Exciting NWSL Semifinals Ahead: Can the Defending Champions Reach the Final?
By Jeff Kassouf | Nov 14, 2025, 12:32 PM ET
The last four NWSL titleholders are set to clash in the 2025 semifinals, bringing an edge of unpredictability to the matches.
NJ/NY Gotham FC, the reigning champions, face off against the other title holders, Orlando Pride on Sunday, November 19 at 3 p.m. ET (ABC / ESPN Deportes / ESPN+). Gotham enters the game as the No. 8 seed, having pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating the top-seeded Kansas City Current 2-1 in extra time. This stunning victory ended Kansas City’s record-setting season, which included 65 points and 21 wins, as they claimed the NWSL Shield by finishing significantly ahead of the second-placed Washington Spirit.
In the other semifinal on Saturday at noon ET, the Spirit, who were champions in 2021, take on the Portland Thorns. The Thorns have been a consistent force in the league, securing three championships since its inception in 2013, the latest being in 2022, alongside two NWSL Shields.
This year marks a surprising path to the semifinals for Portland, as only captain Sam Coffey remains a starter from their 2022 championship lineup. The team has experienced significant turnover due to trades, retirements, and an onslaught of early-season injuries, compounded by the absence of 2022 NWSL MVP Sophia Wilson, who recently welcomed her first child.
The semifinals will determine which teams advance to the NWSL Championship scheduled for November 22 in San Jose, California.
(4) Orlando Pride vs. (8) NJ/NY Gotham FC
Sunday, 3 p.m. ET on ABC / ESPN Deportes / ESPN+
Last season, Orlando dominated the league, claiming both the regular-season and playoff titles while maintaining a remarkable 23-game unbeaten streak that extended into the 2024 season.
Veteran forward Marta, despite being 39, showcased her enduring talent alongside breakout star Barbra Banda, who had an impressive debut with 13 goals. Orlando’s defense was also formidable, conceding only 20 goals across 26 matches.
In contrast, Orlando faced several challenges this year, with Banda sidelined since August due to injury and Marta managing only four goals and an assist. After a challenging stretch that saw the team go nine consecutive matches without a victory, Orlando finally turned the tide with a 2-1 win against the San Diego Wave, followed by a solid 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Seattle Reign FC. In that match, Haley McCutcheon returned to form as a key scorer, and Marta once again showed her magic.
Gotham FC enters the semifinals hoping to prove their resilience. Having won the 2023 title as the No. 6 seed, they went on to claim the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup in May, solidifying their status in the women’s soccer landscape.
Playmaker Jaedyn Shaw spoke with confidence after her pivotal role in the upset over Kansas City, stating, “Underdog my ass,” emphasizing Gotham’s readiness to compete at a high level.
Shaw’s transfer from the North Carolina Courage has revitalized Gotham’s offensive strength, synergizing well with Rose Lavelle, who has remained healthy after undergoing offseason surgery.
Gotham’s challenge will be the ongoing concern over the injury status of 2023 World Cup champion Esther González, who has been sidelined with a hip issue for a month. She played a crucial role in Gotham’s earlier successes, scoring 13 goals throughout the season and contributing significantly to their playoff run.
(2) Washington Spirit vs. (3) Portland Thorns
Saturday, noon ET
The Spirit’s season has also been overshadowed by injury concerns, particularly the situation involving USWNT star forward Trinity Rodman.
After a standout performance at the 2024 Olympics, Rodman faced ongoing back issues that limited her appearances, and she has only played once for the national team since then. Despite returning to the field in August, she suffered another setback with an MCL sprain, which has sidelined her once more.
<pWashington's injury woes worsened when defender Tara McKeown injured her ankle during the quarterfinal match.
Meanwhile, the Thorns have also dealt with significant injuries this season, losing multiple key players to knee injuries. However, they have found strength in the midfield, with players like Olivia Moultrie and Jessie Fleming stepping up, showcasing their potential to lead the team through a challenging season.
If the Thorns aim to secure their fourth championship title, strong performances from Coffey, Moultrie, and the rest of their midfield will be crucial.
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