ESPN.com · Nov 16, 2025
NWSL semifinals preview: Gotham, Pride, Sprit and Thorns clash
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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.