Everything you need to know about NWSL Decision Day
NWSL Decision Day is upon us with higher stakes than ever before. The NWSL Shield, home quarterfinal, and final playoff spot are all still up for grabs. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the final regular season weekend. Kickoff times and streaming All 16 teams will kick off at 5 p.m. ET on […]
NWSL Decision Day has arrived, with the NWSL Shield, home quarterfinal, and final playoff spot still up for grabs. All 16 teams will compete in the final regular season weekend, kicking off at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 1. Gotham FC vs Utah Royals FC and Washington Spirit vs Chicago Stars FC will be headliners on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, while the remaining matches will be broadcast on ESPN+. For international viewers, NWSL+ will air all eight matches.
The NWSL Shield will be awarded to either Gotham FC, boasting 58 points and a +13 goal differential, or San Diego Wave with 55 points and a +13 GD. In order to clinch the Shield, the Wave must either win or draw their match against Utah Royals FC. If they lose, they will only secure the title if San Diego Wave experiences a draw or loss.
With four teams mathematically still in contention for the No. 4 seed, Kansas City (50 points and +13 GD) and Angel City FC (49 points and +19 GD) are the primary contenders. Home-field advantage is crucial, as Kansas City has been on a historic 32-game unbeaten streak (25-0-7) at CPKC Stadium, while Angel City has a strong road record of 8-3-4 but a weaker away record of 4-9-1.
The Seattle Reign controls their playoff destiny with North Carolina Courage and Denver Summit trailing slightly behind. A win for Seattle Reign, a draw or loss for North Carolina, or a win for North Carolina with a Denver Summit loss will secure the final playoff spot.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
