The top two teams over the course of the NWSL regular season extended their success into the postseason, with the Orlando Pride taking on the Washington Spirit in Saturday’s Championship.
The finalists advanced after exciting semifinals, with the Spirit advancing in a shootout against the 2023 champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the Pride coming out on top with a 3-2 victory over Kansas City Current. Last weekend’s action shows another entertaining game ahead at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium, which would be a fitting end to an exciting NWSL season.
Ahead of the championship, here are a series of picks and predictions from the CBS Sports team.
Medium
NWSL Championship Broadcast Schedule
All Eastern Time
Saturday November 23
Attacking Third pregame show, 6:30 pm (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Attacking Third pregame show, 7:30 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
NWSL Championship: Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit, 8 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
Attacking Third post-match program, 10:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Sunday, November 24
NWSL Skills Challenge, 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. (check local listings) (CBS, Paramount+)
Expert Picks
NWSL champion: why Spirit will win
by Michael Goodman
Both sides look like teams of destiny. Orlando Pride seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate this year with Barbra Banda proving to be one of the most astute picks in NWSL history and Marta turning back the years at 38 years old. But Spirit will be too much for them on Saturday. It’s not just that they have star power in Trinity Rodman, but they have tremendous depth, so much so that they lost rookie of the year Croix Bethune to injury and didn’t miss a beat with another rookie, Hal Hershfelt, stepping in. in the gap. International star Laicey Santos has arrived late, as has coach Jonatan Giráldez who arrived from Barcelona. Ultimately, though, it will be Rodman who makes the difference. CHOOSE: Spirit 1, Pride 0
Why Hershfelt, Banda and Rodman could get on the scoreboard
by Pardeep Cattry
This NWSL season has been all about star power, preparing for a game that will equally depend on the best offensive talent of the finalists. Hal Hershfelt has gone from strength to strength during his rookie season, so there’s a chance he could be on the scoreboard, just like he was in last week’s semi-final, while the exploits of Barbra Banda and Trinity Rodman in front of goal all season mean they will. He will likely play a big role on Saturday.
MVP: Of course it’s Rodman
by Pardeep Cattry
In a season of obstacles, including injuries and managerial transition, Rodman has essentially served as a constant for the Spirit. With eight goals and six assists this season, she has a habit of rising to the occasion for the offensive-minded Spirit and will no doubt be a key player in their quest for their second NWSL Championship.
