# A Defining Final Day Before the Playoffs
The 2026 NWSL regular season ended with a high-stakes Decision Day. Gotham FC secured the NWSL Shield, while Seattle Reign claimed the league’s final playoff spot. With all eight matches kicking off simultaneously, several players delivered performances that could carry momentum into the postseason.
Here are the players, coach and honorary captain recognized for the latest NWSL Team of the Week.
## Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan, North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan made four saves from 12 shots faced, helping her team stay in contention until the final minutes. Although the Courage did not qualify for the 2026 NWSL playoffs, Sheridan reached a career milestone: 700 regular-season saves. She became the third goalkeeper in NWSL history to hit that mark, joining Jane Campbell and Alyssa Naeher.
## Defenders
### Guro Reiten, Gotham FC
Since joining Gotham FC in mid-April, Guro Reiten has made an immediate impact. She scored the opening goal on Decision Day, helping Gotham secure the NWSL Shield and capping a strong first season with the club.
### Madison Curry, Seattle Reign
Madison Curry helped anchor Seattle’s defense in a must-win match against the Orlando Pride. She led the Reign in tackles with three, clearances with three and duels with 12. Seattle’s organized defensive effort played a key role in securing the final NWSL playoff berth.
### Mimi Van Zanten, San Diego Wave FC
San Diego rookie Mimi Van Zanten scored her second goal of the season and contributed across the pitch. She led the Wave in clearances with four, interceptions with five and tackles with eight, earning another place in the NWSL Team of the Week.
### Kayla Sharples, Kansas City Current
Kayla Sharples scored with a header from a corner kick, helping Kansas City Current secure a home playoff match. The defender’s set-piece goal was her first of the season and arrived at a crucial moment.
## Midfielders
### Kenza Dali, San Diego Wave FC
Kenza Dali created the opportunity for Van Zanten’s goal with a perfectly timed pass that split the opposition’s defense. Her link-up play helped keep San Diego’s Shield hopes alive on Decision Day.
### Nealy Martin, Angel City FC
Nealy Martin scored her first professional goal on the final day of the regular season. She finished a lobbed pass from Ally Sentnor, giving Angel City a memorable moment heading into the postseason.
### Andi Sullivan, Washington Spirit
After returning from maternity leave, Andi Sullivan continued to reestablish herself as an important part of Washington’s midfield. She led the Spirit in clearances with four and duels with 10, while her work on a set piece helped force an own goal.
## Forwards
### Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC
Jaedyn Shaw offered Gotham another attacking option despite managing an injury. If she continues to make an impact off the bench during the playoffs, she could be an important difference-maker for the Shield winners.
### Sophia Wilson, Portland Thorns
Sophia Wilson returned from a two-game suspension in impressive fashion, scoring twice against the Houston Dash. Her goals offered a timely reminder of her scoring threat as Portland prepares for the NWSL playoffs.
### Midge Purce, Gotham FC
Midge Purce recorded two assists as Gotham clinched the NWSL Shield. The 2023 NWSL Championship MVP has a history of stepping up in the postseason, and her Decision Day performance suggests she could again be a key player in Gotham’s playoff run.
## Coach of the Week: Juan Carlos Amoros, Gotham FC
Juan Carlos Amoros earned coach of the week honors after leading Gotham FC to the NWSL Shield. His work managing player rotations, making tactical adjustments and communicating the team’s approach helped Gotham add another major achievement to its recent run of success.
## Honorary Captain: Jess Fishlock, Seattle Reign
Seattle veteran Jess Fishlock announced that she will retire after the 2026 NWSL season. Before taking the field for the playoffs, she helped the Reign clinch their postseason place with a backheel flick that set up Jordyn Bugg’s game-winning goal.
With Decision Day complete, the NWSL regular season is over—but the playoffs are next. Gotham enters the postseason as Shield winners, while Seattle’s late push ensures Fishlock and the Reign will have at least one more game together.