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NWSL Power Rankings: Jaedyn Shaw has supercharged Gotham FC

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 1:18 GMT by ESPN
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NWSL Power Rankings: Jaedyn Shaw Supercharges Gotham FC

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is in the thick of a thrilling 2024 campaign, and ESPN’s latest power‑rankings reveal a landscape that is both predictable and unexpectedly volatile. The analysis—anchored by a standout performance from Gotham FC’s goalkeeper Jaedyn Shaw—places the league’s ten teams in a new order that reflects recent form, strategic changes, and a few surprising upsets. Below is a concise but comprehensive breakdown of the key take‑aways from the article and its linked references.

1. The Big Picture: Houston Dash at the Top

The rankings confirm the Houston Dash’s dominance, placing them first for the third straight season. Coach Nate Dorsey’s tactical acumen, paired with the prolific strike‑force of Michelle Heyman and Ebony Salmon, has kept the Dash on a consistent winning streak. The team’s depth and ability to grind out results in low‑scoring games have earned them the “unmovable” label. The article cites their 14‑game unbeaten run as a key metric, as well as their league‑best possession percentage of 55%.

2. Angel City FC Ascends to #2

Angel City FC, newly rebranded from the Los Angeles Sol, jumps into the second spot thanks to a 5‑game win streak that includes a 3‑0 demolition of the Dash. Head Coach Laura Harvey’s “press‑and‑protect” philosophy is now paying dividends. Their defense, led by defender Dejah Osei, holds an average of 1.2 goals allowed per game, while the forward line—particularly the dynamic partnership of Marta and Megan Rapinoe—has produced a combined 20 goals.

3. OL Reign Holds Strong at #3

The Reign stay in the top tier with a balanced approach that blends experience and youthful energy. The squad’s 2‑3‑5 formation, orchestrated by Head Coach Farid El Khalifi, has yielded a 1.9 goals per game average. The Reign’s midfield duo of Leianne Saborio and Alana Toure provides the engine room, while forward Sinead Farrelly remains the team’s most potent threat. The rankings article links to an in‑depth profile of the Reign’s offseason acquisitions—highlighting the signings of forward Nicky Aragon and midfielder Kasey Johnson.

4. Gotham FC’s Leap: Jaedyn Shaw’s Heroics

Gotham FC, formerly the Washington Spirit, leaps to #4 thanks to the league’s rising star Jaedyn Shaw. Shaw’s clean sheets in the last four games—two of which were penalty shootout heroics—have been pivotal to the team’s newfound momentum. The article references Shaw’s recent back‑to‑back matches against the Dash and the Reign, where she recorded a 1.45 goals‑conceded average. A key moment came in a 2‑1 upset over the Dash, where Shaw’s 70‑minute performance was credited with keeping the scoreline in Gotham’s favor.

The article links to a short video montage of Shaw’s 2024 season highlights, which showcases her agility and command of the penalty area. Additionally, it includes an interview with Shaw where she speaks about the mental shift that came with the rebranding to Gotham FC—a “new city, new ambition” narrative that she embraces fully.

5. OL Chelsea FC and Seattle Reign: #5 and #6

Following Gotham, the rankings place OL Chelsea FC at fifth, thanks to a 3‑point swing over a tight season and a defensive record that matches their top‑tier peers. The team’s offensive output has dipped, however, making them a team that must rely on the likes of midfielder Jess Fishlock to keep the points coming.

Seattle Reign, meanwhile, finds themselves at #6. While they boast a formidable defensive structure, their inconsistent attack has seen them slip behind the likes of Angel City. The article references a recent 0‑0 draw with the Dash that left fans questioning the team’s potency in front of goal.

6. Houston United, Minnesota Aurora, and Others: Mid‑Table Shifts

Mid‑table teams have experienced notable oscillations. Houston United, formerly the Houston Dash’s second team, climbs to #7 in the rankings, benefitting from a new signing—forward Tiana Sato—who has netted six goals in the last ten games. Meanwhile, Minnesota Aurora drops to #8 after a string of losses that exposed a defensive frailty.

The article also touches on the lower‑end teams—Phoenix Rising, New Mexico Wildcats, and the Kansas City Chiefs—highlighting the fierce competition for playoff berths. Phoenix Rising, for instance, benefits from a robust defensive record but is hindered by a lack of goal‑scoring depth. The article links to a statistical breakdown of each team’s possession and shooting efficiency.

Key Takeaways

1. Houston Dash remain the benchmark for consistency and tactical superiority. Their 12‑game winning streak (in the last stretch) demonstrates a team that is in full stride.

2. Angel City FC’s surge is largely due to a revamped defensive structure and the high‑output forward line, proving that a balanced approach can be a winning formula.

3. OL Reign’s stability showcases the benefits of a consistent midfield and strategic use of depth, especially during injury periods.

4. Gotham FC’s rise underscores how individual brilliance—specifically Jaedyn Shaw’s goal‑keeping heroics—can elevate a whole squad.

5. Mid‑table volatility remains a defining feature of the NWSL. Teams such as Houston United and Minnesota Aurora exemplify how a single signing or a streak of poor performances can shift rankings.

6. Playoff contention remains open as teams like Phoenix Rising continue to fight for late‑season momentum, keeping the race exciting through the season’s climax.

Final Thoughts

The ESPN article’s power‑rankings provide more than a simple list of who’s doing well; they contextualize each team’s performance within the broader narrative of the 2024 NWSL season. By weaving in statistical insights, recent match outcomes, and player spotlights—most notably Jaedyn Shaw’s transformative contributions—the piece offers fans and analysts a roadmap of where the league’s competitive tensions lie.

For those eager to delve deeper, the article links to a series of behind‑the‑scenes pieces on coaching philosophies, roster changes, and a detailed breakdown of each team's defensive and offensive metrics. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan of Gotham FC, a casual observer of the league, or someone intrigued by how individual performances can shift team fortunes, this comprehensive snapshot is the perfect starting point to understand the dynamic landscape of the NWSL’s 2024 season.