NWSL Match Day 23 in 2024 Season Preview and How to Watch
The NWSL season is down to just four games, making Match Day 23 pivotal for the teams that are still trying to lock down a playoff spot. This weekendâs action also ends with the top two teams in the table squaring off against one another in a potential playoff preview. With all seven NWSL matches this weekend being meaningful, letâs take a closer look at each one so you know whatâs at stake and what to watch.
Houston Dash vs Chicago Red StarsDate: Friday, October 4
Time: 8:00 PM, EST
How to Watch: NWSL+
Whatâs at StakeThe Dash is almost at the end of the line, as it would take a minor miracle to get Houston to the postseason. However, Chicago is in the middle of the playoff picture. The Red Stars currently occupy the sixth seed with a four-point cushion on the ninth-place team. A win for Chicago would at least maintain that cushion with three games left to play.
What to WatchItâll be interesting to see how the Dash plays with their season all but over. Itâs also worth noting that the team finally parted ways with head coach Fran Alonso this week, even though heâs been on a leave of absence for months. With the drama involving Alonso behind them, perhaps the Dash can play with a little more freedom. Meanwhile, the Red Stars need to take advantage of Houstonâs porous defense. Following a 3-1 loss last week, Chicago has gone six straight games without scoring multiple goals with Mallory Swansonâs scoreless streak still intact.
Seattle Reign vs Angel CityDate: Friday, October 4
Time: 10:00 PM, EST
How to Watch: Amazon Prime
Whatâs at StakeBoth teams are currently out of the playoff picture. Angel City has six points to make up while Seattle is eight points out of the final playoff spot. Needless to say, each side needs to take three points away from this game. A draw doesnât do either side a favor. Also, with a loss, Seattle could be mathematically eliminated by the end of the weekend.
What to WatchSeattle has suffered three straight losses and failed to score in all three games. That must change this week against an Angel City squad thatâs allowed the most goals in the NWSL this year. Angel City has been winless in four straight matches, giving up multiple goals in all four of those games. Something has to give between Seattleâs inability to score and Angel Cityâs porous defense. The X-factor is Angel Cityâs dynamic attack, which has produced 10 goals in the teamâs last six matches despite such poor results.
Goals That Give
đŻ Messiah Bright goal
âœïž Alyssa Thompson assist#AngelCityFC | @DoorDash pic.twitter.com/HvMME463kd
â Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 28, 2024North Carolina Courage vs San Diego WaveDate: Saturday, October 5
Time: 7:00 PM, EST
How to Watch: NWSL+
Whatâs at StakeEven with two wins in their last three matches, San Diego is six points out of a playoff spot. The Wave needs to build on that momentum with time running out. As for the Courage, a win would clinch a playoff spot with three games left and keep North Carolinaâs hopes of hosting a playoff game alive.
What to WatchThis game means a lot for North Carolina after the devastation that Hurricane Helene caused across the state. A road win over Chicago last week could help get the Courage back on track after a couple of disappointing results. But itâll have to be a team effort because North Carolina canât continue to lean so heavily on Ashley Sanchez, who leads the team in both goals and assists. Keep in mind the Wave has some confidence after winning two of its last three games. San Diego also has Naomi Girma leading the back line and giving the Wave a chance to get some much-needed points.
Gotham FC vs Bay FCDate: Saturday, October 5
Time: 7:30 PM, EST
How to Watch: Ion
Whatâs at StakeGotham is already bound for the playoffs and is just three points behind Washington for the no. 2 seed. They also have slim hopes of winning the NWSL Shield. However, doing so would likely require them to win all of their remaining games. Meanwhile, Bay FC is clinging to the final playoff spot. They currently have a three-point lead over Racing Louisville but have a worse goal differential. That means Bay FC could be out of the playoff picture with a loss. However, a win could send them as high as sixth by the end of the weekend.
What to WatchThis game looks like a mismatch on paper, but Gotham hasnât quite lived up to its talent level lately. They barely beat Utah 1-0 two weeks ago and settled for a draw with Kansas City last week. Gothamâs schedule gets awfully tough after this week, so they need to start clicking with all of their star power. On paper, they should be dominating a team like Bay FC. However, Asisat Oshoala is the ultimate equalizer, scoring three goals in September to help keep Bay FC in the playoff picture.
Racing Louisville vs Kansas City CurrentDate: Saturday, October 5
Time: 7:30 PM, EST
How to Watch: NWSL+
Whatâs at StakeLouisville is three points out of a playoff spot, although just four points off of sixth place, so they are very much in the playoff race. Of course, any loss at this point of the season could be severely detrimental to their hopes. The Current, meanwhile, has already wrapped up a playoff spot. However, securing a home playoff game is far from certain, so three points would be huge and still give Kansas City a realistic chance to claim the no. 2 seed.
What to WatchThe Current has scored the most goals in the NWSL and features one of the most dynamic rosters. But they also have just two wins in their last six matches and are winless in their last three away games. Racing Louisville, meanwhile, has won three of its last four home matches, including victories over Chicago and North Carolina. While Kansas City has the leagueâs top scorer in Temwa Chawinga, Louisville is a threat to control the midfield and create chances on the other side with Taylor Flint and Savannah DeMelo.
Portland Thorns vs Utah RoyalsDate: Saturday, October 5
Time: 10:00 PM, EST
How to Watch: Ion
Whatâs at StakeLast weekâs win got the Royals out of last place. However, winning their four remaining games is Utahâs only path to the playoffs, making this another must-win game. That wonât be easy against a Portland side that canât afford to drop too many points late in the season. The Thorns are tied with Bay FC for the last two playoff positions. A loss could potentially drop them from the top eight, so itâs crucial for Portland to get a result.
What to WatchThe Thorns have one draw and five defeats in their last six games, as their season is spiraling out of control. With Sophia Smith missing the last two games with an ankle injury, things arenât going to get any easier for Portland. Of course, the Thorns have allowed at least two goals in five of their last six games, so the defense is part of the reason for the losing streak. Something will have to give this week with the Royals being tied for the fewest goals in the NWSL this season.
Orlando Pride vs Washington SpiritDate: Sunday, October 6
Time: 5:00 PM, EST
How to Watch: ESPN2
Whatâs at StakeA win for Orlando would secure the NWSL Shield for the first time in franchise history and clinch the top seed in the playoffs. There is also the matter of Orlando wanting to remain unbeaten this season. As for the Spirit, if they want to put pressure on the Pride for the no. 1 seed late in the season or at least maintain a cushion for the no. 2 seed, they need to win this game.
What to WatchBehind the tandem of Trinity Rodman and Ouleymata Sarr, who both have eight goals this season, the Spirit have the second-most goals in the NWSL. Theyâll be facing an Orlando defense thatâs allowed the fewest goals this season. Keep in mind that Rodman missed last weekâs game with an injury while Sarr hasnât played since early September, so the Spirit might not be at full strength for a pivotal game against the leagueâs best team. That could shift the pressure to Washingtonâs defense to keep Barbra Banda and the Orlando attack contained.
