They have the talent, but the results just aren’t there. They had a chance to make a statement in week 14 but fell short, showing some bright spots but ultimately lacking the consistency needed to compete at a higher level. With stars like Christen Press and Tobin Heath, this team should be higher in the rankings, but they need to start putting it all together on the field.
11. Houston Dash (–)
It’s been a tough season for Houston Dash, with injuries and inconsistent performances plaguing the team. They showed some fight in week 14, but ultimately couldn’t secure the result they needed. With players like Nichelle Prince and Veronica Latsko leading the charge, there’s potential for this team to climb up the rankings if they can string together some wins.
12. Chicago Red Stars (–)
Chicago Red Stars continue to struggle, with week 14 being no different. They have talent on the roster, but they just can’t seem to put it all together on the field. With key players like Mallory Pugh and Kealia Watt, there’s hope for a turnaround, but time is running out in the season.
As we head into the second half of the NWSL season, the race for the playoffs is heating up. Teams will need to find their form quickly if they want to secure a spot in the postseason. With plenty of action still to come, fans can expect more excitement, drama, and surprises as the season unfolds. Be sure to tune in to catch all the action and see how these power rankings continue to shift and evolve throughout the season.
Not a single win in six games, and despite all the “learning” the group is getting from new manager Alex Strauss, wins aren’t coming. The staff will need to figure out how to rotate players into successful scenarios if they want to get back into the upper half of the rankings.
The North Carolina Courage have dropped one spot in the rankings following a series of disappointing results. The team showed promise before the break but seemed to struggle upon their return. One bright spot for the Courage is the emergence of Tyler Lussi as an attacking fullback, bringing a new dynamic to the team.
The Houston Dash have maintained their position in the rankings, with veteran midfielder Sophie Schmidt making a significant impact in recent games. Schmidt’s ability to score crucial goals off the bench could prove to be the x-factor for the Dash as they look to improve in the second half of the season.
Utah Royals have held steady in the rankings, with Mina Tanaka stepping up in a big way in a recent match against a top side like Orlando. With the departure of key players like Sentnor, Tanaka could be the playmaker that the Royals need to reset their season and build chemistry with other key players like Brecken Mozingo and Bianca St-Georges.
Chicago Stars FC have struggled this season but have shown resilience under interim head coach Ella Masar. The team recently secured a draw, with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher returning to form and Ally Schlegel finding the back of the net. With key players stepping up, the Stars could be poised for a turnaround in the second half of the season.
Overall, the teams in the rankings will need to make strategic changes and rotations to find success on the field. As the season progresses, it will be crucial for each team to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses to climb back up the rankings and compete at a higher level. The Benefits of Meditation: How It Can Improve Your Mental and Physical Health
Meditation has been practiced for centuries as a way to improve overall well-being and reduce stress. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research showing the numerous benefits of meditation on both mental and physical health.
One of the key benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we meditate, we are able to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment, which can help to alleviate feelings of worry and overwhelm. Studies have shown that regular meditation practice can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body, leading to a greater sense of calm and relaxation.
Meditation has also been shown to improve mental clarity and focus. By practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment, we can train our brains to be more attentive and focused on the task at hand. This can lead to increased productivity and a greater ability to concentrate on daily tasks.
Additionally, meditation has been linked to improved emotional well-being. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness and self-awareness through meditation, we can better regulate our emotions and respond to stressful situations in a more calm and collected manner. This can lead to a greater sense of emotional balance and stability.
On a physical level, meditation has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that regular meditation practice can lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and boost the immune system. Meditation has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to alleviate symptoms of chronic pain and other inflammatory conditions.
In addition to these benefits, meditation has also been shown to improve sleep quality, enhance creativity, and promote a greater sense of overall well-being. By incorporating meditation into our daily routine, we can experience these benefits and improve our mental and physical health in the long term.
Overall, the benefits of meditation are vast and far-reaching. By taking the time to cultivate a regular meditation practice, we can improve our mental clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance our overall well-being. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, there is no doubt that the benefits of this ancient practice are truly transformative.
