NWSL Power Rankings (Matchweek 19): Washington Spirit back to winning ways, Cloé Lacasse makes history for Utah Royals, San Diego forward Trinity Byars continues to shine, and KC Current & Seattle Reign solidify playoff standing

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Cloe Lacasse #24 of Utah Royals celebrates scoring the team's first goal during the NWSL match between Orlando Pride and Utah Royals at Inter&Co Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dustin Markland/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images

Matchweek 19, demonstrated the difference in quality with the contenders taking care of business and not one upset in sight.

The playoff picture is taking shape with teams distancing themselves from one another.

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All For XI’s NWSL Power Rankings:

1. Gotham FC | 1-1 draw vs Portland Thorns

That’s now 10 unbeaten for the Bats as they remain the frontrunners in the NWSL Shield race.

How many times have you rewatched Jaedyn Shaw’s goal?

“I don’t think it’s a secret in my reaction to the goal. I was trying to cross it. I’m really happy it went in the goal.”

2. San Diego Wave | 3-2 win vs Racing Louisville

San Diego Wave captain Kenza Dali returned from injury and made an immediate impact: the game-winning goal.

Also, what else is there to say about the rising stardom of Trinity Byars? The forward has reached 10 goals in her first extended season as a professional.

3. Utah Royals (+1) | 2-1 win at Orlando Pride

Cloé Lacasse became just the third player in NWSL history to reach 10 assists in a NWSL regular season. She led the way with a goal and assist for the comeback road win. Now surely, she’ll be one of the top MVP candidates.

And of course, Paige Cronin delivered when her team needed it the most.

4. Washington Spirit (+1) | 1-0 win vs Bay FC

A much-needed win for the Washington Spirit who only picked up a single point over the previous four games – including three home consecutive losses.

‘Rowdy Audi’ gave them the exact boost they needed against Bay FC.

Trinity Rodman’s shot led through the breakthrough with Paige Metayer pushing it over the line.

5. Portland Thorns (-2) | 1-1 draw at Gotham FC

The Portland Thorns have earned two draws against the NWSL Shield frontrunner: Gotham FC.

After struggling on the road, they’ve now picked up two solid results.

Even with just 26% possession, PTFC generated more xG (1.59 – 0.95), shots (17-12), and were equal with touches in the opposition box with 25.

6. North Carolina Courage | 2-3 loss at KC Current

The slow start denied any chance for NC Courage to pick up a result on the road. They allowed three first-half goals before mounting a comeback that just fell short.

However, picking up six out of nine points with three matches in seven days, is exactly what they needed.

7. Seattle Reign | 1-0 win vs Houston Dash

The Maddies combined for a goal and the defense shut down Houston Dash.

The Seattle Reign continue to pile on the pressure for the teams hoping to get above the playoff line.

8. Kansas City Current | 3-2 win vs North Carolina Courage

After scoring three first-half goals, KC managed to hold on for a 3-2 win vs NC Courage.

With Temwa Chawinga back, can they start climbing the table?

9. Angel City (+1) | 5-2 win at Boston Legacy

It appears as ACFC are about to make their hire at head coach with Dario Vidošić set to takeover.

Interim Leif Smerud has a solid job to lead the team, (4W-2L-4D), keeping the team in the playoff chase.

The latest result? including a 5-2 road demolition over Boston Legacy.

10. Denver Summit (+1) | 6-1 win vs Chicago Stars

Six goals. Five different goalscorers. One massive win.

Janine Sonis continued her brilliant season, Melissa Kössler returned to her scoring ways, and Yuzuki Yamamoto and Olivia Thomas opened up their NWSL accounts.

The most goals scored in the 2026 NWSL season belongs to the Denver Summit.

11. Orlando Pride (-1) | 1-2 loss vs Utah Royals

Head Coach Seb Hines who led Orlando Pride to the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship has been let go in a shocking move.

The roster isn’t where it needs to be, but the blame was instead placed on him.

How far will this set the club back?

12. Houston Dash | 0-1 loss at Seattle Reign

After two big wins, they’ve been shutout in back-to-back matches.

13. Bay FC | 0-1 loss at Washington Spirit

It’s been a struggle down the stretch for Bay FC, with only one win in their last seven.

14. Racing Louisville | 2-3 loss at San Diego Wave

A loss that encompassed the season they’re having…

15. Boston Legacy | 2-5 loss vs ACFC

The expansion side has shown glimpses of the future, but this was another lowlight on the season…

16. Chicago Stars | 1-6 loss at Denver Summit

Is this officially rock bottom?

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