Sports
NWSL Power Rankings: Jaedyn Shaw has supercharged Gotham FC
It’s Sunday, and another round of NWSL action is in the books, which means it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Who’s climbing the table? Who’s in free fall? Our writers studied the action from across Matchday 20 to come up with this week’s order of all 14 teams in the league. Let’s dive in.
Previous ranking: 1
Next match: Saturday Sept. 20 vs. Seattle Reign, 7.30 p.m. ET
The first team to hit the 50-point mark in 2025, the Kansas City Current climbed to that total on the back of a scoreless draw with the Washington Spirit on Saturday. After a quiet first half from both sides, the more dangerous and more frequent attacking play came from Vlatko Andonovski’s team. Still, Kansas City missed the presence of Temwa Chawinga, who wasn’t feeling 100%. With plenty of cushion on top of the table and a long unbeaten streak, Chawinga can take all the time in the world before returning to action.
Previous ranking: 2
Next match: Thursday Sept. 18 vs. Angel City FC, 10.30 p.m. ET
Though a point on the road in Kansas City is a good result on its face, the Washington Spirit will regard Saturday’s 0-0 draw with the Current as a missed opportunity. Up against a Chawinga-less version of Kansas City, Washington held their hosts to next-to-nothing in the first half. The problem? The Spirit created precious little of their own before Hal Hershfelt was sent off partway through the second half following her second yellow card. After going down to 10, Washington managed just one shot and headed home with a draw.
1:19
Kansas City Current vs. Washington Spirit – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Kansas City Current vs. Washington Spirit, 09/14/2025
Previous ranking: 6
Next match: Sunday Sept. 21 vs. Bay FC, 8.30 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+)
The early returns on Gotham’s acquisition of Jaedyn Shaw couldn’t be better: the United States star made her debut for her new team on Friday, coming off the bench for the second half and scoring en route to a 2-0 victory over the San Diego Wave. Gotham had to shell out to acquire Shaw from the North Carolina Courage, paying a record intra-league fee of $1.25 million according to ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf. But at just age 20, Shaw is one of the most talented attackers on the planet — and showed her worth as NJ/NY climbed above San Diego in the standings and in these rankings.
Previous ranking: 3
Next match: Saturday Sept. 20 vs. Portland Thorns, 10 p.m. ET
When San Diego saw Gotham on their schedule, they didn’t expect to be confronted with a key piece of their past. But with Shaw, once an up-and-coming superstar with the Wave, traded from North Carolina to NJ/NY Gotham FC late last week, the Wave’s task of taking down Gotham grew taller. Despite controlling the ball and outshooting the visitors, San Diego failed to create high-quality looks on goal and fell 2-0 in the process. That inability to generate dangerous shots has plagued the Wave for most of this season: according to FBref, they sit third-to-last in the league average shot quality.
Previous ranking: 4
Next match: Friday Sept. 19 vs. NC Courage, 7.30 p.m. ET
The Pride’s rough run of form continued on Saturday against Bay FC, where a 1-1 draw wasn’t enough to do anything other than extend Orlando’s winless run to eight games. A sloppy ball out of the back from goalkeeper McKinley Crone in her first start in an NWSL regular season match created the runway for Bay’s Racheal Kundananji to open the scoring for the visitors just before half-time. Ally Watt‘s strike partway through an improved second-half performance saw Orlando equalize. Unable to break the deadlock, though, the Pride’s 2025 hopes continue to sit on shaky ground.
1:18
Chicago Stars vs. Portland Thorns FC – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Chicago Stars vs. Portland Thorns FC, 09/14/2025
Previous ranking: 5
Next match: Friday Sept. 19 vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET
Far more important than these rankings, Savannah DeMelo collapsed on the field during Racing Louisville’s trip to Seattle on Sunday night. The game was abandoned. Louisville released the following statement following the incident: “Savannah, who received immediate on-field care from medical personnel, is stable and alert. She was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.” Get well soon, Savannah.
Previous ranking: 8
Next match: Saturday Sept. 20 vs. San Diego Wave, 10 p.m. ET
Starting with the good for the Thorns: Olivia Moultrie scored one of the goals of the season on Sunday against the Chicago Stars. Her long-range effort from a free kick nestled just inside Alyssa Naeher‘s near post and gave Portland an early 1-0 lead on the road. Now for the bad: the Thorns blew that lead, conceding on the second phase of a throw-in routine before the half-time whistle and left the Windy City with a 1-1 draw against one of the league’s weakest teams.
