The NWSL season is heating up, and the latest power rankings from CBS Sports and US Soccer make one thing crystal clear: the Utah Royals are not here to play around. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Current — a team with championship pedigree and sky-high expectations — find themselves in a far more uncomfortable position than anyone anticipated.
According to the rankings, the Utah Royals have been making serious noise, rising through the table and signaling that they are a legitimate contender in the 2025 NWSL season. The Royals have benefited enormously from the impact of USWNT talent, a theme that has defined the early portion of the season across multiple clubs. When U.S. Women's National Team players are firing on all cylinders, their club teams tend to follow — and Utah is a prime example of that dynamic playing out in real time.
For the Kansas City Current, the story is a more sobering one. The Current have been one of the marquee franchises in the NWSL over the past few seasons, reaching the championship game and building a reputation as one of the league's model organizations. But strong reputations don't win weekly power rankings, and right now, Kansas City is far from where they need to be. Whether it's form, fitness, chemistry, or a combination of all three, something hasn't clicked for the Current — and the soccer world is paying attention.
What makes these rankings particularly meaningful for American soccer fans is the broader NWSL narrative at play. The league continues to grow in stature and competitive depth, and the rise of teams like the Utah Royals signals that no single club can rest on its laurels. Parity is increasing, and that's great news for fans who want must-watch women's soccer every single weekend.
The USWNT angle also adds a compelling layer. US Soccer's coverage specifically highlighted how national team talent is making significant impacts at the club level. With a loaded international calendar always looming, how these players perform for their NWSL clubs matters — both for league standings and for their case to head coach Emma Hayes heading into future national team cycles.
For fans here in El Paso and across the Southwest, the NWSL's growth represents an exciting time for women's soccer at every level. The league is not just surviving — it's thriving, and storylines like Utah's surge and Kansas City's slump are exactly the kind of drama that keeps supporters glued to their screens week after week.
Keep an eye on both clubs as the season progresses. The Utah Royals have announced themselves as a team to watch, and the Kansas City Current will surely be looking to remind everyone why they belong among the league's elite. In the NWSL, things can shift in a hurry — and that's what makes it so compelling.