Attendance Records and Unexpected Outcomes
The Chicago Red Stars set a new attendance record at Wrigley Field on Saturday night, a remarkable achievement highlighting the growing popularity of women's soccer. Despite the large turnout and energetic atmosphere, Bay FC managed to clinch a victory, leaving the Chicago fans disappointed but still hopeful for future successes.
Although the Red Stars fell short in this match, the season is far from over. There is ample time left for teams to shake up the rankings and make significant moves. Fans looking to catch the action can enjoy select NWSL regular season matches across CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
2024 NWSL Power Rankings
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride’s impressive win streak came to a halt with a draw against San Diego. However, this did not diminish their strong standing at the top of the leaderboard. Their consistent performance makes them a challenging team to dethrone.
Kansas City Current
The Kansas City Current are on a remarkable 14-game unbeaten streak that dates back to last season. Despite losing defender Gabrielle Robinson to an ACL injury, the team's spirit remains high. The return of forward Bia Zaneratto has bolstered their lineup, showing they are willing to concede goals if it means outscoring their opponents. This tactical gamble seems to be paying off for them so far.
Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit's rookie class has made an undeniable impact this season. Defender Kate Wiesner, in particular, delivered a crucial game-winner on the road, extending their win streak to four consecutive games. This young talent serves as a formidable asset, hinting at a bright future for the team.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
The reigning champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, are quietly ascending both the rankings and the league table. With Ella Stevens earning starting roles and veterans like Crystal Dunn and Rose Lavelle contributing vital goals, Gotham FC’s depth will undoubtedly be invaluable as the season progresses.
Portland Thorns FC
Sophia Smith has been a standout for Portland Thorns FC, adding more goals to her season total. However, she will miss the next match due to receiving a second yellow card for delaying the game, posing a challenge for the Thorns as they adjust to her absence.
Racing Louisville
Racing Louisville is turning a corner at a critical time. They have secured two consecutive wins and are unbeaten in three games. Although their six draws are not ideal, they are also not losses. This potential can make them significant disruptors in the second half of the season.
North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage have shown improvement with a fluctuating back formation. Despite picking up their fourth loss in five games, the return of Denise O'Sullivan to the pitch offers a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, Ryan Williams is serving a suspension due to a red card.
San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC continues to face challenges in goal scoring, though Makenzie Doniak’s equalizer against Orlando Pride provides a silver lining. The team still struggles to execute tactics effectively in the final third, an area in need of improvement.
Chicago Red Stars
The Chicago Red Stars are enduring a tough period, facing their third consecutive loss. One major issue is their struggle to get the ball to star player Mallory Swanson, which has had a significant impact on their performance.
Angel City FC
Angel City FC appears uncertain about their identity this season. The lack of satisfactory results is increasing pressure on the coaching staff, necessitating urgent improvements.
Houston Dash
Houston Dash failed to capitalize on their recent momentum. Their three-player back formation confronted significant challenges against Racing Louisville, exposing some vulnerabilities.
Bay FC
Bay FC hopes their win against Chicago is a turning point. However, their inability to keep a clean sheet and conceding a goal in stoppage time shows there is still work to be done.
Seattle Reign FC
Seattle Reign FC is experiencing a painful first half of the season as they navigate an ongoing ownership change. The team is struggling to find stability and consistency on the field.
Utah Royals FC
Utah Royals FC failed to score against the Washington Spirit at home, extending their winless streak that dates back to March. The Royals are currently on a 10-game losing run, a distressing trend they are eager to reverse.
As the season progresses, fans can continue to follow the excitement of the NWSL across various networks, including CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network. The dynamic nature of the league ensures that nothing is set in stone, and surprises are always just around the corner.