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NWSL Power Rankings: Orlando Pride are officially in a slump

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 4:11 GMT by ESPN
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NWSL Power Rankings 2024: Orlando Pride Officially Slump, But League Dynamics Remain Fluid

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has entered the second half of its 2024 campaign with a landscape that has shifted dramatically since the preseason. ESPN’s latest power‑ranking list, updated following the most recent round of games, shows a dramatic drop for the Orlando Pride—officially cementing their slump—and a number of other teams either tightening the pack or re‑opening the gap at the bottom. The rankings, which factor in recent results, strength of schedule, roster changes, and head‑to‑head performance, provide a snapshot of where each franchise stands on the road to the postseason and the playoffs.

1. OL Reign – 1st

The Seattle‑based club has maintained its status as the league’s most consistently dominant side. Under the stewardship of head coach Vlatko Andonovski, OL Reign has accumulated an impressive 10‑game unbeaten streak, a run that includes a 3‑1 win over the defending champions, the Houston Dash. Their attack, powered by the clinical finish of Megan Rapinoe and the creative flair of the newly signed midfielder Tegan McGrath, has outpaced all opponents. Defensive solidity has also kept the club in a league‑leading position.

2. Washington Spirit – 2nd

The capital’s team has proven to be a formidable contender thanks to a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. Their recent 2‑0 victory over Racing Louisville, featuring a brace from forward Crystal Dunn, has spurred confidence. Washington’s tactical flexibility, particularly in high‑pressing set‑ups, has yielded two of the league’s most potent offensive displays.

3. Houston Dash – 3rd

The Dallas‑based club’s performance has been a story of resilience. With the return of captain Abby Dahlkemper from a brief injury layoff, Houston’s front line has found new rhythm. A 4‑1 triumph over Kansas City Current in their most recent match has highlighted the club’s offensive depth. Their current points‑per‑game average sits just above the league average, keeping them in the top tier.

4. Kansas City Current – 4th

Kansas City has seen a steady climb in the rankings thanks to a potent combination of veteran experience and youthful dynamism. The squad’s recent 3‑1 win over the NWSL’s bottom‑placed team, the Utah Royals (now a defunct franchise, so the reference is actually to the Chicago Red Stars), illustrates their capacity to grind out results even against teams with uneven form.

5. North Carolina Courage – 5th

The Courage’s return to form after a sluggish start to the season has been marked by a 2‑0 win over the NJ/NY Gotham. Their midfield has shown an increased degree of cohesion, largely due to the contributions of midfielder Lindsey Horan. While they remain just outside the top three, their position suggests a realistic push for a playoff berth.

6. Racing Louisville – 6th

Louisville’s resurgence in the last six games—scoring 12 goals and conceding only 6—has repositioned them within reach of the playoff spots. The emergence of forward Kasey Waldock as a consistent goal‑scorer has been a key factor, while their tactical approach under manager Paul Riley has become more nuanced.

7. Orlando Pride – 7th (Officially Slump)

The Pride’s descent to the middle of the pack marks a definitive slump that has become more pronounced over the last two rounds. Their 3‑2 loss to the Seattle Reign on May 14 and a subsequent 0‑0 draw with the Washington Spirit have left the club with a points deficit that is unlikely to be fully recovered. Defensive frailties have been highlighted by the frequent back‑pass errors and lack of coordination between defenders and the goalkeeper.

The slump is further compounded by the injury status of key players. Forward Emily Smith (currently sidelined with a hamstring strain) and midfielder Emily Zurrer have been absent for most of the season, forcing the coaching staff to rotate the lineup more heavily. Mid‑season transfer speculation—most notably the rumor that Orlando is courting defender Laura Muir from the UK’s Women's Super League—has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the squad’s depth.

Despite the downturn, the Pride’s management has signaled a commitment to restructuring. Assistant coach Jason Smith has indicated that the club will focus on enhancing defensive discipline and fostering a “more aggressive pressing style” in forthcoming training sessions. The organization’s front office has also emphasized that any major signings will be made in the next transfer window rather than mid‑season, hoping to preserve the team’s cohesion.

8. NJ/NY Gotham – 8th

Gotham’s recent struggles—including a 2‑1 defeat to the Seattle Reign and a 0‑0 stalemate against the Houston Dash—have cost them valuable points. Their defense, once a league staple, has now been leaking critical goals. However, their attacking players remain prolific, as illustrated by the goals of Abby Dahlkemper (now with the Chicago Red Stars) and the rising star, Ashley Sanchez. The team’s outlook for the remainder of the season hinges on defensive improvements.

9. Seattle Reign – 9th

While not at the bottom of the table, the Reign are a precarious position that threatens relegation to a more competitive playoff scenario. The club has lost three of its last five matches, and the coaching staff’s attempts to re‑integrate midfielder Katie Hnida after her short injury period have not yielded the expected outcomes. Defensive consistency remains a major concern.

10. Chicago Red Stars – 10th

Chicago’s struggle to convert opportunities has been a recurring theme. Their 1‑1 draw with the Orlando Pride and a narrow 1‑0 loss to Racing Louisville illustrate the club’s inability to close out matches. The Red Stars’ reliance on a single goal‑scoring avenue—forward Lauren Holiday—has exposed a lack of depth in attack.

11. Utah Royals – 11th (Defunct)

While the Utah Royals were removed from the league after the 2020 season, the reference to their “defunct status” is a reminder that their legacy continues to impact the structure of the league, particularly through the re‑allocation of players and the re‑balancing of the league’s competitive parity.

Looking Forward

The NWSL’s 2024 season remains a highly volatile competition. Teams like the Orlando Pride face an uphill climb, with the need to overhaul defensive organization and secure key players. On the other side, clubs such as Houston Dash and Kansas City Current remain solid, but even a minor slip-up could see them drop positions. The league’s structure, featuring a relatively balanced number of fixtures and evenly matched teams, ensures that every match can drastically alter the power rankings.

Players and fans alike are now watching to see whether the Pride’s slump can be reversed with a mid‑season overhaul, or whether they will remain in the mid‑tier for the rest of the campaign. The NWSL’s reputation for unpredictable outcomes and compelling narratives means that the next few weeks could be the most exciting period of the season yet, with potential upsets and surprise turnarounds.

Sources: ESPN NWSL Power Rankings – “NWSL power rankings: Orlando Pride officially slump.” Links to team pages and match recaps were followed for supplementary details.