Attendance Records and Unexpected Outcomes
The Chicago Red Stars set a new attendance record at Wrigley Field on Saturday night, drawing a huge crowd to witness their matchup against Bay FC. Despite the thrilling atmosphere, the Red Stars were unable to secure a victory, much to the disappointment of their dedicated fans. Ultimately, Bay FC managed to clinch a win, capitalizing on the opportunities presented to them.
While the loss was disheartening for Chicago fans, there remains a sense of hope for the future. With plenty of time left in the season, teams still have ample opportunities to shake up the rankings and make significant moves in the standings. Fans eagerly anticipate the twists and turns that the remainder of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season will bring.
For enthusiasts looking to catch more action, select NWSL regular season matches will be available on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network, ensuring that no fan misses out on the excitement.
2024 NWSL Power Rankings
Orlando Pride
The Orlando Pride's remarkable win streak recently came to an end with a draw against San Diego. Despite the setback, the team remains steadfast at the top of the rankings, thanks to their consistent performance. Orlando's dominance suggests that dethroning them will be a considerable challenge for any opponent.
Kansas City Current
The Kansas City Current have extended their unbeaten streak to an impressive 14 games, dating back to last season. However, the team faces adversity after losing defender Gabrielle Robinson to an ACL injury. The return of forward Bia Zaneratto has nonetheless bolstered their lineup. Kansas City seems prepared to concede goals if it means outscoring their opponents, a strategy that has paid off thus far.
Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit's rookie class continues to shine, with defenders like Kate Wiesner making significant contributions. Wiesner recently scored a game-winning goal on the road, extending Washington's win streak to four consecutive games. The team's young talent is proving to be a formidable asset as they climb the rankings.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
The reigning champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, are quietly ascending in the rankings. Key players like Ella Stevens are earning starting roles, while veterans Crystal Dunn and Rose Lavelle contribute crucial goals. Gotham FC's depth will be indispensable as they navigate the latter part of the season.
Portland Thorns FC
Sophia Smith continues to be a standout player for Portland Thorns FC, adding more goals to her season tally. However, Smith will miss the next match due to a second yellow card for delaying the game. The Thorns will need to adapt to her absence and find other ways to maintain their offensive momentum.
Racing Louisville
Racing Louisville is finding their stride at a crucial juncture in the season. With two consecutive wins and an unbeaten streak in three games, the team has potential to become formidable spoilers in the latter half of the season. Although six draws have been less than ideal, they are at least avoiding losses.
North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage has shown some improvement, experimenting with a changing back formation. Despite their efforts, they have picked up their fourth loss in five games. The suspension of Ryan Williams due to a red card and the return of Denise O'Sullivan will impact their strategies moving forward.
San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave FC continues to struggle with goal scoring, even though players like Makenzie Doniak have managed to score critical goals, such as her recent equalizer against Orlando Pride. The team faces challenges in executing tactics in the final third, an area that will need addressing if they aim to climb the rankings.
Chicago Red Stars
The Chicago Red Stars are enduring a rough patch, with their third consecutive loss. Key player Mallory Swanson has struggled to receive the ball, limiting her ability to make an impact. The team will need to devise new strategies to overcome these hurdles if they hope to improve their standings.
Angel City FC
Angel City FC is grappling with an identity crisis. The lack of positive results is mounting pressure on the coaching staff, necessitating swift and effective changes to turn their season around.
Houston Dash
Houston Dash failed to build on their previous momentum, facing difficulties with a three-player back formation during their match against Racing Louisville. They will need to reassess their strategies to stabilize their performance.
Bay FC
Bay FC hopes their recent win against Chicago Red Stars is a harbinger of better things. However, they failed to secure a clean sheet, conceding a goal in stoppage time—a blemish they’ll need to address moving forward.
Seattle Reign FC
Seattle Reign FC is experiencing a challenging first half of the season. The team is also navigating through an ownership change, adding another layer of difficulty to their campaign.
Utah Royals FC
Utah Royals FC is struggling, failing to score against the Washington Spirit at home. Their winless streak has extended since March, now reaching 10 consecutive losses. Turning this around will require significant improvements and strategic changes.
Fans can catch select NWSL regular season matches across CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network, ensuring that they stay connected to all the action as the season progresses.