NWSL playoff predictions, expert picks: Experts divided with Thorns, Wave, Gotham, Courage all possible champs

After the NWSL’s first Determination Day delivered on the chaos, the playoffs promise simply as a lot pleasure.

Whereas the San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns take a break after incomes a first-round bye, 4 different groups – together with three sides who missed out on final yr’s playoffs – start the 2023 postseason with the hopes of lifting the NWSL’s revamped silverware a month from now.

The OL Reign will embark on one more quest for NWSL glory after Sunday’s 3-0 win over the Chicago Purple Stars, permitting them to increase Megan Rapinoe’s profession by no less than another recreation earlier than she formally retires. They are going to tackle first-time playoff contenders Angel Metropolis, who’ve misplaced simply as soon as since making a managerial change and handing Becki Tweed the reins in June.

The North Carolina Braveness, in the meantime, hope to translate this yr’s Problem Cup triumph right into a significant postseason run on the again of an MVP-caliber season from Kerolin. They must get via NJ/NY Gotham FC first, although, who hope to provide Ali Krieger a perfect sendoff earlier than her retirement and can depend on attacking skills like Lynn Williams and Midge Purce to get the job performed.

This is a have a look at the NWSL playoff image earlier than the motion begins on Friday.

NWSL playoff construction

The playoffs start with two quarterfinal matchups by which the Reign will tackle Angel Metropolis and the Braveness will face Gotham. The winner of the Reign’s recreation towards Angel Metropolis will face the Thorns in Portland, whereas the victor of the Braveness’s matchup with Gotham will tackle the Wave in San Diego.

The winners of the 2 semifinal matches will then meet at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium for the championship recreation on Nov. 11.

NWSL Playoff Schedule 

All instances Jap

Quarterfinals

Friday, Oct. 20
OL Reign vs. Angel Metropolis, 10 p.m. (CBS Sports activities Golazo Community, Paramount+)

Sunday, Oct. 22
North Carolina Braveness vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 7 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

Semifinals

Sunday, Nov. 5
Portland Thorns vs. North Carolina Braveness or NJ/NY Gotham FC, 7 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)
San Diego Wave vs. OL Reign or Angel Metropolis, 9:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)

Championship

Saturday, Nov. 11
Winner of semifinal one vs. Winner of semifinal two (CBS, Paramount+)

NWSL Bracket

NWSL playoff picks – Attacking Third

NWSL playoff picks – CBSSports.com writers

OL Reign vs. Angel Metropolis

by Sandra Herrera

• Matchup to look at: Amandine Henry vs. Jess Fishlock
• More than likely aim scorer: Veronica Latsko
• Potential shocking efficiency: Emily Sonnett
• Participant of the match: Jess Fishlock
• Prediction: OL Reign 2-1

NCC vs. GOT

by Sandra Herrera

• Matchup to look at: Lynn Williams vs. Kaleigh Kurtz
• More than likely aim scorer: Lynn Williams
• Potential shocking efficiency: Jenna Nighswonger 
• Participant of the match: Lynn Williams
• Prediction: Gotham 2-1