After a record-setting season, the 2024 NWSL Playoffs have kicked off, featuring an expanded eight-team lineup ready for the quarterfinals this weekend.
No. 1 Orlando, who had a Shield-winning year but ended in a skid, begins the postseason action by hosting No. 8 Chicago on Friday. Orlando will be without defender Rafaelle, who sustained a season-ending injury earlier in the week.
Chicago, on the other hand, will be missing striker Ludmila due to an extended red card suspension, adding to their challenges against Orlando.
No. 4 Kansas City, who had a remarkable turnaround this season, will face the No. 5 North Carolina Courage in their quarterfinal match on Saturday.
The biggest uncertainty for Kansas City is the status of Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga, who missed the last game due to a knee injury.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski remains optimistic about Chawinga’s recovery but emphasizes that the team’s success is a collective effort, not solely dependent on individual performances.
Sunday doubleheader will finalize NWSL semis
On Sunday, No. 7 Bay FC will play against the No. 2 Spirit, who are dealing with injuries to key players, including the absence of midfielder Andi Sullivan.
The defending champs, No. 3 Gotham FC, will host Portland in the final quarterfinal match on Sunday. Portland, despite a challenging season, is showing promise and could surprise Gotham with their attacking prowess.
NWSL MVP, Rookie of the Year awards come into focus
As the season wraps up, the MVP frontrunner is KC’s Chawinga, who has been a standout performer with 20 goals this season. Orlando’s Barbra Banda, who had a strong start but slowed down, may be a contender for the Coach of the Year award.
In the Rookie of the Year race, Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune leads with an impressive performance before her season-ending injury.
How to watch the 2024 NWSL Playoffs this weekend
Stay tuned for the playoff action as Orlando faces Chicago, KC battles NC, Washington hosts Bay FC, and Portland visits Gotham, all with live coverage on various channels this weekend.
