Red Stars Control Destiny in Home Finale Against Houston Dash

As the Chicago Red Stars look toward their first ever National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) post-season appearance, the exact picture of who’s playing who and where is still to be determined.  One thing is for sure though: A Red Stars WIN against Houston will guarantee them a home playoff game on Sunday, September 13th at 12:30 pm at Toyota Park.

In any case, with Washington hosting Seattle on Saturday night, the picture will be clearer when the Red Stars host Houston on Sunday.  Of course, there are still lots of possibilities as to who they’ll play and where, so here’s your case-by-case guide to the NWSL playoff picture based on the outcome of Saturday’s game between Washington and Seattle.

Facts You Need To Know

In the NWSL, the first tiebreaker between teams with the same number of points is the head-to-head record between the 2 teams for the year.  That being the case:

1)  If Chicago and Washington end with equal points, Washington wins the tie breaker given 1 Washington win and 1 draw between the 2 teams this year

2)  If Chicago and Kansas City end with equal points, Chicago wins the tie breaker given 1 Chicago win and 1 draw between the 2 teams this year

CASE #1:  Seattle BEATS or TIES Washington on Saturday Night

In this case, the Top 4 in the NWLS will look like this leading into Sunday’s game between Chicago and Houston:  Seattle (43 or 41), Chicago (32), FC Kansas City (32), Washington (30 or 31)

IF THIS HAPPENS, Chicago is guaranteed a home playoff game in the first round against FC Kansas City while Washington would be traveling to Seattle for their semi-final match-up.

CASE #2:  Washington BEATS Seattle on Saturday Night

In this case, the Top 4 in the NWSL will look like this leading into Sunday’s game between Chicago and Houston:  Seattle (40), Washington (33), Chicago (32), FC Kansas City (32)

Given this scenario, Chicago controls it’s destiny as it battles the Houston Dash on Sunday and the result will be as follows:

If Chicago LOSES against Houston on Sunday, they will remain in 3rd place with 32 points and will play their semi-final on the road against Washington while Kansas City will travel to Seattle for their first round match-up

If Chicago TIES Houston on Sunday, they will have 33 points and will play the semi-final game on the road at Washington while FC Kansas City will travel to Seattle for their first round match-up

If Chicago WINS against Houston on Sunday, they will jump to 35 points, 2 ahead of Washington, and will host the first round playoff game against Washington while FC Kansas City would travel to Seattle for their first round match-up.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR CHICAGO RED STARS FANS!

In sports, momentum is EVERYTHING!  Whatever happens between Washington and Seattle on Saturday night, Chicago will be facing a Houston Dash team, led by Carli Lloyd, looking to prove the strength and depth of their team going into the off season.  The louder the stadium support for your Chicago Red Stars the better, so your support is vital!

General Admission tickets remain for Sunday’s game and the $20 ticket includes free parking and a whole lot more!  Click here for all the details and your Chicago Red Stars will look forward to playing in front of you on Sunday!