The NWSL playoffs are here, bringing excitement and anticipation for fans. This season marks a historic moment with the league’s inaugural eight-team bracket, kicking off the quarterfinals on Friday as Shield winner Orlando hosts Chicago. The semifinals will follow the next weekend, culminating in the final on November 23 in Kansas City.
As the playoffs approach, here’s a glance at this weekend’s matchups:
- No. 1 Orlando Pride vs. No. 8 Chicago Red Stars, 8 p.m. ET on Friday (Prime)
- No. 4 Kansas City Current vs. No. 5 North Carolina Courage, 12 p.m. ET on Saturday (CBS)
- No. 2 Washington Spirit vs. No. 7 Bay FC, 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday (ABC)
- No. 3 NJ/NY Gotham vs. No. 6 Portland Thorns, 3 p.m. ET on Sunday (ABC)
This playoff series features numerous stars from the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) to keep an eye on. Fans will witness the prowess of established talents like Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman, often referred to as the Triple Espresso, alongside emerging players such as Yazmeen Ryan and Emily Sams. As U.S. manager Emma Hayes embarks on this new cycle, she is expected to explore fresh talent in training camps, similar to the October session where six players earned their first caps. The national team will also have one last opportunity this year to assess player performance during matches against England and the Netherlands, with an eye toward the 2027 World Cup.
In light of this, here are ten players competing in the NWSL playoffs who are poised to make significant contributions to the USWNT in the future:
Mallory Swanson, Chicago Red Stars
Mallory Swanson stands out as a key player for the Red Stars. This USWNT superstar scored the decisive goal against Brazil in the gold medal match this summer and recently celebrated her 100th cap. The Triple Espresso trio, including Swanson, Smith, and Rodman, accounted for a significant portion of the USWNT’s scoring at the Olympics, netting 10 of the 12 goals and contributing five assists.
Despite her impressive track record, Swanson has not found the back of the net for the Red Stars since the Olympic break. With seven goals this season, she is known for rising to the occasion in critical moments. Chicago will rely on her performance to challenge top-seeded Orlando in their playoff opener.
Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns
Sophia Smith is another vital player for the Thorns, who are hopeful for her full recovery as they aim for a playoff run. The 24-year-old forward faced challenges with an ankle injury that sidelined her for several matches after the Olympics. She has gradually increased her playing time since.
During the recent USWNT camp, Smith made impactful appearances off the bench in all three matches, injecting energy and scoring shortly after entering the field in the game against Iceland. With 12 goals this season, she ranks third in the league, including a crucial score in the Thorns’ final regular-season victory against Angel City.
Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit
Trinity Rodman remains an influential figure for the Spirit, although she missed the October USWNT window to focus on her recovery from a back injury. This injury, which occurred during a match in September, required Rodman to leave the field in a wheelchair.
Rodman has contributed eight goals and six assists for the Spirit this season. Her performance at the Olympics, where she scored three goals including a dramatic extra-time winner against Japan, underscores her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Her full recovery is essential for the Spirit, particularly given their injuries to key players this season.
Ashley Sanchez, NC Courage
Ashley Sanchez has found a renewed sense of purpose with the Courage after a challenging year. Although she was part of the 2023 World Cup squad, she did not see any playing time and faced a tough trade from the Spirit to the Courage in January.
Sanchez has rebounded impressively, scoring five goals and providing four assists this season. Her strong performances earned her a call-up from Hayes during the last U.S. camp, marking a significant turnaround in her career.
Emily Sams, Orlando Pride
Emily Sams boasts a unique achievement: she secured a gold medal before her first official match with the USWNT. As an alternate at the summer Olympics, she was part of the game-day roster, which earned her a medal despite not playing in any matches.
Yazmeen Ryan, NJ/NY Gotham
Yazmeen Ryan is a versatile player who recently made her first appearance in a USWNT camp. Although she may be a new name to some, Ryan has four years of NWSL experience and two championship titles to her name, with victories in 2022 and 2023.
Having started nearly every match for Gotham this season, Ryan’s ability to play multiple positions makes her a valuable asset for Hayes as she looks to expand her roster.
Claire Hutton, Kansas City Current
Claire Hutton has yet to earn a national team cap, but her time may come soon. She was part of the U-20 squad that achieved third place in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, showcasing her potential.
Hutton is expected to be included in the upcoming “futures camp” that Hayes plans to hold alongside the senior team’s training in January. This talented midfielder has been a consistent starter for the Current, contributing significantly to their success this season.
Hal Hershfelt, Washington Spirit
Hal Hershfelt, like Sams, was an alternate at the Olympics but did not earn a medal. However, she made her first senior team cap during the October window, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The 23-year-old midfielder was the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft and has been a regular starter for the Spirit. Hershfelt has quickly gained recognition from Hayes, who is integrating her into the national team.
Olivia Moultrie, Portland Thorns
Olivia Moultrie, at just 19 years old, was the youngest player called into the USWNT’s October training camp. She previously played for the national team during the Concacaf W Gold Cup, contributing two goals to the team’s success.
Although she missed the Olympics due to a knee injury, Moultrie has regained her form just in time for the playoffs.
Casey Murphy, NC Courage
Casey Murphy’s future as the potential successor to Alyssa Naeher in goal is a topic of discussion. With 20 caps and 15 clean sheets for the national team, she is well-positioned to take over as Naeher approaches 39 years old by the next World Cup.
Murphy faces a significant challenge in Saturday’s NWSL quarterfinal against Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga, who has scored 20 goals this season. Her performance will undoubtedly be under the watchful eye of Hayes.