While there were no major upsets or surprises that came out of the weekend’s playoff fixtures, the game quality was high. Genuine kudos extended to U.S. broadcasters who aired three of the four games live. It’s the type of coverage and exposure the game needs.
Orlando Pride 4 – 1 Chicago Red Stars
It was a showcase of the Orlando superstars. Barbra Banda’s brace put her on 15 goals for the season, and Marta showed she still has it at 38 with a fine PK conversion. Going into the locker room 3-0 up, fans knew the outcome of this match well in advance. But give Chicago credit for not rolling over; their striker Jameese Joseph clawed back a pride goal.
“2023-07-07 Fussball, Frauen, Länderspiel, Deutschland – Sambia 1DX 7059 by Stepro” by Steffen Prößdorf is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Washington Spirit 2 – 1 Bay FC
You gotta tip your hat to Bay FC, only the second team in league history to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural year. They locked horns with Washington and for 80 minutes traded body blows and chances until Asisat Oshoala gave the visiting team the lead. Spirit responded by going all-in on the attack, and Tara KcKeown finally put the equalizer in the net after a flurry of shots had been repelled by the Bay FC defense. In extra time, both teams played it cagey and if not for an unfortunate own-goal from Caprice Dydasco would have got to kicks. It was still a deserved win for Washington, who had the edge in all key statistics except corner kicks, and Bay FC should be even more exciting to watch next season.
NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 – 1 Portland Thorns
This was a cracker of a match; both sides swelling with talent, energy and purpose. Gotham did look the better side, as Portland appeared ready to weather an offensive onslaught. Indeed, only moments after Portland substitutes Reilyn Turner and Olivia Moultrie stepped on the pitch Gotham struck first (one can forgive Portland for a brief lapse in concentration after watching Christine Sinclair leave the pitch for the final time). But those same Thorns substitutes drew the game level in the 75th minute off a picture perfect combo. In the end, Gotham found a way… substitute Delanie Sheehan deftly maneuvered past Thorns defenders and the goal line to tee up Rose Lavelle from close range, and the USWNT veteran did not disappoint.
Kansas City Current 1 – 0 North Carolina Courage
NWSL Golden Boot winner Tenwa Chawinga struck early in the 8th minute off a remarkable series of events. Her first shot, delivered off a long run, was parried by keeper Casey Murphy into the path of her teammate Michelle Cooper. Cooper then teed up Daphina, whose shot ricocheted off the post back to Tenwa, whose second effort was blocked by defender Kaleigh Kurtz right back to her feet and Tenwa would not be denied a third time, finally striking the net. Whew. Kansas City then demonstrated a very Italian-esce performance, absorbing everything North Carolina could throw at them and emerging victorious.
Semi-finals Match Ups
Saturday, November 16
Washington Spirit host NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field in the District of Columbia.
Sunday, November 17
Orlando Pride host Kansas City Current at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, FL.
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