NWSL: Playoff Picture Recap With One Week To Go

With only one match-day left in the 2016 NWSL season, two clubs are battling for the final playoff spot, while the NWSL Shield is still up for grabs.

The 2016 season marked a high point for the NWSL even before a ball was even kicked. After having multiple leagues fall after the three year mark, the mere fact that season four was set to begin was a big step forward. Now 19 matches into the 20th match season, four clubs are still battling for positioning heading into the playoffs.

NWSL Shield

At one point this season it looked like Portland would wrap up the shield and first place with several games to go. The Thorns didn’t lose until match week 13. However, three losses in four weeks allowed the Washington Spirit the chance to catch and pass Portland.

Heading into the final weekend Washington have a one point advantage over Portland. The Spirit have the harder match-up going against third place Chicago, but should be able to focus on the importance of the match and see through to their first NWSL Shield.

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Either way both Washington and Portland will be hosting the NWSL semi-finals in a little over a week.

Final Playoff Spot

Meanwhile just below that top three, two clubs are fighting for the fourth spot in the playoffs. The Western New York Flash sit two points ahead of Seattle. Recall these two teams faced off in the controversial baseball field game in which the Flash provide the worst field conditions to date in the NWSL. The small and poorly managed field cost the Reign three points and temporarily injured goal keeper Haley Kopmeyer.

Check out the full match highlights below from Seattle’s win:

This past weekend Seattle pulled out a crucial 2-0 victory over the Washington Spirit to keep their playoff hopes alive. Prior to the match defender and captain Keelin Winters announced her retirement after the season. In fitting fashion she scored in her final hope appearance.