The NWSL Shield and the final playoff place both remained undecided after the latest round of matches, sending the race to Decision Day on Sunday, November 1. All 16 NWSL clubs will be in action as Gotham FC, San Diego Wave, Seattle Reign and others chase different targets.
Shield race stays open
Gotham FC were positioned to claim the Shield, but results elsewhere across the league meant they had to wait until November 1. Gotham beat Orlando Pride in Orlando, with Midge Purce and Tierna Davidson scoring Gotham's goals and Solai Washington scoring Orlando Pride's lone goal. A win or draw against the Utah Royals on November 1 will hand Gotham FC the Shield.
San Diego Wave drew 2-2 against the Boston Legacy and could still claim the Shield, but would need a Gotham loss and a better goal difference. San Diego Wave were scored on first before drawing level, and Gia Corely tied the match just after halftime.
Kansas City Current moved up to fourth place in the league standings after a 2-1 win over the Washington Spirit on the Spirit's home turf. Lo'eau LaBonta and Vanessa DiBernardo scored for Kansas City Current, while Clara Luvanga scored Washington Spirit's only goal in the 12th minute. The defeat ended Washington Spirit's Shield hopes, and Croix Bethune set a new single-season assists record with 11.
Playoff places still in play
Utah sealed their first-ever post-season berth after a 0-0 draw against Seattle Reign FC. Utah are sixth in the league standings with 47 points, tied with Portland.
Seattle Reign drew 0-0 with Utah and remain in the final spot in the playoff race. Seattle Reign are battling with North Carolina and Denver for the final playoff spot, and they will face Orlando on Decision Day.
North Carolina Courage lost 1-0 to Portland and are not guaranteed a postseason berth, but could still enter the playoffs on November 1. Portland are into the playoffs after the win, with Marie Müller scoring the goal, and Portland next face the Houston Dash on Sunday.
Other results across the league
Angel City beat Bay FC 2-0, won a fifth straight match and reached the playoffs while extending their unbeaten run to nine games. Gisele Thompson and Riley Tiernan scored for Angel City, and Bay FC were outshot 15 to five.
Denver Summit beat Racing Louisville 6-1, with Natasha Flint scoring a brace. Denver Summit have a league-leading 53 goals in their inaugural season, while Racing Louisville picked up their 19th loss of the season.
The Chicago Stars were knocked out of playoff contention in Matchweek 21 after dropping three points to the Houston Dash in their fifth-straight loss of the season. Houston Dash scored three goals against the Chicago Stars but are out of playoff contention.