There are just four weeks left in the NWSL season, the playoff push starts this weekend for some teams. Headed into week 16, the top four teams are NWSL season, the playoff push starts this weekend for some teams. Headed into week 16, the top four teams are Washington Spirit, Portland Thorns, Western New York Flash, and Chicago Red Stars. Teams just outside of the fourth place seed are Sky Blue FC, Seattle Reign, and Orlando Pride. There are a handful of points up for grabs, and with 22 points, Sky Blue FC has an opportunity to secure a playoff spot.

Their season hasn’t been easy. Before the start of the season, most opinions had the team written off as too young and would finish at the lower portion of the NWSL standings. Their game this Saturday against Chicago has huge playoff implications. Three points currently separate the two teams, and a solid win would truly put the fourth and final playoff seed up for grabs. Sky Blue could head into week 17 with 25 points, where they will face eighth-place FC Kansas City.

Their last five games have ended with three wins and two losses. They head into the final five weeks of NWSL with an opportunity to upset the playoff standings for Chicago and others fighting their way in.

Not an easy feat

With Alysaa Naeher back from U.S. international duty, the Chicago Red Stars will look to keep Sky Blue FC just outside the fourth and final playoff spot this weekend | Source: nwslsoccer.com
With Alyssa Naeher back from U.S. international duty, the Chicago Red Stars will look to keep Sky Blue FC just outside the fourth and final playoff spot this weekend | Source: nwslsoccer.com

Both teams will be getting U.S. national team players back from the Olympics. That includes star goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for Chicago who will be reunited with a backline that has gotten much stronger week to week. Kelley O’Hara returns for Sky Blue, a key versatile player for the Jersey squad who all play better when she suits up for them. Samantha Kerr, an Australian international, will also return for Sky Blue. The team will also have to game prep for the return of scoring threat, Christen Press, and defender Julie Johnston for Chicago as well.

Although Chicago leads the all-time match up in wins with three victories, there have been six draws to date. Their game earlier this year saw both teams facing each other without their national team members and ended in a draw. This should be an entertaining game with all players on deck and a playoff feel for both teams this week.

Not alone in the hunt

While it’s important to keep your eyes focused on moving forward, one can’t forget about the other teams who are vying for playoff spots. Trailing just behind Sky Blue FC with 20 points in the standings is Seattle and Orlando with 18 points.

Seattle has been a bit inconsistent this season but is capable of pulling out wins. They will look to finish strong in order to make the playoffs. They are seeking their third straight NWSL Championship appearance.

Orlando has the most to gain having had a strong showing the first half of the season, the team has struggled in the second half in the absence of their international players in the Olympics.

All teams will battle for points and position in the final weeks, and both Sky Blue FC and Orlando Pride will play each other twice for a potential six-point swing before the regular season comes to an end.