Breaking: North Carolina Courage‘s Diana Ordonez in Golden Boot Race as Playoff Hopes Narrow
Teh National Women’s Soccer league (NWSL) playoff picture remains intensely competitive as teams enter the final stretch of the regular season. North Carolina Courage forward Diana Ordonez is emerging as a contender for the NWSL Golden boot, while several teams fight to secure postseason berths.
The Courage, currently unable to clinch or be eliminated, drew 1-1 against the Washington Spirit. Despite the result, they finished one spot and four points short of playoff positions. They face bay FC on Friday, October 17 at 10 p.m. ET, followed by a match against Gotham.
Racing Louisville’s playoff hopes were sustained by a 1-1 draw against Seattle, allowing Angel City FC to secure a 2-0 win over Houston Dash. Angel City, now displaying attacking progress, must win their remaining games against portland Thorns (Sunday, October 19 at 5 p.m. ET, streaming live on ESPN+) and another yet-to-be-determined opponent to maintain a slim chance at postseason contention.
Houston Dash remain mathematically eligible for the playoffs but face an uphill battle after their loss to Angel City. They currently sit in 11th place and will play Kansas City Current on Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.ET.
the Utah Royals’ eight-game unbeaten run ended with a 3-2 defeat to San Diego Wave, officially eliminating them from playoff contention.
Bay FC, already eliminated, earned a 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign, with goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz making three saves. They will host the North Carolina Courage on Friday, October 17 at 10 p.m. ET.
Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher delivered a standout performance with eight saves in a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville, preserving a potential win until a late equalizer. They will face Seattle Reign on Friday, October 17 at 10 p.m. ET.
