NWSL midseason grades for all 16 teams: From an A+ to F

The NWSL season has reached its midpoint, making it the longest in the league’s history with a record 30 games. ESPN has now issued its midseason report cards, assessing the performance of all 16 teams based on their games played so far.

Back in April, the previous evaluations were lenient, as teams had just a few matches under their belts. Now, with every team having sufficient gameplay data, it’s time to dispense grades that reflect true progress—and setbacks.

Team Performance Grades

Angel City FC (8th place; 7-1-7, 22 pts.)
Grade: C+

Angel City FC is in need of improved performance after firing coach Alexander Straus midseason. Their early win streak feels distant, and the team is struggling to maintain playoff contention.

Bay FC (14th place; 5-3-8, 18 pts.)
Grade: C

With plans for a multi-year project ahead, Bay FC started slow. The team shows promise with new talent but continues to find its footing under coach Emma Coates.

Boston Legacy FC (13th place; 5-4-8, 19 pts.)
Grade: B-

The Legacy has significantly improved since a rocky start, winning three of their last five matches. A tactical shift has reinvigorated their performance.

Chicago Stars (15th place; 4-0-12, 12 pts.)
Grade: F

Despite slightly better performance than last year, Chicago remains at the bottom of the table. They struggle with scoring and continue to face questions about their future strategy.

Denver Summit FC (11th place; 5-4-6, 19 pts.)
Grade: B

Denver’s roster boasts veteran talent that keeps them competitive, and their recent addition of USWNT midfielder Lindsey Heaps heightens their playoff potential.

Gotham FC (2nd place; 10-4-3, 34 pts.)
Grade: A-

The reigning champions are in contention for the NWSL Shield after significant roster changes. Despite some inconsistencies, they are performing well overall.

Houston Dash (12th place; 5-4-7, 19 pts.)
Grade: B-

The Dash have shown potential with talented young athletes, although their performances remain inconsistent. They sit just outside the playoff spots.

Kansas City Current

Struggling with consistency, especially away from home, Kansas City faces challenges finding replacements for key players. Their playoff ambitions hinge on better performances.

North Carolina Courage

With Ashley Sanchez shining this season, North Carolina faces challenges following the departure of key midfielder Manaka Matsukubo. They need to fill this gap to elevate their standings.

Orlando Pride (7th place; 7-2-8, 23 pts.)
Grade: B-

Orlando displays talent, but inconsistent results leave them near the playoff line. Leader Barbra Banda’s performance has been stellar, but the team needs more reliability.

Portland Thorns (5th place; 8-4-5, 28 pts.)
Grade: B+

Under new coach Robert Vilahamn, Portland remains competitive despite early concerns. The return of striker Sophia Wilson adds to their offensive capabilities.

Racing Louisville

Louisville finds itself at the bottom of the table, with mounting concerns following a season where they made the playoffs. A trade request from their star player adds to the turmoil.

San Diego Wave FC (4th place; 9-2-6, 28 pts.)
Grade: B

San Diego started strong but was recently affected by injuries. They continue to search for stability in goal as they work towards making a strong playoff push.

Seattle Reign FC (10th place; 6-2-7, 20 pts.)
Grade: C+

Seattle’s season has seen highs and lows, with inconsistent results troubling their playoff chances. Key players need to step up for improved outcomes.

Utah Royals (3rd place; 9-3-5, 30 pts.)
Grade: A

Exceeding expectations, Utah remains competitive with strong team performances. Their solid defense contributes to their playoff ambitions.

Washington Spirit (1st place; 11-3-3, 36 pts.)
Grade: A+

Leading the charge, the Spirit excelled with 11 wins out of 13 matches. They demonstrate depth and consistency, strengthening their bid for the NWSL Shield.

FAQs

What is the current standing of the Washington Spirit?

The Washington Spirit currently leads the NWSL with 36 points, showing consistent performance throughout the season.

When is the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be held in June and July, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.