The race to the NWSL playoffs is tired of 6 teams competing for 2 spots, causing a decisive weekend of advancement.
Six teams have already clinched a spot in the postseason, with all four quarterfinal hosts (Orlando Pleasure, Washington Spirit, NJ/NY Gotham FC and Kansas Town Stream) booked. Meanwhile, two teams could clinch them with an extra game this weekend, while the fourth team will compete to keep their playoff hopes alive for the general weekend of the regular season.
Ahead of this weekend’s NWSL action, here’s a look at playoff conditions.
NWSL desk
Orlando Delight* |
17 |
1 |
6 |
42 |
15 |
+27 |
57 |
Spirit of Washington* |
16 |
6 |
2 |
48 |
28 |
+20 |
50 |
New Jersey/New York Gotham FC* |
15 |
4 |
5 |
34 |
18 |
+16 |
50 |
Kansas City Stream* |
14 |
2 |
7 |
50 |
29 |
+21 |
49 |
North Carolina Courage* |
12 |
9 |
3 |
34 |
26 |
+8 |
39 |
Chicago Pink Stars* |
10 |
12 |
2 |
30 |
33 |
-3 |
32 |
Portland Thorns |
9 |
11 |
4 |
34 |
34 |
0 |
31 |
Bahia FC |
9 |
14 |
1 |
27 |
39 |
-12 |
28 |
Louisville Racing |
6 |
11 |
7 |
31 |
36 |
-5 |
25 |
Utah Royals |
7 |
14 |
3 |
20 |
35 |
-15 |
24 |
angel city |
7 |
12 |
5 |
28 |
38 |
-10 |
23 |
San Diego Current |
5 |
12 |
7 |
20 |
30 |
-10 |
22 |
Seattle Reign** |
5 |
14 |
5 |
23 |
40 |
-17 |
20 |
Houston Speed** |
5 |
14 |
5 |
17 |
37 |
-20 |
20 |
*certified for the playoffs
**eradicated from playoff competition
Playoff qualification situations
Portland Thorns (31 issues, September 11-4)
Can earn a playoff berth with
- Win or draw against Racing Louisville
Bay FC (28 numbers, 9-14-1)
Can earn a playoff berth with
- Victory over North Carolina bravery AND Racing Louisville draws or loses against Portland Thorns EITHER
- Tie with the bravery of North Carolina AND Racing Louisville defeats Portland Thorns AND Angel Town ties with Utah Royals
Playoff elimination situations
Racing Louisville (25 issues, 6-11-7)
Will likely be eliminated from playoff contention with
- Loss to Portland Thorns AND Bay FC wins or draws with North Carolina Braveness EITHER
- Tie with Portland Thorns AND Bay FC defeats North Carolina Braveness
Utah Royals (25 numbers, 7-14-3)
Will likely be eliminated from playoff contention with
- Loss to Angel Town EITHER
- Bay FC defeats North Carolina Braveness EITHER
- Draw with Angel Town AND Bay FC ties with North Carolina Braveness
Angel Town (23 issues, 7-12-5)
Will likely be eliminated from playoff contention with
- Draw or loss against the Utah Royals EITHER
- Bay FC defeats North Carolina Braveness
San Diego Stream (22 issues, 5-12-7)
Will likely be eliminated from playoff contention with
- Draw or loss against Kansas Town Stream EITHER
- Bay FC wins or draws with North Carolina Braveness
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