Muller scores; Thorns clinch playoff spot vs Courage

On Friday night at home in North Carolina, Marie Muller scored the lone goal as Portland Thorns defeated NC Courage 1-0 to secure their tenth consecutive playoff appearance. The victory moved the Thorns (13-8-8) into sixth place in the National Women's Soccer League standings with one regular-season game remaining. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold recorded her eighth clean sheet of the season, making two saves before Muller smashed home a rebound in the 60th minute to break the deadlock.

Meanwhile, North Carolina Courage (13-13-3) dropped five of their last six games following this result. In other NWSL action, Utah Royals clinched their first-ever playoff berth with a scoreless draw against Seattle Reign at home, while Houston Dash eliminated Chicago Stars 3-1 on goals from Leah Klenke and Maggie Graham.