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Jeff Kassouf
The 2025 NWSL playoffs have arrived, with every team determined to dethrone the Kansas City Current, who had a record-breaking regular season. While Kansas City is a formidable contender for the NWSL Championship on November 22, the league is known for its unpredictability.
Could one of the seven other teams stage an impressive run and capture the title? Absolutely. But will they? Here’s a look at why each team might or might not win the NWSL Championship.
Next match: at KC Current, Nov. 9, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Why they could win: Talent and strategy. Gotham’s No. 8 seed status is misleading; this squad has the potential for a stronger finish in the league, despite faltering on Decision Day. With players like Jaedyn Shaw joining an in-form Rose Lavelle and the dependable Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham has assembled a roster brimming with championship-worthy talent.
If Esther González, with her 13 regular-season goals, stays fit, she has the capability to lead the team through the playoffs.
Why they might not win: Defensive vulnerabilities. Gotham conceded 25 goals this season, second only to Kansas City, but the nature of those concessions poses a risk. Mistakes while playing out of the back, evident in their loss to North Carolina, could be exploited by a team like Kansas City, who capitalized on similar errors in their earlier match-up.
Next match: at Washington Spirit, Nov. 8, 12 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+
Why they could win: Gritty style of play. Louisville excels in direct, purposeful gameplay, leveraging counterattacks primarily through forward Emma Sears. Despite possessing the lowest average possession in the league at 41%, they’re able to translate that into 35 goals and 10 wins. This form of play may be effective in the pressure of a knockout match, and their lack of postseason experience might even work to their advantage.
Why they might not win: Late-game struggles. Louisville has a history of dropping points in late-game scenarios, which pushed them to a playoff fight until the end of Decision Day. Such difficulties could resurface, especially for an inexperienced team facing their first playoff match in a challenging environment.
Next match: at Portland Thorns, Nov. 9, 3 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Why they could win: Ball control. San Diego boasted the highest possession rate in the regular season at 59.4%, allowing them to dictate the pace of games. This trend was evident in their early scoring against Kansas City, where they initially took control.
With a potent duo of Kenza Dali and Delphine Cascarino, they could drive their team to victory.
Why they might not win: Inconsistent offensive output. Their possession statistics are impressive, but San Diego has struggled to convert that into goals, as highlighted by an unproductive stretch of four consecutive games without scoring. Although they rebounded with a 6-1 win against the Chicago Stars, such performances may not hold against playoff contenders like Portland.
Next match: at Orlando Pride, Nov. 7, 8 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime
Why they could win: Experience and determination. Laura Harvey, the league’s all-time winningest coach, leads a team that continues to find ways to win even amid challenging circumstances. This year, the Reign have defied expectations and have the capability to put Orlando under pressure.
Why they might not win: Lack of scoring. Seattle’s 32 goals this season—tied for last among playoff teams—indicates an offensive struggle, especially since their expected goals totaled only 25.19, the lowest in the league. While they’ve managed some impressive results, scoring remains a significant concern.
Next match: vs. Seattle Reign, Nov. 7, 8 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime
Why they could win: Things are finally aligning. Despite not being able to replicate last year’s remarkable run, Orlando is showcasing a late-season resurgence, marked by a five-game unbeaten stretch, including a crucial win against the Spirit.
The Pride’s past success stemmed from every role on the team executing at peak levels, and that unity appears to be returning, with players like Carson Pickett and Haley McCutcheon stepping up.
Why they might not win: Challenging path ahead. Orlando’s title defense begins with a tough match-up against Seattle, a rematch of their recent regular-season finale. Given the competitiveness of this match, the winner will likely face a daunting semifinal against Kansas City, which could impact their chances significantly.
Next match: vs. San Diego Wave, Nov. 9, 3 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
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Why they could win: Dominating the midfield. The Thorns will secure victory if they can take control of midfield play. Stars like Sam Coffey, Olivia Moultrie, and Jessie Fleming have shown their capacity as key players in Portland’s form. However, they will face stiff competition from the talented Kenza Dali and the skilled Gia Corley.
This quarterfinal’s outcome hinges on midfield domination, with the Thorns bolstered by a passionate crowd at Providence Park.
Why they might not win: Reversion to disconnection. Earlier in the season, the Thorns faced issues of inconsistency, which recurred during the last season. Although they’ve made strides recently, patches of miscommunication and off-sync play have emerged. Their performance could hinge on individual brilliance rather than collective effort, which could play into the hands of a well-structured San Diego team.
Next match: vs. Racing Louisville, Nov. 8, 12 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+
Why they could win: Steady performance. The Spirit have navigated the season under Kansas City’s shadow but boast an impressive roster that is ready to compete. With players like Trinity Rodman in their ranks, when healthy, they possess the offensive strength to go toe-to-toe with Kansas City.
The Spirit are emerging as the quiet powerhouse of this playoff season.
Why they might not win: Increasing injury issues. During their Decision Day match, Washington opted to rest players, which highlighted their injury challenges, including uncertainty around start Trinity Rodman’s MCL sprain. Concerns around the fitness of key players such as Croix Bethune and Leicy Santos is also concerning as the playoffs progress.
Rodman, in particular, has faced struggles in past playoffs and will need to rise above during this year’s tournament.
No. 1 seed Kansas City Current
Next match: vs. Gotham FC, Nov. 9, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
Why they could win: Unstoppable force. Kansas City is not just a top contender; they’re arguably the best team in NWSL history. With records in wins (21), points (65), fewest goals conceded (13), and shutouts (16), they’re a powerhouse filled with talent. Their strategic counterattacks, led by players like Lo’eau LaBonta and Debinha, effectively punish opponents quickly. Their ability to control the game, both offensively and defensively, positions them as favorites in this championship.
The Current should, on paper, have the upper hand to claim victory and lift the trophy on November 22.
Why they might not win: Injury concerns with Chawinga. While it’s tough to pinpoint weaknesses in a team that has only lost three matches this season, the condition of Temwa Chawinga is a significant concern. The back-to-back NWSL Golden Boot winner is dealing with an adductor injury and is currently day-to-day after missing their most recent game.
While Kansas City has managed without Chawinga, past games have demonstrated a dip in productivity, raising questions on how the team will perform without their key star.