INDIVISA breaks down the NWSL playoff semifinals, looking at matchups, key players to watch and bold predictions
After an exhilarating opening round, its on to the 2024 NWSL Playoff semifinals, with all top four seeds still alive. Reigning champions NJ/NY Gotham host the Washington Spirit, while 2024 regular season champions Orlando Pride host the Kansas City Current.
The and their star-studded roster featuring USWNT standouts such as Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson and Lynn Williams, take on former Barcelona manager Jonatan Giraldez, USWNT's Trinity Rodman and the Spirit.
The Pride, meanwhile, are the No. 1 overall seed and are looking to hands Brazil legend Marta a proper send-off in her final professional season. Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga, ex-USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski and the Current stand in their way.
Getty Images SportNo. 1 Orlando Pride vs. No. 4 Kansas City Current
The Breakdown: After winning the 2024 regular season title, Orlando went into the postseason to host Mallory Swanson and the Chicago Red Stars. They won with ease, besting them 4-1 in the quartefinals. The Current, meanwhile, defeated the North Carolina Courage 1-0 courtesy of an 8th-minute goal from Chawinga, who will bey key in their semifinal clash.
In two meetings during the regular season, the Pride won 2-1 and then the two sides drew 0-0. KC, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, while Orlando recorded two defeats towards the end of their campaign. In their meeting Sunday, it will be a matchup of two heavyweights, with the winning side likely being the favorite heading into NWSL Cup.
Orlando Player to watch: Barbra Banda – With 13 goals and six assists in 22 appearances during the regular season, Banda was one of NWSL's most exciting attackers. All eyes will be on her in the final-third of the pitch.
KC player to watch: Temwa Chawinga – 2024 NWSL Golden Boot winner, Chawinga is an ace in front of net. Give her any chance at all, and you're nearly guaranteed a goal.
INDIVISA'S prediction: The Current will upset the No. 1 seed to host NWSL Cup in their home stadium in front of their own fans, winning by a narrow margin of 1-0 to advance to NWSL Championship.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportNo. 2 Washington Spirit vs. No. 3 NJ/NY Gotham
The Breakdown: In Round One of the postseason, Washington narrowly defeated Bay FC in a 2-1 victory in an extra-time thriller. Gotham, meanwhile, escaped Sophia Smith and the Portland Thorns in the quarterfinals, pulling out a 2-1 extra-time victory themselves.
During the regular season, the Spirit and the Bats met twice, with the Spirit winning 2-0 in both matches, meaning we're set for a highly-contested match in the semifinals this weekend. Can Gotham finally get their victory, or will the Spirit make it three for three?
Gotham player to watch: Rose Lavelle – the attacking midfielder bagged seven goals during the regular season, being their second leading-scorer during the campaign. In their Round One Playoff game, she scored a stoppage-time winner to see them advance
Washington player to watch: Trinity Rodman – the U.S. international is back from injury, and a menace on the counter-attack and in the box. If Washington can get her in open space or on the break, there's a good chance a scoring opportunity will arrive.
INDIVISA's prediction: The Bats will return to the championship game, upsetting the Spirit 2-0 on Saturday.
How to watch the semifinals
The first game will be carried live on CBS and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ – the Bats and the Spirits kickoff on Saturday at noon ET.
The second semifinal will be live on ABC and streamed on ESPN+, as Orlando hosts the Current Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
Getty Images EntertainmentWhen is NWSL Championship weekend?
The 2024 NWSL Championship will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23 at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Coverage of the match will begin at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+
Two-time Grammy Award winner Tori Kelly will perform at the NWSL Fan Fest before the match, with activities beginning at 4 p.m. ET outside the grounds.