2024 NWSL Semifinals Preview: Washington Spirit vs. Gotham, Orlando Pride vs. KC Current
The NWSL Semifinals are set, with all four top seeds advancing. Orlando had no issues dispatching Chicago, but the other three were highly competitive matches, all decided by one goal. Washington, Gotham, Orlando, and Kansas City have been the four best teams all season. It’s rare and needs to be appreciated when the best of the best make it to the semifinals. Both matchups are must-see TV. Let’s take a closer look at the 2024 NWSL Semifinal matchups.
#2 Washington Spirit vs. #3 Gotham FC: Saturday, November 16 at 12:00 PM ET/9:00 AM PT, CBS
The Washington Spirit were minutes away from watching their season end at Audi Field. Bay FC gave the Spirit all they could handle after Asisat Oshoala scored with less than ten minutes to go. Tara McKeown came to the rescue and scored an incredible equalizer to send the game to extra time. An own goal was the difference, and Spirit survived, highlighting that their offense can be contained with disciplined defending.
Gotham was also destined for extra time until Rose Lavelle’s dramatic stoppage-time winner sent Portland home packing. Now, both teams square off in an epic showdown for a spot in the NWSL Final. The first thing to note is that Gotham has a strong away record at 8-2-3. Here’s the one problem with that record: one of those three losses was at the hands of the Washington Spirit. The Spirit have outscored Gotham 4-0 in their two matches this season, showing that with or without Jonatan Giraldez, they can beat Gotham.Â
Gotham is going for back-to-back NWSL titles and has the team do it, but can they beat the Spirit when they haven’t done so this season? The one difference for Washington is that Croix Bethune played in both games against Gotham for the Spirit, which is huge for Gotham. Ultimately, the Spirit doesn’t have the extra creator to support Trinity Rodman or Leicy Santos.
Hal Hershfelt has been incredible, but Croix Bethune put this team above the top. Gotham might let the Spirit press them and then push on the counter to use players like Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams. If Gotham can get on the board early and defend their lead, that feels like a better path to victory than needing to come from behind. The Spirit have struck first in both of the previous games and if they do so again, it will be a problem for Gotham.Â
I’m riding with the Spirit to beat Gotham again because of what they’ve been able to do at Audi Field and the x-factor in Jonatan Giraldez, who will have his team better prepared for this matchup.
Prediction: Spirit wins 2-1
#1 Orlando Pride vs. #4 Kansas City Current: Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT, ABC
This is the primetime game of the weekend and a matchup worthy of being the Final, but we will get it in the semifinals instead. Both teams were red hot at the start of the season, and the main difference was depth. Despite the Olympics happening in between, Orlando’s roster kept up their ridiculous winning pace, while Kansas City faltered.
However, the Current found their form when it matters most, at the end of the season. The Current is now on a five-game winning streak coming into this game. On the flip side, Orlando stumbled at the end of the season, losing back-to-back games and ending their chance at a perfect season. The Pride regained their footing, winning their last two games, and looked like their old selves against Chicago, beating them 4-1.Â
Orlando won the first meeting 2-1 before the second match ended in a 0-0 draw. Kansas City is starting to figure out Orlando’s attack based on the last matchup, and we could be in for another low-scoring affair. Thinking back to earlier in the season, Kansas City started off in first place when depth was not a factor. Orlando has the deeper roster overall, but Kansas City’s Starting XI is better overall.
The Pride relies on Barbara Banda and Marta to create the most opportunities. Kansas City has more than Temwa Chawinga; Debinha is in good form; Nichelle Prince and Michelle Cooper are dangerous, and Lo’eau Labonta and Vanessa DiBernardo are threats to create or score. Plus, Vlatko Andonovski has championship experience, having won two titles in Kansas City already. Orlando has had an incredible season, but I think the Kansas City Currents are the better team and are eyeing a spot in the Final to play at CPKC Stadium.
Prediction: Kansas City wins in Extra Time 2-1
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