Matchweek 26 Recap of the NWSL

During Matchweek 26 in the National Women’s Soccer League, four teams secured their playoff spots, but there’s plenty of ambiguity as the season wraps up.

The race for the NWSL Shield has narrowed down to just two teams, while the competition for the No. 4 seed and the last playoff position is still fiercely contested among three teams.

As we approach Decision Day, there’s a lot still at stake. Who boosted their chances, and who may have hurt their prospects?

Current Rankings in NWSL as of October 26

1. Gotham FC (+1) | 2-1 win at Orlando Pride

Following a 2-1 victory, Gotham FC is now firmly in contention for the NWSL Shield. Midge Purce and Tierna Davidson each found the net, helping the team inch closer to securing some hardware.

However, they faced a barrage of 19 shots, of which eight were on target from Orlando Pride. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger stepped up, making seven crucial saves, with an xGOT of 2.06 leading to 1.06 goals prevented.

Their offense is a concern, ranking 13th in goals scored. Yet, their defense has been excellent, allowing only 23 goals this season.

Injury updates to keep an eye on? Rose Lavelle (neck) and Jaedyn Shaw (knee). Despite facing challenges throughout the season, coach Juan Carlos Amorós’s team keeps finding ways to succeed.

2. San Diego Wave (-1) | 2-2 draw vs Boston Legacy

San Diego had a rocky game against Boston Legacy. After initially leading 2-1, they allowed Boston to equalize and thus ended their five-game winning streak. Nevertheless, they remain unbeaten in six matches, scoring two goals in each of those games.

This draw was tough, especially since they were chasing Gotham FC for the Shield. They’ll need to secure a win against Bay FC and hope for a mishap from Gotham versus Utah Royals to improve their standing.

A draw in the final game would ensure they clinch the No. 2 seed, which keeps their home advantage through the finals.

3. Angel City FC (+1) | 2-0 win vs Bay FC

Angel City FC showcased their dominance with a solid 2-0 victory over Bay FC. Gisele Thompson scored the crucial first goal, while Riley Tiernan sealed the deal.

The standout feature of this match was their defense; they didn’t allow a single shot on goal from Bay FC in the first half and finished the game with no shots on target against them. Their xG conceded was a mere 0.28.

Unbeaten in the last nine games, ACFC is still eyeing a potential home match during the quarterfinals. Is there any team out there performing better than them right now?

4. Kansas City Current (+1) | 2-1 win vs Washington Spirit

Kansas City Current have now achieved four consecutive wins, aiming to secure a home playoff match next week.

On just 0.44 xG, they managed to score two goals thanks to Lo’eau LaBonta and Vanessa DiBernardo, who marked her return from maternity leave with a goal.

Additionally, Croix Bethune set a new NWSL record, becoming the single-season assists leader with her 11th assist.

5. Washington Spirit (-2) | 1-2 loss at KC Current

Clara Luvanga’s early pressure led to Washington’s only goal of the match, but despite having a better xG (1.53 to 0.44), more shots (12-7), and higher possession (61%-39%), they couldn’t capitalize effectively.

Among the eight playoff teams, Washington Spirit ranks fifth in total shots, sixth in goals scored, but only ninth in conversion rate. Can they ramp up their scoring as the playoffs approach?

6. Portland Thorns (+2) | 1-0 win vs NC Courage

Portland Thorns delivered one of their finest defensive performances, blanking the formidable NC Courage offense and allowing just an xG of 0.72.

Their win also broke a four-match winless streak at home, with Marie Müller scoring the decisive goal.

Fun fact? This marks the Thorns’ 10th consecutive season making the playoffs—a record unmatched by any other team. Also, Sophia Wilson is set to return after serving a two-game suspension.

7. Utah Royals (-1) | 0-0 draw vs Seattle Reign

Utah Royals have clinched their first-ever spot in the NWSL playoffs! In a scoreless affair, they achieved their first shutout since September 12.

However, a pattern of underperformance late in the season persists, with only one win in their last five matches.

8. Seattle Reign (-1) | 0-0 draw at Utah Royals

After a scoreless match with Utah, Seattle Reign holds their postseason prospects in their own hands and can wrap things up with a win against Orlando Pride this Sunday.

The downside? Their attack has faltered lately, failing to reach 1.0 xG in five of their last six games, and they’ve recorded eight shutouts this season.

9. North Carolina Courage | 0-1 loss at Portland Thorns

The Courage have stumbled, losing five out of their last six encounters, all against playoff contenders.

If they miss out on the postseason, their 4-8-2 record against playoff teams might be a crucial factor. They must perform well and hope Seattle doesn’t win in their last match.

10. Denver Summit (+2) | 6-1 win vs Racing Louisville

Denver Summit is now leading in total goals scored this NWSL season. Their recent 6-1 victory over Racing Louisville has kept them in contention for the final playoff position.

Key defender Janine Sonis has been outstanding, contributing 20 goals (12 goals, 8 assists) this season. Looking ahead, they have strong potential to be playoff contenders in 2027 with important players returning from injury and a transformative coaching style since Lindsey Heaps took over (7-3-2).

11. Boston Legacy (-1) | 2-2 draw at San Diego Wave

How many times have you rewatched Alba Caño’s stunning goal? A lot, probably. That equalizer earned Boston a valuable point, extending their unbeaten streak to three matches.

This momentum is exactly what head coach Filipa Patão wants to carry into the next season as Boston builds for the future.

12. Houston Dash | 3-1 win at Chicago Stars

The conversation around Houston’s rookie talent often centers on Kat Rader and Linda Ullmark, but Leah Klenke deserves mention as well. She scored her first NWSL goal and has improved week by week.

There’s a bright future ahead for Houston, but finding the right head coach will be crucial.

13. Orlando Pride (-2) | 1-2 loss vs Gotham FC

In their match against Gotham FC, Orlando Pride created more chances, boasting better xG (2.96-1.30), shots (19-9), and touches in the opposition box (36-20), yet they came up short on the scoreboard.

Solai Washington continues to shine, scoring again for the second game in a row. With a critical offseason ahead, VP and GM Caitlin Carducci has her work cut out for her.

14. Bay FC | 0-2 loss at Angel City FC

Despite missing several key players due to injuries, Bay FC struggled throughout the season with their offense. Having scored only 30 goals, they have the second-lowest tally in the league.

After being shut out 11 times this year, the loss to their rivals was just another tough blow.

15. Racing Louisville | 1-6 loss at Denver Summit FC

Racing Louisville remains winless in their last nine games, and this latest defeat was the cherry on top, yielding a staggering six goals.

On a brighter note, rookie forward Taylor White managed to find the net for her first NWSL goal.

The upcoming offseason is going to be long and filled with uncertainty for this team. Will they conclude the 30-game season without a single clean sheet?

16. Chicago Stars | 1-3 loss vs Houston Dash

Chicago Stars have hit a new low, setting a record for the worst goal differential in NWSL history at -52.

They’ve now lost their last five games. Chief Soccer Officer Vlatko Andonovski will need time to rebuild this team into a competitive one.