The stage is set for the 2024 NWSL Championship after two thrilling semifinal clashes delivered drama, resilience, and historic moments. The Washington Spirit earned their second championship berth in four years with a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over defending champions Gotham FC. Meanwhile, the Orlando Pride continued their dream season, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-2 in a high-octane battle to secure their first-ever trip to the final. Both matches highlighted the talent and competitiveness in the league, setting the tone for an epic showdown on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 8:00 pm ET at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
Saturday, November 16
Washington Spirit 1 (3), Gotham FC 1 (0)
The Washington Spirit punched their ticket to the 2024 NWSL Championship in dramatic fashion, edging out defending champions Gotham FC in a thrilling semifinal in Washington, D.C. In front of a record-setting sellout crowd of 19,365, the Spirit’s resilience was on full display in a match marked by intense battles on the wings and high-pressure moments on both ends of the field. Trinity Rodman and Rosemonde Kouassi drove the Spirit’s attack, while Gotham’s Esther continued her scoring streak with a clinical header. Hal Hershfelt’s clutch stoppage-time header kept the Spirit alive, pushing things into a scoreless extra time.
At the end of extra time, both teams set up for a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury etched her name into Spirit lore with three consecutive penalty shootout saves. It was the second penalty shootout in NWSL playoff history. Spirit’s penalty shot takers did their jobs as well, efficiently converting their attempts and ensuring Kingsbury’s work wasn’t for nothing. The Spirit now look ahead to Kansas City for the NWSL Championship on November 23, where they’ll face the Orlando Pride.
Sunday, November 17
Orlando Pride 3, Kansas City Current 2
The Orlando Pride secured their first-ever NWSL Championship berth with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in front of a packed house in Orlando, Florida.
The match showcased the Pride’s resilience and firepower as they overcame an early Kansas City lead. Debinha’s opener for the Current was quickly neutralized by Haley McCutcheon, who connected with Ally Watt for the second straight playoff match. Banda gave Orlando the lead early in the second half before setting up Marta for a brilliant third goal, where Marta calmly and skillfully juggled around three Current defenders and goalkeeper to score what would eventually be the game-winner. Though Kansas City’s Vanessa DiBernardo converted a late penalty, Orlando’s defense held firm to close out the victory. After winning their first NWSL Shield and hosting their inaugural playoff matches this season, the Pride will now aim to cap off their historic campaign with a championship win against Washington Spirit in Kansas City.
📅 MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 2024 NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP
Don’t miss the biggest game of the season, the highly anticipated NWSL Championship match in Kansas City, where the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit will face off for glory.
- Date: Saturday, November 23
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CBS and streaming on Paramount+
