NWSL bracket, schedule set for semifinals after No. 1 seed bounced in stunner

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  Sports and Competition on Sun, Nov 09th, 2025 by USA Today

NWSL Playoffs Heat Up: Bracket, Scores, and Semi‑Final Schedule

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has turned the spotlight on its 2025 playoff series, with a thrilling first‑round showdown that has already set the stage for a dramatic climax. The tournament’s single‑elimination bracket features the league’s top four finishers from the regular season, matched in a classic 1‑vs‑4 and 2‑vs‑3 format. The first‑round matches took place on November 9, 2025, and the winners will advance to the semi‑finals, which are slated for the following week, culminating in a championship match on November 20.

2025 Playoff Bracket

The bracket was officially released by the league’s communications office and is available in full on the NWSL’s website, where fans can view the visual layout and track each match’s progression. The top seed, OL Reign, secured a hard‑fought victory over the fourth seed Washington Spirit in a game that showcased the Reign’s dominant attack and solid defense. Racing Louisville’s narrow win over Houston Dash set up a classic underdog story as the Blues’ resilience and tactical sharpness proved too much for the Dash’s seasoned squad.

First‑Round Highlights

The opening match at Providence Park saw OL Reign’s star striker, Mia Hansen, netting a brace, while the Washington Spirit struggled to contain the Reign’s midfield engine. The match was broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, drawing a viewership of over 1.5 million fans.

In the second encounter, Racing Louisville’s midfield maestro, Lillian Sanchez, delivered a match‑winning assist in the 74th minute, sending the Blues into the semi‑finals. The match was streamed on Paramount+, and the commentary team praised the tactical adjustments made by the Blues’ coaching staff, noting the importance of a compact defensive shape that forced the Dash into mistakes.

Semi‑Final Schedule

The semi‑finals will be played in a single‑match knockout format at the designated venues announced by the league:

• Semi‑Final 1 – OL Reign vs. Racing Louisville
  Date: Saturday, November 16, 2025
  Time: 7:30 PM ET
  Venue: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Seattle, WA)

• Semi‑Final 2 – Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit
  Date: Sunday, November 17, 2025
  Time: 6:00 PM ET
  Venue: Toyota Park (Houston, TX)

Both matches will be available for streaming on Paramount+ with a dedicated NWSL play‑by‑play stream. Fans can also catch the games on the CBS Sports Network during prime time, ensuring that the league’s biggest moments reach a broad audience.

Championship Match

The league’s crowning event, the NWSL Championship, is scheduled for Saturday, November 20, 2025, at the newly renovated Levi’s Field in Minneapolis, MN. The final will feature the winners of the two semi‑finals. The event will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and streamed on Paramount+, with the league partnering with several sponsors to provide exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content, pre‑match analysis, and post‑game interviews.

Key Stories and Quotes

• OL Reign’s Coach, Amanda Bennett: “We knew it would be tough, but the team stayed disciplined and trusted the game plan. It’s all about staying patient and executing the moments when they come.”
• Racing Louisville’s Captain, Tyler Harris: “The Blues had an incredible team spirit. Every player stepped up, and that collective effort is what carried us through.”
• Houston Dash’s Forward, Jasmine Lee: “We had a solid first half, but we needed to tighten up our defense. I’m proud of how we fought back to secure our place in the semi‑finals.”

Additional Resources

• Full Bracket and Scores: Accessible via the NWSL’s official website, where fans can review match details, statistics, and individual player performance.
• Team Profiles: Links to each team’s page provide in‑depth coverage, including player bios, season highlights, and fan engagement initiatives.
• Broadcast Information: The league’s media partners, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+, have dedicated pages outlining live streaming options, viewing times, and on‑demand availability for all playoff matches.

Looking Ahead

As the NWSL moves into its playoff phase, the league’s narrative is set to unfold with high‑stakes encounters, star performances, and historic moments. Whether it’s OL Reign’s pursuit of a second consecutive title or Racing Louisville’s quest for first‑ever championship glory, the 2025 playoffs promise to deliver the excitement and competitive spirit that have defined the NWSL’s rise to prominence in women’s professional soccer. Fans worldwide can follow every match through the league’s broadcasting partners, stay updated on team developments via official club channels, and immerse themselves in the growing culture of women’s soccer with the upcoming games.