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The NWSL playoffs are officially here, with eight teams participating in an expanded version of the postseason that begins Friday with the quarterfinals.
The focus of the quarterfinals will be on the top four regular-season finishers: Shield winners Orlando Pride, the Washington Spirit, reigning champion NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current. The group put some distance between them and the rest of the teams in the competition, finishing at least 16 points or more ahead of fifth place. The question for this round will be whether they can continue that form into the postseason, or whether the other four teams standing in their way can advance in a win-or-go-home match.
Gotham’s game against the Portland Thorns is also one to keep an eye on, as it could be the last game of Christine Sinclair’s career.
Ahead of this weekend’s action, here are picks and predictions from the CBS Sports team.
Postseason format and bracket
The NWSL Playoffs kick off on Friday and the top four ranked teams will face off in a quarterfinal match. The winners of the quarterfinals will face each other in the semifinals on November 16, hosted by the higher-seeded team, and the 2024 NWSL Championship winner will be crowned on November 23 at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
Quarterfinals schedule
Always oriental
Friday November 8
Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars, 8 p.m. (Prime)
Saturday November 9
Kansas City Current vs. North Carolina Courage, noon (CBS)
Sunday November 10th
Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC, 12.30pm (ABC)
NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns FC 3:00 PM (ABC)