NWSL 2026: Cards Flying and Shockers Everywhere

Picture this: the NWSL has barely warmed up for 2026, and it's already a proper scrap. Six red cards in the first two matchdays – that's more than the 11 dished out all of last season. Fouls are raining down, especially from newcomers Boston Legacy, who've racked up 37 already. Yet, penalties? Just the one, and Casey Murphy in goal for Boston saved it against Houston Dash. Chaos, pure and simple.

Three sides sit perfect: Angel City FC, Portland Thorns, and Houston Dash. NJ/NY Gotham FC and North Carolina Courage are unbeaten too. But six teams – Racing Louisville, Denver Summit, Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, Utah Royals, and Boston Legacy – are still hunting their first win. Two weeks in, it's volatile as hell, but let's rank 'em anyway, inspired by the sharp takes from SI Soccer.

Matchday 2: Draws, Thrashings, and Comebacks

The results were a mixed bag. Orlando Pride grinded out a 1-1 with Denver Summit. Racing Louisville blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Washington Spirit – keeper Jordyn Bloomer made eight saves to nick a point. Portland Thorns smashed Seattle Reign 2-0, Houston Dash battered Boston 3-0, and Gotham FC held NC Courage 0-0.

Elsewhere, Bay FC fell 3-1 to Angel City, Chicago Stars stunned KC Current 2-1, Utah Royals lost 2-1 to San Diego Wave. Proper drama.

Power Rankings: From the Gutter to the Stars (16-1)

The Bottom Feeders (16-11)

16. Utah Royals – Struggling early, that 1-2 loss to San Diego sums it up.

15. Boston Legacy – Expansion woes: thumped 3-0 by Houston, fouling like it's going out of fashion.

14. Chicago Stars – Beat KC, but overall, they're scrapping.

13. Bay FC – Leaked three to Angel City.

12. Denver Summit – Drew with Orlando, but no fireworks.

11. Seattle Reign – Thumped by Portland.

10. Racing Louisville – Emma Sears is on fire, but chucking away leads hurts.

Mid-Table Mediocre (9-6)

9. San Diego Wave – Edged Utah 2-1, but against 10 players? Meh.

8. Houston Dash – Two wins, 4-0 goals, top for big chances (9). Beautiful passing footy, but Boston were green.

7. North Carolina Courage – New gaffer Mak Lind adding adventure, unbeaten without MVP hopeful Manaka Matsukubo.

6. KC Current – Shocked 2-1 by Chicago, conceding first again. Missing Claire Hutton badly, but still class.

Contenders Heating Up (5-3)

5. Orlando Pride – Barbra Banda banging in two in two. Depth issues, Marta absent at 40, but attack lethal.

4. Washington Spirit – Winless, defence wobbly, but Rosemonde Kouassi (two assists), Leicy Santos, and Sofia Cantore firing. Fought back from 2-0 down.

3. NJ/NY Gotham FC – Back-to-back clean sheets, 17 turnovers in opp's third. Emily Sonnett, Jess Carter solid; Tierna Davidson back post-ACL.

The Elite (2-1)

2. Angel City FC – Best start ever: two wins, seven goals. Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir (brace + assist) MVP vibes. Easy schedule? Beat what's there.

1. Portland Thorns – Toughest slate (Spirit, Reign), held on with nine players for 33 mins! Overcame more bollocks than anyone.

What's Next?

Too early for bold calls, but the reds suggest referees are on a mission. Keep an eye on Houston's attack, Portland's grit, and whether Boston can stop hacking. This league's a riot – grab your popcorn, or better yet, a pint. Expect fireworks as the real contenders emerge.