A historic regular season came to an end last night for the NWSL, and a highly anticipated playoffs is about to begin. The 2024 NWSL playoffs kickoff this weekend. For the first time in NWSL history, eight teams will be battling for the title.
The quarterfinal round will run through Friday Nov. 8 to Sunday Nov. 10.
#1 Orlando Pride vs #8 Chicago Red Stars
Orlando had a record-breaking season where they recorded the most wins in NWSL history, 18, and most points in NWSL history, 60. Two records that have not been touched since the 2018 season. The Red Stars did not have as much success this season, having a record of 10-2-14. Unfortunately for Chicago, things will not get easier as they take on Orlando on the road. The Pride finished the 2024 regular season without a loss at Inter&Co Stadium.
Chicago is winless against Orlando this season.
Kickoff is Friday, Nov. 8 from Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando at 8 p.m. ET.
#4 Kansas City Current vs #5 North Carolina Courage
One of the most exciting match ups in the 2024 playoffs, due to the evenly matched level of play and the stars on both teams. Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current forward, led the NWSL in goals, with 20 goals in 25 games, and shots on target. Her impressive season propelled Kansas City to their fourth place spot in the league. Despite going up against the leading NWSL goal scorer, North Carolina Courage is in good hands as they have Casey Murphy in net. Murphy has made 83 saves in 26 games, played every minute of every game and recorded 12 wins.
They split the season series this season, each winning one game.
Kickoff is Saturday, Nov. 9 from CPKC Stadium in Kansas City at 12 p.m. ET.
#2 Washington Spirit vs #7 Bay FC
After the most successful season in Washington Spirit history, they look to continue their winning ways with help from superstars Trinity Rodman, Ouleymata Sarr and Ashley Hatch. Bay FC denies odds by becoming the second expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in their inaugural season. A memorial match up as both of these teams would like to continue writing history for their franchise.
Washington is 2-0 against Bay FC this season.
Kickoff is Sunday, Nov. 10 from Audi Field in Washington, D.C. at 12:30 p.m. ET.
#3 NJ/NY Gotham FC vs #6 Portland Thorns FC
Portland would like to take out the defending NWSL Champions, Gotham FC. A rematch of the 2023 NWSL semifinals with a twist, the teams have switched seeds. Portland will look for Sophia Smith to break through and send Gotham and some of her USWNT teammates home with nothing. With contributors all over the field, Gotham has scoring options as Esther González, Ella Stevens and Rose Lavelle all have over seven goals this season.
Despite Portland historically having more success in their previous matchups, Gotham is going into this game winning both of the games this season.
Kickoff is Sunday, Nov. 10 from Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ at 3 p.m. ET.
Which clubs will we see move onto the semifinals?
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