By OkayGoal
The Portland Thorns defeated the North Carolina Courage 1-0 at Providence Park on Friday night to clinch a spot in the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs for four clubs: themselves, Angel City FC, Kansas City Current, and the Utah Royals.
North Carolina thought they had delivered the early first punch in the sixth minute when Ashley Sanchez was sent in behind and chipped the ball into the Thorns net, but it was called back for offside, robbing her of the league’s single-season goalscoring record for another weekend. Despite having most of the possession, the Courage were outshot 13 to 11, seven to two on target.
The 20,105 fans in attendance got their chance to erupt in the 60th minute when a blocked shot landed kindly for defender Marie Müller. From about 20 yards out, Müller blasted her shot into the upper corner for her third goal of the season and second game-winner.
A LASER
BY MARIE MÜLLER pic.twitter.com/ucAyKUcwTu
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 24, 2026
BY MARIE MÜLLER The result ensured Portland’s spot in the playoffs for a league-record 10th consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Utah Royals are postseason bound for the first time in franchise history, Angel City will make their first playoff appearance since 2023, and Kansas City will join the field for the third straight season.
Seeding is still wide open, but the last spot is down to the Seattle Reign, North Carolina and Denver Summit. The Reign could’ve been the final team to clinch their spot Friday night if they had won, but they left Utah with a 0-0 draw. If they win against Orlando on Decision Day, no team can overtake their eighth-place position. Denver can be eliminated on Saturday with any result other than a win. North Carolina will root for the Pride next weekend as they try to defeat Denver.