NWSL Decision Day returns as NC Courage hosts Gotham FC in playoff race finale
The 2025 NWSL regular season concludes with Decision Day chaos, as the NC Courage hosts a sold-out crowd while fighting for the final playoff spot against Gotham FC.
October 31, 2025 - 10:47 AM ET • 3 min read
The 2025 NWSL regular season will conclude on Sunday with Decision Day, featuring a chaotic simultaneous format where playoff spots and seeding will be determined across the league. The North Carolina Courage will host NJ/NY Gotham FC in a crucial season finale at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, with the Courage fighting for the eighth and final playoff berth.
The NWSL is returning to the simultaneous Decision Day format for Matchday 26 of 26, following a break in 2024. While the Kansas City Current secured the NWSL Shield weeks ago, six of the remaining eight games will take place at 5 p.m. ET, meaning the final playoff bracket will not be set until the final whistle. Gotham FC forward Midge Purce described the matchday as one of the "peak sporting moments" to be a part of, despite the difficulty of having to rely on results from other teams.
The stakes are high for both clubs in North Carolina. The Courage are vying for the final playoff spot, while Gotham FC, having already clinched a berth, is seeking a victory that would secure a home quarterfinal match.
The match has generated significant local interest, marking the NC Courage's second sellout of the 2025 season. The club announced that all reserved seating has been sold, with only Standing-Room-Only (SRO) tickets remaining available. Club officials project the crowd will be among the top five in club history, potentially challenging the all-time attendance record of 10,434 set in October 2023.
NC Courage Chief Operating Officer Ralph Vuono noted the high level of fan engagement throughout the year. "We've seen incredible support from Courage Country all season. It's been a year of record growth, passionate crowds, and amazing energy from our community," Vuono said, adding that the club looks forward to finishing strong in front of a packed house.
Gotham FC enters the finale following a successful year marked by significant organizational and competitive achievements. General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West reflected on the 2025 season in a recent letter to fans, highlighting the club's success in international competition.
Gotham FC became the first Concacaf W Champions Cup winners, a title that qualifies them to represent the NWSL and the region at the FIFA Women's Champions Cup in London in January 2026. The victory also secured their qualification for the inaugural FIFA Women's Club World Cup in 2028.
Off the field, the organization focused on strengthening player support, adding specialized coaching roles, building a "best-in-class" performance and medical department, and expanding mental health resources for players and staff. The club also launched "The Blueprint," a new season ticket membership, with the goal of establishing 5,000 founding members.
The team recently returned from an October international break that saw nine players called up to their respective national teams. The USWNT roster included Rose Lavelle, Lilly Reale, Jaedyn Shaw, and Emily Sonnett. Other international call-ups included Bruninha (Brazil), Jess Carter (England), and Josefine Hasbo (Denmark). Several players, including Ann-Katrin Berger, Geyse, Gabi Portilho, and Esther González, missed the window due to injury-related issues.