The NWSL quarterfinals blitz is over. In less than 48 hours this weekend the league produced two stoppage-time equalizers, three extra-time matches (one decided on penalties), and an upset of arguably the best regular-season team in league history.
Notably, the No. 1 seed Kansas City Current — who set NWSL records for points (65), wins (21) and goals allowed (13) — are gone. The semifinalists are 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
Here’s how the quarterfinals unfolded.
Down go the favorites
(1) Kansas City Current 1, (8) NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 (AET)
Kansas City entered as the deepest team in the league but were missing MVP Temwa Chawinga and breakout forward Michelle Cooper, and even Bia Zaneratto was limited by a sprained MCL. Those absences changed the game for a side built to thrive on transition and elite finishing.
Chawinga’s lack of presence was felt in moments like the 29th minute: Debinha threaded Nichelle Prince into a one-on-one with Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, but Kansas City could not convert. Gotham, led defensively by Emily Sonnett, stayed compact, controlled possession and minimized the Current’s counter opportunities.
KC’s normally stingy defense made costly mistakes — center-back Kayla Sharples was beaten by Jaedyn Shaw for Gotham’s opening goal in the 68th minute — and the attack struggled in frigid conditions. Ellie Wheeler’s stoppage-time equalizer dragged the game into extra time, but Katie Stengel struck a sublime 121st-minute winner to send Gotham through. Gotham advanced despite missing Esther González (hip), and coach Juan Carlos Amorós praised his side for showing “the best version of ourselves.”
This result isn’t quite David over Goliath — Gotham won the title two years ago and captured a Concacaf trophy earlier this year — but it’s a major disappointment for Kansas City after a historic regular season.
The champs are still here
(4) Orlando Pride 2, (5) Seattle Reign FC 0
Orlando looked like last year’s double-winning side in a composed quarterfinal. Marta, the club captain, produced a stoppage-time moment of individual magic: she drove from her own half, beat defenders, turned into the box and was fouled. Luana converted the resulting penalty to seal the win.
Haley McCutcheon (affectionately dubbed “McClutcheon” in these playoffs) supplied a key goal, Emily Sams delivered strong defensive work, and Jacqueline Ovalle supplied dangerous service after arriving in a big transfer in August. Orlando remain without Barbra Banda (injury), but the Pride might be riding momentum and cohesion reminiscent of their 2024 run.
Spirit bent, not (totally) broken
(2) Washington Spirit 1, (7) Racing Louisville FC 1 (AET; Spirit advance 3-1 on penalties)
Washington survived a scare and a penalty shootout thanks largely to goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who saved two spot kicks. The Spirit were missing Trinity Rodman (MCL sprain) on the bench, lost fullback Gabby Carle to a hamstring issue, and saw emerging USWNT center-back Tara McKeown exit extra time after sustaining an ankle injury.
Rosemonde Kouassi and Gift Monday carried the offensive load during the match. Louisville looked energized and nearly pulled off an upset when Kayla Fischer scored a scrappy stoppage-time equalizer, and Emma Sears nearly won it moments later. But Louisville missed their shootout chances under pressure; Kingsbury’s pedigree in shootouts — she saved all three penalties she faced in last year’s semifinal shootout — proved decisive. Esme Morgan converted her penalty emphatically and celebrated with fans as the Spirit advanced.
Washington’s experience in tight playoff scenarios showed through, but health questions remain ahead of the semifinal.
Here come the Thorns!
(3) Portland Thorns FC 1, (6) San Diego Wave FC 0 (AET)
Portland continued a late-season surge, losing only twice in nine games since September, and leaned on a midfield triangle of Sam Coffey, Olivia Moultrie and Jessie Fleming to control the match. Moultrie initiated the decisive sequence by forcing a turnover and crossing for Reilyn Turner’s winner in extra time.
The Thorns endured a bumpy start to 2025 — early losses, roster turnover and injuries (plus Sophia Wilson on maternity leave) — but head coach Rob Gale praised the group’s resilience and “bounce-back ability.” Portland remain the NWSL’s most storied franchise (three championships), and while this version lacks some of the star power of earlier teams, their cohesion and form make them dangerous. With Washington’s injury doubts, the Thorns could take advantage as underdogs in the semis.
Bottom line
A wild weekend blew the playoffs wide open: an historic regular-season club knocked out, champions advancing, extra time and penalties deciding several matches, and every quarterfinal producing high drama. The semifinals now pit two veteran, championship-caliber sides (Orlando and Gotham) against each other, while Washington and Portland face off in a matchup that could hinge on fitness as much as form. The NWSL’s trademark unpredictability rolls on.
