The NWSL quarterfinals served up a chaotic, dramatic 48 hours: stoppage-time equalizers, three matches decided in extra time (one going to penalties), and a shock exit for the regular-season juggernaut Kansas City Current. The last four standing are all past 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
How the quarterfinals played out
Gotham knocks out top seed Kansas City (1) Kansas City Current 1, (8) NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 (AET) Kansas City’s historic regular season (NWSL records for points, wins and goals allowed) ended in upset fashion. The Current were hampered by absences — MVP frontrunner Temwa Chawinga and rising forward Michelle Cooper were unavailable, and Bia Zaneratto was limited by a sprained MCL — diminishing KC’s transition threat and finishing punch.
Gotham defended compactly and controlled stretches of possession, then struck in the 68th minute when Jaedyn Shaw got in behind the defense to open the scoring. KC clawed back late: Ellie Wheeler’s stoppage-time equalizer forced extra time, but
