NWSL Decision Day: Gotham secures Shield with win over Utah Royals, Seattle Reign squeak into last playoff spot
The final seeding for the playoffs came down the final minutes of the 2026 NWSL season.
The 2026 NWSL regular season concluded on a dramatic note, with Gotham FC securing the Shield and Seattle Reign clinching a playoff spot on Decision Day. Gotham FC emerged victorious in their first Shield with a 2-0 win over Utah Royals FC. Guro Reiten scored in the ninth minute, with Jaedyn Shaw sealing the victory in the 80th minute.
The Reign, meanwhile, secured their playoff berth with a 1-0 win over the Orlando Pride, thanks to a goal by Jordyn Bugg in the 68th minute. The team's playoff berth was further cemented by a late own goal from Denver's Kaleigh Kurtz, effectively ending the Courage's season. As the eighth-seeded team, the Reign will not host a playoff game.
The NWSL Shield and final playoff spot were both decided on the final day of play, leaving Gotham FC and Seattle Reign as the next opponents in the quarterfinals.
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- Everything you need to know about NWSL Decision Day sbnation.com
