The NWSL playoffs are officially here, with eight teams participating in an expanded version of the postseason that begins Friday with the quarterfinals.
The focus of the quarterfinals will be on the top four finishers from the regular season: Shield winners Orlando Pride, the Washington Spirit, reigning champions NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current. The group created some distance between themselves and the rest of the league’s teams, finishing at least 16 points or more ahead of fifth place. The question for this round will be whether they can continue that form into the postseason, or whether the other four teams standing in their way will be able to advance in a win-or-go-home game.
Gotham’s game against the Portland Thorns is also one to watch, as it could be the last game of Christine Sinclair’s career.
Ahead of this weekend’s action, here are picks and predictions from the CBS Sports team.
Postseason format and bracket
The NWSL playoffs will begin on Friday and the four highest-ranked teams will face off in a quarterfinal format. The quarterfinal winners will meet in the semifinals on November 16, hosted by the highest-ranked team, with the 2024 NWSL Championship crowning the winner on November 23 at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
Quarterfinal schedule
All Eastern Time
Friday, November 8
Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars, 8 p.m. (prime time)
Saturday November 9
Kansas City Current vs. North Carolina Courage, 12 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, November 10
Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC, 12:30 p.m. (ABC)
NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns FC 3 pm (ABC)
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