"The four most recent NWSL champions are also the 2025 semifinalists. If that sounds predictable, it isn't -- at least, not entirely. NJ/NY Gotham FC (the 2023 champions) arrive in Sunday's semifinal against the reigning champion Orlando Pride (3 p.m. ET, ABC / ESPN Deportes / ESPN+) as the No. 8 seed that just pulled off the biggest upset in NWSL playoff history."
"Gotham defeated the No. 1-seeded Kansas City Current 2-1 in extra time, ending the Current's record-breaking season for points (65) and wins (21). Kansas City won the NWSL Shield by finishing 21 points ahead of the second-place Washington Spirit. The Spirit, champions in 2021, lost last year's final to Orlando and finished second in the league again this season. On Saturday, they host the Portland Thorns in the other semifinal (12 p.m. ET)."
Four most recent NWSL champions reached the 2025 semifinals. NJ/NY Gotham FC, the 2023 champions, advanced as the No. 8 seed after knocking off the No. 1 Kansas City Current 2-1 in extra time. Kansas City finished the regular season with a record 65 points and 21 wins and won the NWSL Shield by 21 points over the Washington Spirit. The Spirit, 2021 champions, finished second again and will host the Portland Thorns in the other semifinal. The Thorns have historical success but reached the semifinals amid roster turnover, injuries, and the absence of 2022 MVP Sophia Wilson.
Read at ESPN.com
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