Fantastic Four: The Semifinals for the NWSL are Here!
The National Soccer Women's League postseason is in full swing, with the semifinal games set to take place this weekend. For the first time, this year's playoffs included eight teams instead of the regular six-team format used in previous seasons, an exciting change that reflects the league's growth to 14 clubs.
The expansion wasn't the only significant event of the season, which was nothing short of eventful. Legendary player Alex Morgan announced her retirement from the San Diego Wave FC and the USWNT after a prolific career that included two FIFA World Cup championships, gold and bronze Olympic medals, and a NSWL title with the Portland Thorns in 2013.
The season also had a brief summer intermission due to the Olympics, where 18 out of the 22 players from the roster are currently playing in the NWSL. Team USA won the gold medal, a record-breaking achievement that solidified the USWNT as the most victorious squad in the Game's history. Coincidentally, eight of those gold medalist players are now competing for a NWSL title, making the semifinals a must-watch for everyone eager to see some elite soccer happen.
As if we needed any more reasons to watch, the remaining teams in the semifinals were the top four of the league, another solid proof of their fierceness and talent. If you've missed any recent action in the league but feel intrigued to keep up, here's a quick guide to fill you in on all there is to know about these four fantastic teams!
1. Orlando Pride
The Orlando Pride
As the top squad of the season, they are the team to beat. During their quarterfinal encounter, they showed their domination by sweeping the Chicago Red Stars 4-1, proving the first spot wasn't a mere coincidence. The thrilling result was also the team's first playoff win, the perfect way to honor their name.
What you need to know: Orlando Pride didn't lose a single home game this season, with a historic winning streak of 23 games undefeated. Even though it ended with two losing games, this playoffs, they've shown they're not back; they're better. This redirection wasn't just an achievement from the players; it was led by the efforts of their coach, Seb Hines, who rightfully named the season's Coach of the Year. With their eyes set on the upcoming semifinals, they're ready to claim a spot in the finals and solidify their title of the league's no. 1.
Who you need to know: Two of the top five scorers this season are Orlando Pride players. Barbra Banda sits in second place with 13 goals, with Marta closely following her at no. 4, having scored 9 goals herself. Aside from their impressive season, they were essential in securing the 4-1 playoff win, with two goals from Barbra and one from Marta to reaffirm the team's prowess.
Why you need to know: Orlando Pride won the Shield award this year, a recognition given to the regular season's top team. Only the North Carolina Courage has managed to win the Shield while also winning the league twice, which gives Orlando Pride hope that a third time might be the charm.
2. Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit
Spirit isn't only their name; it's also their defining quality. They struggled to find their way during their quarterfinal match, as Bay FC got ahead with a goal that seemed to squash the Washington locals' playoff dreams. However, as if a prophecy dictated by their name was being fulfilled, they showed their true grit by equalizing the score and keeping their hopes alive. Not too long after, Spirit star Trinity Rodman forced an own goal for Bay FC, giving her team the win.
What you need to know: The team is one of the original eight that inaugurated the league, building a history and reputation throughout the years that now precedes them. They came close to winning their first title in 2015, losing in the semifinals against Seattle. Eventually, they won their first and only NWSL title in 2021, proving their motivation is unwavering, eager to achieve greatness once more.
Who you need to know: The team has a young roster, which includes Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune. This youthful aspect could give them a high-energy edge or become a nervous downside. However, letting the team find their mojo and keep pushing during this game became an advantage. The stars of this match were Tara McKeown, who missed her sister's wedding to be at the match–but eventually scored the equalizer, keeping the team's spirits up–and Trinity Rodman, who has been a crucial aid for the team with eight goals in the regular season. Ouleymata Sarr tied Trinity with eight goals, making them the scoring pair to watch out for.
Why you need to know: The spirit also thrives in their fandom, who have gone above and beyond to support their team, breaking record numbers in the process. With a shared passion for the game, the fiercest team has the loudest cheers, feeding off of each other's energy to keep the momentum going, a mentality that can undoubtedly help them achieve the title.
3. NJ/NY Gotham FC
NY Gotham FC
The reigning champs faced the Portland Thorns, a remake of last year's semifinals. The game was tense, marked by a defensive strategy from Portland and a strategic offensive from Gotham. Even though Gotham opened the scoring, it was a short-lived advantage as the Portland squad reacted swiftly. However, due to a long VAR revision, the extended added time gave Gotham enough time to secure the win and stay on the path to a back-to-back championship.
What you need to know: Like Washington, Gotham is also one of the league's founder teams. They were previously known as Sky Blue FC before changing their name in 2020. The team has a history of underdog performances, as proved most recently by their championship win last year, where they secured the last spot in the playoffs and still managed to come out triumphant. If their history proves anything, this team is resilient and perseverant, always returning from the ashes into a bigger, brighter form.
Who you need to know: This team has the most USWNT players on their roster, which means there'll be talent anywhere you look. Esther González is the top striker of the team, tying with Marta for the 4th spot in the season's scoring list. Even though Tierna Davidson plays defense, she was in charge of inaugurating the scoreboard in the playoff game. However, her gold medalist teammates, such as Crystal Dunn and Rose Lavelle, are worth looking out for.
Why you need to know: Only two teams have achieved back-to-back championships in the ten seasons the NWSL has existed. Being the third one to do so would be a tremendous feat for Gotham, especially after the turbulent ups and downs that have marked the club's history. Now that they find themselves in a stable position and with a roster full of Olympic gold medalists, a win would solidify their status as one of the league's top contenders.
4. Kansas City Current
Kansas City Current
This game might've had the fewest goals scored in the quarterfinals, with a 1-0 win over North Carolina Courage giving KC the semifinal pass, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. North Carolina had several shots on goal but needed help finding a way to achieve completion. With an early score at the 8-minute mark from NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga, the KC club assured their dominance and kept their win locked throughout the 90-plus min played.
What you need to know: They are the youngest team contending for the championship, joining the league during its 2021 expansion. However, longevity isn't an issue for them. In their second season, they were the runners-up, which means they know what it takes to get to the end, so it's only a matter of time before they finally go all the way.
Who you need to know: The team includes the league's recently named MVP, Temwa Chawinga, who is this season's top scorer with 20 goals in 25 appearances. Her technique is unmatched, as proved by her wide range of goal types, yet her speed and skills are also essential in making her stand out from the rest. Fellow teammates Vanessa DiBernardo and Bia Zaneratto are standout players who made the top scorer lists, making the team an offensive threat to any opponent.
Why you need to know: If the team rings a bell, it's because it shares a special crossover with a different sport. The team's owners include NFL legend Patrick, alongside his wife, Brittany Mahomes. Kansas City previously had a team in the NWSL, the FC Kansas City, before their assets were transferred to Utah Royals FC in 2017. Brittany, a former college soccer player at the University of Texas, decided to buy a stake in the team once Utah was forced to cease operations, thus helping bring it back to her new hometown of Kansas City. In 2023, her husband Patrick, Chiefs superstar QB, also decided to join the ownership group.
As these four teams advance to the semifinals this weekend, it's safe to say anything could happen! The season's top four are the only ones left contending for the championship, ensuring the action is just getting started. If you're eager to keep up, Washington will face Gotham on November 16th at 12 PM ET, and Orlando will host Kansas City on November 17th at 3 PM ET.