The GIST: The NWSL semis are here, with the top four teams in the league battling it out for a spot in the upcoming title match. Ready your vocal chords — the games are about to begin.
No. 3 seed NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. No. 2 seed Washington Spirit — Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET: These two East Coast powerhouses are facing off at rowdy (and sold-out) Audi Field in D.C. tomorrow. Beyond their home-field advantage, the Spirit enter this game with Trinity Rodman–levels of confidence, having handed Gotham two of their four regular-season losses.
But the defending champ Bats won’t go down without a fight, and if there’s one thing they can count on, it’s their grit — Gotham netted three stoppage-time winners this year, including last week’s quarter-final (QF) zinger from midfielder Rose Lavelle.
No. 4 seed Kansas City Current vs. No. 1 seed Orlando Pride — Sunday at 3 p.m. ET: Neither the Current nor the Pride have ever made the NWSL Championship, adding an extra layer of pressure to this already-fiery match. KC is riding a 10-game unbeaten streak, but injured Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga may be limited, adding a wrinkle to their game plan.
Meanwhile, the Pride boast a healthy and dynamic offensive duo in strikers Marta and Barbra Banda, whose tandem teamwork (and sweet friendship) has dazzled fans all season long. Regardless of the winner, expect happy and sad tears after Sunday’s final whistle.
