NWSL Challenge Cup Power Rankings: North Carolina Courage keep winning, Kansas City Current climbing

North Carolina Courage still hold top spot while Chicago Red Stars slip out of top five.

The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup continues with midweek action as games continue on Wednesday. North Carolina Courage and Kansas City Current lead their respective groups, while OL Reign and Portland Thorns FC are level in the West region. Fans can watch all Challenge Cup matches live and on demand with Paramount+. Rank Team Change Analysis 1. North Carolina Courage – The Courage stay on top of the power rankings after back to back wins in the Challenge Cup. No availability from Brazilian international Debinha was no problem for the Courage, as midfielder Denise O'Sullivan carried the middle third for the team, leading the squad with completed passes into the final third with 88% 2. OL Reign +1 The team made most of their chances with less possession as they boasted an xG of 1.61 compared to 0.99 by Angel City this week as the Reign picked up their first tournament win. Defender Sofia Huerta was the engine for the attack, leading the team in completed passes into the final third with 17 passes and 5 crosses attempted. 3. Kansas City Current +4 The Current had a second half surge completing six shots for 0.65 xG to spark a comeback win over Chicago. Despite missing star striker Lynn Williams, fullback Hallie Mace led the team in total shots (3), chances created (2), and dribbles completed (3). 4. Portland Thorns FC – The Thorns stay at #4 in the rankings after week 2. They picked up a narrow 1-0 win against San Diego, putting up an impressive 2.04 xG but of more concern is that while they didn't concede they still gave up 1.42 xG on 15 shots themsleves. 5. Houston Dash +6 The Dash climbed into the top five after a huge comeback win with three second half goals spearheaded by winger Maria Sanchez who led the team in crosses attempted (8), chances created (2), shots on target (2), and recorded a goal and an assist.  6. Chicago Red Stars - 3 Chicago drops in the rankings after leading Kansas City in all attacking statistics but failing to secure the win. They held KC in first half to only two shots and 0.05 xG, but struggled to generate any attack in the second half.  7. Washington Spirit +2 The defending NWSL champions haven't picked up a win in the Challenge Cup yet, but their dynamic attack improved from a scoreless week one result. The squad recorded a whopping 29 shots with 10 on target and posted a 2.48 xG. Ashley Sanchez led the team with 8 shots and 3 on target. Eventually more goals will come. 8. San Diego Wave FC -2 San Diego has struggled in the midfield over the last two weeks. They're most recently victims of a brilliant Portland team goal built up through the middle before it was slotted home for a goal. Bright spots remain defensive players with fullback Tegan McGrady who led the squad with 10 passes completed into the final third.  9. Angel City FC -4 The club picked up their first franchise loss after playing with 10 players for 60 minutes. Simone Charley provided a spark off the bench and led the team in total shots with six after a strong second half performance. It could signal more time in the near future with Savannah McCaskill now out with a red card.  10. NJ/NY Gotham FC +2 The team picked up their first Challenge Cup result and goal rescuing a draw by way of a converted PK from new acquisition Kristie Mewis. The defense kept a high flying Spirit attack at bay, but the squad still need to find their identity on offense.  11. Orlando Pride -1 A second week of physical play failed to get the Pride a result against North Carolina. The squad collected 19 fouls in the match, while struggling to retain the ball or generate offense. Worst of all Marta now looks set for a spell on the sideline as a knee injury she picked up will require surgery. 12. Racing Louisville FC -4 The team had a two goal lead heading into halftime only to have the game spun in the second half as Houston stomped out Louisville's attack ultimately allowing only 0.60 xG while coming back to hand the side a 3-2 loss.

Team performances have shifted our power rankings ahead of week three action. Let's take a look at where things stand after week two.