NWSL These were supposed to be calm quarterfinals for the favorites. Kansas City Current, winners of the NWSL Shield and undisputed leaders with a massive points margin, were expected to cruise through the first round. Instead, we witnessed one of the biggest upsets the league has seen in years. In just one weekend, Kansas City’s dream of a double crown came crashing down, and the rest of the league proved that in the playoffs, status means nothing.
Kansas City Current 1 – 2 NJ/NY Gotham FC (after extra time)
Not long ago, Kansas City Current seemed unstoppable. Vlatko Andonovski’s team had lost only two matches all regular season and dominated the league in every aspect. They held the Shield, boasted a record winning streak, and had an attack everyone feared.
Then came that night. Gotham FC, the eighth-seeded team that only secured a playoff spot on the final day, arrived with no fear and did the impossible.
In the 68th minute, Jaedyn Shaw took advantage of a midfield mistake, broke forward, and finished precisely past the Current goalkeeper. The hosts equalized in stoppage time through Ellis Wheeler, but in extra time Gotham showed more determination. In the 120th minute, Katie Stengel struck an unstoppable shot, silencing the Kansas City crowd.
For the Current, it’s the end of the road shocking, painful, and hard to explain. The team that dominated for eight months fell in a single match when it mattered most. Gotham FC became the embodiment of courage and chaos, the team from the bottom of the table eliminated the Shield-winning giants.
Washington Spirit 1 – 1 Racing Louisville (3–1 on penalties)
There was no shortage of tension in the capital, either. Washington Spirit controlled the game, but Racing Louisville fought to the end. In the 73rd minute, Gift Monday put the hosts ahead, but Kayla Fischer equalized in the 90th, forcing extra time and penalties.
In the shootout, Washington’s composure made the difference, three confident finishes, two crucial Louisville misses, and the stadium erupted in joy. Spirit advanced to the semifinals for the second straight year, proving they can win even when not at their best.
Orlando Pride 2 – 0 Seattle Reign
The defending champions stayed cool under pressure. Orlando dominated from the start, with Haley Hanson opening the scoring in the 21st minute after a pinpoint cross. Late in the match, a foul on Marta led to a penalty converted by Luana Bertolucci to seal the win.
Seattle tried to mount a comeback, but goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was unbeatable. Orlando looked composed, confident, and most importantly, hungry for another title.
Portland Thorns 1 – 0 San Diego Wave (after extra time)
Portland and San Diego played a physical, tactical battle. For 90 minutes, neither side managed to break the other’s defense. Only in extra time, in the 94th minute, did Reilyn Turner capitalize on a defensive lapse to send the Thorns through.
After a one-year absence, the Thorns return to the semifinals with the sense that this team once again has that special something, patience, grit, and the ability to deliver when it counts.
Quarterfinal Summary
| Match | Score | Result |
| Kansas City Current – Gotham FC | 1 – 2 | Extra time |
| Washington Spirit – Racing Louisville | 1 – 1 (3 – 1 p.) | Penalties |
| Orlando Pride – Seattle Reign | 2 – 0 | Regular time |
| Portland Thorns – San Diego Wave | 1 – 0 | Extra time |
Three extra-time matches, one penalty shootout, and only one team, Orlando Pride, that won in regulation.
But it’s Kansas City Current’s shocking defeat that will echo the loudest. The team that just a week ago celebrated the Shield and dreamed of a double triumph has been dethroned by an underdog.
NWSL 2025 Semifinals – November 15–16
Orlando Pride vs NJ/NY Gotham FC
Portland Thorns FC vs Washington Spirit
Two historic powers, Portland and Washington, will face off in one semifinal, while Orlando takes on the sensational Gotham FC. Emotions guaranteed: the reigning champions versus the slayers of the regular-season queens.
Conclusion
The 2025 NWSL quarterfinals will go down in league history. Kansas City, complete, dominant, and seen as a sure finalist, fell in their very first playoff match. A brutal reminder that in the NWSL, no one is untouchable.
For Gotham FC, it’s a fairytale a team that wasn’t supposed to make it this far now dares to dream even bigger. For the rest of the league, it’s a warning: championships aren’t won in the standings but on the pitch, in the dying minutes of extra time.
Because in this league, more than ever, not even a Shield can protect you from a fall.
