USWNT guide to the NWSL playoffs

November will be a big month for the USWNT. Later this month, Emma Hayes and the national team will compete in the CONCACAF W Championship, which serves as qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. But before that, we have the NWSL playoffs, which begin on Friday. The league is down to its final eight teams, most of which have USWNT players on the roster. In case you need a refresher course, here is a guide to the NWSL playoffs from a USWNT perspective.

Gotham FC

Gotham is both the reigning NWSL champs and the top seed in the playoffs, taking home the club’s first NWSL Shield this season. Looking at the roster, it’s easy to understand why. The legendary Sam Kerr is supported by a slew of established USWNT stars, most notably Rose Lavelle, who is fresh off being a Ballon d’Or finalist. Gotham also features Jaedyn Shaw, who recently returned from a knee injury, and Jaelin Howell, who is pushing for a spot in the USWNT midfield. Defensively, Gotham is led by Tierna Davidson, who could be key to the USWNT World Cup hopes next summer. However, Emily Sonnett will miss the playoffs for Gotham because of a knee injury she suffered in July.

San Diego Wave

The Wave is considered Gotham’s top competition for the NWSL title. A big part of that is USWNT center-back Kennedy Wesley, who is in serious contention to be a starter at the CONCACAF World Championship later this month. The other prominent national team player on San Diego’s roster is Cat Macario. Unfortunately, Macario hasn’t played this season and remains sidelined because of a lingering knee injury.

Washington Spirit

The third-seeded Spirit is another team loaded with USMNT players. The biggest star is Trinity Rodman, who is hungry to deliver a championship, especially with Washington losing in the finals in consecutive years. She leads the attack while Tara Rudd anchors the backline. USWNT newcomer Kate Wiesner plays full-back for the Spirit, while occasional national team members Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Krueger, Ashley Hatch and Andi Sullivan add to Washington’s depth. Unfortunately, Hal Hershfelt, who has five USWNT caps, recently suffered an ACL tear and won’t play for the Spirit in the playoffs. 

Kansas City Current

While Malawi striker Temwa Chawinga is Kansas City’s best player, the Current has plenty of American flair. Michelle Cooper is one player to watch, as she’s very much in the mix for a World Cup spot next summer. Croix Bethune is another American to watch closely, as she is hoping to get back to the national team after leading the NWSL in assists this season. Kansas City’s roster also features Lo’eau LaBonta, Alana Cook, and Izzy Rodriguez, all players with USWNT caps on their resume. 

Angel City

Opposing Kansas City in the first round will be Angel City. USWNT legend Sydney Leroux is still playing for Angel City in the twilight of her career. Meanwhile, the current contingent of USWNT players playing for Angel City includes center-back Emily Sams, full-back Gisele Thompson, and forward Ally Sentnor. Former youth national team players like Savy King and Riley Tiernan are also among the Angel City players to watch closely during the NWSL playoffs.

Portland Thorns

Everyone who follows the NWSL knows that Sophia Wilson is the player to watch on the Thorns. She finished third in the league with 15 goals, making her the league’s highest scorer participating in the playoffs. The amazing thing about Wilson’s season is that she’s been one of the NWSL’s premier players in her return from maternity leave. Aside from Wilson, Portland’s roster also includes Morgan Weaver, who has two USWNT caps, and M.A. Vignola and Reilyn Turner, who have one each. Unfortunately, a torn ACL suffered in August will keep Olivia Moultrie from helping the Thorns during their playoff push.

Utah Royals

The Royals might be among the most surprising playoff participants this season. That likely wouldn’t have been the case without goalie Mandy McGlynn, who has six USWNT appearances. Kate Del Fava, who made her USWNT debut last month, and Jameese Joseph, who has one goal in five national team appearances, will also be key to Utah’s postseason success.

Seattle Reign

Last but not least, the Reign snuck into the playoffs with a win on the final day of the season. Claudia Dickey, who is competing to be the starting goalie for the USWNT next summer, is Seattle’s starting goalie. Young center back Jordyn Bugg, who has six caps with the national team, and Sofia Huerta, who has 32 USWNT caps, anchor the backline for Seattle. The Reign also features Mia Fishel and Sam Meza, who have both made three appearances for the USWNT.

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