Previous ranking: 7
Next match: Friday Sept. 19 vs. Chicago Stars, 8 p.m. ET
The Dash had been working their way up these rankings and up the NWSL table on the back of a six-game unbeaten run dating back to the start of August. Against the Utah Royals on Sunday, though, Houston laid an egg. Even with an entire half to work their way back into the game after going down in the first half, the Dash never looked especially threatening throughout the 2-0 loss in Utah. Was their hot streak just fool’s gold?
1:15
Utah Royals vs. Houston Dash – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Utah Royals vs. Houston Dash, 09/15/2025
Previous ranking: 9
Next match: Saturday Sept. 20 vs. KC Current, 7.30 p.m. ET
As mentioned, the Reign’s meeting with Racing Louisville was abandoned on Sunday night after Louisville midfielder DeMelo collapsed on the field. What’s left of the match will be played at a later date.
Previous ranking: 11
Next match: Friday Sept. 19 vs. Orlando Pride, 7.30 p.m. ET
Up to 10 non-penalty goal contributions this year following her goal in a 2-1 win over Angel City on Saturday, Manaka Matsukubo has been one of the most dangerous attackers in the NWSL. While the Courage has been anchored closer to the bottom of the standings than the top in 2025, Matsukubo’s incision all across North Carolina’s attacking line has been on display. It certainly was against the visiting Angel City, where her delightful strike earned a lead that her side never gave away to collect their first win since June. After trading Shaw to Gotham, Matsukubo has only grown in importance in North Carolina.
Previous ranking: 10
Next match: Thursday Sept. 18 vs. Washington Spirit, 10.30 p.m. ET
Though they managed a late goal to cut the deficit in half via Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir, Angel City fell 2-1 to the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, marking their second-straight loss. Alexander Straus’ team recorded just four shots from inside the opposing 18-yard box, rarely threading North Carolina goalkeeper Marisa Jordan. Despite having ample time to throw numbers forward in search of a comeback — the visitors trailed for more than 70 minutes — Angel City looked much like a team whose most dangerous attacker just departed for Chelsea.
Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Friday Sept. 19 vs. Racing Louisville, 10 p.m. ET
The Royals got out to an early lead over the Houston Dash via a strike from Kaleigh Riehl in the fourth minute and never looked back on Sunday. Paige Monaghan added a second goal just before half-time and the 2-0 scoreline stuck. More than a little credit is due to the Royals’ attentiveness on the defensive end — they didn’t allow a single shot from inside the box in the second half. With two wins in their last three, things are looking up a bit in Utah.
1:12
Orlando Pride vs. Bay FC – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Orlando Pride vs. Bay FC, 09/14/2025
Previous ranking: 12
Next match: Sunday Sept. 21 vs. Gotham FC, 8.30 p.m. ET (Stream LIVE on ESPN+)
It’s been a busy week for Bay FC, who went from announcing the upcoming departure of head coach Albertin Montoya to playing out a 1-1 draw on the road against the Orlando Pride on Saturday. Though they took the lead moments before half-time, Bay couldn’t hold strong in the second half. They’ve now gone nine-straight without picking up a victory and the playoffs are looking increasingly untouchable.
Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Friday Sept. 19 vs. Houston Dash, 8 p.m. ET
After winning just their second game of the season last weekend against the Orlando Pride, the Chicago Stars came back down to earth following a 1-1 home draw against the Portland Thorns on Sunday. Bea Franklin‘s equalizer in the 45th minute was a positive. Still, Ludmila was far too isolated at the top of her team’s structure to have a notable impact on the game and the attack, as a whole, was disjointed. There’s still a ton of work to be done in Chicago.
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Real Madrid are considering a move for Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah in 2027, while Madrid and Barcelona are ready to battle for Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.
Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades
TOP STORIES
– Liverpool boss Slot: Collapse of Guéhi transfer ‘a pity’
– Amorim to start Bayindir over Lammens vs. City
– Benfica want City captain Silva: ‘Contract waiting’
TRENDING RUMORS
– Real Madrid are monitoring the situation of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, reports Football Insider. The LaLiga club reportedly could make a surprising move for the 33-year-old towards the end of his contract, with hopes that they can sign him as a free agent in the summer of 2027. Salah is set to be 35 by the time his deal at Anfield expires and may not be prioritizing a move to the Bernabeu by that stage of his career, but he is reported to be open to “all suitors” over his next potential destination.
– Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is on the radar of Real Madrid and Barcelona for a move next summer, according to Bild’s Christian Falk. Stiller, 24, has a reported release clause of just €37.5 million and Madrid see him as a potential long-term replacement for the retired Toni Kroos, while Barca are planning in case Frenkie de Jong or Marc Casadó depart. Bayern Munich and Arsenal have also shown interest in the Germany international in the past.
