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 Katie Stengel produced a sublime winner in the 121st minute to send Gotham through. Gotham advanced despite missing Esther González; coach Juan Carlos Amorós lauded his squad for showing “the best version of ourselves.” For Kansas City it was a bitter finish to a record-setting season.
Orlando flexes championship form
(4) Orlando Pride 2, (5) Seattle Reign FC 0
Orlando looked composed and cohesive, channeling the form that brought them trophies last season. Haley McCutcheon opened the scoring, and late in the match club captain Marta produced a lung-bursting run from deep that led to a penalty; Luana converted to seal the 2-0 win. Emily Sams anchored the backline and new acquisition Jacqueline Ovalle provided dangerous service off the bench. Orlando remain without Barbra Banda through injury, but their balance and collective play make them a dangerous semifinal opponent.
Spirit survive scare in shootout
(2) Washington Spirit 1, (7) Racing Louisville FC 1 (AET; Spirit advance 3-1 on penalties)
Washington endured a tense evening and needed a shootout to advance. The Spirit were missing Trinity Rodman (MCL) on the bench, lost fullback Gabby Carle to a hamstring issue during the match, and saw defender Tara McKeown leave extra time with an ankle problem. Louisville energized the contest and late drama arrived when Kayla Fischer scrambled in a stoppage-time equalizer to force extra time.
The shootout swung Washington’s way largely thanks to goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who saved two spot kicks — her experience in shootouts proved decisive. Esme Morgan converted emphatically in the shootout and celebrated with fans as the Spirit moved on. Fitness and availability will be key questions for Washington heading into the semifinal.
Thorns advance after extra time
(3) Portland Thorns FC 1, (6) San Diego Wave FC 0 (AET)
Portland continued a late-season push and leaned on midfield control to prevail. Olivia Moultrie helped initiate the decisive sequence — forcing a turnover and delivering the cross that Reilyn Turner finished in extra time. Sam Coffey and Jessie Fleming helped dominate the midfield battle, supplying tempo and control.
The Thorns have overcome a rocky start to their campaign, lineup changes, and injuries (and Sophia Wilson’s maternity leave), but coach Rob Gale praised their resilience and ability to peak at the right time. Portland’s pedigree — three championships in club history — combined with their recent form makes them a dangerous semifinal opponent, especially if Washington arrive with lingering injuries.
Bottom line
A high-drama weekend reshaped the playoffs: the league’s best regular-season team was eliminated, reigning champions advanced, and several matches required extra time or penalties to decide. The semifinals will pit veteran, title-proven teams against one another: Orlando vs. Gotham promises technical quality and big-game experience, while Washington vs. Portland could come down to health and midfield control. The NWSL’s trademark unpredictability is alive and well as the competition heads toward the final.