The National Women’s Soccer League playoff picture has become clearer following matchweek 25, according to a report published October 19. With only two games remaining in the season, the field of potential postseason contenders has dwindled to 10 teams.
At the top of the standings, NJ/NY Gotham FC remains in first place with 55 points despite a 1-0 loss to the Washington Spirit. The Spirit's victory clinched a postseason spot for Washington, who now sit in third place with 52 points. San Diego Wave holds second place with 54 points following a 2-1 win over the North Carolina Courage.
The Seattle Reign have moved into the eighth and final playoff spot after a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Stars. This win brought Seattle's season total to 43 points, leapfrogging the North Carolina Courage, who remain at 42 points and have been moved out of the playoffs into ninth place. The Seattle result also officially eliminated the Orlando Pride from postseason contention.
The middle of the top eight remains highly competitive. The Kansas City Current moved into the top four following a 2-0 victory over the Utah Royals, marking their third consecutive win. The Royals have dropped to sixth place, level on points with Angel City, who hold a superior goal differential. Angel City secured this position with a 3-2 win despite facing an initial two-goal deficit in Denver.
Several teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, including the Chicago Stars, Racing Louisville, Bay FC, Houston Dash, and Boston Legacy. Meanwhile, the expansion Denver Summit sits in 10th place with 38 points. To qualify, the Summit would need to win their remaining two games while two of Seattle, North Carolina, or Portland lose their final two matches.
While the number of teams in the running for the eight playoff spots has decreased, seeding and specific playoff matchups remain undecided with two games left to play.
