As the NWSL has expanded to 14 teams, the playoff format has expanded as a result. The growth of the league has been incredible to witness. Five years ago, this league only had four playoff teams; by 2021, we had six playoff teams, and for the first time in 2024, we had eight teams in the postseason. Bracket madness has taken over the NWSL with the hope of magical upsets, and Cinderella runs to shock us all. Will there be any first-round upsets in the NWSL Quarterfinals? Let’s preview it and find out.
#1 Orlando Pride vs. #8 Chicago Red Stars: Friday, November 8 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, Prime Video
The NWSL Shield curse is well documented, and the Orlando Pride will undoubtedly be reminded of it heading into the team’s first playoff game since 2017. It’s a position this team hasn’t been in often. How will they handle the spotlight of being the top team? Their opponent has been here plenty before, but those teams are marred by a coaching scandal involving the old owner selling the team. Laura Ricketts has set ambitious goals for the club. It shouldn’t be a surprise they made the semifinals in her first year as owner with Lorne Donaldson in charge. They’re a young team with minimal playoff experience, but they are dangerous.
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