The final matches of National Women’s Soccer League’s 11th regular season take place on Sunday – aka Decision Day – and each one holds serious playoff ramifications. Of the 12 clubs competing this year, two have already clinched play-off places, with eight remain in contention for four positions. It promises to be some weekend …
Angel City FC vs Portland Thorns
The reigning champions and first-placed Portland Thorns affirmed their playoff bye in the penultimate weekend with a goal from Japan’s Hina Sugita. She and golden boot leader Sophia Smith, who has just returned from injury, will be rested for the first round of the playoffs but still have the Supporters Shield to secure, vying for that trophy with San Diego. Thorns head to Los Angeles attempt to that achieve that, meeting an Angel City FC side hoping to scrape their way into the playoffs for the first time in their second year.
