Underrated performers of the NWSL playoffs: Who can make a difference as Spirit hosts Gotham and Pride? Current

The 2024 NWSL playoffs are coming to a close and the semi-final round will begin on Saturday. Only four teams remain and a spot in the NWSL Championship is at stake. Top-seeded Orlando Pride will host No. 4 Kansas City Current, and No. 2 Washington Spirit will face No. 3 NJ/NY Gotham FC. Fans can watch the action between the Spirit and Gotham FC on CBS.

As each knockout round passes, the margins of victory narrow. At this point in the year, several players have already established themselves as clear starters and even earned year-end nominations for individual awards. So what or who will it take to make it all the way to the NWSL Championship?

Here are four underrated players who we think will be a factor during the semifinals:

Current Kansas City: Izzy Rodriguez

The outside back has been a frequent staple of Kansas City’s backline since being drafted to the team in 2022. During the 2024 season, highlights have naturally been dominated by the NWSL Golden Boot winner , Temwa Chawinga, and other team scorers. However, Rodriguez’s efforts to keep opposing attackers at bay and get involved in attacks have made her a key stealth factor in games.

His quick reaction and vision have led to ingenious combination play and precisely threaded balls. A hockey assist type of player at times, her creating efforts make her the team leader in expected assists with 4.34. She is always active in pursuit of the ball, fourth on the team in interceptions (33), and will be crucial for Kansas City against Orlando.

Orlando Pride: Haley McCutcheon

The central midfielder has been a rock in Orlando’s middle third this season. His chemistry with Angelina and his connectivity with Marta are just a few of the ways he’s made an impact over the year. She has been the type of player who is reliable in and out of possession and frequently connects with her teammates for an additional option and is top five on the team in passing accuracy to the final third (81.9%). .

Her passing allows Barbra Banda and Marta to pivot quickly into attack when in possession and she has now become a factor in the final third. She started Orlando’s goal in the quarterfinals against the Chicago Red Stars, showing her ability to recognize and take space for a shot if necessary and is a threat in the air to win the ball.

New Jersey/NY Gotham FC: Delanie Sheehan

Selected by Gotham FC in 2021, she has taken another step in her development and is already a champion after the team’s title run in 2023. At times, a midfield containing both Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett could mean that a A player like Sheehan might not get the recognition her work rate deserves. The player that people might not talk about during games because she’s here doing her job.

She ties with Lavelle on the team in chances created (31), covers a lot of ground for Gotham FC and is third on the team in recoveries (131), although she credits her midfield teammates for her growth this year.

“Defensively in the midfield, now there is Neely [Martin] and I are in the second season playing together. So at this point, I know where he’s going to be,” Sheehan said in a pregame conference.

“So, it’s like we almost share a brain, and then you add Rose [Lavelle] On that… she’s worked incredibly hard defensively and then also executing the offense. “I think it’s really all come together.”

Spirit of Washington: Rosemonde Kouassi

The Ivory Coast international joined the team during the summer window and quickly brought an extra layer of attacking prowess. He has two assists in eight games and the team will welcome his return to the court after serving a two-game suspension for a red card in the regular season.

Technical on the ball and creative in attack, her presence alongside Trinity Rodman and Ashley Hatch will give the Spirit confidence on offense with Ouleymata Sarr out with a back injury.

“[She’s] An important player, because she is creating many opportunities when she plays… I think she had a quick adaptation. He’s creating a lot of opportunities,” Spirit head coach Jonatan Giraldez said.

“She’s not the one who scores goals, you know, but she’s working hard. Especially in training, and also focusing on finishing, especially on decisions.” [making]. When you have to shoot. When you have to make a pass. When you have to keep haggling. Regarding the decision, I think he has an open mind to continue learning, to continue working. To be better. [She] He is an important player without a doubt. Tomorrow will also be important.”

NWSL Semifinals Schedule

All Eastern Time

Saturday November 16
Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 12 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)

Sunday, November 17
Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current, 3 p.m. (ABC)