The NWSL playoffs are here! The league’s best teams meet for a postseason showdown where legends are made, underdogs can steal the spotlight, and really anything can happen. From the rivalries and world-class talent to last-minute winners and unforgettable performances, this is what soccer is all about!
Whether you're backing your favorite club, cheering on the league's biggest stars, or simply soaking up the excitement of postseason soccer, now is the time to get behind the game. Your friends here at Soccer Post have got your preview of the playoff picture, the matchups to watch, and the players who could make all the difference.
Whether you're backing your favorite club, cheering on the league's biggest stars, or simply soaking up the excitement of postseason soccer, now is the time to get behind the game. Your friends here at Soccer Post have got your preview of the playoff picture, the matchups to watch, and the players who could make all the difference.
Gotham FC (No. 1) vs. Seattle Reign (No. 8)
This Sunday, Nov. 8. 12:30 p.m. EST. Be there! Gotham won its first-ever NWSL Shield, finishing atop the standings with 61 points. The defending champions have established themselves as one of the league's premier organizations, and now they're chasing a double! A well-oiled machine, Gotham has conceded just 23 goals in 30 matches, the best in the league.
The Reign needed a Decision Day victory to secure the final playoff spot. They got it, beating Orlando 1-0, with Jordyn Bugg scoring the decisive goal near the 70th minute mark. Seattle had a strong second half of the season, winning nine matches following the summer international break. It’s Seattle's ninth playoff appearance, but the club is still chasing its first NWSL championship.
Players to watch
Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham): 11 goals and five assists this campaign for Gotham. She has become a major offensive force and can create opportunities in tight spaces, quite impressively, we might add.
Rose Lavelle (Gotham): The ultimate big-game player. With 124 USWNT appearances, the creativity, ball control, and ability to find spaces between defensive lines make her downright dangerous.
Sam Kerr (Gotham): A player of legendary status, the Australian is an elite attacking option whose finishing and movement give Gotham another option to capitalize on chances.
Jordyn Bugg (Seattle): The young center back scored the goal that clinched Seattle's playoff spot. Her performance against Gotham's star-studded frontline will be critical.
Maggie Mercado (Seattle): The forward gives Seattle a focal point in attack. The club’s leading scorer with 10 goals this year, the Notre Dame alum will have to finish any chance she gets around goal for Seattle to stand a chance.
Washington Spirit (No. 3) vs. Portland Thorns (No. 6)
The Spirit have been remarkably consistent, finishing in the top three for the third consecutive season. Their defense is their bread and butter, conceding only 28 goals, and their attacking talent can overwhelm opponents. They'll look to make another deep playoff run in front of their home fans after losing the NWSL championship to Gotham last year.
The Portland Thorns have plenty of attacking talent and playoff pedigree. They scored 50 goals, the fourth most in the league, but defensive inconsistency (41 goals conceded) has kept them out of the top four. They're a dangerous opponent, however, particularly with top goalscorer Sophia Wilson leading the line. It’s a good ol’ fashioned showdown between the DMV and PNW (Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. EST), and we’re all for it!
Players to watch
Trinity Rodman (Spirit): One of the USWNT and league's most dynamic attackers. Missing just one match this year, she’s durable and can beat defenders, create chances, and score unbelievable goals.
Sofia Cantore (Spirit): The Italian international provides creativity and intelligence Washington’s offense can always build around. With six goals this year, she can take advantage of the extra attention opposing defenses give Rodman.
Sophia Wilson (Portland): One of the league's most dangerous forwards, with exceptional movement and finishing ability. The Colorado native had 15 goals and five assists this year.
Pietra Tordin (Portland): A versatile attacking midfielder who can create and score. She ranked sixth in the league in chances created and can pop up in the right place at the right time.
San Diego Wave FC (No. 2) vs. Utah Royals FC (No. 7)
The playoffs get underway with an utterly AWESOME clash between one of the league's established contenders and a team making history. San Diego finished the regular season second in the standings with 58 points, an impressive 18-win campaign. After falling in the quarterfinals last year, they’re looking to bounce back and make a legit run.
Utah, meanwhile, has plenty of reasons to celebrate already. The Royals have qualified for the playoffs for the first time in club history, capping a season with a seventh-place finish and 47 points. This’ll be a scrappy matchup Friday, Nov. 6 at 10 p.m. EST.
Players to Watch
Kenza Dali (San Diego): An experienced midfielder crucial to the Wave's possession, buildup, and tempo.
Trinity Byars (San Diego): San Diego's most exciting attacking threat. She has 14 goal involvements this season (11 goals and three assists). Look away, Royals fans; the Texas native recorded FOUR goal contributions against Utah in August.
Cloé Lacasse (Utah): The Royals' attacking standout has registered 18 goal contributions, including 10 assists. Utah will rely mainly on her to create chances if Utah hopes to pull off an upset.
Kate Del Fava (Utah): A dependable defensive presence who brings leadership, consistency, and, who knows, maybe even one of those deadly headers off a set piece?
Kansas City Current (No. 4) vs. Angel City FC (No. 5)
The Current are the definition of dangerous attacking. They scored 54 goals, tied for the league lead, and finished the regular season with five straight wins. They didn’t lose a single game at CPKC Stadium this year (11-0-4), which is exactly where Saturday, Nov. 7's 12 p.m. EST matchup is taking place.
Angel City might be one of the league's most impressive turnarounds. After a difficult stretch under Alexander Straus, interim coach Leif Smerud helped revive the team. Angel City finished with franchise records for points, wins, goals, and entered the postseason unbeaten in 10 matches. We simply have two teams on heaters colliding in the first round!
Players to watch
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City): Her explosiveness, movement, and ability to turn a half-chance into a goal make her one of the league's most dangerous forwards.
Croix Bethune (Kansas City): An NWSL single-season record for assists with 11. She is the creative engine that makes the offense run!
Sveindís Jónsdóttir (Angel City): 10 goals and the team's leading scorer. The Icelandic national’s power, pace, and finishing make her Kansas City's biggest threat.
Ally Sentnor (Angel City): A USWNT midfielder, the Massachusetts native’s attacking talent can create chances and combine with Jónsdóttir.
Shop Today At Soccer Post!
Celebrate the start of another exciting playoff season at America’s Soccer Store! We might not have any skin in the game, but we definitely have gear!
