NWSL Power Rankings: Matchday 4 Highlights
As the 2026 NWSL regular season unfolds this Tuesday, ESPN unveils its latest Power Rankings for all 16 teams following an action-packed Matchday 4. Coaches and players must now focus on continuing to improve or risk falling behind in the standings. Let’s take a look at which teams are making a notable impact this week.
Top Performers
At the top of the table, the San Diego Wave secure their position thanks to a stellar performance, marking their fourth consecutive victory. They achieved a narrow yet decisive 1-0 success over Boston, propelled by a decisive 63rd-minute goal from Ludmila. This impressive run, coupled with leading statistics in expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA), positions them strongly heading into their next match against Denver Summit on April 25.
The Portland Thorns, after battling through a tense matchup against North Carolina Courage, managed to hold their ground with an entertaining 2-2 draw. Despite their promising start, they faced two setbacks in the match, though Olivia Moultrie continued to shine with her contributions this season. Their upcoming contest against Angel City FC on April 26 is poised to be another test of their resilience.
Challenges Ahead
Angel City, positioned at 14th overall, faced a tough challenge as they narrowly fell 2-1 to Orlando Pride, thanks to a last-minute winner from Haley McCutcheon. With lingering questions about their performance metrics, including xG, they must improve to revitalize their season when they meet Utah Royals on April 26.
Meanwhile, Seattle Reign‘s streak of success came to a halt with a scoreless draw against Denver, a disappointing result after recent victories. Their struggle to convert shots into goals might put more pressure on coach Laura Harvey as they prepare to face Racing Louisville on April 24.
The Houston Dash captured an exhilarating 4-3 victory over Racing Louisville in a thrilling encounter laden with penalties. Kiki Van Zanten emerged as the standout player, netting twice, but the team’s underlying issues still loom as they look to consolidate their momentum against NJ/NY Gotham FC.
In contrast, Bay FC is grappling with maintaining competitive form, as their latest match saw them suffer a 2-0 defeat to Washington Spirit despite goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz‘s commendable performance. They face Kansas City Current next, where they will seek vital points to stabilize their season.
Breaking Streaks
On the other side, Washington Spirit broke their winless streak with a satisfying 2-0 victory over Bay FC, featuring a crucial late goal from Gift Monday. Their upcoming match against Houston Dash will test their consistency and ability to maintain forward momentum.
The Utah Royals celebrated back-to-back victories, boosting their standings with a solid 1-0 win over Chicago. The Royals will be looking to extend this success when they face Orlando Pride on April 24.
In a downward spiral, Chicago Stars are struggling with a disappointing record, highlighted by their recent 1-0 defeat to Utah. With their defensive issues becoming more apparent, their next match against Racing Louisville could be pivotal.
Conclusion
As the NWSL season develops, teams are feeling the pressure to adapt and overcome challenges if they wish to ascend the ranks. The upcoming fixtures promise to be crucial in determining which teams solidify their status and which may face further setbacks in the coming matchups.
