2024 NWSL playoffs: Ranking the 10 biggest stars in the semifinals hoping to lead their team to NWSL title
The 2024 NWSL playoffs are down to the final four teams. The semifinals are set to be played on Saturday, November 16, and Sunday, November 17. On Saturday, the Washington Spirit will host reigning champions Gotham FC. The following day, the top-seeded and NWSL Shield winners, Orlando Pride, will host the Kansas City Current.
There should be no question that these are the four best teams in the league. At the end of the regular season, there was a huge gap in the table between the top four teams and everyone else. There were also just five points separating first-place Orlando from fourth-place Kansas City and a one-point difference between second and fourth.
In other words, any of the four teams remaining could win the 2024 championship. It’s going to come down to what teams are able to play their best games on the biggest stage. The NWSL title could also come down to what star players step up in the big moments.
Who are the best players in the NWSL semifinals?
Naturally, all four teams are loaded with star players. They probably wouldn’t have gotten to this point if that weren’t the case. But which teams have the most talent, and who are the best players still playing in the semifinals? Here is our ranking of the 10 best NWSL players who are ready to compete in the semifinals this weekend.
10. Hal Hershfelt, Washington Spirit
Fans got a glimpse of Hershfelt playing for the USWNT during the last international break. But those who have been watching Washington all season know she’s the heartbeat of the Spirit’s midfield. She does a lot of the dirty work to help protect the back line while also looking to play the ball forward and jumpstart attacking opportunities. Hershfelt might not be the one putting the ball in the back of the net, but she’s among the league’s top midfielders and a critical part of Washington’s title hopes.
9. Emily Sams, Orlando Pride
Sams is another player who recently got a chance with the USWNT. She’s also one of the biggest reasons the Pride tied for the fewest goals conceded this season. She leads Orlando’s stingy defense and is arguably the best center-back among the four remaining teams. Sams is not going to be a goalscorer, but if Orlando continues its outstanding defensive record, it’ll likely be due to Sams leading the way.
8. Yazmeen Ryan, Gotham FC
Ryan started for Gotham in last season’s NWSL championship game, but she’s taken things to another level this season. While Gotham has plenty of attacking talent and potential match-winners, Ryan is the team leader in assists. She strikes a balance between playmaker and finisher as well as anyone. Ryan was outstanding in last week’s quarterfinal victory over Portland, and Gotham expects her to remain a key figure in its effort to repeat as champion.
7. Vanessa DiBernardo, Kansas City Current
Despite multiple call-ups, DiBernardo has never appeared in a game for the USWNT. However, she’s been a quality midfielder in the NWSL for a long time. DiBernardo has contributed five goals and six assists to Kansas City’s potent attack this season and is consistently among the team’s top performers. She might be the most well-rounded midfielder in the NWSL right now and will be critical to the Current winning the title.
6. Lo’eau LaBonta, Kansas City Current
LaBonta is the other key player in Kansas City’s top-flight midfield. She tends to play a more central, defensive role for the Current, allowing players like DiBernardo to adventure forward and contribute to the attack. In a way, that makes her more important than some of Kansas City’s attacking players because she does the thankless work and often faces a lot of pressure while opposing teams on the counterattack. Two years ago, LaBonta earned NWSL Best XI honors. She’s been in similar form this season, contributing six goals alongside fulfilling her defensive duties, which is a big reason why Kansas City is in this position.
5. Rose Lavelle, Gotham FC
Lavelle’s late game-winner for Gotham in the quarterfinals was a good reminder that she’s still among the best players in the NWSL. Injuries have slowed her down a little in recent years — including this season. But when she’s healthy, Lavelle is a creative force in the midfield and a ruthless finisher, which is what we saw with her goal last week. Keep in mind that Lavelle wasn’t with Gotham when they won the title last season. She’ll be hungry to lead the club to a championship this season and has a history of rising to the occasion in big games.
4. Marta, Orlando Pride
Even at age 38, Marta was still named a finalist for NWSL MVP this season. That tells you she’s still performing at an elite level. Marta has scored 10 goals for Orlando this season, including one in the quarterfinals last week. Some of those goals were absolute bangers that only a player of her ability can score. Since returning from the Olympics, Marta has played some of her best games of the season. She looks focused on leading Orlando to a championship, and the scary part is that she’s not even the best player on her team.
Marta making it look EASY!
The 🐐 finds the back of the net in the 88th minute!
Watch the finish >> @PrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/JsON4RoEuw
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 23, 2024
3. Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit
There were some questions about Rodman heading into the playoffs because she hadn’t been healthy, even missing the USWNT October friendlies. However, nobody is asking those questions after her performance in the quarterfinals. Despite not being among Washington’s goal scorers, Rodman was arguably the best player on the field. She was a constant threat on the wing, frequently sending dangerous balls into the box. Even against Alyssa Malonson, one of the best left-back in the league, Rodman was a force of nature, which is what opposing teams should expect from her moving forward.
2. Barbra Banda, Orlando Pride
Banda is perhaps the most influential in Orlando going from a team that missed the playoffs last season to being the NWSL Shield winners this year. She didn’t play early in the season when the Pride opened the campaign with three straight draws. But as soon as Banda stepped into the starting lineup, Orlando went on a winning streak that ultimately propelled them to the top seed in the playoffs, with Banda’s speed making her a nightmare for opposing defenders. She also has a great finishing touch around the goal, which explains her 15 goals this season.
1. Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current
Given the season she had, there is no better player in the NWSL right now than Chawinga. Her 20 goals during the regular season won the Golden Boot and set a new NWSL single-season record. On top of that, Chawinga registered six assists this year, tying her for third in the league. Of course, she had plenty of help around her because Kansas City has loads of attacking talent. But Chawinga was the biggest reason why the Current had the most potent attack in the NWSL this year and why Kansas City is a serious threat to win the title.