Any predictions you might’ve had heading into Week 23 probably went out the window as late drama, clutch performances, and playoff-shifting results dominated the weekend. From last-second game-winners to goalkeeping heroics, statement wins to comeback victories, the weekend chaos never let up and honestly, that’s just the way we like it. Here’s what you might have missed!
Houston Dash 1, Orlando Pride 1
The Houston Dash and Orlando Pride shared the points on Friday night in a 1–1 draw in Houston. Dash’s Malia Berkley opened the scoring, her first goal for her new club since being traded from North Carolina last month. But refusing to leave empty-handed, Orlando responded late through Simone Charley, who buried her first NWSL goal since 2022 in the 85th minute to secure a deserved equalizer. Charley’s finish was a moment of relief after injuries sidelined her for two full seasons. The Pride showed resilience throughout, earning their second straight road result after last week’s win in San Diego and the Dash, meanwhile, continued to show they will be a team to be feared in 2026.
North Carolina Courage 1, Racing Louisville FC 3
Racing Louisville’s postseason push gathered real momentum in Week 23 with a convincing 3–1 road win over the North Carolina Courage, the club’s first-ever victory in Cary. After a cautious first half, Louisville roared to life after the break, as Emma Sears opened the scoring four minutes into the second half with her ninth goal of the season. The Courage responded quickly through Manaka Matsukubo, whose equalizer briefly threatened to swing momentum back. However, Kayla Fischer restored the lead minutes later and assisted Sears on her second of the night to put the match away. The win gave Louisville back-to-back victories and lifted them further above the playoff line, ending in seventh by the end of the weekend.
Portland Thorns FC 2, Bay FC 1
In front of a raucous Providence Park crowd – their third-largest of the season – the Portland Thorns overcame an early deficit to defeat Bay FC 2–1. Rookie midfielder Taylor Huff gave Bay the lead in the 36th minute with a composed left-footed finish – her third of the season – as the visitors looked to quiet the home crowd. Portland, however, responded with energy and purpose after the break. Olivia Moultrie equalized just minutes into the second half, slotting home from a Sam Coffey assist, then struck again from a free kick 20 minutes later to complete the comeback. Moultrie’s brace underscored her growing influence in Portland’s midfield, as she became the only player in club history to score multiple free kick goals in one season. With the defeat, Bay is now officially eliminated from the postseason.
Washington Spirit 2, San Diego Wave FC 1
Another dramatic night at Audi Field saw the Washington Spirit snatch a last-gasp 2–1 win over San Diego Wave FC thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Rosemonde Kouassi. The Ivorian forward opened the scoring early with a powerful header in the ninth minute off a Deborah Abiodun cross and from there, Washington dictated much of the play. San Diego equalized in the fifth minute of stoppage time through an off-the-bench Delphine Cascarino, who calmly finished Kyra Carusa’s low pass, seemingly salvaging a draw for the visitors. But the drama wasn’t over. Deep into the eighth minute of stoppage time, Kouassi unleashed a stunning long-range effort that soared past Kailen Sheridan to complete her first career NWSL brace and send Audi Field into chaos.
Gotham FC 0, Seattle Reign FC 0
Gotham FC and the Seattle Reign battled to a scoreless draw that felt anything but dull. Gotham dominated possession and territory from start to finish, limiting Seattle to a single shot while creating several dangerous chances of their own. Rose Lavelle rattled the crossbar in the first half, and Esther González came close twice after the break, but Claudia Dickey’s saves and Seattle’s defensive shape held firm. For Gotham, the point extended their unbeaten streak across all competitions to 11 matches, tying the longest in club history and is Ann-Katrin Berger’s tenth clean sheet of the season, placing her among an elite group of NWSL goalkeepers with double-digit shutouts in one season.
Chicago Stars FC 2, Utah Royals FC 2
Utah Royals FC will rue two points lost after surrendering a 2–0 lead in the final ten minutes to draw 2–2 with the Chicago Stars. After a quiet first half, Japanese international Mina Tanaka took over, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to fire home the opener in the 59th minute before doubling the lead seven minutes later from the penalty spot — her first NWSL brace. Utah appeared in control, but Chicago refused to fold. Ivonne Chacón sparked the comeback in the 83rd minute with a composed back-post finish for her first NWSL goal, and moments later, rookie Micayla Johnson scored her first professional goal to equalize after pouncing on a misplaced back pass. Despite late pressure from Utah, the hosts held on for a morale-boosting point.
