Underdogs Prevail in Dramatic NWSL Playoff Openers

The 2025 NWSL playoffs have gotten off to a thrilling start, with several underdog teams pulling off surprise victories in the opening round. On Saturday, eighth-seeded Gotham FC stunned the top-ranked Kansas City Current, winning 1-0 after a hard-fought 120 minutes of play. This was a major upset, as Kansas City had been undefeated at home this season and had clinched the league shield faster than any team in NWSL history.

Meanwhile, the Washington Spirit narrowly survived their quarterfinal clash, needing a penalty shootout to get past the visiting Racing Louisville. After a first-half video review took a goal off the board for Washington, the Spirit regained the lead in the 73rd minute, only to see Louisville equalize in stoppage time. The match went to extra time, but neither side could find a winner, leading to the dramatic penalty shootout.

The Portland Thorns also advanced in dramatic fashion, scoring a match-winning goal in the 94th minute to edge past the San Diego Wave. Broadcaster Mark Donaldson's call of "Liftoff at Providence Park!" perfectly captured the excitement as Olivia Moultrie found Reilyn Turner for the late winner in front of a crowd of over 19,000 Thorns supporters.

These three thrilling quarterfinal matches have set the stage for an exciting NWSL semifinal weekend, with the Thorns visiting the Spirit and Gotham FC taking on the defending champion Orlando Pride.