It is not hard to detect the tension that finally unseals on the pitch as the regular season in NWSL enters the final stages. Orlando Pride is both atop the table, its spot confirmed, and with Washington Spirit, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and Kansas City Current, home playoff matches secured, while a tug of war between the final two playoff spots unfolds for several teams still trying to avoid elimination.
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More than the points, the question is one of pride. The teams are running out of time, and every mistake could be very costly. Let's go in-depth into the playoff and elimination scenarios defining this dramatic NWSL season finale.
Portland Thorns: A Decisive Match Ahead
The Portland Thorns find themselves in a somewhat safe position, where their slot is confirmed if they manage to attain a draw. This coming Saturday, October 19th, sees them pitted against Racing Louisville FC in what could be the defining game that assures them of passing through to the playoffs. Though a draw would see Portland through, it is a win that would be preferable to carry them into the playoffs with momentum.
For Racing Louisville, it's a whole different tale. They would be out of playoff contention with a loss combined with a win or draw by Bay FC. This game means everything to them, and Portland knows full well they are up against a team fighting with every ounce of energy just to survive in the competition.
Bay FC: Still in the Mix, But at Others' Mercy
Bay FC heads into the weekend with the number of scenarios on the table. They will clinch a playoff spot if Bay defeats North Carolina Courage and a loss by Racing Louisville, or even after a draw, they will need an L from Racing and a draw from Angel City FC to solidify their place.
Bay FC's campaign has not been tremendous, but the team has risen to critical moments, something that could make the difference in such an important match. It all boils down to their game against North Carolina Courage, a win that may seal the long-wished playoff berth. The pressure will be immense and require the team to rise to the occasion.
The Elimination Drama: Utah Royals and Angel City on the Brink
A number of teams are standing on the edge this weekend, facing elimination. For the Utah Royals, only a win will do to keep their playoff hopes alive. Anything else-a draw or loss-will mathematically eliminate them from the playoffs. Even a win may not suffice, as Bay FC's win would make matters all the more complex for Utah to survive.
The same situation goes for Angel City FC. A defeat or a draw sees them knocked out, while a win requires Bay FC to slip up. At a place below is San Diego Wave, who also hope, albeit minimally, for an opportunity to make it into the playoff positions. They need to win and have Bay FC falter to keep their hopes alive.
Teams That Have Already Secured Their Spots: Stability at the Top
While the battle is in the middle and lower parts of the table, the top teams are a little more at ease. Orlando Pride stays atop the table with an impressive 17-win campaign that strengthens their grip at the top of the league with 57 points. Washington Spirit and NJ/NY Gotham FC, both with 50 points apiece, also tend to jockey for better seeding, which could provide great advantages in the playoffs.
With three teams now in, attention becomes maintaining momentum and claiming the highest seeds possible to assure home-field advantage in the deciding rounds.
Kansas City Current: Fighting for Top Spot
KC Current is also locked into the fourth position but has no guarantee that the team will remain in that spot. This is because Kansas City could drop to as low as fourth if their team loses and both Spirit and Gotham win. The team has had one of those up-and-down moments in the season but need to be up to keep home-field advantage in playoffs.
Any slip could be disastrous for Kansas City's ambitions because the standings are tight. The pressure is real, and with the playoffs looming, this team needs to be at its best to avoid being caught off guard.
Who Will Survive the Pressure?
The final weekend of the regular season is going to be a nail-biting experience for NWSL. Teams like Portland Thorns and Bay FC can seal their playoff spots, while others like Racing Louisville and Utah Royals need nothing less than a win to keep their dreams alive.
The end of the season is where teams reveal their true character. Who can stand the pressure? Who can't? With so many scenarios on, the drama is ensured, and any mistake could prove to be costly. The playoffs are just at a yard's distance, while for some teams, this very door is shutting really fast.
With six teams in, only two spots remain open, and the next 90 minutes will separate who gets in and who doesn't make it in this historic NWSL season.