Chaos incoming for NWSL Decision Day
October 13, 2023
This Sunday, eight teams will battle for four remaining playoff spots in the NWSL’s first-ever Decision Day, featuring six simultaneous games, all of which come with postseason implications.
SOURCE: ABE ARREDONDO/USA TODAY SPORTS
The GIST: This Sunday, eight teams will battle for four remaining playoff spots in the NWSL’s first-ever Decision Day, featuring six simultaneous games, all of which come with postseason implications. It’s giving…chaotic good.
The context: The NWSL table has never been tighter, with only two teams (the Kansas City Current and the Chicago Red Stars) eliminated from postseason contention heading into the final matchday.
- Additionally, the NWSL Shield (awarded to the team with the best regular-season record) is still up for grabs, a toss-up between the perennially contending Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave FC, a club that’s only in their second season of existence.
- The Thorns can clinch the Shield with a win over Angel City FC, while the Wave need a Thorns loss or draw, plus a W over Racing Louisville FC in order to take home the trophy.
Key matchups: Without exaggeration, every single one, so ready that RedZone to keep up with each of the concurrent 5 p.m. ET kickoffs.
- But if you have to choose just one, make it the Red Stars vs. OL Reign. Seattle currently sits in sixth — the final postseason contention spot. A loss to Chicago would mark the end of both their season and superstar forward Megan Rapinoe’s illustrious career.
