NWSL semis are set, but scheduling conflicts loom

The GIST: Four games and a little bonus footy later, the NWSL semifinals are officially set. Unfortunately, scheduling woes are once again grabbing headlines in the women’s sports postseason landscape — but first, let’s recap the game action.

👑 Forward Kiana Palacios scored the No. 7 seed Utah Royals first goal in over 300 minutes, securing Friday’s 1–0 upset win over the No. 2 San Diego Wave. Royals keeper Mandy McGlynn was a human highlight reel in the W, helping blank the Waves before celebrating with Mom.

⚡ The No. 4 Kansas City Current used a controversial extra-time penalty (after a debatable foul call on ACFC goalie Angelina Anderson) to beat No. 5 Angel City FC 1–0 on Saturday. 

🗽 An early own goal was the difference-maker for reigning champs No. 1 Gotham FC in yesterday’s 1–0 dub over No. 8 Seattle Reign. No tears allowed.

🌸 The No. 3 Washington Spirit scored early and often in yesterday’s 4–1 trouncing of the Portland Thorns, a dub that featured two goals from forward Trinity Rodman.

🗓️ Semifinal hosts face scheduling conflicts: Gotham and Washington’s stadium each had a previously scheduled event on the same day as the upcoming semis. The NWSLPA confirmed they’ve known about the potential issue for months, and the league is still navigating solutions for Gotham who could be forced to play at a 5K-seat venue instead of 25K-seat Sports Illustrated Stadium.

• The Spirit faced a similar dilemma before a hero came along to underwrite the game and keep it at Audi Field, which the team sold out yesterday. Phew.