Who to Root for this weekend in the NWSL 

With the end of the NWSL season rapidly approaching, the Dash are in the midst of a nail-biting playoffs race that might not be determined until the last day of the season. That last day is also Halloween, which feels perfect given how many teams are still frightened they won’t make the playoffs. 

With just two weeks to go in the season, just five points separates the third place Washington Spirit from the eighth place Orlando Pride. Fortunately for the Dash, there is a chance that their Halloween won’t be quite so scary, as they can secure the franchise’s first ever playoff berth if a few things go their way this weekend.  

For the Dash to clinch this weekend, the most important result is that Houston beat the Portland Thorns on Sunday at PNC Stadium. The two teams kick off at 6:00 pm in a matchup that will go a long way towards determining the playoff picture, regardless of who wins.  

Without a win, the Dash have no way of clinching this weekend. While the Dash are fighting for their playoff lives, the Thorns will be looking to secure the Supporter’s Shield, which they can do if they win and OL Reign loses to the Washington Spirit on Saturday.  

The Dash, meanwhile, will be more focused on the results of the North Carolina Courage’s matchup with NJ/NY Gotham. For the Dash to clinch a spot in the playoffs, they need a loss from the Courage and a win against Portland.  

The last time Houston and Portland matched up, the result was decidedly in the Dash’s favor, as the team secured its first road victory against the Thorns since 2015. Forward Rachel Daly scored two goals in her return from international duty to help propel the Dash to a win in that match.  

The Houston Dash have one match remaining in the regular season after Sunday, as they will take on the Washington Spirit on in the nation’s capital on October 31.