The 2024 NWSL Playoffs presented by Google Pixel kicked off in thrilling fashion last weekend, as eight teams battled it out for a coveted spot in the semifinals. By Sunday evening, just four teams remained standing, but the road to that point was filled with unforgettable goals, game-changing moments, and statement-making victories. From dramatic comebacks to standout individual performances, the quarterfinals delivered plenty of excitement.
Here are the top storylines that emerged from an action-packed quarterfinals weekend!
ORLANDO PRIDE
The Pride earned its first NWSL playoff win with a 4-1 victory over Chicago Red Stars. Haley McCutcheon scored her first playoff goal, Barbra Banda became the first international player to score a brace in all NWSL playoffs, and Marta scored the final goal on a penalty kick, setting the record as the oldest playoff goalscorer (38 years, 9 months).
Orlando was HYPED for Haley McCutcheon! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/CpsHOkz91x
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 9, 2024
Barbra Banda’s brace via pitchside 🎥 pic.twitter.com/HdaniKtXB7
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 9, 2024
The energy at @InterCo_Stadium tonight >>> pic.twitter.com/JubdZZ1dvM
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 9, 2024
KANSAS CITY CURRENT
2024 Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga scored her first playoff goal and the game-winner in Kansas City’s first home playoff game.
TALK ABOUT NWSL AFTER BRUNCH CHAOS 🤯 pic.twitter.com/J9Bl1TjDi8
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 9, 2024
100 PLAYOFF GOALS
Temwa Chawinga’s goal was the 100th all-time NWSL playoff goal.
Of course the 100th #NWSLPlayoffs goal had to be by Temwa Chawinga 🙂‍↕️ pic.twitter.com/DwTb6Zgm3z
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 9, 2024
ASISAT OSHOALA
The Nigerian forward scored Bay FC’s first playoff goal in the club’s inaugural playoff match.
WATCH THIS NOW!
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024
Asisat Oshoala scoring in the #NWSLPlayoffs đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/nYF4PpMfQ6
First Bay FC playoff goal âś…
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024
Take a bow, Asisat Oshoala đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/YT1xSsfsYm
WASHINGTON SPIRIT
The sellout crowd that attended the Spirit’s quarterfinal victory against Bay FC set a record for the largest East Coast playoff crowd in NWSL playoff history. They have now won all three of their all-time home playoff games in extra time.
The moment that gave the @WashSpirit the lead! pic.twitter.com/2IlCvqaux9
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024
The 10th largest playoff crowd AND the most attended east coast playoff match in NWSL history! pic.twitter.com/zWHb9mMkjB
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024
TARA MCKEOWN
The Washington Spirit defender, originally a forward, scored her first playoff goal for the Spirit.
Tara McKeown takes it herself and Audi is ROWDY!#NWSLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/4vkyJf1osQ
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024
GOTHAM FC
Gotham FC set a club record with 15,540 fans in attendance for its first home playoff game. Rose Lavelle scored the game-winning goal in the final minutes of regulation time, her first in the playoffs ever.
Delanie Sheehan serves it right up for Rose Lavelle for a HUGE #NWSLPlayoffs goal 🌹 pic.twitter.com/0GKd8DuNka
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024
A packed house for Gotham FC’s home playoff match, their biggest crowd in club history 🤩 pic.twitter.com/k5l6B2L8oH
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024
CHRISTINE SINCLAIR
Sinclair made her 14th and final NWSL playoff appearance and her final appearance for the Portland Thorns. She’s the all-time leader for playoff appearances.
For one last time, the Greatest Of All Time.
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) November 10, 2024
Sinc, your legacy is immeasurable, your impact will last beyond a lifetime. #ThankYouSinc pic.twitter.com/oLrp1vVXVY
THE NEXT GENERATION
Reilyn Turner (22 years, 23 days) became the third-youngest player to score a playoff goal, behind only Trinity Rodman (19 years, 5 months, 25 days) and Erika Tymrak (22 years, 17 days). OLIVIA MOULTRIE became the youngest ever to assist a playoff goal.
Reilyn Turner puts the Thorns right back in it!#NWSLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gVwZqVHlUF
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 10, 2024