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Jeff Kassouf
The NWSL quarterfinals have come to an exhilarating close. Did you manage to catch your breath? Within less than 48 hours this past weekend, the league known for its thrilling unpredictability delivered even more with two stoppage-time equalizers, three matches going into extra time, one that ended in a penalty shootout, and an upset against what is arguably the best team in NWSL history.
It felt like the NWSL had condensed a dramatic season into a binge-worthy weekend.
So, who’s moving forward? Surprisingly, it’s not the No. 1 seed Kansas City Current, who smashed league records with 65 points, 21 wins, and only 13 goals conceded. Instead, the semifinalists include the last four league champions: Orlando Pride, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Portland Thorns, and Washington Spirit.
NWSL SEMIFINALS:
– (2) Washington Spirit vs. (5) Portland Thorns, Nov. 15, noon ET
– (4) Orlando Pride vs. (8) Gotham FC, Nov. 16, 3 p.m. ET
Let’s break down how we got here.
Favorites Fall
(1) Kansas City Current 1, (8) NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 (AET)
The Kansas City Current entered as the league’s strongest contender, yet head coach Vlatko Andonovski noted post-loss on Sunday that “the game is totally different” without MVP and two-time Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga, alongside breakout forward Michelle Cooper, and with a limited contribution from Bia Zaneratto due to injury.
Chawinga’s absence was glaringly felt, particularly in the 29th minute when the Current had a rare chance to break through. Debinha eluded two defenders and set up Nichelle Prince for a one-on-one shot against Gotham keeper Ann-Katrin Berger, but Prince’s shot was too weak, missing a clear opportunity to capitalize.
Gotham, anchored by veteran Emily Sonnett, maintained strong defensive cohesion and kept possession. Per usual, Kansas City allowed for ball control, expecting to counterattack, but Gotham effectively managed the game, limiting Kansas City’s offensive threats.
Andonovski remarked on the thin margins of the match, while Gotham’s coach Juan Carlos Amoros noted that they “showed the best version of ourselves.” Indeed, Gotham has displayed inconsistent form this season, but they were determined to improve upon a lackluster performance just days prior.
Kansas City’s defense let them down, making uncharacteristic errors, such as a misstep by center-back Kayla Sharples, which allowed Jaedyn Shaw to score Gotham’s first goal in the 68th minute.
The Current struggled to generate offense in freezing conditions, and despite a last-minute equalizer by Ellie Wheeler, it was not enough. Ultimately, Gotham’s Katie Stengel put the game away with a stunning shot in the 121st minute, sealing Gotham’s progression. They managed this victory without star player Esther González due to injury.
This wasn’t an underdog story, per se; Gotham has a championship pedigree, having performed well in recent seasons, yet Kansas City’s elimination is undeniably a significant disappointment.
Defending Champions Advance
(4) Orlando Pride 2, (5) Seattle Reign FC 0
In the clutch moments of the game, most savvy veterans would follow the conventional route of running to the corner to waste time when leading. However, Marta, regarded as the greatest of all time with six world player titles, is not one to adhere to such norms.
As she found herself in possession on her own half, with the Pride leading 1-0 and stoppage time creeping by, Marta sprinted forward, eluding two defenders and choosing to charge toward goal instead of settling into the corner.
Desiring to keep possession, Marta maneuvered inside before drawing a foul in the box, leading to a penalty kick successfully converted by Luana, ensuring a solid advancement into the semifinals for Orlando.
After the match, Marta passionately addressed critics of the champions, stating that such negativity serves as motivation for her.
Who exactly has doubted them? Could it be that the Pride feel overshadowed by Kansas City’s historic season? Regardless, the Pride demonstrated dominance reminiscent of their 2024 form, which saw them remain unbeaten for 23 games and claim the double championship.
Though Marta remains pivotal, the Pride’s resurgence in success stems from a collective effort, with key players stepping up. Haley McCutcheon, now nicknamed “McClutcheon” for her playoff scoring, netted the winning goal against Seattle. Other players like Emily Sams and Jacqueline Ovalle made significant contributions with strong defensive plays and dangerous offensive crosses, respectively.
Despite the absence of injured star Barbra Banda, the Pride seem to be building momentum.
Spirit Resilient
(2) Washington Spirit 1, (7) Racing Louisville FC 1
(AET; Spirit prevail 3-1 in penalty shootout)
Does Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury intimidate opposing players in shootouts? “What do you think?” chuckled Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez after his team pulled off a narrow win against Louisville in their playoff clash.
Kingsbury showcased her talent by saving two penalties during Saturday’s shootout, as Racing’s attempts faltered under pressure. This marked Kingsbury’s familiarity with high-pressure scenarios, having excelled in last year’s semifinals.
Washington needed her remarkable performance as star forward Trinity Rodman was sidelined with an MCL sprain, joined by fullback Gabby Carle, who also exited with an injury, and emerging star Tara McKeown, who was injured in extra time.
Rosemonde Kouassi and Gift Monday were instrumental for the Spirit as they executed their game plan effectively until a late equalizer from Louisville’s Kayla Fischer, sealing a nail-biting finish.
Though they experienced a tumultuous end with a stoppage-time goal, Washington ultimately persevered. Their experience shone through as a team familiar with playoff pressure, and they held steady even in critical moments.
“From my perspective, I believe the mental aspect outweighs tactics,” Gonzalez remarked, noting their use of sports psychologists for mental preparation, especially for penalties.
Spirit center-back Esme Morgan exemplified Washington’s determined spirit, scoring in the shootout and leading the post-match celebration while teaming up with Kingsbury’s sensational saves to secure their spot in the semifinals.
The Spirit have faced tough playoff situations before, relying on mental toughness to pull through. “It’s a crazy league,” Morgan observed, “You can’t afford to let your guard down; that’s a lesson we’ve learned.” The focus now shifts to their health as they prepare for the next round.
Thorns Make Their Mark
(3) Portland Thorns FC 1, (6) San Diego Wave FC 0 (AET)
The Thorns were among the quarterfinal winners that found themselves doubted by the wider audience. Despite their struggles at the season’s beginning mirroring the prior year, they displayed undeniable grit throughout the latter stages of the season.
After starting with only one win in five matches, the Thorns turned their season around in September, only losing twice in their last nine games leading into the quarterfinals. The midfield trio of Sam Coffey, Olivia Moultrie, and Jessie Fleming has been pivotal in their rise.
Their lone goal on Sunday was a product of teamwork, with Moultrie initiating a critical turnover and delivering an accurate cross for Reilyn Turner to finish.
Despite losing several starters to injury, including star Sophia Wilson due to maternity leave, many players from their past championship squads still remain. This season, eight of the eleven starters from the opening day loss to Kansas City continued to contribute significant efforts.
“Building this team takes time,” said Thorns coach Rob Gale. “Success comes from navigating adversity, and it requires resilience and the willingness to rebound after setbacks.”
Portland holds the record for the most championships in NWSL history (three), with their last triumph in 2022. The franchise has long been a destination for elite players, balancing new talents with championship experience.
Opting to rise from the shadows of Kansas City, the Thorns stand poised for a title run once again, presenting a challenge for their semifinal opponents amidst the competitive playoff landscape.