In Week 20 of the NWSL, the playoff race heated up as teams fought to secure postseason spots and stay in contention for the NWSL Shield. Gotham FC became the latest team to clinch a playoff berth, while other teams kept their hopes alive with gritty performances and clutch defending. Here’s all the info in case you missed this weekend’s matches!
Friday, September 20
Kansas City Current 3, Washington Spirit 0
The Kansas City Current overcame second place Washington Spirit 3-0 at home on Friday night, shutting them out in the process. Kansas City struck early, with Nichelle Prince scoring in the 4th minute on her team debut from a deflected cross by Michelle Cooper. Lo’eau LaBonta doubled the Current's lead in the 31st minute with a powerful shot from the edge of the box and Temwa Chawinga sealed the victory in the second half, scoring her 16th goal of the season following a counterattack.
Bay FC saw their three-game unbeaten streak come to an end with a 1-0 loss to league-leaders Orlando Pride in the Bay Area on Friday night. Both teams took 13 shots and registered 6 on target but it was Barbara Banda who broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, heading in a cross from Carson Pickett to secure the win for Orlando. Bay FC came close to scoring in the 79th minute when Dorian Bailey's shot was brilliantly saved by Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, whose performance set a new league record for most shutouts in a single season.
Saturday, September 21
Racing Louisville FC 2, North Carolina Courage 1
Racing Louisville staged a huge comeback to defeat the North Carolina Courage 2-1 at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday night. Brianna Pinto scored in the 43rd minute to put the visitors up before halftime, but Emma Sears equalized in the 79th minute after capitalizing on a defensive mistake, dribbling past goalkeeper Casey Murphy to net her fourth goal of the season. Racing’s game-winner came two minutes into stoppage time when Bethany Balcer calmly converted a penalty following a handball in the box. The victory marked Racing’s first-ever win over the Courage.
Houston Dash 1, Seattle Reign FC 0
Seattle Reign FC fell 1-0 to the Houston Dash in Houston, with Yuki Nagasato scoring the game’s only goal in the 50th minute off of a deflection that she deftly volleyed into the net. Despite controlling 63% of the possession, their highest percentage of the season, Seattle was unable to convert their dominance into a goal. Seattle pushed for an equalizer late, with Jordyn Huitema and Veronica Latsko both coming close, but Houston held firm to secure the win.
Chicago Red Stars 1, San Diego Wave FC 0
San Diego Wave FC fell 1-0 to the Chicago Red Stars in the final match of the evening, despite dominating possession and outshooting their opponents 28-9. Chicago’s Ludmilla scored the lone goal in the 12th minute from a cross sent in from defender Hannah Anderson, securing her first goal in the NWSL. The Wave made multiple attempts to score an equalizer but were unable to shake off Chicago’s staunch defending or sneak one past goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
Sunday, September 22
NJ/NY Gotham FC 1, Utah Royals FC 0
NJ/NY Gotham FC clinched a playoff spot with a 1-0 win over the Utah Royals at home, marking their third straight league victory. Gotham struck early, with Yazmeen Ryan netting the fastest goal of the season for the club in just the third minute, assisted by Lynn Williams. Gotham controlled the match, outshooting Utah and dominating possession, but couldn’t extend their lead despite a close attempt from Williams in the 32nd minute. Tierna Davidson made a crucial block in the 71st minute to preserve the clean sheet and earn the win along with three much needed points as they continue on the road for the NWSL Shield.
Monday, September 23
Angel City FC 2, Portland Thorns 2
Angel City FC and the Portland Thorns fought to a 2-2 draw in Los Angeles on Monday evening. Angel City struck first in the 10th minute when Thompson sprinted into the box and slotted a shot inside the near post, her fifth goal in five games. Portland equalized early in the second half with a Weaver finish, and Moultrie gave the Thorns the lead in the 64th minute. However, Angel City responded in the 76th minute when Emslie capitalized on a rebound to volley the ball into the net, securing a valuable point for her team.