The San Diego Wave might officially be in the playoffs, but with five spots on the line and hundreds of possible scenarios, the chaos has yet to die down as NWSL teams push for a postseason berth.
Just about every matchup this weekend will be a consequential one, most notably OL Reign’s Friday night encounter with the Washington Spirit. The Reign’s final home game of the season will serve as a celebration of Megan Rapinoe’s career, but a competitive one with playoff berths on the line.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of another jam-packed weekend in the NWSL.
NWSL playoff structure
The top six teams at the end of the regular season will compete in the playoffs, with the top-ranked team winning the NWSL Shield. The first and second place sides will earn a first-round bye and head straight to the semifinals, while the rest will duke it out in the quarterfinals.
The third-ranked team will play the sixth-ranked side, while fourth and fifth place will face off against each other in the quarterfinals. The higher-ranked team will then face the second-ranked team in the semis, while the lower-ranked side awaits the NWSL Shield winner.
All eye a spot in the championship on Nov. 11 at Snapdragon Stadium in San…
