NWSL Power Rankings: Gotham FC rise and Wave FC tumble in battle for top spot

If you hear alarms, there's no need to worry; it's just the NWSL reminding everyone it's the best time of the year, the second half of the season.

The league will welcome match week 16, and every game moving forward will weigh just a little heavier and carry a bit more pressure as time officially begins to wind down for the playoff push or for the NWSL Shield race.

That means it's the perfect time for my NWSL Power Rankings. It's really part of the season where teams can truly flex their roster power, or weaknesses, as the season slowly starts to slip away. If you're trying to keep track of where your favorite team lands, here are my previous rankings .

It's a brand new month, and August could be a make-or-break moment for teams way at the bottom of the rankings. There's not a lot of joy in being first-worst or 12th runners-up, but I'll definitely try my best to have some fun with it. Like how the Houston Dash just keep dropping in the rankings, partially because the results just aren't there despite some big moments from rookies.

The middle of the rankings are always fun, and this week is no different. At a certain point, sometimes it really is just about hanging in there and seeing where the ride takes you, and if you're North Carolina Courage, that is higher, and if you're Angel City, well, that's lower.

The battle for the most powerful team in the league is as narrow as ever. Teams will chase trophies and top spots, and if Gotham FC and Washington Spirit are thinking of slowing down now, that's a bad idea because Utah Royals are surging, and San Diego Wave aren't far behind.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: CBS Sports. Open at source →