Four Clubs Prepare for 2017 NWSL Playoffs
The 2017 NWSL season concludes as four teams prepare for playoffs that kick off this coming weekend. North Carolina Courage takes on the Chicago Red Stars, while the Orlando Pride faces off against Portland Thorns FC.
NWSL Soccer News: The 2017 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season comes to a close as the top four clubs prepare for playoffs taking place this weekend. 
A Wednesday matchup between the Houston Dash and the North Carolina Courage opened Week 22. The Courage cruised to a 4-0 victory over the hosts led by four goalscorers. The win declared North Carolina winners of the NWSL Shield for finishing with the best record in the league as they notched their 12th shutout of the 2017 season.
Portland Thorns FC and the Chicago Red Stars opened the weekend at Providence Park in Oregon. Portland took a 2-0 advantage 13 minutes into the match as the hosts went into halftime without conceding. Chicago forward Sofia Huerta brought the visitors within a goal in the 71st minute off a stellar strike from 25 yards out. However, Portland was awarded a penalty kick with seven minutes remaining in regulation. Nadia Nadim calmly sent home her shot as the Thorns now prepare to take on the Orlando Pride in the 2017 NWSL Semifinals.
Seattle Reign FC edged the Washington Spirit, 3-2, led by Jessica Fishlock who recorded a brace and an assist on the night. Rookie Mallory Pugh found herself on the scoring end of both Washinton goals as she finished the 2017 campaign with six goals and one assist. Fishlock tallied seven goals and two assists in her second NWSL season.
Both clubs were eliminated from playoff contention.
The Boston Breakers and Sky Blue FC played out a seven-goal thriller at Jordan Field in Massachusetts. Sky Blue recorded the 4-3 victory with four goalscorers adding their name to the scoresheet, while Natasha Dowie tallied a brace for Boston.
Sky Blue’s Samantha Kerr set an NWSL record with 17th goals on the season. The Australian international earned Player of the Week and Month honors on multiple occasions as she concludes a stellar campaign in the NWSL. Kerr received the 2017 NWSL Golden Boot for her performance.
Both teams were eliminated from playoff contention.
The Orlando Pride edged the NC Courage, 3-2, in the final Saturday matchup at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The win lifted Orlando to the third playoff spot as Chicago fell in its closing match of the season.
The Pride held a 2-0 advantage at the hour mark, but two goals by Lynn Williams within five minutes brought the match level with 23 minutes remaining in regulation. Orlando forward Jasmyne Spencer was taken down just outside the box in the 90th minute, setting up a final opportunity for the visiting side. Alanna Kennedy finished a stunning free kick in the first minute of stoppage time to record the victory.
Orlando will travel to Portland on Saturday, October 7, for the first playoff matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. The North Carolina Courage face off against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, October 8, at 3:30 p.m. ET.
The 2017 NWSL Final will be held Saturday, October 14, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Orlando City Stadium.
In the final matchup of the 2017 regular season, FC Kansas City and the Houston Dash played out a 1-1 draw at Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Missouri. Maegan Kelly recorded the opening goal of the match in the ninth minute for FCKC, while Rachel Daly put Houston on the board eight minutes into the second half.
Both clubs were eliminated from playoff contention.
Header Photo Credit: Wilf Thorne/ISI Photos
