With the Chicago Red Stars' 5-0 win over Sky Blue FC Tuesday night, all four slots for the 2018 NWSL Playoffs have been claimed. Joining Chicago are the North Carolina Courage – who claimed the NWSL Shield a few weeks ago with the league's best regular-season record – and Seattle Reign FC and Portland Thorns FC. The final seeding and important home field advantage for Portland and Seattle, however, are still up for grabs.
With North Carolina hosting one semifinal due to their no. 1 seed, the Thorns have a chance to grab the other home spot come Friday when they take on Seattle at Providence Park in both teams' regular-season finale (7pm PT, Lifetime, TICKETS). With a number of scenarios at play, the short version is this: If the Thorns win, they'll clinch second place and host the semifinal at home with a Providence Park-hosted 2018 NWSL Championship on Sept. 22 just on the horizon.
Regardless of what happens, however, Portland is in the playoffs. Here's how they could be seeded:
- Thorns Win over Seattle – Portland is #2 seed; will host Seattle
- Thorns Draw with Seattle – Portland is #3 seed; will travel to Seattle
- Thorns Lose and Chicago does anything but win their Sept. 8 match at Utah Royals – Portland is #3 seed; will travel to Seattle
- Thorns Lose and Chicago wins at Utah – Portland is #4 seed; will travel to face NC
