During the 2024 NWSL season, four teams have consistently stood out above the rest, with two of them set to face off this weekend. No. 1 Orlando will play against No. 4 Gotham FC on Sunday at 6 PM ET, as the Bats’ impressive run meets the Pride’s unbeaten streak.
Top four clubs maintain healthy NWSL table advantage
After Gotham’s victory over Portland last weekend, there is a seven-point gap between fourth and fifth place in the standings — the widest margin in the league.
Orlando, Gotham, No. 2 Washington, and No. 3 Kansas City have been the standout teams of the season, with Portland trailing behind in fifth place. All four teams have accumulated over 34 points, marking the first time in NWSL history that multiple clubs have reached this milestone in a single season.
Securing a top-four finish in the regular season not only comes with bragging rights but also earns quarterfinal home field advantage in the postseason for these clubs.
Kansas City Current look to right their season’s ship
While Orlando, Washington, and Gotham aim to sustain their strong performances, Kansas City is eager to bounce back after suffering two consecutive losses that ended their record-breaking unbeaten streak.
The Current face a tough challenge on Sunday against No. 6 North Carolina, a team looking for redemption following a last-minute defeat to 12th-place Seattle last weekend.
Mid-table NWSL teams hope to shift league standings
The competition in the mid-table is intensifying, with No. 9 Angel City and No. 10 Bay FC looking to climb into playoff contention through matches against No. 7 Chicago and Portland, respectively. Both California clubs are just one point below the playoff line, with Racing Louisville currently in eighth place.
Despite being in 11th place, San Diego will also strive to move up in the rankings, even though they face a tough challenge against a strong Spirit side on Sunday.
