Attendance Records and Unexpected Outcomes
The Chicago Red Stars set a new attendance record at Wrigley Field on Saturday night, marking a historic moment for the club and its fanbase. Despite the record-breaking crowd, the Red Stars couldn't deliver the desired result on the field, as Bay FC managed to clinch a hard-fought victory.
Chicago fans were understandably disappointed with the outcome. However, there remains a palpable sense of hope for future success, as the season is far from over. With plenty of time left, teams still have opportunities to shake up the rankings and make significant moves. Enthusiasts of the NWSL can catch select regular season matches across CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
2024 NWSL Power Rankings
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride's impressive win streak came to a temporary halt with a draw against San Diego. Nevertheless, the team remains steadfast at the top of the power rankings. Their consistent performance positions them as a formidable force that won't be easily dethroned.
Kansas City Current
The Kansas City Current extend their unbeaten streak to an awe-inspiring 14 games, dating back to last season. However, the team suffered a setback with defender Gabrielle Robinson succumbing to an ACL injury. On the bright side, forward Bia Zaneratto's return to the pitch strengthens their lineup. Kansas City seems willing to concede goals if it means outscoring their opponents and maintaining their upward momentum.
Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit's rookie class has made an undeniable impact on the team's performance. Defender Kate Wiesner delivered a game-winner on the road, extending the team's win streak to four consecutive games. Their youthful talent continues to be a significant asset, driving their success this season.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
The reigning champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, are quietly ascending both the rankings and the league table. Ella Stevens is proving her worth in starting roles, while veterans like Crystal Dunn and Rose Lavelle are contributing crucial goals. Gotham FC's depth will be invaluable as the season progresses.
Portland Thorns FC
Portland Thorns FC's standout player, Sophia Smith, continues to add goals to her season tally. However, she will miss the next match due to receiving a second yellow card for delaying the game. The Thorns will need to adjust and find a way to compensate for her absence.
Racing Louisville
Racing Louisville appears to be turning a corner at a critical juncture in the season. With two consecutive wins and an unbeaten streak of three games, the team shows promise. Although their six draws have been less than ideal, they are proving to be resistance-filled contests, positioning them as potential second-half-of-the-season disruptors.
North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage has shown improvement with a fluctuating back formation. However, they have picked up their fourth loss in five games. The team will be without Ryan Williams, who is on a red card suspension, but they can look forward to Denise O'Sullivan's return to the pitch.
San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC continues to face challenges in goal scoring. Makenzie Doniak managed to score an equalizer against Orlando Pride, but the team struggles to execute their tactics in the final third of the pitch.
Chicago Red Stars
Chicago Red Stars are enduring a tough period with their third consecutive loss. The team is finding it challenging to get the ball to Mallory Swanson, hindering their offensive capabilities.
Angel City FC
Angel City FC appears to be struggling with their identity on the field. The lack of positive results is putting considerable pressure on the coach and the overall team dynamics.
Houston Dash
Although Houston Dash had some momentum coming into their recent matches, they failed to capitalize on it. Their three-player back formation faced tough moments against Racing Louisville, leading to results they are not satisfied with.
Bay FC
Bay FC hopes their victory against Chicago will serve as a pivotal turning point in their season. Despite the win, they failed to secure a clean sheet and conceded a goal in stoppage time, indicating areas for improvement.
Seattle Reign FC
Seattle Reign FC is navigating a challenging first half of the season amid an ownership change. These off-field distractions seem to be affecting their on-field performance.
Utah Royals FC
Utah Royals FC continues to struggle, failing to score against the Spirit at home. Their winless streak extends since March, with the team now enduring a 10-game losing run. Significant changes will be required to turn their season around.
Fans looking to catch the excitement of the NWSL can tune in to select regular season matches across CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.