Viewing info
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 5 | Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Place: Snapdragon Stadium — San Diego, California
- TV: CBS Sports Network
Playoff rules
The NWSL postseason is a knockout-round format. There are three rounds of competition, including two first-round matches, two semifinal games (Nov. 5), and the NWSL Championship (Nov. 11). Each playoff game is 90 minutes of regulation, and if the score is tied, two 15-minute periods of extra time will be played. If there is still no winner, a penalty kick shootout will take place.
Players to watch
Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC): The 18-year-old attacker has had a successful stint with the U.S. national team, scoring her first goal for the senior team. Shaw can be a playmaker and a goal scorer, posing a threat to the Reign’s defense.
Sofia Huerta (OL Reign): Huerta’s talents will be key for the Reign. As a fullback, she is involved in OL’s system and can provide dangerous crosses into the box. She is not afraid to take shots herself.
What they’re saying
Wave head coach Casey Stoney on losing record against OL Reign:
“We’re very aware we know the records. We knew we hadn’t beat Louisville, we’ve done that. So records are there to be broken. History is there to be made. We know that Reign are an exceptional side. They are very experienced. They’ve been in this position many times, they’re an established side, to be honest, all the pressures on them in this game because of the amount of time they’ve been around and been able to establish themselves.
“We know that there are very good side. They’ve got exceptional talents, Megan Rapinoe being one of them. A world class player, and, you know, I have a huge amount of respect for what she’s done in the game for the game, and about the game. It’ll be a very, very competitive game at the weekend.”
Storylines
San Diego Wave: The Wave are the top seed in the postseason and are back for another semifinal appearance. They have a talented squad with multiple candidates for End of the Year awards. They have a strong defense and attacking options in Shaw and Alex Morgan.
OL Reign: The Reign have experienced players and a coach who has performed at this level in the past. They may not have been in top form recently, but they secured a playoff spot with a win against Chicago. Their unpredictable attack, with nine different goal scorers this season, could be their advantage.
Prediction
With their current form, the Wave are the favorites in this match. The home crowd support will also boost their performance. The prediction is a 2-1 victory for the Wave.
