San Diego Wave FC took over the top seed in the NWSL standings after its 2-0 road victory over the Portland Thorns on Sept. 30 becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot. The win gave San Diego 33 points with a +7 goal differential while Portland now has 32 points and a +13 goal differential followed by Gotham FC with 30 points and a +2 goal differential.

There is no scenario where the Wave can mathematically clinch the Supporters’ Shield this weekend even with a victory over the North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, but it can come as close with a win combined with a Gotham FC win. This scenario gives the team, led by head coach Casey Stoney, 36 points and Gotham FC 33 points but with a solid goal differential advantage for the Wave (barring an absolute blowout by Gotham over Portland).

A victory by Portland would still keep it alive for the Supporters’ Shield and eliminate Gotham from a chance at finishing as the top seed, but even a draw would do that as well considering its tremendous goal differential advantage.

North Carolina will be looking to avenge its 3-1 loss to San Diego at Snapdragon Stadium back on April 1 with a win putting it back in contention for the Supporters’ Shield as it would pull within one point of the Wave. The top-six teams make the playoffs with the top two earning a bye in the quarterfinal round while being guaranteed a home game for the semifinals.

San Diego closes out the regular season at home versus Racing Louisville on Oct. 15 as the two teams settled for a scoreless draw in their previous match back on June 9.

Photo courtesy of San Diego Wave