Soccer: NWSL Playoffs

NWSL quarter-finals: Thanks to this 60th minute finish from forward Mal Pugh, the Chicago Red Stars topped NJ/NY Gotham FC 1–0 yesterday, ending Gotham’s playoff run and USWNT legend Carli Lloyd’s pro soccer career. The Red Stars will face the No. 1 Portland Thorns next Sunday, and you already know we’ll have a full preview closer to kickoff.

• It took extra time to decide, but Golden Boot winner Ashley Hatch scored in the 113th minute to lift her Washington Spirit 1–0 over the North Carolina Courage, setting a Sunday date with No. 2 OL Reign.

MLS Decision Day: MLS woke up and chose chaos, scheduling all Eastern Conference regular season finales at 3:30 p.m. ET yesterday and all Western Conference matches at 6 p.m. ET, with six postseason berths on the line.

• And while CF Montréal squandered their opportunity to clinch, losing 2–0 to Orlando City SC, the Vancouver Whitecaps pulled through for the Great White North, punching their postseason ticket with a 1–1 draw with the Seattle Sounders. We’ll take it.

• Playoffs don’t kick off until November 20th so check out the playoff picture in the meantime.