The NWSL regular season concludes on Sunday with Decision Day, where Gotham FC and the Seattle Reign control their destinies in the races for the NWSL Shield and the final playoff berth.
Gotham and San Diego Wave battle for the Shield
Gotham FC enter the final day with a three-point lead over the San Diego Wave. A draw against the Utah Royals would secure Gotham's first-ever Shield, regardless of the Wave's result at Bay FC. However, Gotham may be without key attackers Jaedyn Shaw and Rose Lavelle, who missed last week's win over Orlando Pride. The duo have combined for 22 goal contributions this season, and Gotham's attack has noticeably dipped without Shaw. The Wave's title hopes were dented by a draw against Boston Legacy last week.
Three teams vie for final playoff spot
Seven of eight playoff spots are decided. The Seattle Reign sit eighth with 42 points and will clinch a berth with a win over the Orlando Pride. If they falter, the North Carolina Courage (two points behind) and Denver Summit (three points behind) are waiting. The Courage face the Summit head-to-head; the Courage need a win and a Reign slip-up, while the Summit require a win and a Reign loss to make the playoffs in their inaugural season. The Reign's defense has conceded only 33 goals despite 39.96 expected goals against. The Summit have surged since Lindsey Heaps' midseason arrival, contributing seven goals and three assists.
Ashley Sanchez chases NWSL history
North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez has scored 20 goals this season, putting her on the brink of the NWSL single-season goals record. One more goal against Denver Summit would break the record, while a goal or assist would also surpass Temwa Chawinga's single-season goal contributions record. Sanchez's move to left wing has been transformational, earning her a return to the U.S. women's national team and placing her in contention for the Women's World Cup roster. However, the Courage have relied heavily on Sanchez, who has contributed to nearly half of the team's goals, while their defense ranks in the bottom six for goals conceded.
Decision Day Schedule
All matches kick off Sunday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. ET: Angel City vs. Boston Legacy (ESPN+), Bay FC vs. San Diego Wave (ESPN+), Gotham FC vs. Utah Royals (ESPN, ESPN Deportes), Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns (ESPN+), North Carolina Courage vs. Denver Summit (ESPN+), Racing Louisville vs. Kansas City Current (ESPN+), Seattle Reign vs. Orlando Pride (ESPN+), Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars (ESPN+).
