NWSL The quarterfinals were supposed to be a formality for the favorites. Instead, the league once again proved that in the NWSL, there is no such thing as a “sure thing.” The regular-season leaders from Kansas City were knocked out in a match that will go down in history, and three of the four games required extra time or penalties. Now the emotions rise to another level, the semifinals are here, with every team carrying its own story, its own motivation, and its own way of surviving the chaos of knockout soccer.
Semifinal matchups:
Orlando Pride vs NJ/NY Gotham FC
Portland Thorns FC vs Washington Spirit
ORLANDO PRIDE vs NJ/NY GOTHAM FC
November 16, 21:00
The first semifinal brings together the reigning champions and the boldest team of this postseason. Orlando Pride, the only team to win their quarterfinal in regulation, look like a side fully aware of its strength. A confident 2–0 victory over Seattle, midfield control, and the excellent form of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse make Pride the most stable team left in the competition.
On the other side: Gotham FC, the absolute sensation of this year’s playoffs. Eighth place after the regular season, a playoff berth secured at the last second, and then a spectacular elimination of Kansas City Current, a team that had been almost untouchable for eight months. A goal from Jaedyn Shaw, a heroic extra time, and a stunning 120th-minute strike from Katie Stengel sent Gotham to Florida believing that nothing is impossible anymore.
Key question:
Can Orlando’s pragmatism and composure contain Gotham’s dynamism and chaos?
This clash of styles may be one of the most fascinating of the entire postseason.
PORTLAND THORNS vs WASHINGTON SPIRIT
November 15, 18:00
The second semifinal is a showdown of a completely different character: two powerhouses, two historic clubs, two teams that know how to win when the pressure peaks.
Portland Thorns return to the semifinals after a one-year break and they do so in a manner reminiscent of the club’s best years: patience, discipline, and a spark in extra time. Reilyn Turner’s winning goal against the San Diego Wave (1–0 after extra time) confirmed that Portland have that “something”, the ability to survive long, physical battles and exploit even the smallest opportunity.
Washington Spirit, meanwhile, endured an emotional marathon. Dominance without an early goal, a strike from Gift Monday, a 90th-minute equalizer from Louisville, then nerves in the penalty shootout and a 3–1 triumph. It’s the second straight year Spirit have reached the semifinals, proving they don’t need perfect football to overcome pressure and win.
Key question:
Will Spirit be able to impose their intensity and disrupt Portland’s structure, or will the Thorns’ experience once again prove invaluable in a match of this magnitude?
Predictions and Outlook
Both playoff history and the chaos of last weekend warn against certainty, in the NWSL, favorites often fall to the sheer willpower of the “outsider.” Even so:
- Orlando Pride appear slightly closer to the final, their form and stability look the most complete. But if Gotham bring the same fire and fearlessness they showed in Kansas City, another upset is far from impossible.
- Portland Thorns may have a slight edge over the Washington Spirit due to experience and squad depth, but Spirit possess a level of resilience that can change games in the 110th minute or in a penalty shootout.
One thing is certain: after such a chaotic quarterfinal round, the 2025 NWSL semifinals look set to be two mini-finals.
