NJ/NY Gotham FC knew that fate was not entirely in their hands on Decision Day. They had to beat the North Carolina Courage to have a chance at fourth place, but needed San Diego Wave FC and Portland Thorns FC to drop points in their gams. San Diego lost, but Portland won. Still, the Bats needed to win to not fall to eighth place. Sadly, despite two late goals, they fell 3-2.
Gotham FC initially struggled immensely in the final third. But North Carolina attacked with full force from the very beginning. Goals by Meredith Speck in the 14th minute, Manaka Matsukubo in the 16th minute, and an own goal by Jess Carter in the 51st minute led to the loss.