Season’s Outlook & Close Playoff Race

The NWSL predictions for the 2025 season are more exciting than ever. This year, the teams provided the fans with unmatched entertainment that isn’t over yet. Kansas City Current is at the top of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) table with 50 points from 20 matches. They are way ahead of the Washington Spirit (37 points), San Diego Wave (30 points), and the Orlando Pride (29 points). Kansas City’s lead is impressive, but the season isn’t over yet. The 2025 season schedule includes 26 games per club, meaning several games remain that could change the narrative. Here are the NWSL predictions for this season.

NWSL predictions: What will coaches do?

Something that changes the NWSL predictions for this year is that the format is different. The top eight teams will be the ones qualifying, and there won’t be automatic qualifications to the next round. When it comes to the knockout stage, it will take place from Nov. 7 to 9. Semifinals will happen from Nov. 14 to 16. The final will take place on Nov. 22 at San Jose’s PayPal Park. All teams involved have to keep going, and coaches will definitely need to think wisely about their next steps. Resting players and making sure to keep them in shape would make all the difference. No team from the top of the table can afford to lose focus.

Who is rising and who is falling

Aside from Kansas City’s perfect performance, the teams behind them have to keep their performance up. Washington Spirit, for example, has been consistent recently. This may be attributed to their head coach, Adrián González. They have to build on their 37 points if they want to keep the second table position for themselves. Their recent 1-1 draw against the Chicago Stars and 2-2 draw against Angel City show that they can claim points even in close matches.

On the other hand, there is the San Diego Wave, whose playing style has kept them in the top five so far. They, just like the Spirit, will need to do their best to keep their momentum. Orlando Pride is definitely feeling the pressure; they’ve slipped from fourth to seventh place in the past couple of weeks. Plus, luck isn’t on their side. They recently lost their star, Barbra Banda, for the rest of the season due to injury. It would be impressive if they managed to keep going despite this setback.

NWSL predictions for Golden Boot and MVP

Just like the race is on for the title, so is the race for both the Golden Boot and the MVP. Two strong contenders have to be Gotham FC’s Esther González and Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga. The former has 13 goals while the latter has 12, so it is not over yet. Chicago Stars’ Ludmila comes in third place with ten goals. She may surprise everyone and clinch the top spot, but this is not guaranteed. Barbra Banda is in fourth place with eight goals, but unfortunately, her injury ended the race early, according to Orlando Pride’s official website. So far, both González and Chawinga are close to winning the Golden Boot. They are also strong contenders for the MVP Award. Chawinga may have an advantage in the MVP race, though, since it seems like Kansas City is going to win the NWSL Shield.

Orlando Pride’s new great signing

Of course, several teams have made signings that helped them with depth, but one signing that got everyone talking is Orlando Pride landing Mexican forward Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle. Ovalle’s transfer is one of the most expensive ones in NWSL history, and this speaks to her quality. She is what people would call a lethal striker and definitely has the ability to change some of this season’s NWSL predictions. Ovalle can make all the difference in Important games, and this is something the Pride needs.

NWSL predictions for the true Shield favorites

Kansas City is the leader in the 2025 NWSL predictions for the Shield. The goal and points differences show how good they are. It’s not just that they have a great attacking line, but their defensive line is just as good. They are way too close to the finish line to ignore them, especially since they clinched a spot in the playoffs. On the other hand, the Washington Spirit is behind the Current in the race. If they want to pick up their speed, they will need to have better defense. San Diego Wave and Orlando Pride are still in the top four, but it honestly seems impossible that any of the three teams under Kansas City will manage to turn things around and clinch the title. It would be a miracle if they did.

What could happen in the playoffs?

With Kansas City’s playoff spot already secured, fans can expect to see the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC secure their spots as well. Orlando Pride is not a team to ignore, but they have been slipping fast. So far, it seems like the Wave, Reign, Portland Thorns, and Racing Louisville would secure their spots as well.

Angel City FC also still has a chance, though, to overcome Gotham since the points difference between the two is only one point. Though their hopes might be dashed after deciding to transfer Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea before the transfer deadline.

NWSL predictions could change

All these details in the 2025 NWSL predictions aren’t finalized. Everything could change suddenly, especially with the season not over yet. It’s safe to say that placing bets on Kansas City, though, won’t be that much of a risk. It also won’t be surprising if both the Current and the Spirit made it to the semifinals.

What remaining teams do you think would make the playoffs?

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