The NWSL season is in full bloom, and if April showers brought May flowers, then the 2026 regular season is serving up a garden of glorious chaos. Unpredictability is the name of the game, and with it comes a major power shift across the league. If you see a struggling club toppling a top-ranked favorite, don't blink—that's just another weekend in the NWSL.
That's right, it's time for our weekly Power Rankings, and with a quarter of the season now in the books, several teams are making serious statements. Take Boston Legacy, for example. Heading into matchweek eight, this expansion side has shed its early-season jitters. Instead of playing the part of the underdog, they're stringing together dramatic, come-from-behind wins. What's their secret? A gritty, physical edge. Boston currently leads the league in fouls committed (145) and tackles made (206), earning them a well-deserved spot in the rankings without any backsliding.
Meanwhile, in the nation's capital, the Washington Spirit are proving why they're considered one of the deepest rosters in the league. They're not just winning—they're doing it with style, and they've got a new good luck charm in Jose the Coyote turning heads. When we talk about the best midfield in the NWSL, it's hard to look past the Spirit's trio of Rebeca Bernal, Leicy Santos, and Hal Hershfelt. And with head coach Adrian Gonzalez expecting reinforcements like Andi Sullivan and Deb Abiodun to return to form, this team is a treasure trove of talent built for the long haul. Whether it's a blowout, a nail-biter, or a scrappy grind, the Spirit are finding ways to manage every type of game.
But not every team is riding high. Scoring woes continue to plague Seattle Reign, Bay FC, and especially the Chicago Stars. Despite a new head coach and fresh roster additions, Chicago looks as lost as ever. The ball simply isn't finding the back of the net, and defensively, they're struggling to hold the line. For these clubs, the season is already feeling like a long climb back to relevance.
