The Portland Thorns have climbed the ranks in ESPN’s NWSL power rankings for matchday 17, despite the significant setback of losing midfielder Olivia Moultrie for the remainder of the season. Moultrie, a promising talent on the US Women’s National Team, suffered a torn ACL in her right knee on August 11th, ruling her out for the rest of the 2026 club campaign.
Even with Moultrie sidelined, the Thorns have maintained their competitive edge. Their most recent outing saw them secure a 2-1 victory at home against the Orlando Pride on August 15th, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Portland’s Offensive Push Fueled by Sophia Wilson
The resurgence of the Thorns’ offense has been largely driven by Sophia Wilson, who returned to the squad this season following maternity leave. Wilson has seamlessly reintegrated herself as the leading figure in Portland’s attack, providing a consistent scoring threat amid the midfield reshuffle necessitated by Moultrie’s absence. Her impact is evident in the team’s ability to keep pushing forward and accumulate crucial points.
In contrast to Portland’s upward momentum, the atmosphere is notably different for Kansas City Current. Once positioned near the summit of the NWSL power rankings earlier in the summer, the Current have experienced a downturn in form. Their recent 2-1 defeat to Gotham FC on August 14th capped a difficult stretch, resulting in a drop to 10th place in ESPN’s hierarchy.