NWSL Power Rankings: Spirit becomes Pride's closest rival

It's Monday and another week of NWSL action is upon us, which means it's time for ESPN's Power Rankings.

Our rankings are based on a combination of key season statistics (points per game, goal difference, expected goal difference), recent performance, Opta computer ratings and our writers' observations.

Who climbs on the table? Who is in free fall? Our authors and statistical models have created a ranking of all 14 clubs in the league after matchday 22. Let's dive in.

Previous ranking: 1

Next game: Sunday vs. Washington Spirit, 5 p.m. ET (watch on ESPN2 and ESPN+)

After beating the Houston Dash 3-1, the Pride are undefeated in 23 games dating back to last season. Plus, they're only four games away from going a full regular season without a loss. It won't be easy: They face second-place Washington Spirit and third-place Gotham, but there's something unstoppable about this team right now.

Previous ranking: 4

Next game: Sunday at Orlando Pride, 5 p.m. ET (watch on ESPN2 and ESPN+)

The Spirit rebounded from last week's 3-0 loss to Kansas City (their worst loss of the season) with a 2-1 win over Angel City to retain their second place spot. That's a solid rebound, especially since they were without several starters, including star forward Trinity Rodman, who left the game against Kansas City in a wheelchair due to “back spasms.”

Previous ranking: 2

Next game: Saturday at Racing Louisville, 7:30 p.m. ET

Temwa Chawinga scored her 17th goal in a 1-1 draw against Gotham to cement her claim to the Golden Boot. With four games to go, the Malawian star has four goals more than Orlando's Barbra Banda. This is not an easy task. With goals in 10 of their last 11 regular season games, Chawinga doesn't appear to be slowing down heading into the playoffs.

Previous ranking: 3

Next game: Saturday vs. Bay FC, 7:30 p.m. ET

Gotham's form is strong despite a very busy schedule. The reigning champions spent the last 10 days splitting time between the NWSL, Concacaf Champions Cup and a historic visit to the White House. A 1-1 draw at CPKC Stadium is a solid result for a team that is now unbeaten in four games, dating back to September 1st.

Previous ranking: 7

Next game: Saturday vs. San Diego Wave, 7 p.m. ET

Kerolin scored her first goal in her second game since returning from an ACL injury in a 3-1 win at Chicago. The Courage have been an above-average team all season; If their NWSL MVP is playing (and scoring) again in 2023, they could be even more dangerous with the playoffs looming.

Previous ranking: 6

Next game: Saturday at NJ/NY Gotham FC, 7:30 p.m. ET

Bay FC moved into the playoff positions with a 1-0 win over Seattle (Asisat Oshoala's penalty made the difference) and remained unbeaten in four of their last five games. Reaching the postseason in their first season won't be easy, and tough opponents await. Gotham and then Kansas City are next, but given their current form it looks like a real chance.

Previous ranking: 5

Next game: Saturday vs. Kansas City Current, 7:30 p.m. ET

Louisville slipped out of the playoff spots with a 1-0 loss to Utah. The game was close but the playoff race is closer and Racing may regret dropping the points against one of their easier remaining games. Next up? Kansas City and then Washington.

Previous ranking: 8

Next game: Friday at the Houston Dash, 8 p.m. ET

USWNT manager Emma Hayes was on hand to watch the Red Stars host North Carolina on Sunday. With U.S. players on both sides, Chicago suffered a 3-1 defeat, with Brazilian striker Ludmila scoring for the second straight game. The loss snaps a two-game winning streak, but with Houston next in line, they have the potential to bounce back.

Previous ranking: 12

Next game: Saturday at North Carolina Courage, 7 p.m. ET

After struggling to find a win for months, San Diego has picked up two wins in its final three games of the regular season after defeating Portland 2-0 on Sunday. It's not a complete turnaround, but combined with some strong performances in the Concacaf Champions Cup, it's encouraging. 16-year-old Melanie Barcenas scored her first goal for the club in the win.

Previous ranking: 9

Next game: Saturday against the Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET

Somehow the Thorns are still in the playoff plans, but their chances of a postseason appearance are taking a serious hit after another loss this weekend. Sunday's 2-0 loss to the San Diego Wave is the fifth loss in six regular-season games since the season resumed in August.

Previous ranking: 11

Next game: Friday at the Seattle Reign, 10 p.m. ET

Alyssa Thompson is currently in impressive form. The 19-year-old recorded her sixth goal involvement in six games with an Elite assist for Messiah Bright's first goal of the season. They held their own against a visit to Washington, creating just as many chances but allowing one less. Despite some strong performances, they have been winless since September 1st.

Previous ranking: 10

Next game: Friday vs. Angel City, 10 p.m. ET

With the 0-1 defeat against Bay FC, Seattle extended its losing streak to three games. This three-pack of defeats is immediately followed by a three-pack of victories. Given their wavering form and easier games ahead, perhaps the Reign will return to form as the season concludes?

Previous ranking: 14

Next game: Saturday at Portland Thorns, 10 p.m. ET

22-year-old Ana Tejada scored her second goal in four games, breaking the Royals' three-game losing streak with a stunning strike from outside the box. With standout freshman Ally Sentnor returning from the U20 World Cup, the Royals could very well pick up a win or two to close out the season, but sneaking into the playoffs will be next to impossible.

Previous ranking: 13

Next game: Friday vs. Chicago Red Stars, 8 p.m. ET

Thanks to Yuki Nagasato's second goal in two games, Houston becomes the first team to score in a regular-season game against Orlando since July 6. It wasn't enough to defeat the top-ranked, undefeated Pride, but that's something worth celebrating after a season of few wins.