NWSL's season finale weekend: Gotham and Reign's goals

On Decision Day, the final weekend of the NWSL regular season, Gotham FC face Utah Royals as they look to win the league title (NWSL Shield) for the first time. Despite their slump in the final months of the season, Gotham, the favorite, are closely followed by San Diego Wave, who play away at Bay FC. Wave dropped points in their last match, drawing with Boston Legacy.

The key question is Gotham's squad situation. Jaedyn Shaw and Rose Lavelle missed last week's match against Pride, and Shaw was on the bench in the Washington Spirit match a week earlier. The duo are the team's most influential players this season, with 22 goal contributions between them. Since the Royals' defensive numbers are mid-level, Gotham could still take this match without them.

Seven of the eight playoff spots are still up for grabs. Seattle Reign, sitting eighth with 42 points, will qualify for the playoffs for certain if they beat Pride. If Reign drop points, North Carolina Courage and Denver Summit, who play each other, will get their chance. Courage need to win and Reign need to slip up, while Summit need to win and Reign need to drop points.

Courage's star Ashley Sanchez is in the MVP conversation with 20 goals. If she scores against Summit, she could break the NWSL's single-season goal record. Scoring or assisting would also let her reach Temwa Chawinga's single-season goal contribution record. However, almost half of Courage's goals come from Sanchez, and their defense is among the six worst in the league.