the elegance one might hope for, Utah managed to escape with their first victory of the season, overcoming Boston Legacy 2-1. While their goals came from two set pieces—the first off a clever routine and the second a penalty—the team struggled to find a consistent rhythm outside those moments. Though the victory is a morale booster, there is much to improve on moving forward.

Previous ranking: 16
Next match: Friday vs. San Diego Wave, 7 PM ET

Boston Legacy managed to score their first goal in club history on Saturday, thanks to Aissata Traore. The striker proved to be a persistent threat against Utah, netting a goal after capitalizing on a clever through-ball from Amanda Gutierres to reduce the deficit. However, the team fell short once again, losing 2-1 and extending their search for a first point in the league. The journey continues for this expansion squad.

Previous ranking: 13
Next match: Friday at Utah Royals, 9 PM ET

The Chicago Stars are facing mounting concerns as they remain scoreless in three of their opening four games this season. In their latest 2-0 defeat against San Diego, Chicago mustered only two shots, failing to threaten the opposing goal until the very end. With Jameese Joseph struggling for impact on the wing and a general lack of offensive depth, the team’s fortunes seem entirely reliant on the yet-unknown return of star forward Mallory Swanson.