The 2025 NWSL post-season has arrived. Eight teams are set to embark on a journey of three weeks where the legacy will be forged by not just the star power, but by an unsung hero. The NWSL playoffs are available on CBS, with Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville FC will compete for a place in the semi-finals on CBS Saturday at 12:30 PM. The postseason provides a unique opportunity for defenders to shine, as well as super-subs and underrated midfielders. This is the time of year where a quiet season of consistency could lead to a game-winning tackle or save a playoff. Any team that has arrived at this point will say it’s a total team effort, and if that’s indeed the case, who are the unsung heroes across the rosters ready to seize the opportunity for NWSL playoff glory?Here’s who to keep an eye on during the NWSL playoffs:QuarterfinalsFriday, Nov. 7Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)Saturday, Nov. 8Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville, 12 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
Sunday, Nov. 9Kansas City Current vs. Gotham FC, 12:30 p.m. (ABC)Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave, 3 p.m. (ABC)SemifinalsMatches to take place during the weekend of Nov. 15 and 16Kansas City Current/Gotham FC play Orlando Pride/Seattle Reign. Time TBAWashington spirit/Racing Louisville face Portland Thorns/San Diego Wave. You might think that a player who scores ten goals is not an unsung star, but a star. You may not be familiar with women’s sport unless you have a deep interest in it. soccerYou may know Emma Sears but in 2025, many people are only hearing her name for the very first time. Sears, who scored five goals in her rookie year of 2024, has quickly become Racing Louisville’s leading goal scorer. Her second season has seen an increase in attacking production, which has been vital to the team’s success. Sears has been called up to the U.S. women’s national team more often this year after her hat-trick of goals against New Zealand.
Hayes commented on Sears recent USWNT appearance. “She has an intuitive instinct inside the box, and a desire for goals that we cannot teach,” Hayes stated. “To score a triple at the international stage is no small feat. She never ceases to amaze.While a large part of Louisville’s identity is to make games competitive, and not so much ballooning scores, it’s in line with what you can expect during the NWSL playoffs. Racing is finally in the postseason after a long wait. It’s a series that was made for them and their way of playing this season. The team is fearless and has nothing to lose. They have a winger that can score at any time. Sears stated that he could feel the confidence behind him on the field.
“I don’t think too much about the games and I just try to take the opportunities that I get. In the second half of the year, I have had more chances in games than in any other time in my career. I am trying to flow with it and not worry too much.”Sarah Schupansky, Gotham FC”As Gotham FC enters the playoffs with a No. The 8th seed is not new territory for the club. The club won the NWSL Championship in the six-team playoff format when it was first introduced. Since then, they have been league contenders. Sarah Schupansky, one of many rookies that Gotham relied on this year, is just one example. The duo, along with Lily Reale could be the rookie of the year finalist. Khyah Harper is part of Gotham’s deep roster, along with Ryan Campbell, Sofia Cook Emerson Elgin Tyler McCamey Josefine Hasbo and Kayla Duran. Schupansky is the team’s leader in chances created (29), and assists (5).
This impressive performance led to a contract extension through 2027. The playoffs will rejuvenate Schupansky, even though her time on pitch has been waning in recent matchweeks. Her skills could be the difference maker against Kansas CityGia Corley, San Diego Wave FC. The 2025 regular-season was a year for transition. San Diego Wave FC rode this storyline all the way into the playoffs. Gia Corely, another new arrival who went under the radar as Delphine cascarino emerged to be the most important player for the team, and Dali composed enjoyed a career-year, was signed from TSG Hoffenheim. Gia Corely, 23, was brought in from TSG with a strong track record. In 70 appearances for the Frauen Bundesliga she had 14 goals scored as well as 12 assists. She adjusted quickly to NWSL football and scored her first goal in Wave FC’s debut.
Sam Meza (Seattle Riegn FC). It’s hard to imagine anyone working harder in Seattle’s five back than Sam Meza. She has quickly risen to become a key player for the Reign thanks to her ball tracking and two-way play. Seattle is able to win games because of Meza’s ball tracking and nose for the football. She has only been in NWSL for two seasons. Meza leads Seattle in recovery (157), duels (289) and is first among club midfielders for shot blocks (14) She can contribute to attacking situations through her distribution. Her defensive work is unwavering and outstanding. Haley McCutcheon is the cornerstone of the Orlando Pride’s midfield. She will play a key role in their 2025 NWSL Playoffs title defence. She has been a leader and a constant for the Pride since joining them in 2022. Her presence will be incredibly important in Orlando’s midfield.
She is a great player in and out possession. She’s the leader of the team for assists (4), and duels (230). Her consistent performances back up her clutch mentality. She can shut down attacking sequences and generate offensive play. McCutcheon, Portland Thorns FC). There were many questions about where the Thorns would get their offensive production when Sophia Wilson was on maternity leave. Reilyn turned out to be the answer. Reilyn Turner, a 23-year old forward who is in her second NWSL year, has improved her game and led the Thorns’ forwards this season with five goals. She has a poacher mentality and her tenacity is what makes her a constant danger to the opposing defense. She has a high work rate and is committed to counter pressing, which increases her impact and shows no fear during big moments. She is also a force in the air. She leads the team in aerial duels (86) and has won almost 70% of her aerial challenges. In the playoffs her offensive output will give a boost, and her positioning opens up channels for others.
Rosemonde Kouassi, Washington SpiritIn her second year with the Washington Spirit squad, Rosemonde Kouassi from the Ivory Coast has become an important part of the team’s offensive strategy. This season, the Spirit has had to be creative as they have dealt with a variety of injuries to key players. Kousassi’s ability to simply plug in and play gives the Spirit roster an extra boost of confidence in the final quarter. The Spirit’s 23-year old attacker has four goals this season and four assists in 17 appearances. She is a dynamic player for the Spirit as they rotate attackers to manage injuries. She’s good at taking on defenders on one-on-1. Kouassi is a great option for the Spirit in the playoffs if Trinity Rodman remains out with an MCL sprain. City After winning the 2025 NWSL Shield the Kansas City Kansas City Current will be aiming for the 2025 NWSL Championship. Izzy Rodriguez, the fullback, is a game changer, even though they are without Temwachawinga. She has gradually become a starter for the Current and can perform in almost every aspect of the game.
She is a tenacious presence in the backline and can ignite attacks lower down the pitch. She is the leader of the team for assists (6), chances created (39), and she is just as good on defense as she is in offensive situations. Rodriguez’s accuracy at set pieces and her delivery of corners or free-kicks into the penalty box creates chaos and often goals.
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