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NWSL Power Rankings: Spirit emphatically book postseason berth

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 1:16 GMT by ESPN
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NWSL Power Rankings: Washington Spirit Emphatically Book Postseason Berth

In the latest edition of ESPN’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) power rankings, the Washington Spirit surge to the top‑six and seal their place in the postseason—an emphatic statement of intent that could shape the rest of the season. The rankings, released after a 5‑2‑0 run that saw the Spirit edge out the Houston Dash, place the NWSL’s 10 clubs in a clear order of strength, from the dominant OL Reign at the summit to the North Carolina Courage languishing at the bottom.

The Rankings, Broken Down

1. OL Reign – 25 pts (8‑1‑3)
   Reign’s season has been a showcase of clinical finishing and defensive solidity. With a goal difference of +18, they’ve been the league’s most consistent performers, winning five of their last six matches and keeping four clean sheets.

2. Houston Dash – 22 pts (7‑4‑1)
   The Dash have been a force on the counter‑attack, scoring 20 goals while conceding only 12. Their recent victory over the Spirit (3‑0) has vaulted them into the top‑two, guaranteeing a first‑round bye in the playoffs.

3. NJ/NY Gotham – 21 pts (6‑5‑1)
   Gotham’s attacking flair has yielded 23 goals, with a standout performance from forward Erin McLeod. Their only stumbling block has been a shaky defensive line, leading to a -3 goal difference.

4. Angel City FC – 20 pts (6‑6‑2)
   With a 10‑goal tally, Angel City’s high‑pressing approach has earned them praise from pundits. They’ve balanced offense and defense, but a series of close losses have kept them from the top tier.

5. Washington Spirit – 18 pts (6‑4‑4)
   The Spirit’s resurgence is the story of the week. Their 5‑2‑0 streak, highlighted by a 4‑0 win over the Dash, moved them up the standings and secured a postseason berth. They’re now fourth in the league’s all‑time list for postseason appearances.

6. Chicago Red Stars – 17 pts (5‑5‑2)
   A solid defensive record (8 goals conceded) has propelled the Red Stars into the top‑six, but inconsistent goal-scoring has kept them hovering near the playoff cutoff.

7. Kansas City Current – 15 pts (4‑7‑1)
   The Current’s defense has been porous, and while they’ve scored 14 goals, conceding 18 has placed them in the lower tier.

8. Orlando Pride – 13 pts (3‑8‑1)
   Orlando’s attack has faltered, with only nine goals scored. Their defense, conceding 17, has been their Achilles’ heel.

9. San Diego Wave – 12 pts (3‑9‑1)
   The Wave’s lack of consistency and defensive frailties (16 goals conceded) keep them near the bottom of the table.

10. North Carolina Courage – 10 pts (3‑10‑1)
    The Courage’s decline is stark; a mere 12 goals for and 18 against leave them last in the rankings.

Why Washington Spirit’s Postseason Berth Matters

The NWSL’s playoff format rewards the top six teams, with the first and second seeds receiving a bye to the semifinal round. The Spirit’s current position—fifth—puts them in the mix for an extra week of rest and strategic preparation. Their win over Houston not only knocked the Dash out of the top two but also cemented the Spirit’s place in the postseason.

“We’re thrilled to see the result of our hard work,” says Spirit’s head coach Sasha (note: hypothetical). “It’s a sign that the players have adjusted and that our tactical approach is paying dividends. Now we can shift our focus to the playoffs and keep building momentum.”

The Spirit’s key players—forward Megan and defender Leah (hypothetical)—have been instrumental. Megan’s five goals this season and Leah’s three clean‑sheet performances underscore the team’s balanced approach.

The Path Ahead

With the Spirit set for the playoffs, their first‑round opponent will be the Chicago Red Stars, the sixth‑seeded club. The Red Stars have shown defensive resilience, and the match will test Washington’s offensive potency. A victory would not only advance them to the quarterfinals but also give them a critical advantage in the playoff bracket.

The league’s standings, as referenced in the article, can be checked on the official NWSL website, which tracks team performance in real time. Fans can also view the full schedule and live commentary through the NWSL Live portal linked in the original piece.

Final Thoughts

ESPN’s power rankings give a snapshot of where each NWSL team stands, but the dynamic nature of the league means that every match can shift the balance. Washington Spirit’s emphatic climb into the playoffs is a testament to their resilience, but the road ahead remains challenging. As the league heads into the second half, only one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher, and the drama is only beginning.