The GIST: The NWSL’s newly expanded eight-team playoffs is finally here, with quarter-final action kicking off tonight from Orlando. No time to waste — here’s what to expect from each match.
No. 8 seed Chicago Red Stars vs. No. 1 seed Orlando Pride — Tonight at 8 p.m. ET: Marta’s Pride were the team to beat all season long, conceding just two games and clinching the NWSL Shield (awarded to the best regular-season squad). But recent injuries have left this top-seed vulnerable. Can the recently struggling Red Stars pull off the ultimate upset?
No. 5 seed North Carolina Courage vs. No. 4 seed Kansas City Current — Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET: CPKC Stadium, the world’s first soccer venue built exclusively for a pro women’s team, will host their first (but not last) playoff game tomorrow, bolstering the Current’s already soaring chances for a dub. However, KC, who led the league in scoring this season, may be without their sharpest weapon: injured Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga. Plus, the Current’s last loss on September 1st came at the hands feet of the middling Courage. Spicy.
No. 7 seed Bay FC vs. No. 2 seed Washington Spirit — Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET: Expansion team Bay FC threw down a statement win last week to earn their playoff berth and are riding some serious momentum thanks to forward Racheal Kundananji’s recent form.
No. 6 seed Portland Thorns vs. No. 3 seed NJ/NY Gotham FC — Sunday at 3 p.m. ET: Once an underdog and now a superteam, defending champs Gotham and leading goal-scorer Esther González are riding high, making this matchup against Christine Sinclair’s Thorns the quarter-final to watch. With her retirement imminent, every game could be Sincy’s last — pass the tissues and pop the corn.
