NWSL Playoffs 2025 Preview
As the 2025 NWSL playoffs kick off, the Kansas City Current stand as the team to beat after a record-setting regular season that positioned them firmly as title favorites. However, history has shown that the path to the league championship can be rife with surprises, and other contenders are determined to challenge Kansas City’s dominance. Let’s examine each of the eight playoff teams, exploring their chances of victory while also highlighting potential pitfalls that might prevent them from achieving glory.
Team Analysis
Kansas City Current
- Next Game: Nov. 9 against Gotham FC, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
- Strengths: Kansas City boasts an exceptional record this season, with commendable statistics including the fewest goals conceded in the league (13). Their lethal combination of players, such as the experienced Lo’eau LaBonta and the skillful Debinha, enables them to exploit counterattacks effectively. They dominate possession, rendering them nearly invincible against most opponents.
- Weaknesses: Yet, uncertainty looms over the health of their star forward, Temwa Chawinga, currently sidelined with an adductor injury. If Chawinga cannot play, the team’s offensive potency may wane, as evidenced by a prior loss without her contributions.
Washington Spirit
- Next Game: Nov. 9 against Gotham FC, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
- Strengths: The Spirit have flown under the radar but possess formidable talent, particularly in their offense led by Trinity Rodman. If their key players can return to health and form, Washington has the firepower to rival any team, including Kansas City.
- Weaknesses: Their depth is concerning, with several injuries impacting player availability. The situation was dire on Decision Day, showcasing just three healthy field players on the bench, raising doubts about their resilience as the playoffs progress.
Orlando Pride
- Next Game: Nov. 9 against San Diego Wave, 3 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
- Strengths: The Pride enter the playoffs on a five-game unbeaten streak, drawing on their previous star-studded season to find their rhythm again. Role players have stepped up recently, creating an effective unit that can trouble opponents.
- Weaknesses: However, they face challenge due to being in a tough playoff bracket with a rematch against Seattle shortly coming up. Their inconsistency this season could impede their path to the finals.
San Diego Wave
- Next Game: Nov. 9 against Orlando Pride, 3 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
- Strengths: With their ability to control the pace, San Diego led the league in possession and showed flashes of brilliance in the attack, especially through forward interplay between Kenza Dali and Delphine Cascarino.
- Weaknesses: Nonetheless, their finishing has been elusive at times; they struggled to score consistently, particularly during a mid-season drought, which could prove detrimental in high-stakes matches.
Racing Louisville
- Next Game: Nov. 8 against Portland Thorns, 12 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+
- Strengths: Louisville possesses a scrappy playing style that emphasizes swift counterattacking and defensive resilience. With a direct approach, they have been able to generate wins despite low possession percentages.
- Weaknesses: However, their tendency to lose points late in matches highlights a lack of polish in key moments. This inconsistency in game management may be their undoing in a tightly contested playoff scenario.
Seattle Reign
- Next Game: Nov. 7 against Orlando Pride, 8 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime
- Strengths: Seattle’s coaching pedigree with Laura Harvey leads to tactical versatility, and they have a history of pulling through in critical situations, often performing when least expected.
- Weaknesses: Yet, their scoring woes have persisted, ranking them poorly in goals scored and chances created, making it difficult for them to put away games against high-caliber opponents.
Gotham FC
- Next Game: Nov. 9 against Kansas City Current, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
- Strengths: Despite missing out on a higher seed, Gotham boasts substantial talent and should have fared better in the regular season. A fully fit Esther González could carry them through challenging matches, complemented by critical midfielders like Rose Lavelle.
- Weaknesses: However, defensive mistakes have plagued Gotham, particularly against elite attacking teams like Kansas City, putting their playoff ambitions at risk.
Conclusion
While Kansas City enjoys a clear advantage, the unpredictability of the playoffs assures that any of the participating teams could emerge victorious come the championship match on November 22. The journey to the title is set to unfold over the coming weeks, promising thrilling encounters and potential upsets in the NWSL postseason.
