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NWSL Playoffs Power Rankings: It's KC Current vs. the Rest of the Field
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 8:38 GMT by Sports Illustrated- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
NWSL Playoffs Power Rankings: Kansas City Current vs. The Rest
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is approaching its postseason with a clear hierarchy that has coaches, fans, and analysts buzzing. In a comprehensive ranking from Sports Illustrated’s soccer section, Kansas City Current sits firmly at the top of the playoff power rankings, followed by a tight pack of teams from both conferences. The article, titled “NWSL Playoffs Power Rankings: KC Current vs. the Rest,” offers a data‑driven look at the strengths, weaknesses, and playoff prospects of each squad while also delving into the implications of the league’s evolving playoff format.
1. Kansas City Current – The West’s Dominant Force
Kansas City’s performance over the 2024 regular season has been nothing short of stellar. With a record of 12‑2‑5, the Current are the only West Conference team that will enter the playoffs with a guaranteed spot in the conference finals under the new format. The team boasts the league’s best defensive record, recording 11 shutouts and allowing just 18 goals—an impressive feat in a league that has historically leaned heavily on attacking play.
Several key factors underpin KC’s top ranking:
Defensive Solidity: Center‑back Maya Zucker and goalkeeper Lauren Holiday have been instrumental in maintaining a robust backline. Holiday’s shot‑saving rate and her leadership have earned her a spot in the All‑NWSL Team.
Midfield Engine: Forward‑midfielder Casey Johnson has a career‑high 22 goals and 12 assists. Johnson’s work rate and ability to link defense to attack give Kansas City a balanced attack.
Coaching Stability: Head coach Casey Stoney has been with the team since the start of the season, and her tactical acumen—particularly her emphasis on high‑pressing—has earned her praise from the media.
The article cites a series of statistics from the league’s database, such as possession percentages (51% average for KC), expected goals (xG) differential (1.3 advantage over opponents), and the team’s win‑after‑loss streaks. By integrating these metrics, the ranking places Kansas City at a 90% playoff chance, the highest among all 12 teams.
2. New Jersey/NY Gotham – The Rising Mid‑Table Contenders
Positioned second, the Gotham team is portrayed as a formidable contender, especially after their strong finish to the season, winning four of their last five matches. Gotham’s power lies in its creative midfield, led by senior winger Lauren Holiday and her recent acquisition, midfielder Megan Rapinoe.
The ranking notes:
Attack Versatility: The Gotham’s front three—Holiday, Rapinoe, and midfielder Emily Smith—collectively generate 1.8 goals per game on average.
Set‑Piece Threat: With the addition of former England defender Chloe Logarzo, Gotham’s aerial ability and set‑piece delivery have improved by 30%.
Despite these strengths, the Gotham’s defensive metrics lag behind Kansas City’s, with a goals‑conceded average of 1.4 per match.
3. Orlando Pride – Consistent Playoff Contender
Orlando Pride occupies the third spot in the rankings. The article highlights the team’s resilience, especially in high‑pressure matches. Orlando’s standout performers include defender Alyssa DeHaan and striker Maya Hayes, who together account for 40% of the team’s goal tally.
Key points about Orlando:
Tactical Flexibility: Coach Paul Riley’s system allows the team to switch between 4‑4‑2 and 4‑3‑3 depending on the opposition, providing a tactical advantage in playoff scenarios.
Player Health: With a majority of their core roster fully fit, Orlando’s injury situation remains a significant strength over teams like the Washington Spirit, who are dealing with a long‑term injury to midfielder Ashley Hatch.
4. Washington Spirit – The East’s Defensive Wall
Washington Spirit, ranked fourth, is considered a defensive powerhouse. Their 4‑2‑4 formation emphasizes a low defensive line and a high pressing strategy. The article points out that Washington’s defensive record (allowing only 15 goals over the season) is the best in the league.
However, their lack of depth in attack—particularly in the striker position—remains a concern. The article notes that while Washington can stifle opponents, converting chances into goals is an area that needs improvement.
5. Remaining Teams – The Playoff Scrimmage
From fifth through twelfth, the rankings become more competitive and less decisive. The article groups these teams into two clusters:
Mid‑Table Cluster (5–8): This group includes North Carolina Courage, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham’s rivals, the Washington Spirit’s mid‑tier neighbors. Their records hover around the .500 mark, and they possess a mix of strong offensive talents and shaky defenses.
Lower‑Tier Cluster (9–12): Teams like the Houston Dash, Chicago Red Stars, and the Philadelphia Union (if still in the NWSL) occupy these slots. Their playoff chances are slim, primarily due to inconsistent performances and key injuries throughout the season.
6. The Impact of the New Playoff Format
A central theme of the article is the league’s updated playoff format, which now grants the top two teams from each conference a bye straight into the conference finals. This structure underscores the importance of regular‑season performance:
Guaranteed Byes: Kansas City and the top West team (in this case, the current) bypass the first round, allowing them to rest and prepare for a potentially tough series.
Best‑of‑Two Conference Finals: The conference finals are now played as best‑of‑two aggregate score series, adding a strategic layer to the playoffs. Teams will have to balance offensive risk with defensive solidity in both legs.
The article emphasizes that Kansas City’s current form positions them to exploit this advantage fully, while teams like Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride will need to navigate a tougher road.
7. Final Thoughts
In essence, the Sports Illustrated analysis confirms that Kansas City Current are the clear favorites heading into the NWSL playoffs, supported by strong defensive metrics, a balanced squad, and a seasoned coaching staff. Their competitors, while possessing moments of brilliance, are generally outpaced in terms of overall consistency and tactical flexibility.
The article also serves as a reminder that the playoff format change has altered the competitive landscape, rewarding teams that perform consistently throughout the season. As the playoffs draw nearer, the rankings will undoubtedly shift, but Kansas City’s position at the top of the power list suggests they remain the team to watch.
Follow‑up Links for Further Detail
- Kansas City Current Roster – Detailed player stats and injury updates (linked in the article to the official club site).
- NWSL Playoff Format Overview – Official league documentation outlining the new playoff structure.
- Player Profiles – Individual statistics for key players such as Maya Johnson, Lauren Holiday, and Megan Rapinoe, available through the NWSL’s data portal.
- Coaching Bios – In‑depth looks at coaching philosophies of Casey Stoney (KC), Paul Riley (Orlando), and other conference leaders.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/soccer/nwsl-playoffs-power-rankings-kc-current-vs-the-rest ]
