Four previous champions advance to NWSL semis

The GIST: ICYMI: The four teams competing in this weekend’s NWSL Playoffs semis are the four previous league champs dating back to 2021. With postseason experience everywhere you look and the No. 1 seed already stunningly eliminated, the only thing to expect is the unexpected.

🔥 No. 2 seed Washington Spirit host No. 3 Portland Thorns at Rowdy Audi tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET: Portland is peaking at just the right time, anchored by their strong midfield, which includes all-time greats Sam Coffey and Jessie Fleming.

• However, it’s not easy to lead an offensive attack in one of the NWSL’s loudest arenas — much less score on a keeper like the Spirit’s Aubrey Kingsbury. Which side will prevail? Tune into CBS in the U.S. or TSN5 in Canada to find out.

💪 Underestimated No. 4 Orlando Pride takes on underdog No. 8 Gotham FC Sunday at 3 p.m. ET: Legendary Pride forward Marta has ears everywhere — and she heard folks counting the defending champs out after a wishy-washy regular season. But can an Orlando team finding its stride counter Gotham’s momentum after forward Jaedyn Shaw and the Bats pulled off the greatest upset in league history? ABC in the U.S. or TSN5 in Canada will have your answer.

☝️ One more thing: Yesterday, MLS voted to shift its schedule and align itself with the international soccer calendar beginning in 2027. Most pro men’s and women’s leagues worldwide play on a summer-to-spring schedule, while MLS and the NWSL are on a spring-to-winter schedule.

• Notably, the NWSL’s landmark 2024 CBA eliminated limitations on season start and end dates, which means a shift could also be on the table for the top women’s league in North America. Watch this space.