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NWSL Week 21 Recaps, Standings, and Team of the Week

By Eric Harris

RANDERS, DENMARK - MARCH 27: A general view inside the stadium prior to the U21 international friendly match between Denmark and England at BioNutria Park on March 27, 2017 in Randers, Denmark. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
RANDERS, DENMARK - MARCH 27: A general view inside the stadium prior to the U21 international friendly match between Denmark and England at BioNutria Park on March 27, 2017 in Randers, Denmark. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Just one week left and we know the four fighting for the title.

After this weekend’s events we now know the last four teams standing for the NWSL trophy. North Carolina and Portland had already clinched home field in the semifinals. Now we know they will face off against Chicago and Orlando. The final weekend still will determine what the two matchups are, since both spots are up in the air. There is still plenty to play for in the final weekend.

Match Recaps

Orlando 0 – Portland 0

At the time of the game, Orlando needed a win to clinch and they went for it. Both teams had chances but the keepers stole the show. Because of results elsewhere, the dropped points didn’t put either team in a worse situation. Although if you ask them they probably will feel like an opportunity was lost.

Washington 0 – Boston 3

I mean, what is there to say? These two teams are taking turns trying at the bottom of the table now. It looks like the two will end the year tied at the bottom of the table. Which is a fair result.

Houston 2 – Chicago 3

Easily the most entertaining match of the weekend. Chicago played with their hair on fire trying to clinch that playoff spot and Houston made things as difficult as they could. Everytime Chicago seemed to pull away, Houston pulled them back in, but couldn’t take advantage of the player advantage in the final minutes.

Sky Blue 1 – North Carolina 1

North Carolina missed their chance to clinch the shield, but if you ask Paul Riley, that isn’t on the minds of the courage. Their sole focus is playing their best for the playoffs. However, drawing Sky Blue is not their best by any stretch.

Seattle 0 – Kansas City 1

Shea Groom’s goal sent the Reign out of the playoff race with a whimper. Their already long odds got even longer and Seattle seemed to accept their fate in the second half. Unable to create any clear cut chances was a very different Reign team than the one at the beginning of the season.

Standings

  1. North Carolina Courage, 46 points, +13 GD
  2. Portland Thorns, 44 points, +15 GD
  3. Chicago Red Stars, 39 points, +5 GD
  4. Orlando Pride, 37 points, +13 GD
  5. Seattle Reign, 31 points, +5 GD
  6. Sky Blue FC, 30 points, -10 GD
  7. FC Kansas City, 30 points, -2 GD
  8. Houston Dash, 23 points, -12 GD
  9. Boston Breakers, 19 points, -10 GD
  10. Washington Spirit, 19 points, -17 GD

Must Read: Sporting KC Eyes Another Trophy

Team of the Week

GK – Franch (POR)

D – Short (CHI)

D – Sauerbrunn (KC)

D – Monica (ORL)

D –  Stott (SEA)

M – Daly (HOU)

M – Long (POR)

M – Hoy (CHI)

F – Leon (BOS)

F – Rodriguez (NJ)

F – Press (CHI)

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