NWSL ‘Deadline Day’ sees eight teams push for four playoff spots

The 2023 NWSL season has been one of the most competitive in league history with most teams still in with a shout of a playoff place.

Matchday 22 in the 2023 NWSL regular season is set to be one of drama as eight out of the league’s 12 teams are still in with a chance of securing a post season place.

With 35 and 34 points respectively, both Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave have bagged top spots that see them advance to the semi-final stage but it’s the battle for the remaining four quarter-final berths that is truly compelling.

With 12 teams in total currently in the NWSL, only two, KC Current and Chicago Red Stars have no mathematical options as teams head into the final matchday next Sunday.

North Carolina, Gotham FC and Washington Spirit hold the advantage with each team on 30 points but tenth placed Houston Dash still harbour an outside hope of getting their all important win away to Orlando Pride and hope that other results could go their way to offer a long shot at a final sixth place in the table.