Semi-final games and dates secured as title defenders Orlando Pride progress

[ad_1]

rewrite this content and keep HTML tags

Orlando Pride players lift the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship silverware. — Orlando Pride players celebrate after defeating the Washington Spirit 1-0 in the NWSL 2024 Championship Game at CPKC Stadium. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The 2025 NWSL Playoffs are officially underway, and if the opening weekend was any indication of the rest of the campaign, we are in for a treat.

The semi-finals have been decided after four thrilling results. Only one of the games was settled inside the initial 90 minutes as NWSL powerhouses fought for their place in the last four. Here’s how the action unfolded and when you can catch the playoff semi-finals.

#1 Kansas City Current vs #8 Gotham FC 1-2

Gotham FC win 2-1 after extra time

Kansas City was the regular season’s Shield winner, finishing with the most goals scored and the fewest goals allowed. On the other side of the pitch, Gotham came into the playoffs on a slide, winless in their last five.

The two sides were nearly identical in shots and chances, and it took the teams until the second half to break through. A great pass over the top from Emily Sonnet found Jaedyn Shaw just outside the box. Shaw raced past the KC defense and put the ball in the far corner for a 1-0 Gotham lead.

Things looked bleak for the home side as time ticked on. Regular time elapsed, and eight minutes were added on. Gotham held until the seventh minute, when sub Ellie Wheeler equalized on a shot from just inside the box. The match went into extra time, where it seemed it was headed for penalties. However, in the 121st minute, Gotham’s Katie Stengel found herself in front of goal and roofed a shot past Lorena. The visitors claimed the victory and now head to their third straight semi-finals.

#2 Washington Spirit vs #7 Racing Louisville

Washington Spirit win 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw

Another match that needed all the time available saw more late heroics. Again, it took until the second half before a goal was scored. Washington’s Gift Monday placed a perfect header in the bottom corner to give the home side the lead. This lasted until injury time, when Kayla Fischer finished off an over-the-top delivery to knot it up for Louisville. The two sides had few chances in extra time, resulting in them heading to the penalty spot.

Aubrey Kingsbury showed why she is the best between the sticks when it comes to penalties. After Bethany Balcer equalized on the first spot-kick, Kingsbury stopped the next three Racing shooters to send the Spirit through to the semi-finals again.

Embed from Getty Images

#3 Portland Thorns vs #6 San Diego Wave

Portland Thorns win 1-0 after extra time

Another match, and another that could not be resolved in 90 minutes. This Thorns–Wave game was also evenly played, with both sides having good chances. Each team hit the woodwork several times, and it took until the 94th minute for the Thorns to find the opener, and ultimately, the winner. Olivia Moultrie delivered a perfect cross to Reilyn Turner, who buried a header in front of a loud Providence Park crowd.

The excitement really turned up after the goal, as both sides could have scored several times in the rest of extra time. Portland’s Mackenzie Arnold and San Diego’s Kailen Sheridan were absolute walls throughout, with the Thorn keeper outlasting her counterpart. Portland head to the semi-finals with an eye on adding an NWSL-best fourth title.

Embed from Getty Images

#4 Orlando Pride vs #5 Seattle Reign

Orlando Pride win 2-0

The only match of the NWSL Playoffs that did not need extra time saw the home side take the first step to defending their NWSL crown. An excellent passing display ended with Haley McCutcheon taking a perfect pass right in front of goal and finishing in the bottom corner for a Pride lead in the 21st minute. The rest of the match saw some excellent chances, with Anna Moorhouse coming up big for the home side several times.

And then, as she has for so many years, Marta was Marta. The ageless one made a trademark run down the left side, shades of last year’s semi-final. The Reign’s Sam Meza took down Marta in the box, and the Pride’s Luana calmly slotted home the ensuing penalty. Orlando’s road to a repeat is moving on to the semi-final stage.

When are the NWSL playoff semi-finals?

The NWSL Playoffs continue this weekend (November 15–16) as the final four teams battle for a spot in the Championship match.

Both semi-finals will air live on TNT Sports in the UK. For viewers in the US, the matches are split between CBS and ABC. Fans in territories without a dedicated broadcaster can stream the action live and for free on NWSL+.