SportsDonna

Over the weekend, all 14 clubs finished their 26th and final games of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League regular season, formally ending it. With its high stakes, close score lines, and late drama, the playoff race lived up to expectations. The stage is set for an exciting postseason now that the top eight have been decided.

With a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Wave to secure the NWSL Shield and establish themselves as the team to beat, Kansas City Current concluded the season as the best team. The Portland Thorns took third place with a resounding 2-0 victory over the Houston Dash, while the Washington Spirit, who lost to the Utah Royals 1-0, were still in second place. Orlando Pride secured home advantage for their quarterfinal match after finishing fourth and drawing 1-1 with Seattle Reign FC.

There were many highlights from the league’s last weekend. The Chicago Red Stars finished their season with a slim 2–1 victory over Angel City FC, while the North Carolina Courage defeated Gotham FC 3–2 in a thrilling five-goal match. Racing Louisville concluded their campaign with a victory, defeating Bay FC 1-0. Despite missing the postseason, both Louisville and Utah showed growth and resiliency at the end of the year, which indicates well for 2026.

The playoffs, which will start with the quarterfinals, will take place from November 7–22 after the regular season is over. Every game will be decisive due to the single-elimination format, which eliminates any possibility of error. Looking ahead, Kansas City Current’s consistency and squad depth make them the clear favorite to win the Shield and the Championship. Orlando Pride is still an impressive dark horse, but the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns appear to be their most tough rivals. The Current’s balance and control in the closing moments will give them the advantage to win the 2025 NWSL championship when Kansas City and Portland face off in the final.