NWSL Power Rankings - Week 1
Opening weekend of the 11th NWSL season finished on Sunday night, and it sure was an exciting weekend. The final scores represented a little bit of everything, and the introduction of VAR did not disappoint (unless you’re an Angel City fan).
After a week, here are some (probably too early) power rankings for the league:
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1. Portland Thorns -
The Thorns dominated the Orlando Pride in every aspect of the game. They took the win 4-0, with four different players scoring. With a roster almost identical to last seasons, the reigning champs are definitely coming to play. Their new coach isn’t slowing them down.
2. San Diego Wave -
Riding the wave of a strong inaugural season, San Diego is proving they came to play. They took down the Red Stars 3-2, despite conceding first. Their new players, like Vanessa DiBernardo and Meggie Dougherty-Howard fit right in. Young players are also showing up, with both Jaedyn Shaw and Amirah Ali notching another goal.
3. NY/NJ Gotham FC -
Gotham travelled to the West Coast with a vengeance. With the help of newcomers Yazmeen Ryan, Jenna Nighswonger, and Lynn Williams, they defeated Angel City 2-1. VAR helped them secure the win, with 2 overturned calls. Despite this, Gotham started slow and got a whole lot stronger as the game progressed. They earned that win.
4. Angel City FC -
Despite losing to Gotham, 2-1, Angel City started the season strong. Rookie Alyssa Thompson scored their goal, proving herself as the first overall draft pick. Jun Endo found herself on the wrong end of VAR when they overturned her goal, because of a foul against Kelley O’Hara. Angel City showed that they’re ready to fight for the playoffs this season, even before their team is at full strength.
5. NC Courage -
The Courage earned 3 points in their first game, defeating Kansas City 1-0. This team had been quite undersold this offseason because of their loss of certain players. However, they showed that they aren’t a team to underestimate. The additions of Tyler Lussi and Emily Fox have filled some gaps, and the Courage are definitely here to compete.
6. Washington Spirit -
In their new full time home at Audi Field, the Spirit pulled off a victory against OL Reign. Trinity Rodman scored the goal that led them to that 1-0 win. She seems to be more willing to play selfishly this season, and that is exactly what the Spirit need. The team seemed a little disorganized as a whole, but seemed to get into a better rhythm by the end.
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7. Chicago Red Stars -
The Red Stars lost 3-2 to San Diego, but they sure put up a fight. Yuki Nagasato and Mallory Swanson scored their goals, and played a dominant game overall. Rookie Penelope Hocking also came to play. She worked well with Swanson, creating chances and challenging the Wave’s backline.
8. Houston Dash -
The Dash drew Louisville 0-0 on Sunday. Despite the scoreline, it was a pretty back and forth game. Ebony Salmon and Diana Ordonez had multiple chances for goals, but no one could finish. Jane Campbell made a great stand in goal. They’re definitely in for some re-building and adjusting under new coach Sam Laity.
9. Racing Louisville -
Racing travelled to Houston and took home 1 point after their tie. There was nothing impeccable about their performance, but also nothing entirely wrong. Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett fit in well with their new team, but the loss of Gemma Bonner and Emily Fox was definitely felt. Katie Lund had a strong game in goal (unsurprisingly).
10. OL Reign -
The Reign lost to Washington in a pretty equal fight. However, they looked surprisingly disorganized. Emily Sonnett, an off-season pick-up played at the 6, a position she usually does not hold. The whole thing just seemed a little off and the players couldn’t create many chances. The reigning Shield winners have some work to do if they want to make a return to the playoffs.
11. Kansas City Current -
The Current took a tough loss vs. North Carolina. Their rookies were thrown into the fire earlier than expected, due to a few notable injuries. Spaanstra, Cooper, and Robinson looked good, but made some clear rookie mistakes. KC has a chance to return to the championship, but they need players to stay healthy, and mesh better as a team.
12. Orlando Pride -
The Pride had the unfortunate privilege of starting their season in Providence Park vs. the reigning champ Portland Thorns. It did not go well for them. They finished with a 4-0 loss and Portland beating them in every way. The Pride are in the midst of a re-build year, and have a lot of work to do if they want a chance at the playoffs.
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