For The Win: NWSL

As the NWSL regular season comes to a close, teams fight for playoff spots. Orlando Pride rallies behind veteran captain Marta to finish out a historic run for the franchise, while Washington Spirit are buoyed by young stars like Trinity Rodman. Perennial powerhouse Portland Thorns travel to the star-studded defending champions Gotham FC – and the 2024 playoffs begin.

The quarterfinals are underway. A gritty Chicago Red Stars team travels to the nearly-perfect Orlando Pride. North Carolina Courage face the formidable Kansas City Current, whose success on the field has been fueled by big-time investors like Angie Long and Brittany Mahomes off the field. The Bay FC expansion side make their post-season debut against a Washington Spirit team plagued with injuries.

The perenially beleagured Orlando Pride continue to be the team to beat as they face off in the semis against their rival this season -- a Kansas City team who finished near the bottom of the table just last season. And the star-studded superteam, Gotham FC, give up a late goal against Washington Spirit, sending the second semifinal into penalty kicks.

Reigning champs Gotham FC crumble in a penalty shootout, sending Washington Spirit to the Championship match against Orlando Pride. In an NWSL season marked by the retirements of legends like Alex Morgan and Kelley O'Hara, will a young Spirit team lead the league into its next chapter? Or will 38-year-old Marta finally lift the Championship trophy after eight years in an Orlando jersey?