* UPDATE
Utah Royals FC were officially eliminated from the 2018 NWSL Playoffs after Chicago's 5-0 victory over New Jersey on Tuesday evening,
**
As the National Women’s Soccer League’s 2018 season enters its final week, Utah Royals FC’s postseason hopes are still alive. North Carolina Courage, Seattle Reign FC and Portland Thorns FC have already clinched, leaving the fourth and final spot up for grabs.
URFC, currently fifth place in the league table with 32 points, sit two points behind the Chicago Red Stars. Chicago has 34 points and two matches left to play. Utah’s playoff hopes will remain alive if Sky Blue can record their first win of the season in Chicago on Tuesday night.
Tuesday’s match was originally slated to be played July 28th, but was rescheduled, and is now being played during the FIFA international break. Both squads will see important gaps in their typical game day rosters due to the international call ups; for the Red Stars, Morgan Brian, Julie Ertz, Summer Green, Christina Murillo, Alyssa Naeher and Casey Short are all on international duty. Sky Blue’s Carli Lloyd, Imani Dorsey, Katie Johnson, and Savannah McCaskill will also be out on international duty.
If Sky Blue wins tonight, Saturday's match at the RioT would set up to be a "Win & we're in" match for URFC.
If the Red Stars win or tie on Tuesday, the Royals are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
The Royals are 0-2-0 against Chicago this season, including the April 14th home opener and again at Toyota Park on June 23.
Chicago Red Stars vs. Sky Blue FC
When: Tue., Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m. MT
Watch:NWSLsoccer.com, NWSL app (U.S. and international)
Live stream: Watch on NWSL
Where: Toyota Park | Bridgeview, Illinois
