The Race to the NWSL Playoffs
Despite what’s happened off the pitch, the NWSL is having a great season with the closest playoff race in league history. As we reach the business end of the season and the NWSL playoffs, six teams are fighting for the last four spots with four points separating the third-place team, North Carolina Courage, and the eighth-place team, Gotham FC.
It’s anyone’s game to make the playoffs, and we’re here to give you a breakdown of key recent matches as well as predictions for how the final standings will look. Let’s delve deeper into the race to the NWSL playoffs.
Key Recent Results
September 12: OL Reign 3 Washington Spirit 0
This is easily the most controversial win in NWSL history because Washington dropped the ball with COVID protocols. Portland rightfully complained because they did not receive a free three points when they played Washington the previous week. Either way, these three points for OL Reign will go a long way regarding how they finish in the standings. The Reign is in second place with a game in hand and hasn’t lost its last five matches. Again, these three points were massive, and the team didn’t play a single minute of soccer.
September 25: Chicago Red Stars 2 Portland Thorns 1
Chicago really needed this win over the Thorns. So many would’ve expected Portland to handle their business, but Chicago has appeared to turn things around once again. The Red Stars have given us a mixed bag. There are days where they look finely-tuned and on the same page, and other days you’re left wondering how a team this talented plays so disorganized. This win proves they can get over the hump and go all the way; they just need consistency.
September 25: Gotham FC 3 North Carolina Courage 1
Gotham lost their head coach and general manager, which led to three losses in a row before a draw and then a big win over North Carolina. The team looks great when they take their chances in front of goal because we know how solid they can be defensively. Gotham is on the outside looking in, but this win should give them the confidence to leap back into the top six.
September 26: OL Reign 3 Orlando Pride 0
The OL Reign built on the forfeit from their previous game to thrash Orlando 3-0. Orlando is restabilizing itself with its new coach, Becky Burleigh, and there will be some kinks to work out before the end of the season. The OL Reign looks like a well-oiled machine at this point. All they really need is another win or two to ensure they make the playoffs. Eugenie Le Sommer and Bethany Balcer look incredible. The team chemistry in the locker room seems to be infectious, and the OL Reign should have a strong finish to the season.
October 6: Portland Thorns 2 Houston Dash 3
This was a huge win for Houston as it catapulted them from seventh place up to fourth. The Dash is looking a lot better than they did earlier in the season. Rachel Daly, Kristie Mewis, and Nichelle Prince are just three players that seem to be creating incredible chances up top. Although they did let in the two goals, this win over Portland definitely gives them confidence and the momentum to finish strong in the top six.
Key Upcoming Fixtures
October 9: Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC
These two teams have a good chance of ending up right next to each other in the standings. Both are in a transitional period with new coaches, but whoever can get three points from this game could be enough to propel that team into a more secure position in the standings.
October 17: Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns
If the Houston Dash is to make their first-ever playoff appearance, they will have to go through Portland to do so. Yes, the Dash have won the Challenge Cup, but that was still a cup competition. Houston matches up well with Portland more than most teams because of how effectively they press other teams and then counter. The Dash has what it takes. If they can beat Portland again, it might be the turning point that gets them their first playoff.
October 29: Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars
Based on how these two teams have been playing, this could be a matchup for one of the last playoffs spots. Both teams have shown flashes of being elite, but that can be difficult to achieve with the long and grueling NWSL season. Orlando started hot this season but has slightly declined, and the Red Stars seem to be figuring it out at the right time.
October 31: Gotham FC vs. Racing Louisville
Gotham plays Kansas City in their second to last game and then ends the season with Racing Lousiville. Those last two games against the bottom two teams in the league could be the final push that Gotham needs. If they were to grab six points from the last two games, they would surely clinch a spot and potentially knock someone else out in the process. Of course, with so much parity in the league, Louisville and Kansas City can pull off upsets. But, Gotham will understand the importance of their final two matches leading into the NWSL playoffs.
Final Standings Prediction
- Portland Thorns
- OL Reign
- North Carolina Courage
- Houston Dash
- Gotham FC
- Chicago Red Stars
- Washington Spirit
- Orlando Pride
- Racing Louisville
- Kansas City
As long as the OL Reign keeps their strong form, they should hold onto that second spot, but don’t be surprised if the Courage has a strong finish and ends up second in the table. Based on Gotham FC’s schedule and how close-knit that locker room is, they have a great chance of picking up points later in the season and climbing the standings. Of course, many things can change from now till then.
Houston has been working towards this for the last two years, and this is their time to work their way to the NWSL playoffs. The last playoff spot could go to either Chicago, Washington, or Orlando. This pick is based solely on success as a franchise and who has more talent, and Chicago checks those boxes. Washington is still young with a new coach, and Orlando is fading after their hot start. With how Chicago is heating up lately, they could claim that last playoff spot. The likelihood that the league table will look exactly like this at the end of the season is low, but that’s what makes the NWSL fun; it’s anyone’s game.
Featured image via @houstondash on Instagram
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
