Gotham FC clinches playoff berth behind Courage draw

The North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns played to a scoreless draw Saturday night, splitting points in the NWSL standings.

While the tie wasn’t enough for the Courage to clinch a playoff spot outright, the result did advance NJ/NY Gotham FC to the postseason. The team’s playoff berth marks their first postseason appearance since 2013.

First time since 2013 🥲 see you in the Playoffs fam 👏👏👏 #YERRRRRR pic.twitter.com/wfDAtxF1OZ

— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) October 31, 2021

The Courage had a frustrating evening, failing to capitalize on a series of late chances in the final third, including a Jessica McDonald shot blocked by the crossbar in the 88^th minute.

North Carolina will now keep their eye on the Dash, whose result will determine the Courage’s playoff fate. A Houston win will secure a spot in the postseason and end the Courage’s season, while a loss to the Washington Spirit would send North Carolina through.

The Houston Dash faces off against the Washington Spirit on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on Paramount+.