The NWSL playoff picture came into sharper focus this past weekend as the Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, and Gotham FC clinched the final home playoff berths. Meanwhile, the Chicago Red Stars punched their ticket to the postseason, earning their first playoff appearance since 2022. With just a few regular-season matches remaining, the race for the final two playoff spots continues with points and results mattering now more than ever.
Friday, October 11th
Portland Thorns 2, Orlando Pride 0
To kick the weekend off and in prime NWSL After Dark fashion, Portland Thorns secured a 2-0 victory over the 2024 Shield Winners Orlando Pride on Friday night, with goals from Morgan Weaver and Christine Sinclair. Weaver opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finishing a header from Reyna Reyes, who recorded her first professional assist. Sinclair doubled the lead early in the second half, converting a pass from Sam Coffey for her 80th goal with the Thorns, the most by any player with a single club in NWSL history. Goalkeeper Shelby Hogan recorded her eighth clean sheet of the season, helping the Thorns hold off Orlando’s limited attacks. With this win, Portland moves above the playoff line with two regular-season games remaining.
Saturday, October 12th
Chicago Red Stars 0, Gotham FC 2
NJ/NY Gotham FC secured a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, clinching the club’s first-ever home playoff game. After a scoreless first half, Gotham controlled possession and opportunities and in the 85th minute, Lynn Williams converted a penalty kick, her 80th goal across all NWSL competitions. Esther sealed the win with a 97th-minute goal, assisted by Jéssica Silva despite Chicago almost equalizing moments before. Gotham’s defense held strong throughout, with Ann-Katrin Berger earning her eighth clean sheet.
North Carolina Courage 1, Angel City FC 1
Angel City FC drew 1-1 against the North Carolina Courage on the road, with both goals coming in stoppage time. After a scoreless first half dominated by the Courage’s chances, Angel City found their rhythm in the second half. In the 97th minute, Christen Press broke the deadlock, scoring her first goal since returning from injury in her 100th NWSL appearance. However, the Courage responded in the 100th minute with a last-second equalizer from Olivia Wingate. Both goalkeepers played a pivotal role in keeping the scoring low.
Bay FC 0, Kansas City Current 1
Bay FC fell 1-0 to the Kansas City Current on Saturday night at PayPal Park, with Temwa Chawinga scoring the game’s only goal in the 35th minute. The goal also broke Sam Kerr’s single-season goal record, previously set in 2019. Chawinga capitalized on a turnover in Bay FC’s half, firing a powerful strike into the left corner. Despite Bay FC’s efforts, they were unable to break through the Kansas City defense, marking just the fifth time they’ve been shut out this season. With two regular-season matches remaining, Bay FC’s playoff position will depend on picking up crucial points in their upcoming matches.
Sunday, October 13th
Washington Spirit 4, Racing Louisville 1
The Washington Spirit secured a huge 4-1 victory over Racing Louisville FC on Sunday evening at Audi Field. Makenna Morris opened the scoring after capitalizing on a defensive error, then doubled the lead just before halftime with a second goal assisted by Rosemonde Kouassi. Ashley Hatch added a third from the penalty spot, marking her 52nd career regular-season goal and seventh against Louisville. Despite a late response from Louisville’s Emma Sears, Lena Silano sealed the win with a fourth goal in the closing moments.
Utah Royals 3, Seattle Reign 0
Reign FC fell 3-0 to the Utah Royals on the road in a match that saw them reduced to 10 players after Angharad James-Turner received two yellow cards within the first 16 minutes. Utah opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with Cloé Lacasse capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. Lacasse struck again in the 20th minute after Ally Sentnor’s blocked shot rebounded to her for a powerful finish. Just before halftime, Lacasse completed her hat trick with a goal assisted by Claudia Zornoza, the first hat trick of the NWSL season and first in Utah Royals history. The defeat officially eliminates Seattle Reign from playoff contention.
San Diego Wave 0, Houston Dash 2
San Diego Wave FC fell 2-0 to the Houston Dash on Sunday night in San Diego. Houston’s Bárbara Olivieri opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a penalty kick, awarded after a VAR review determined that San Diego defender Naomi Girma had fouled Yuki Nagasato in the box. Olivieri played a pivotal role again in the 72nd minute, causing a turnover in midfield and setting up Ramona Bachmann for a goal at the back post to seal the win. Despite controlling possession and outshooting the Dash, San Diego couldn’t find the back of the net. The match marked the return of Savannah McCaskill and Kyra Carusa from injuries.