Final Teams Strive for 2016 NWSL Playoffs
The second to last weekend of the NWSL regular season kicks on Saturday as three remaining teams strive for playoff berths. Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns FC have booked their ticket to the 2016 NWSL Playoffs, while defending champions FC Kansas City are eliminated from postseason qualification.
NWSL Soccer News: Week 18 prepares to kick off as teams across the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) push for a playoff ticket in the final two weeks of the regular season. Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns FC clinched the first two playoff spots in the last week.
Three teams remain in the hunt for playoff berths, while the last five teams have been eliminated from qualification.
Orlando Pride open the weekend on Saturday versus Sky Blue FC at Camping World Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Orlando are led by Kristen Edmonds and Alex Morgan whose strong first half of the season was halted since the international break for the Rio Olympics last month.
A live stream will be available here.
FC Kansas City welcome the Chicago Red Stars to Swope Soccer Village on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET. FC Kansas City are eliminated from the playoffs after hoisting the last two NWSL Championships.
Chicago are led by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and scoring duo Christen Press (7) and Sofia Huerta (6). The Red Stars are currently tied in points with Western New York Flash for third place.
A live stream will be available here.
Houston Dash take on the Boston Breakers at BBVA Compass Stadium at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Houston’s Kealia Ohai received NWSL Player of the Week honors for the second time in her career during Week 17. The Breakers are coming off a 2-2 draw versus WNY Flash on Wednesday at Jordan Field in Boston.
A live stream will be available here.
WNY Flash travel to take on Portland Thorns FC at 9:30 p.m. ET. WNY are led by a strong attacking force with Lynn Williams recording nine goals and five assists this season. Teammate Jessica McDonald has also had a great year with eight goals and six assists in 2016.
Portland midfielder Tobin Heath currently leads the league with 8 assists on the season.
The match will air Fox Sports 1.
Seattle Reign FC host Washington Spirit to close out the weekend with kickoff set for 10:00 p.m. ET.
A live stream will be available here.
Washington Spirit maintain a four-point lead atop the NWSL table heading into the weekend, while Seattle sit five points behind the current third and fourth place teams.
Photo Credit: National Women’s Soccer League
