NWSL Power Rankings (Matchweek 17): Gotham FC goes to eight unbeaten after comeback win, Portland Thorns victorious in Caiya Hanks’ return, Utah Royals’ Miyabi Moriya, Narumi Miura, and Mina Tanaka make history in 3-2 thriller

Matchweek 17 saw the returns of many stars and legends, but which teams made the most of it?

Here’s our latest NWSL power rankings:

1. Gotham FC | 2-1 win vs KC Current

The Bats allowed the earliest goal in NWSL history and stormed back with goals from Midge Purce and Sam Kerr. It was also the first game they scored at least two goals since July 24.

Gotham FC are now eight games unbeaten.

Also how many times have you’ve seen Jaedyn Shaw’s incredible moves?

2. Utah Royals (+2) | 3-2 win vs Bay FC

The Utah Royals set a new club record for wins in a season with 11, and there’s still many more games to go.

Miyabi Moriya, Narumi Miura, and Mina Tanaka became the first trio of Japanese internationals to score in NWSL history.

What’s next for URFC?

3. Washington Spirit | 1-1 draw at Angel City FC

Trinity Rodman continues to move her way up in the MVP race.

After the late goal concession, the Washington Spirit had to settle for a draw and are now winless in their last three.

4. Portland Thorns (+3) | 2-1 win vs Orlando Pride

Deyna Castellanos started it off with a golazo.

Caiya Hanks marked a dream return to the Portland Thorns with a goal after 14 months out due to an ACL injury. After subbing on, she called game eight minutes later in the 96th minute.

It was also the latest game-winner in club history.

5. San Diego Wave | 1-1 draw vs Denver Summit

The good news? Melanie Barcenas’ brilliance.

The bad news? With the draw, San Diego Wave only have one win in their last six…

6. North Carolina Courage (-4) | 2-3 loss vs Houston Dash

NC Courage have one of the best duos in the NWSL with Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh who have combined for 21 goals on the season.

Unfortunately North Carolina conceded two late goals and were upset at home by Houston Dash.

After reeling off three straight wins with big margins, they had a major setback.

7. Seattle Reign (+1) | 1-0 win vs Chicago Stars

Seattle Reign are now unbeaten in their last four matches – climbing the NWSL table to now holding a playoff spot.

Maddie Mercado continues to shine bright.

8. KC Current (-1) | 1-2 loss at Gotham FC

One win in their last seven games just won’t cut it…

Fortunately, Two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga is set to return after making history at WAFCON for Malawi. Now the 2027 World Cup will see the superstar in person on the biggest stage of them all.

9. Angel City FC | 1-1 draw vs Washington Spirit

Ally Sentnor: “I honestly just felt a lot of momentum in this game. I got a goal disallowed early on, so I was crediting this team and the staff for really allowing me to be my true self – taking shots and taking chances and allowing me the opportunities to do that, fail or succeed.”

10. Denver Summit | 1-1 draw at San Diego Wave

Another day, another Janine Sonis goal contribution.

This time? Another assist to Yazmeen Ryan.

Can Denver Summit FC make a late run and become the third expansion side to make the playoffs in year one?

11. Houston Dash(+3) | 3-2 win at North Carolina Courage

The super sub: Houston Dash forward Clarissa Larisey scored a brace with goals in the 80th and 93rd to stun NC Courage on the road 3-2.

Was that the win of the season for Houston Dash?

12. Racing Louisville (+1) | 4-1 win vs Boston Legacy

This is the Bev Yanez and Racing Louisville folks have been waiting for all season. They are in the midst of their best football of the season with four wins in their last five matches.

Kayla Fischer, Katie O’Kane, and Emma Sears put on a show.

The only blemish? Another late goal. The team is still searching for their first clean sheet.

13. Orlando Pride (-2) | 1-2 loss at Portland Thorns

Orlando have dropped three straight results and been outscored 2-10 in the process.

They’ve now dropped down to 12th in the table, can they find some consistency down the stretch?

14. Boston Legacy (-2) | 1-4 loss at Racing Louisville

The expansion side have now allowed four goals in back-to-back games…

15. Bay FC | 2-3 loss at Utah Royals

The growing pains continue as Bay FC have now not won a match since July 18…

16. Chicago Stars | 0-1 loss at Seattle Reign

Chicago is now winless in their last six games…