Attendance Records and Unexpected Outcomes
The Chicago Red Stars set a new attendance record at Wrigley Field on Saturday night, showcasing the growth and rising popularity of women's soccer. However, the excitement of the record-breaking crowd wasn't matched by the performance on the field, as the Red Stars faced yet another challenging match.
Bay FC managed to clinch a victory, further deepening the woes of the Chicago team. Despite the loss, Chicago fans maintained a hopeful outlook for future success, recognizing that there's still plenty of time left in the season for teams to shake up the rankings and make significant moves.
Fans eager to follow the NWSL action can catch select matches across CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network, ensuring widespread access to some of the most compelling games.
2024 NWSL Power Rankings
Orlando Pride
The win streak of Orlando Pride came to a halt with a draw against San Diego. Despite this hiccup, the Pride remain steadfast at the top spot of the rankings, thanks to their consistent performances. They're a tough team to dethrone, and their resilience will be a key factor as the season progresses.
Kansas City Current
The Kansas City Current are on an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak stretching back to last season. However, they've suffered a significant blow with the loss of defender Gabrielle Robinson to an ACL injury. On a positive note, forward Bia Zaneratto has returned to the pitch, strengthening their lineup. Kansas City appears willing to concede goals if they can outscore their opponents, a strategy that has seen them rise high in the rankings.
Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit's rookie class has been nothing short of spectacular. Defender Kate Wiesner, in particular, delivered a crucial game-winner on the road, extending their win streak to four consecutive games. The young talent on the team is proving to be a strong asset, making the Spirit a formidable opponent.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
The reigning champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, are quietly ascending in both the rankings and the league table. Ella Stevens is increasingly earning starting roles, while veterans like Crystal Dunn and Rose Lavelle are contributing valuable goals. The depth of Gotham FC's squad will be invaluable as the season wears on.
Portland Thorns FC
Sophia Smith has been a standout performer for Portland Thorns FC, adding more goals to her season total. However, she will miss the next match due to a second yellow card for delaying the game. This will require the Thorns to adjust their strategy in her absence. Nevertheless, they remain a strong contender.
Racing Louisville
Racing Louisville is turning a corner at a critical time. With two consecutive wins and an unbeaten run in three games, they are slowly climbing the ranks. Although their six draws haven’t been ideal, they are avoiding losses, positioning themselves as potential wreckers in the second half of the season.
North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage displayed some improvement with a fluctuating back formation, but they picked up their fourth loss in five games. Ryan Williams's red card suspension is a setback, but the return of Denise O'Sullivan brings some hope. They will need to find consistency to move up the rankings.
San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC continues to face challenges with goal-scoring. Although Makenzie Doniak scored an equalizer against Orlando Pride, the team struggles with executing their tactics in the final third, a fundamental area they need to address to improve their standing.
Chicago Red Stars
The Red Stars are enduring a tough spell with their third consecutive loss. Their struggles are evident, particularly in getting the ball to star player Mallory Swanson. Despite the set-backs, the team and its supporters remain optimistic about turning things around.
Angel City FC
Angel City FC seems unsure of their identity on the field. The lack of positive results is piling pressure on the coach, and they will need to quickly find their footing to avoid a disappointing season.
Houston Dash
Houston Dash failed to capitalize on their recent momentum. They faced tough moments with their three-player back formation against Racing Louisville, highlighting areas that require improvement if they are to make a significant impact this season.
Bay FC
Bay FC hopes that their win against Chicago will be a turning point in their season. Despite failing to secure a clean sheet and conceding a goal in stoppage time, the victory could be the boost they need to gain confidence moving forward.
Seattle Reign FC
Seattle Reign FC is enduring a painful first half of the season, compounded by the complexities of navigating an ownership change. It's a challenging time for the team, but there is hope that stability off the field will eventually translate to better performances on it.
Utah Royals FC
Utah Royals FC's difficulties continue as they failed to score against the Spirit at home, extending their winless streak since March. The 10-game losing run underscores the struggles they face, and finding a way to end this streak will be critical for their morale.
The NWSL season is still unfolding, and with numerous matches to come, it's clear that many teams have the potential to change their fortunes. Fans can stay tuned to all the action via CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.