NWSL Tension is reaching its peak in the NWSL. With only two rounds remaining in the regular season, the race for playoff spots remains incredibly tight. The past weekend brought dramatic endings, records, and goals that could determine the fate of several teams.
Racing Louisville FC 1 – Chicago Stars FC 1
Racing stayed in the playoff hunt after a stoppage-time equalizer. Chicago took the lead in the 85th minute through Jameese Joseph, but Bethany Balcer rescued a point in the 90+3 minute. Louisville remains in eighth place the final spot granting entry to the postseason.
Orlando Pride 1 – Portland Thorns FC 0
Orlando secured a crucial win and strengthened its grip on third place, guaranteeing a playoff berth. The hosts claimed victory after a stoppage-time own goal from the Thorns, following a corner from Marti, her 327th for the club, setting a new NWSL record.
Seattle Reign FC 1 – Bay FC 1
Reign and Bay FC shared the points after a balanced contest. Taylor Huff put Bay ahead, but Jess Fishlock equalized late on. Seattle remains in the playoff race, while Bay FC has officially lost its mathematical chance of advancing.
Kansas City Current 2 – Gotham FC 0
Kansas City made history, becoming the first team in NWSL to reach 20 wins and 62 points in a single season. Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga secured victory for the league leaders, while goalkeeper Lorena set a new league record with her 14th clean sheet. The Current had already clinched a playoff spot and first place in the standings, earning the NWSL Shield.
North Carolina Courage 1 – Washington Spirit 1
In heavy rain in Cary, the match ended in a draw. Trinity Rodman gave Spirit the lead, but Shinomi Koyama equalized late. The Spirit had already locked up second place and a playoff berth, while the Courage remain in contention for a postseason spot.
Utah Royals FC 2 – San Diego Wave FC 3
San Diego came from behind to grab a vital win, jumping back above the playoff line and ending Utah’s eight-match unbeaten streak. The Royals took the lead through Janni Thomsen, but the Wave responded with goals from Dudinhi and Kenza Dali. Mina Tanaka leveled the score, only for Dali to strike again from distance. Utah is now eliminated from playoff contention.
Angel City FC 2 – Houston Dash 0
Angel City kept their playoff hopes alive with a home victory thanks to goals from Kennedy Fuller and Maiara Niehues. Jun Endo provided a spectacular assist, and Los Angeles remains in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
Round Summary
With two rounds left in the regular season, the standings are beginning to take shape.
Clinched Playoff Berths:
Kansas City Current – 1st place / NWSL Shield winners
Washington Spirit – 2nd place
Orlando Pride
Eliminated from Playoff Contention:
Chicago Red Stars – eliminated in Round 22
Bay FC – eliminated in Round 23
Utah Royals FC – eliminated in Round 24
The remaining teams are still battling for the final five playoff spots. The race for the postseason is entering its decisive phase and every point could make or break a team’s season.
