League: NWSL Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NWSL playoff race heats up as Gotham and Spirit vie for top spots

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 10:16 AM

Last updated Sep 23, 2026

NWSL playoff race heats up as Gotham and Spirit vie for top spots

Summary

The NWSL season is entering a crucial stretch as playoff positions are contested ahead of the championship on November 21. Gotham FC has secured a playoff berth and currently leads the standings, five points ahead of second-place Washington Spirit, who seek redemption after last year's final defeat. Angel City is the league's most in-form team, unbeaten in five matches, while Utah Royals and North Carolina Courage have faced recent challenges. The pressure intensifies as teams fight for individual and team accolades before the playoffs conclude.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Gotham FC has clinched a playoff spot and leads the standings.
•Washington Spirit aims to improve upon last year's championship loss.
•Angel City is unbeaten in its last five matches.
•Utah Royals and North Carolina Courage face challenges as the season winds down.
•NWSL championship is scheduled for November 21.

Latest Updates

10:16 AMYahoo Sports — 'Tis the season' when NWSL playoffs loom in wide-open, high-stakes final stretch

What they're saying

"
'Tis the season. Not that season, unless we consider the road to the playoffs in one of the most competitive leagues in the world a holiday — which we should. As the daily portion of sunlight wanes in the northern hemisphere and the likelihood of unpredictable nighttime dramatics known as "NWSL after dark" increases, so too do the races for individual and team awards. Unlike the last two years of historic, generational individual and team performances, this year's NWSL season is wide open. Reign
— Yahoo Sportsby Tamerra Griffin

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