NWSL Standings: Croix Bethune breaks assist record as playoff spots finalize

The 2026 National Women's Soccer League regular season reached its final weekend before Decision Day, a period defined by record-breaking performances and critical goals that determined playoff seeding.

Croix Bethune of the Kansas City Current broke the single-season assists record on Sunday. Bethune, who matched the league record of 10 assists as a rookie in 2024, provided the final pass for Vanessa DiBernardo's game-winning goal. This performance gave the record sole ownership to Bethune.

Denver Summit secured points in a must-win match with contributions from Janine Sonis and Kaleigh Kurtz. Sonis recorded two assists, her seventh and eighth of the year, helping keep Denver's playoff hopes alive. Kurtz scored the club's first goal of the season and performed a dance after the strike. Natasha Flint also scored for Denver, adding to the team's goal differential ahead of the postseason.

Portland Thorns clinched a playoff spot with a goal from Marie Muller. Muller hit a powerful shot that secured a win over North Carolina. The result guaranteed a postseason berth for Portland, along with Kansas City Current, Utah Royals, and Angel City FC.

Jessie Fleming carried the load for Portland in midfield during that match. The Canadian international, covering for injuries and a suspension, led the team with 66 touches and eight recoveries. Her performance helped stabilize the team in a large victory.

Gotham FC protected its position in the NWSL Shield race with a narrow win over Orlando Pride. Ann-Katrin Berger made seven saves on 19 shots, including eight on target, to stop the eliminated Orlando team. Tierna Davidson added a decisive header in the box to seal the result.

Angel City FC advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2023 under interim manager Leif Gunnar Smerud. Evelyn Shores led the backline with seven duels and tied for the team lead in clearances and interceptions. Gisele Thompson added a clinical goal during a second-half surge that silenced rumors about Smerud's future.

Boston Legacy kept its status as a contender with an equalizer from Alba Caño against San Diego. The goal prevented the San Diego team from taking the lead in a match that could have affected Shield standings.

The league will announce one final Team of the Week after Decision Day on November 1. Following that selection, all honors will shift to players from the quarterfinals and subsequent playoff rounds.