The NWSL regular season concludes on Sunday with Decision Day, where the league's top prize and the final playoff berth remain undecided. Gotham FC and the San Diego Wave are separated by three points in the race for the NWSL Shield, while three teams compete for the eighth and last postseason spot.
Gotham and San Diego Wave chase the Shield
Gotham FC enter the final day with a three-point lead over the Wave. A draw against the Utah Royals would secure Gotham's first-ever Shield, regardless of San Diego's result at Bay FC. However, Gotham may be without key attackers Jaedyn Shaw and Rose Lavelle, who have combined for 22 goal contributions this season. Shaw in particular has been pivotal, and Gotham's attack has struggled in her absence. The Royals, already playoff-bound, have a middling defensive record.
Three teams, one playoff spot
The Seattle Reign sit eighth with 42 points and control their destiny: a win over the Orlando Pride guarantees a playoff place. If the Reign falter, the North Carolina Courage (two points behind) and the Denver Summit (three points behind) are waiting. The Courage and Summit face each other directly, with the Courage needing 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 an expected goals against of 39.96. The Summit have found form since Lindsey Heaps' midseason arrival, contributing seven goals and three assists.
Ashley Sanchez pursues history
North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez has scored 20 goals this season and can set the NWSL single-season scoring record with a goal against the Summit. A goal or assist would also break 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 putting her in contention for the Women's World Cup roster. The Courage have relied heavily on Sanchez, who has contributed to nearly half of the team's goals, but a leaky defense has left them vulnerable.
Decision Day schedule (all times ET, Sunday Nov. 1)
Angel City vs. Boston Legacy, 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Bay FC vs. San Diego Wave, 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Gotham FC vs. Utah Royals, 5 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns, 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
North Carolina Courage vs. Denver Summit, 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Racing Louisville vs. Kansas City Current, 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Seattle Reign vs. Orlando Pride, 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars, 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
