NWSL Power Rankings: Gotham clinch play-off place as race tightens | OneFootball

Gotham clinched a play-off place with a 2-1 win over North Carolina Courage, keeping the champions on course to defend their crown.

It seals a fourth successive post-season for the title holders. According to Goal.com, the play-off picture is taking shape after a pivotal weekend.

Angel City beat Utah 3-0 and Denver Summit stunned Seattle Reign 2-1. Portland Thorns made a statement with a 4-1 rout of Orlando. Trinity Rodman and Washington Spirit beat Chicago Stars FC 3-0 to strengthen second place.

There is little room to breathe in a crowded middle of the table. For Kansas City Current, Denver Summit and Seattle Reign, every remaining match carries added weight as the race tightens.

At the bottom, Chicago’s hopes have officially run out. The loss to Washington confirmed elimination from play-off contention, leaving the Stars last on 17 points, even with Vlatko Andonovski now serving as chief soccer officer.

With Gotham safely through and plenty still to settle, attention turns to seeding and the final berths.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”