Week 25 delivered everything NWSL fans could have ever asked for – goals, huge moments, upsets, tears, and a special dog cameo in Los Angeles. By the end of the weekend, four clubs officially clinched their postseason spots, joining the Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, and Orlando Pride to bring the playoff field to seven. For Houston and Angel City, the dream ended as both were mathematically eliminated from contention. That leaves just one spot up for grabs, and with Racing Louisville and North Carolina Courage separated by a single point, Decision Day will decide who claims the final ticket to November soccer.
Bay FC 1, North Carolina Courage 4
The North Carolina Courage kept their postseason dreams alive in dominant fashion, taking down Bay FC 4–1 in San Jose behind a sensational hat trick from 21-year-old Manaka Matsukubo. The Japanese midfielder wasted no time setting the tone, scoring twice in the opening eight minutes to put the Courage in control before adding a third late to complete just the seventh hat trick in club history. She’s the youngest in NWSL history to get a hat trick. Shinomi Koyama also found the net in the 74th minute, and Bay’s Penelope Hocking scored her sixth of the season. With the victory, North Carolina climbed within a point of the playoff line, remaining firmly in contention heading into Decision Day.
Seattle Reign 2, Utah Royals 1
Seattle Reign sealed their return to the postseason with a 2–1 victory over the Utah Royals in an emotional night at Lumen Field. In what was NWSL and Reign Original Lauren “Lu” Barnes’ final regular season home match, the Reign delivered a fitting performance to clinch their playoff berth. Eighteen-year-old Ainsley McCammon scored her first career goal just before halftime, Paige Monaghan scored the equalizer for Utah, and Sofia Huerta buried a penalty in the second half to secure the result. The win was Jess Fishlock’s 100th win and cemented Seattle’s place in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs and gave the club a shot at finishing in the top four heading into their Decision Day clash with Orlando.
Washington Spirit 2, Orlando Pride 3
In a rematch of last year’s championship, the Orlando Pride came from behind twice to defeat the Washington Spirit 3–2 on the road, solidifying their top-four hopes. After an early own goal gave Washington the lead, Kerry Abello made up for it and equalized with a long-range strike before the Spirit reclaimed the advantage heading into halftime with a Sofia Cantore backheel goal. Marta entered after the break and immediately influenced the match, delivering a dangerous ball into the box that deflected off a Spirit midfielder for another equalizer. Minutes later, she calmly converted from the penalty spot after Ally Watt drew a foul, netting her 14th career NWSL penalty goal — tying the all-time record with Megan Rapinoe and Lo’eau LaBonta.
Houston Dash 1, Kansas City Current 0
The Houston Dash pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating the top-seeded Kansas City Current 1–0 to end the league leaders’ 17-match unbeaten streak. Substitute Ryan Gareis scored the decisive goal in the 69th minute, her first in the NWSL, after connecting on a cross from Yazmeen Ryan. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell anchored Houston’s resilient defensive effort, making six saves to secure the clean sheet, while newcomer Lisa Boattin impressed in her first league start. For Kansas City, it was only their third loss of the season and a reminder that even the Shield winners aren’t untouchable heading into the postseason.
San Diego Wave 6, Chicago Stars 1
San Diego Wave FC exploded offensively in front of their home crowd, dismantling the Chicago Stars 6–1 to clinch their third postseason berth in four seasons. With minority investor and former player Alex Morgan in attendance, Wave stormed out with three goals in the opening 18 minutes through Delphine Cascarino, an own goal, and a clinical finish from Dudinha. Kristen McNabb’s header and a second from Dudinha made it 5–0 before Kenza Dali capped the record-setting night with a long-range strike in the 83rd minute. Bea Franklin pulled one back for Chicago but it wasn’t enough. Cascarino is now the sole goal leader for the Wave while maintaining the assist league leader tie with KC’s Izzy Rodriguez. The victory locked in the Wave’s playoff spot, but with their seeding up in the air until Decision Day.
Gotham FC 2, Racing Louisville 2
A back-and-forth draw between Gotham FC and Racing Louisville delivered playoff drama in October, as the home side clinched its postseason berth while Louisville’s fate was pushed to Decision Day. Gotham struck first through former Louisville captain Jaelin Howell, but Racing battled back with a Janine Sonis equalizer and a go-ahead goal from rookie Sarah Weber in the 65th minute. Rose Lavelle salvaged a point for Gotham in the 85th minute, curling in a stunning free kick to secure the club’s playoff spot for the second straight year. The draw kept Louisville clinging to the final playoff position, two points clear of North Carolina, setting up a high-stakes finale at home against Bay FC where they need a win or hope North Carolina loses or draws. If they can clinch a playoff spot, it’ll be their first playoff appearance in club history and the first year they’ve ended the regular season somewhere other than ninth place.
Angel City FC 0, Portland Thorns 2
Portland Thorns FC became the fourth team of the weekend to clinch a playoff spot with a 2–0 win over Angel City FC, who had already been eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day due to results of Gotham vs. Racing. Olivia Moultrie was the star of the evening, scoring both goals – a curling free kick from distance in the 23rd minute and a composed penalty early in the second half. It was her seventh converted penalty kick for the Thorns this season. For Angel City, the match carried emotional weight as club originals Christen Press and Ali Riley played their final home games ahead of retirement, honored post-match in front of an appreciative home crowd and their families and friends (and in the case of Press, her dog Bob).
