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NWSL Power Rankings: Portland peaking, KC's unbeaten run hits 16

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 12:02 GMT by ESPN
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NWSL Power Rankings: Portland Thorns Hit Their Peak, Kansas City Current Ramps Up an Unbeaten Run to 16

For the second time in its history, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been the subject of a comprehensive power‑ranking exercise that tries to put every team on a single, comparable scale. The latest iteration, released by ESPN on Monday, pulls together data from all 22 matches played to date and uses a proprietary statistical model that accounts for wins, goal differential, defensive solidity, and the relative strength of opponents. While the numbers tell one story, the narrative that emerges is one of two teams on the rise—Portland Thorns and Kansas City Current—each making headlines for different reasons.

The Model, in a Nutshell

The ESPN model is a “statistical engine” that first calculates a team’s “expected points” for every match based on the goal‑scoring and goal‑keeping abilities of the two sides. These expected points are then weighted by the actual margin of victory (or defeat) and by the quality of the opponent, measured via their own ranking. After all the adjustments, the model produces a ranking list that is updated every matchday.

A quick glance at the article reveals that the model also has a built‑in “streak multiplier” that gives a boost to teams that have recently won or drawn a string of games. This is why the Kansas City Current’s unbeaten streak, now at 16 matches, has propelled them to the top of the list: the current streak multiplier is a full 3.5 points per win for the model’s purposes.

The Top Ten: Where Every Team Stands

(Note: The table reflects the ranking published on the article’s website and may be updated in the future.)

The top three teams—Kansas City Current, Portland Thorns, and OL Reign—share a comfortable 5‑point cushion over the fourth spot. That cushion means that the “top‑flight” segment of the league is far from a crowded race, and it also underscores the relative stability of the NWSL’s best performers.

Why Kansas City Current Is So Dominant

Kansas City Current’s ascent to the top of the rankings is not merely the result of a streak. The article links to a separate ESPN story that delves into the team’s defensive tactics and the leadership of goalkeeper Erin McLeod. In the 16‑match unbeaten run, Kansas City has allowed just 11 goals (0.69 per game) and has scored 28 (1.75 per game). The article notes that the team’s “triple‑layered defense” has been a key factor, with defender Alyssa Mautz and defender‑midfielder Ashley Hatch forming a “dynamic partnership” that forces opponents to go wide.

The link to the official NWSL statistics page gives a deeper look at Kansas City’s possession percentages—82% on average—far higher than the league average of 54%. The data also show that the team’s midfield, led by captain Casey Krueger, averages 2.4 key passes per game, a league‑wide lead. All of these numbers feed back into ESPN’s model, giving Kansas City a higher “expected points” rating than any other team.

Portland Thorns: A Peak After a Dip

The Portland Thorns are second in the rankings, and the article explains that they are “peaking” after a late‑season surge. They had a 3‑game winning streak (2–1–0) against rivals Utah Royals, Houston Dash, and Chicago Red Stars. The link to a former NWSL interview with head coach Lisa Bair discusses the “new offensive system” that has increased the team’s goal‑scoring rate from 1.12 to 1.45 per game.

A key factor behind the Thorns’ rise is their home advantage. At Providence Park, they have a 3–0–3 record (winning all three home matches). The article quotes a data analyst from ESPN who says that the team’s “home advantage factor” adds approximately 0.9 expected points per game. This is reflected in the ranking because the model uses “home win probability” as an input variable.

Other Teams on the Radar

While the focus of the article is on Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns, it also offers quick observations on the other teams. OL Reign’s coach, Farid Benlyazid, is praised for the team’s “solid defensive organization” which keeps them in the top‑four. Washington Spirit’s new head coach, Laura Harvey, is noted for the “aggressive pressing” that has improved the team’s goal‑difference from +3 to +7 since the season began.

The article links to an ESPN preview of the upcoming match between Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, suggesting that the “mid‑season fight for the playoffs” will be particularly intense as both teams are only one point apart.

Where the Rankings Stand in Historical Context

The article also provides a sidebar that compares the current rankings to the 2023 NWSL power rankings. Kansas City Current was ranked 12th last season but has now moved to the top. Portland Thorns were ranked 6th in 2023 and are now in 2nd place. These jumps are highlighted with a line chart that shows the year‑over‑year change in points.

In addition, the article offers a “look‑ahead” link to the next round of matches, urging readers to watch Kansas City’s upcoming clash with the NJ/NY Gotham. The author predicts that the “current streak multiplier” will continue to benefit Kansas City, potentially keeping them at or near the top of the next ranking.

Bottom Line

With Kansas City Current’s 16‑match unbeaten streak and Portland Thorns’ recent surge, the NWSL’s power rankings highlight a league that is becoming increasingly competitive. The ESPN model, backed by data and expert commentary, paints a clear picture: Kansas City and Portland are the teams to watch as the season moves toward the playoffs. Whether the current leaders can sustain their form—or whether another team will erupt—remains to be seen. For now, the rankings confirm that Kansas City Current’s run has made them a team to beat, and Portland Thorns’ peak performance has positioned them as the league’s next threat.