The NWSL regular season concludes on Sunday with Decision Day, where the league shield and the final playoff berth will be decided.
Gotham FC and San Diego Wave battle for the Shield
Gotham FC hold a three-point lead over the San Diego Wave entering the final day. A draw against the Utah Royals would secure Gotham's first NWSL Shield, regardless of the Wave's result at Bay FC. However, Gotham may be without key attackers Jaedyn Shaw and Rose Lavelle, who missed last week's match and have combined for 22 goal contributions this season.
Three teams vie for last playoff spot
The Seattle Reign sit eighth with 42 points and need a win over the Orlando Pride to clinch a playoff berth. The North Carolina Courage trail by two points and the Denver Summit by three; they face each other on Sunday. The Courage must win and hope the Reign drop points, while the Summit need a win plus a Reign loss to make the playoffs in their inaugural season. The Reign's defense has conceded just 33 goals despite 39.96 expected goals against, while the Summit have surged behind Lindsey Heaps' seven goals and three assists since her midseason arrival.
Ashley Sanchez chases history
North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez has scored 20 goals this season. She can set the NWSL single-season goalscoring record with a goal against the Summit, and a goal or assist would break Temwa Chawinga's single-season goal contributions record. Sanchez's move to left wing has been transformational, earning her a return to the national team and placing her in contention for the Women's World Cup roster.
Decision Day schedule
All matches kick off Sunday, November 1 at 5 p.m. ET: Angel City vs. Boston Legacy, Bay FC vs. San Diego Wave, Gotham FC vs. Utah Royals, Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns, North Carolina Courage vs. Denver Summit, Racing Louisville vs. Kansas City Current, Seattle Reign vs. Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars.
