NWSL ‘Deadline Day’ sees eight teams battle for four playoff spots

Matchday 22 in the 2023 NWSL regular season is set to be one of high drama and tension as eight out of the league’s 12 teams are still in with a chance of securing a post season place.

With 35 and 34 points respectively, both Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave have bagged top spots that see them advance to the semi-final stage but it’s the battle for the remaining four quarter-final berths that is truly compelling.

With 12 teams in total currently in the NWSL, only two, KC Current and Chicago Red Stars have no mathematical options as the teams head into the final matchday next Sunday.

North Carolina, Gotham FC and Washington Spirit hold a major advantage with each team on 30 points and occupy third, fourth and fifth places but even tenth placed Houston Dash still harbour an outside hope of getting their all important (high scoring) win away to Orlando Pride and hope that other results could go their way to offer a long shot at a final sixth place in the table.

High profile Angel City kept their postseason dreams intact on Monday with a late Savannah McCaskill winner at Houston as the LA side look to secure a playoff spot in their second ever season.

NWSL Decision Day 2023 fixtures

*all games start at 5:00 pm (ET)

2023 NWSL Playoffs — Full Schedule