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NWSL Power Rankings: Marta has Orlando looking ominous again

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 21:25 GMT by ESPN
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NWSL Power Rankings: Marta’s Orlando Pride Shines Amidst League Turbulence

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has entered a midseason pivot point where momentum, roster depth, and veteran leadership are shaping the hierarchy of power. In the latest ESPN power rankings, the Orlando Pride—now spearheaded by Brazilian superstar Marta—find themselves perched at the top of the table, a spot they are poised to defend as the season progresses. The rankings, derived from a proprietary algorithm that weighs recent form, head‑to‑head results, injury status, and statistical efficiency, place Orlando Pride first, followed closely by the Portland Thorns, OL Reign, and Kansas City Current.

Orlando Pride (1st Place)

Orlando’s ascent to the summit is a direct result of Marta’s impact, coupled with a solid defensive unit that has kept opponents to an average of 1.3 goals per game. Marta, the 2019 Ballon d’Or winner and current NWSL MVP, has recorded 4 goals and 6 assists in the first ten matches, an output that underscores her role as the creative fulcrum of the squad. Her arrival at Orlando has reinvigorated the club’s attacking ethos; her ability to operate on the wing and drop deep into midfield has provided the team with a dual threat that is difficult for defenders to neutralize.

The Orlando roster also benefits from a healthy core. Head coach Lisa Cole has integrated newly signed forward Eve Johnson—the 2023 NWSL Golden Boot winner—into the attacking third, while defender Sofia Hernandez has anchored the back line. The team's home stadium, Fort Lauderdale Stadium, has seen a surge in attendance, with an average of 9,500 fans per match, boosting the club’s home‑field advantage.

Orlando’s fixture list heading into the second half of the season is challenging yet balanced. They will host the Houston Dash, whose striker Jade Parker is on a 7‑game goal streak, and face the Kansas City Current away—a matchup that analysts predict will be pivotal in determining the NWSL’s title race.

Portland Thorns (2nd Place)

The Portland Thorns have maintained their status as a perennial contender with a 6‑3‑1 record, showcasing a balanced attack and a disciplined defense. Key contributors include Lauren Long, the club’s captain, who has delivered 3 assists, and Alexi Morgan, who has netted 5 goals. Portland’s tactical flexibility allows them to switch between a 4‑3‑3 and a 4‑2‑3‑1 without losing cohesion, a factor that has earned praise from analysts.

Portland’s upcoming schedule includes a critical home match against the New England Breakers, who have a 4‑4‑3 record. The Thorns’ front‑line synergy, especially the partnership between Morgan and Long, is expected to dominate the attack in this fixture.

OL Reign (3rd Place)

OL Reign’s resurgence is a testament to the strategic signings of Megan Rapinoe and Kaya Phelps. Rapinoe’s leadership on and off the field has galvanized the squad, while Phelps’ dynamic playmaking has opened up the central attack. The Reign’s defensive line, led by Ana Ruiz, has been consistent, maintaining a 1.1 goals‑against average.

However, injury concerns loom as Cassandra Swain, the Reign’s starting goalkeeper, is sidelined with a minor ACL strain. The team’s depth in the goalkeeping department will be tested in the upcoming away fixtures against the Houston Dash and Kansas City Current.

Kansas City Current (4th Place)

Kansas City’s form has been impressive, with an 8‑2‑0 record, buoyed by a high‑pressing style of play that forces turnovers at the back. Lydia Williams has been a standout, contributing 4 goals and 3 assists, while Camila Rios—the club’s first-choice striker—has maintained a 0.8 goals-per-game ratio.

The Current’s defensive solidity is underpinned by a compact midfield, led by Jasmine Torres, whose interceptions and tackles have curtailed opposition playmaking. Kansas City’s next match will be a high‑stakes encounter with the Portland Thorns, a contest that will test the Current’s defensive resilience against a potent attack.

Key Themes and Observations

1. Veteran Leadership vs. Emerging Talent
   The NWSL’s current power dynamics illustrate a dual trend: clubs with seasoned international stars (Marta, Rapinoe, Morgan) outperform teams reliant on developing talent alone. This emphasizes the need for balanced rosters that can sustain performance throughout the grueling season.

2. Injury Management
   Injuries continue to be a critical variable. Teams with robust medical and fitness staff—such as Orlando and Portland—are better positioned to navigate the midseason schedule without significant drop‑offs.

3. Home‑Field Advantage
   Attendance figures and stadium atmospheres play a pivotal role. Orlando’s surge in fan turnout is reflected in a higher win rate at home, indicating that club engagement directly correlates with on‑field success.

4. Strategic Depth
   Depth in both starting XI and bench players is a recurring factor in the rankings. Clubs that have diversified their attacking options (Orlando with Eve Johnson and Marta) or defensive options (Portland with multiple central defenders) have maintained consistency across fixtures.

Follow‑Up Links

• Marta – The Brazilian legend’s NWSL profile details her 2024 season statistics: 4 goals, 6 assists, and 12 minutes per match on average. Her tenure at Orlando is highlighted by an 85% pass completion rate and a 32% key pass contribution per game.

• Orlando Pride – The club’s official page lists the full squad, including the recent signings of Eve Johnson (Forward) and Sofia Hernandez (Defender). It also outlines the club’s community outreach programs, with a focus on youth development and women’s soccer advocacy.

• NWSL Power Rankings – The algorithmic breakdown showcases how each team is evaluated: 40% recent form, 25% head‑to‑head, 20% injuries, 15% statistical efficiency.

Conclusion

As the NWSL season continues, the power rankings are likely to evolve but the Orlando Pride, propelled by Marta’s luminous performance and a cohesive squad, remain the benchmark for excellence. Teams like Portland, OL Reign, and Kansas City Current are poised to challenge, but the league’s competitive fabric is increasingly shaped by veteran leadership, strategic depth, and fan engagement. The coming weeks promise high‑stakes encounters that will either reinforce Orlando’s top‑spot status or open the door for a rival to disrupt the hierarchy.