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The 2024 NWSL playoffs are coming to a close with the semifinals starting Saturday. There are only four teams left and a spot in the NWSL Championship is on the line. Top-seeded Orlando Pride will host No. 4 Kansas City Current, and No. 2 Washington Spirit will face No. 3 NJ/NY Gotham FC. Fans can catch the action between the Spirit and Gotham FC on CBS.
As each knockout round passes, the winning margins become smaller. At this point in the year, several players have already defined themselves as clear starters and have even earned year-end nominations for individual awards. So what or who does it take to reach the NWSL Championship?
Here are four underrated players we think will be a factor come the semifinals:
Kansas City Current: Izzy Rodriguez
The outside back has been a frequent part of Kansas City’s backline since being called up to the team in 2022. During the 2024 season, the highlights were obviously dominated by NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga and other goal scorers in the team. However, Rodriguez’s attempts to keep opposing attackers at bay and get involved in attacks have made her a stealthy key factor in games.
Her quick reaction and vision have led to clever combination play and accurately threaded balls. At times she is a hockey assist type of player and her efforts make her the team’s leader in expected assists at 4:34. She is always active in chasing the ball, is fourth on the team in interceptions (33) and will be crucial for Kansas City against Orlando.
Orlando Pride: Haley McCutcheon
The central midfielder has been a rock in the middle third for Orlando this season. Her chemistry with Angelina and her connection with Marta are just some of the ways she has made an impact over the past year. She is the type of player who is reliable both in and out of possession and regularly connects with her teammates for the extra option. She is among the top five on the team when it comes to accuracy into the final third (81.9%).
Her passing allows Barbra Banda and Marta to get into attack quickly when in possession, and now she has become a factor in the final third. She sparked the goal-scoring pace for Orlando in their quarter-final against the Chicago Red Stars, showing her ability to recognize and take space for a shot when necessary and that she is a threat in the air to win the ball.
NJ/NY Gotham FC: Delanie Sheehan
Drafted by Gotham FC in 2021, she has taken another step forward in her development and is already a champion following the side’s title challenge in 2023. Sometimes a midfield with both Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett can mean that a player like Sheehan might does not get the opportunity to receive the recognition that her work pace deserves. The player people might not talk about during games because she’s here doing her job.
She tied with Lavelle on the team in terms of chances created (31), covers a lot of ground for Gotham FC and is third on the team in terms of recoveries (131), although she credits her midfield companions for her growth this year .
“Defensively in midfield it is now Neely [Martin] and I play together in the second season. So at this point I just know where she’s going to be,” Sheehan said during a pre-match conference.
“So it’s kind of like we almost share one brain, and then you add Rose [Lavelle] in that … she worked incredibly hard defensively, and then also ran the offense. It’s really come together, I think.”
Washington Spirit: Rosemonde Kouassi
The Ivory Coast international joined the squad during the summer period and quickly provided an extra layer of attacking strength. She has two assists in eight games and the team will welcome her return to the field after a two-match suspension for a red card in the regular season.
Technical on the ball and creative in attack. Her presence alongside Trinity Rodman and Ashley Hatch will give the Spirit confidence in attack with Ouleymata Sarr out with a back injury.
“[She’s] an important player, because she creates a lot of chances when she plays… I think she adapted quickly. She creates a lot of chances,” said Spirit head coach Jonatan Giraldez.
“She’s not scoring goals, you know, but she works a lot. Especially in training, and also puts the focus on finishing, especially in terms of decisions.” [making]. When she has to shoot. When she has to make a pass. If she has to keep dribbling. As for the decision, I think she is open to continuing to learn and continue to work. To be better. [She] is certainly an important player. Tomorrow will be important too.”
NWSL semi-finals schedule
Always oriental
Saturday November 16th
Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 12:00 (CBS, Biggest+)
Sunday November 17
Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current, 3 p.m. (ABC)