On the final day of the season, the Chicago Red Stars defeated the Orlando Pride, 1-0, at Exploria Stadium. Kealia Watt’s second-half goal was the difference, and it ensured that Chicago would host an opponent to be determined in the quarterfinals of the NWSL Playoffs. The Red Stars became the first team in NWSL history to reach the playoffs on six consecutive occasions, having finished in the top four every season since 2015.
For Chicago, there were several key absences; not only were Naeher and Ertz still injured, but the issues were worsened by the lack of availability for Katie Johnson, Sarah Woldmoe, and Casey Krueger.