The National Women’s Soccer League postseason kicked off Friday evening and wrapped up with a Sunday doubleheader. The quarterfinals delivered shocking upsets, statement wins and an intense race toward the NWSL Championship Trophy.
San Diego Wave FC vs. Utah Royals FC
In Friday’s quarterfinal opener, No. 7 Utah upset No. 2 San Diego 1-0. Momentum and match history favored San Diego, which went 6-0 against Utah this season.
Utah entered the match without its leading scorer, Mina Tanaka, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Royals lost five of their previous six matches without Tanaka and drew the other.
Utah took the lead in the 29th minute when forward Kiana Palacios converted a cross with a left-footed finish inside the penalty area. Despite being outshot 16-8, Palacios’ goal proved to be the difference for the Royals.
Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn was Utah’s rock, making 4 saves to secure the shutout and helping rally the Royals against a tough opponent.
“Why not us? Don’t count us out,” McGlynn said in a postgame news conference. “We’re gonna go out there and play ugly soccer, good soccer; we don’t care. We’re gonna go win this game and find a way.” go win this game and find a way.”
When the final whistle sounded, the Royals had more than an upset to celebrate; they had earned their first playoff win in franchise history.
Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC
No. 4 Kansas City defeated No. 5 Angel City 1-0 on Saturday.
After claiming last year’s top seed, the Current suffered a shocking first-round upset by Gotham FC, which went on to win the 2025 NWSL championship.
This season, the Current looks to rewrite their story.
Despite 20 shots from Kansas City and 12 from Angel City, regulation ended scoreless. The Current broke through in the 94th minute when they earned a penalty kick after a foul called on Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. Kansas City forward Michelle Cooper stepped up and sent the ball past Anderson’s reach.
“The players met the demands of such a tough, gritty game against a team that you could argue was the hottest in the league,” Current Head Coach Chris Armas said regarding the team’s resilience in a news conference. “Whatever it was going to take. They were going to will it to happen. Just really proud to be part of the group, and we’re hungry for more.”
This victory sends Kansas City to its third semifinal in franchise history, setting up a rematch of last year’s playoff elimination.
Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign FC
No. 1 Gotham advanced to its fourth consecutive NWSL semifinal with a 1-0 win over No. 8 Seattle.
Seattle defender Jordyn Bugg put Gotham on the board in the fourth minute with an own goal, slicing a corner kick past goalkeeper Claudia Dickey while attempting a clearance. The own goal made Gotham the first NWSL team to win a playoff match without recording a shot on goal.
Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made three saves to preserve the lead and secure the win, proving that the defending champions don’t need to make it look pretty — they just need to get it done.
Despite looking ahead to Kansas City, Gotham Coach Juan Carlos Amorós made sure to recognize his team’s collective effort.
“We did not have the best game, but we added another clean sheet,” said Amorós. “I think it’s unbelievable the way we defend as a collective. And that was the game that we had to play today, and that’s the game that we won today, so I could not be any prouder of the players because every single one of them gave absolutely everything.”
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns
No. 3 Washington closed out the quarterfinals with the most dominant victory of the weekend, a 4-1 takedown of No. 6 Portland.
Forward Trinity Rodman started the action early by assisting on Washington’s first goal in the sixth minute. After stealing the ball from defender Carolyn Calzada, Rodman found Mélissa Bethi, who converted the finish.
Rodman and fellow striker Clara Luvanga were the dynamic duo of the match. In the 34th minute, Luvanga won the ball from Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and found the back of the net to double the lead.
Luvanga also assisted on Washington’s third goal, setting up Rodman with a cross from the left. In the 58th minute, Rodman scored off another assist from Luvanga.
Washington will host the championship match, regardless of the Spirit’s semifinal result. The opportunity to compete for a championship in front of its home crowd is an added boost for the Spirit players as they look to reclaim the title.
The NWSL playoffs will continue this weekend. Washington will take on Utah in the semifinal opener Nov. 14. Kickoff is at 12 p.m., and the match will be available on Paramount+ and CBS. On Nov. 15, Gotham will host Kansas City for a 3 p.m. start. The second match will air on ABC and stream on ESPN.