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The top two teams over the course of the NWSL regular season extended their success into the postseason, with the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit facing off in Saturday’s championship.
The finalists advanced after nail-biting semifinals, with the Spirit advancing in a penalty shootout against 2023 champions NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the Pride coming out on top in a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current. Last weekend’s action sets up another entertaining match at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, which would be a fitting end to an exciting NWSL season.
Ahead of the championship, here are a series of picks and predictions from the CBS Sports team.
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NWSL Championship Broadcast Schedule
Always oriental
Saturday November 23
Attacking third pre-match show, 6:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Attacking third pre-match show, 7.30pm (CBS, Biggest+)
NWSL Championship: Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit, 8 p.m. (CBS, Biggest+)
Offensive third post-match show, 10:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Sunday November 24th
NWSL Skills Challenge, 3pm or 5pm (view local listings) (CBS, Biggest+)
Expert choices
NWSL Champion – Why Spirit will win
by Michael Goodman
These sides both seem like teams of destiny. Orlando Pride seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate this year, with Barbra Banda proving to be one of the brightest pickups in NWSL history and Marta turning back the years at the age of 38. But Spirit will simply be too much for them on Saturday. It’s not just that they have the star power in Trinity Rodman, but they also have tremendous depth, so much so that they lost rookie of the year Croix Bethune to injury and didn’t miss a beat with another rookie Hal Hershfelt. in the gorge. International star Laicey Santos is a late edition, as is manager Jonatan Giráldez who comes from Barcelona. But in the end it will be Rodman who makes the difference. CHOOSE: Spirit 1, Pride 0
Why Hershfelt, Banda and Rodman could get on the scoreboard
by Pardeep Cattry
This NWSL season has been all about star power, setting the stage for a match that will be equally reliant on the finalists’ best attacking talent. Hal Hershfelt has gone from strength to strength during her rookie season, so there’s a good chance she’ll get on the scoresheet just as she did in last week’s semi-final, while the performances of Barbra Banda and Trinity Rodman in front of goal all season long mean they will. will likely play a major role on Saturday.
MVP: Of course it’s Rodman
by Pardeep Cattry
In a season full of obstacles, including injuries and managerial transitions, Rodman has essentially served as a constant for the Spirit. With eight goals and six assists this season, she has a habit of harnessing the attack-minded Spirit and will undoubtedly be a key player in her second NWSL championship.