NWSL Playoffs: Semifinal picks, expert predictions, bracket, live stream, schedule, how to watch

After a pause for the worldwide break, the NWSL Playoffs return with the championship only one week away. Earlier than that, although, 4 groups will duke it out in Sunday’s semifinal matchups. After securing first-round byes, the San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns play for the primary time in three weeks with their respective semifinal matchups. The Defend-winning Wave host OL Reign on Megan Rapinoe’s farewell tour, whereas the Thorns will welcome NJ/NY Gotham FC as Ali Krieger performs the ultimate matches of her profession.

Here is what you could know earlier than tuning in.

NWSL playoff construction

The playoffs started with two quarterfinal matchups, when the Reign beat postseason newcomers Angel Metropolis 1-0 and Gotham scored their first-ever NWSL playoff victory in a 2-0 win over the North Carolina Braveness. The Reign will now tackle the Wave, whereas the Thorns will host Gotham.

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

NWSL Playoff Schedule 

All instances Jap

Semifinals
Sunday, Nov. 5
Portland Thorns vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 7 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)
San Diego Wave vs. OL Reign 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

Thorns vs. Gotham

by Sandra Herrera

• Matchup to look at: Sam Coffey vs. Yazmeen Ryan
• Most certainly aim scorer: Hina Sugita
• Potential stunning efficiency: Jenna Nighswonger
• Participant of the match: Crystal Dunn
• Prediction: Thorns 2-1

Wave vs. Reign

by Sandra Herrera

• Matchup to look at: Kyra Carusa vs. Jess Fishlock
• Most certainly aim scorer: Jaedyn Shaw
• Potential stunning efficiency: Taylor Kornieck
• Participant of the match: Jaedyn Shaw
• Prediction: Wave 2-1