– Manchester United are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, reports Football Insider. Anderson, 22, was man of the match for England against Andorra during the international break and also impressed against Serbia. United have been linked with a £70m move for the former Newcastle midfielder, but the player himself is reported to be happy at Forest for the time being.
– Bayern Munich are weighing an approach to sign a center back, according to Bild’s Christian Falk. RB Leipzig‘s Castello Lukeba, 22, and Crystal Palace‘s Marc Guéhi, 25, are two of the top names on their shortlist, but it is reported that they first want to make a final decision on whether they offload South Korea international Kim Min-jae, who is yet to start a game this season. The Bundesliga champions are also considering potential future attacking reinforcements, and one of the latest players they are keeping tabs on is 25-year-old Marseille winger Amine Gouiri.
– Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are interested in signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger, reports Fabrizio Romano. The 32-year-old is one of the top names wanted by league officials, but he is currently only focused on returning for Los Blancos after sustaining a leg injury that is expected to keep him out for a number of months. Rudiger entered the final year of his contract in June, but he is yet to make a decision on his future.
EXPERT TAKE
2:17
Nicol: Amorim is learning nothing from Manchester United’s defeats
Steve Nicol is stunned that Ruben Amorim hasn’t tried a change of system to improve Manchester United’s results.
OTHER RUMORS
– Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is on the radar of Liverpool and Real Madrid, and could be available for £60m in January. (TEAMtalk)
– Inter Milan full back Denzel Dumfries, 29, is the center of a battle between Manchester United and Manchester City. (Football Insider)
– Newcastle are set to begin talks regarding a new contract for right back Tino Livramento, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City. (Football Insider)
– An offer worth €40m from Newcastle to sign defender Giorgio Scalvini was turned down by Atalanta this summer, as the club have no interest in parting ways with the 21-year-old Italy senior international and view him as “non-transferable. (Nicolo Schira)
– Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal isn’t keen on a move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega isn’t interested in a move to the Neom SC despite interest from the Saudi Pro League side. (Telegraph)
– Inter Milan are considering a search for a future successor to goalkeeper Yann Sommer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Fulham attacking midfielder Harry Wilson would be “open” to joining Leeds United. (Football Insider)
– Manchester United winger Sam Mather is on the radar of teams in Germany, Turkey, and Sweden. He was previously close to joining Kayserispor before the club ran out of time to complete the deal. (Manchester Evening News)
– Scouts from clubs in Europe are watching Famalicao attacking midfielder Gustavo Sa. (Rudy Galetti)
– West Ham could sack manager Graham Potter and move for former Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo. (Alan Nixon)
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There was no fourth-quarter magic for J.J. McCarthy in his second NFL start, as the Atlanta Falcons handled the Minnesota Vikings on the road to win their first game of the season, 22-6.
McCarthy stole a victory in Chicago last Monday after orchestrating a thrilling fourth quarter against the Bears. But the Falcons had all the answers for the young quarterback on “Sunday Night Football” to get in the win column.
McCarthy went 11-of-21 through the air for 158 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in a game where he had some chances for big plays, but he just didn’t have the right touch on his passes. With the lack of a successful run game, the Falcons were sending all types of pressure and McCarthy went down for six sacks.
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Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons passes against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
But McCarthy’s opponent, Michael Penix Jr., wasn’t having the best of games at the quarterback position either. Penix was just 13-of-21 for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also missed some throws that could’ve led to a touchdown earlier than Tyler Allgeier’s late fourth-quarter score, which was the dagger for the Falcons.
COWBOYS BEAT GIANTS ON WALK-OFF FIELD GOAL IN THRILLING OVERTIME VICTORY
Allgeier’s five-yard rush was the only touchdown for either team in this game, as it was a field goal battle throughout with both teams struggling to convert on red zone chances. Parker Romo, the Falcons’ new kicker as Younghoe Koo was benched after a rough week 1 performance, was up for the challenge as he knocked in all five of his field goal attempts, including his longest from 54 yards out.
J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings warms up against the Atlanta Falcons before the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Though the pass game wasn’t efficient for Atlanta, star running back Bijan Robinson picked up the slack with 143 rushing yards on 22 carries to lead the game in that category. Drake London was the leading receiver for the Falcons with 49 yards on three receptions.
For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson had 81 yards, though he caught just three passes. After McCarthy’s second interception of the game on the Vikings’ final drive, Jefferson was noticeably frustrated on the sideline, but who wouldn’t be when the offense truly clicked in the fourth quarter this past week?
McCarthy and the Vikings will hope to be more consistent from start to finish next week when they face the Cincinnati Bengals, who are expected to be without quarterback Joe Burrow after he suffered a toe injury on Sunday.
Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons rushes against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter in the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, the Falcons hit the road again, but against an NFC South rival in the Carolina Panthers next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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