What to Expect in the NWSL Quarterfinals
The 2021 NWSL season was unlike anything we’ve seen before. While the controversy off the pitch helped eradicate some of the poison within the league, the matches themselves were incredible. Despite such an emotional roller coaster that the players went through, they provided such an incredible product on the pitch, which speaks to their overall toughness and determination to keep playing. After 24 regular-season games and six months covered, we’ve finally arrived at the postseason. Here’s our preview for the 2021 NWSL quarterfinals.
#4 Chicago Red Stars vs. #5 Gotham FC
@ 3:00 PM ET on CBS Sports Network
This is a marquee matchup between the two, and it’s very hard to predict which way this will go. During the regular season, these teams met three times. Gotham had a slight edge over the Red Stars with a 2-1 win, but their other two matches ended 0-0.
Expect a similar matchup with the defenses being organized and sturdy. There’s plenty of offense on both sides, but each team understands that, which might explain the two 0-0 matches, which is rare to have twice in the same season.
Based on the 2-1 matchup, Gotham will try to keep possession with Chicago, looking to catch them on the counter-attack. However, with two teams that are so close in quality and skill, it’s a tough one to call.
The Red Stars were 8-2-2 at home this season; SeatGeek Stadium has been a fortress for them. So, the fans might be able to give Chicago the lift they need to advance. Of course, it would also be the end of Carli Lloyd’s historic career, which makes Gotham an even tougher team to beat. It could go either way, but I’m taking the Red Stars in a penalty shootout.
Prediction: Red Stars advance on PKs 3-2
#3 Washington Spirit vs. #6 North Carolina Courage
@ 5:30 PM ET on Paramount+
The Courage owe the Spirit and Trinity Rodman a big thank you for scoring late against the Houston Dash. That goal knocked the Dash out while the Courage secured a 0-0 draw with Portland, which was enough to get them into the playoffs. Now the two go head to head, with both teams having coaches fired for abuse, with each side responding to them in different ways.
The Spirit have rallied around interim coach Kris Ward with five wins and one draw in their last six games. On the other hand, the Courage have limped into the postseason under interim coach Sean Nahas with one win, one draw, and five losses in their last seven games.
The only way the Courage win this game is because of their experience of making it to the postseason so many times. As long as Washington isn’t afraid of the moment, they should cruise past the Courage since they went unbeaten in three games against them during the regular season.
Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez have been so dangerous this year, but Sam Staab and Paige Nielsen don’t get enough credit. The Spirit is great in all areas, and it’s their time in what should be changing of the guard in a win over the Courage.
Prediction: Spirit advance 3-1
Featured image via @WashSpirit on Twitter
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