Beware: The NWSL standings table is known to lie around this time of year.
The new season is one-third gone, which is a big enough sample size to anoint some surprise teams as contenders — or to hit the panic button on some stragglers.
Not every team is what they claim to be, however. There are overperforming teams currently in playoff positions, and struggling teams that should soon climb the standings. Other teams really are as good or as bad as their records say they are.
This is our regular spring tradition of figuring out which teams are for real and which teams are just fooling us, because the winds change quickly in the NWSL. Below is a look — based on current standings, with win-loss-draw records — at what reality could look like for each team by season’s end.
Defining result: 2-0 win over Washington Spirit on March 22
Verdict: The team to beat. The Kansas City Current and the Orlando Pride were the clear top two coming into the season, and the Current have largely met the moment. Yes, a recent two-game losing streak exposed some flaws, but no team is without those — especially in the ultra-competitive NWSL. They turned it around with a 4-1 thrashing of Bay FC on Sunday.
Kansas City still has the most attacking talent in the NWSL and, arguably, the most influential midfield in the league. The Current control the flow of games out of possession and strike quickly and ruthlessly on the counterattack. Their style will keep them competing for the title through November.
Defining result: 3-2 win over Angel City FC on April 25
Verdict: A contender working through issues. How important was that comeback from 2-0 down to Angel City, to win 3-2 on April 25? It’s the only win in four games for the defending NWSL champions, who have lacked finishing prowess and made too many errors at the back over the past month.
So, is it time to panic?
Not yet. Two things are true: Orlando is not the same invincible team that started last season unbeaten through 23 games, and this is still one of the best teams in the NWSL. Opponents have brilliantly defended forward Barbra Banda in 1-v-1 situations recently, but that won’t happen all year. A recent slump has been more about individuals underperforming than any lack of talent.
Next up is a Friday home game against Kansas City in what is a developing rivalry.
Defining result: 1-0 win over Orlando Pride on April 19
Verdict: Ironically overachieving. The Spirit are right where they are supposed to be, rounding out the top three. They’re also lucky to be there given their ongoing injury problems. Forward Trinity Rodman started one game before going back to sidelines due to her ongoing back problems. The Spirit’s injury list remains depressingly long, although American midfielder Croix Bethune‘s return to the field was a welcome sight for the team.
At full strength, Washington can hang with Orlando and Kansas City and compete for trophies, because they have both the on-field and coaching talent. But recent losses to NJ/NY Gotham FC and Angel City FC, plus some uncertain moments in a 3-2 win over the last-place Chicago Stars on Saturday, are cause for concern. This team needs to get healthy over the summer break.
Defining result: 4-1 win over Racing Louisville FC on April 19
Verdict: Surprisingly, the real deal. Last year was an unmitigated disaster for the Wave, who entered 2025 shrouded by mystery due to major personnel turnover. San Diego leads the NWSL in average possession, per FBRef, and it has resulted in some of the most entertaining and effective soccer in the league thus far this season. Midfielders Savannah McCaskill and Kenza Dali rank first and second, respectively, in the NWSL in progressive passes.
San Diego’s form doesn’t look like some kind of early-season fluke, even though the Wave have arguably played a soft schedule so far outside of losses Orlando and Kansas City. San Diego possesses with a purpose. The Wave nearly grinded out a victory with 10 players against Portland on Saturday. This is a multi-dimensional team that will be in the thick of the playoff race.
Defining result: 4-3 win over Washington Spirit on May 2
Verdict: Overperforming but optimistic. Look, Angel City is consistently exciting for the first time… ever? This is a young team still waiting for its hand-picked, big-hire coach (Bayern Munich’s Alexander Straus) to arrive next month, so the rest of this season should serve as a foundation for what’s to come. Angel City has shown that obtaining a playoff spot is still possible despite being in another transition year.
