2025 NWSL Playoffs Schedule and Key Results

The 2025 NWSL playoffs are in full swing, with four former champions—Orlando Pride, Gotham FC, Portland Thorns and Washington Spirit—battling for a spot in the NWSL Championship on Nov. 22 at San Jose’s PayPal Park. From surprise upsets to dramatic penalty shootouts, here’s everything you need to know about the NWSL playoff schedule, scores and upcoming matchups.

Quarterfinal Recap

The quarterfinals delivered intense competition and memorable moments, setting the stage for the semifinals.

Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign

• Result: Orlando Pride 1, Seattle Reign 0
• Summary: A solid performance from the Pride secured a narrow 1-0 victory in regulation time, showcasing their defensive resilience and attacking precision.

Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville

• Result: 1-1 (Spirit win on penalties, 3-1)
• Summary: After a 1-1 draw, the Spirit survived a tense penalty shootout to advance, highlighting the importance of composure under pressure.

Gotham FC Upsets Kansas City Current

• Result: Gotham FC 2, Kansas City Current 1
• Summary: In a stunning upset, Gotham FC knocked out the Shield-winning Current with a 121st-minute winner from Katie Stengel, ending Kansas City’s playoff run abruptly.

Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave

• Result: Portland Thorns 1, San Diego Wave 0 (after extra time)
• Summary: A tightly contested match went into extra time before the Thorns clinched a 1-0 win, reinforcing their status as perennial title contenders.

Semifinal Showdowns

The semifinals promise more high-stakes action as the remaining teams vie for a place in the NWSL Championship.

• Saturday, Nov. 15: Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns, 12 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
• Sunday, Nov. 16: Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC, 3 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN+)

Both matches will feature tactical battles and star players aiming to tip the balance in their team’s favor.

Road to the NWSL Championship at PayPal Park

All paths in this year’s NWSL playoffs lead to the championship final on November 22 at PayPal Park in San Jose. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with live coverage on CBS and Paramount+. This neutral-site final will crown the league champion after months of regular-season drama and postseason intensity.

Complete Playoff Schedule (U.S. Eastern Time)

Quarterfinals

• Friday, Nov. 7: Orlando Pride 1, Seattle Reign 0
• Saturday, Nov. 8: Washington Spirit 1, Racing Louisville 1 (Spirit win on PKs, 3-1)
• Sunday, Nov. 9: Gotham FC 2, Kansas City Current 1
• Sunday, Nov. 9: Portland Thorns 1, San Diego Wave 0

Semifinals

• Saturday, Nov. 15: Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns, 12 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
• Sunday, Nov. 16: Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC, 3 p.m. (ABC, ESPN+)

Final

• Saturday, Nov. 22: Championship Final, 8 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)

Key Storylines and Predictions

• Upset Watch: Gotham FC’s shock victory over the Kansas City Current could inspire underdog performances in the semifinals.
• Title Hopes: Portland Thorns and Orlando Pride bring experience and depth, making them favorites to reach the final.
• Penalty Pressure: The Washington Spirit’s shootout success highlights the importance of mental toughness in knockout scenarios.

Analysts predict tightly contested semifinal matches, with extra time and penalties likely deciding the outcome.

Conclusion

The 2025 NWSL playoffs have delivered excitement, drama and unexpected twists. As the semifinals approach, fans can expect top-tier soccer and nail-biting finishes. Don’t miss a moment of the action as the final four teams compete for the chance to lift the NWSL Championship trophy on November 22 at PayPal Park.