By OkayGoal
The Washington Spirit clinched their spot in the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs on Saturday by defeating the Shield leaders NJ/NY Gotham FC 1-0. Meanwhile, the San Diego Wave defeated the North Carolina Courage 2-1 to guarantee a top four playoff seed and hosting rights.
The clash in Washington, D.C. was what you would expect from those two top-of-the-table teams, but with the home team creating more quality scoring opportunities. The game-winner came in the 70th minute when midfielder Mélissa Bethi sent the ball into the box for Lucia Di Guglielmo, who positioned herself well, collected and poked the ball home for the 1-0 lead. It was her first goal since joining the Spirit.
Lucia Di Guglielmo tucks it in for her 1st goal of the season!
Washington leads by#NWSLRivalries | @Ally pic.twitter.com/ZrdALNbfVf
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 17, 2026
In North Carolina, the Wave opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a long-distance goal from Melanie Barcenas. Her seventh goal of the season set a new NWSL single-season record for goals by a teenager, while Lia Godfrey’s assist tied the club’s single-season record. The visitors extended their advantage in the 52nd minute when Gia Corley played Trinity Byars through on goal, and the forward chipped the ball over goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan for her 11th goal of the season, the most by a San Diego player since Alex Morgan in 2022.
Vilde Bøe Risa cut the deficit in half in the 83rd minute with her first goal since joining the Courage midseason, with an assist from Ashley Sanchez. North Carolina threatened to equalize in stoppage time, but San Diego held on to secure all three points and guarantee a home playoff quarterfinal.
These two results prevented Gotham from clinching the Shield and drew the Wave within just one point of the pack leaders, Gotham with 55 points in first place and San Diego now with 54 in second. The Spirit are not far behind with 52 points.