Section 6: Scoring
Goal
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no infringement was committed previously by the team scoring the goal (IFAB Law 10). All NWSL venues use goal-line technology or league-approved goal-line confirmation processes; VAR may also be used to verify goal/no-goal incidents.
Match Result
- Regular season: the team scoring more goals during the match wins; if the match ends with the same number of goals scored by each team, it is a draw
- Playoffs: if regulation ends level, two 15-minute extra-time periods are played; if still level after extra time, the match is decided by a penalty-kick shootout (IFAB Law 10 KFTPM procedure)
Standings
3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss. The full tiebreaker chain listed in Section 5 governs final standings position when teams are level on points. The Supporters' Shield, awarded to the regular-season points winner, is determined strictly by the standings tiebreakers.
Penalty Kick Shootout (KFTPM)
If a playoff match remains level after extra time, the IFAB Kicks From the Penalty Mark procedure is used: each team takes five alternating kicks from the penalty mark; if still tied, kicks proceed in sudden death until a winner is determined. Per the 2026 NWSL competition rules, a yellow card issued during the match (regulation or extra time) does not carry over to the shootout — a player is not sent off solely because they receive a yellow in regulation and a yellow during the shootout.