After the USWNT faced off against Chile twice this past week, the NWSL is back in action for the final weekend of the regular season.
The NWSL heads into the final weekend of the regular season with all four playoff spots secured. On Tuesday, Chicago’s 5-0 victory over Sky Blue was enough to claim the final spot. Now all that’s left to determine is the seeding.
Game to watch
The only game with much meaning on the weekend also happens to be the greatest rivalry in the league. Portland will play host to the Seattle Reign on Friday night at Providence Park in the Cascadia showdown. The result of this match could be huge for either side as the winner would play host to the loser in the semifinal next weekend.
A win for either side would secure the second seed heading into the playoffs. A tie would keep Seattle in second and Portland in third. If Portland lose, depending on the result of the Chicago match, they could end up facing off against the Shield-winning North Carolina Courage. Friday night at 10 p.m. ET on Lifetime, one of the most important games in this rivalry will take place.
Player to watch
On Tuesday night against Sky Blue, Alyssa Mautz went off for Chicago. The midfielder had two goals within the first 46 minutes of the game to give Chicago a lead they would never relinquish. With a big game on Saturday against Utah that could potentially move the Red Stars into third place, they’ll once again need a big game from their longest-tenured player to have a chance at moving up in the playoff seeding.
Schedule
Friday, Sept. 7
Portland Thorns vs. Seattle Reign – 10 p.m. ET Portland, Oregon
Sky Blue FC vs. Orlando Pride – noon ET Piscataway, New Jersey
Utah Royals vs. Chicago Red Stars – 3:30 p.m. ET Sandy, Utah
North Carolina Courage vs. Houston Dash – 7:30 p.m. ET Cary, North Carolina