The Quarterfinals ’ winners , OL REIGN and NJ / NY GOTHAM FC , got to the Semifinals to face the waiting # 1 SAN DIEGO WAVE , the Shield winner , and # 2 PORTLAND THORNS , a Shield winner in 2021 and 2022 . These two Regular Season top teams received the bye privilege of the two direct spots in the Semifinals without bypassing the Quarterfinals phase .
Gotham FC downs Portland in extra time to advance to NWSL Championship
Nov 5 , 2023 PORTLAND THORNS FC ( Number 2 Seed ) 10-7-5 down 0 x 1 by ( NUMBER 6 ) NJ / NY GOTHAM FC 8-7-7 at Providence Park in Portland , Oregon
The first of two NWSL Semifinals took place on Sunday night as the Portland Thorns hosted Gotham FC at Providence Park in a thrilling and rain-soaked encounter .
Both teams were vying for a spot in the championship game , and the match did not disappoint in terms of intensity and excitement .
In the end , it was Forward Katie Stengel ' s goal in the 107th minute that propelled Gotham FC to a hard-fought 1 x 0 victory , securing their place in the NWSL championship 2023 .
Despite the pouring rain , the Portland Thorns and Gotham FC battled it out on the field , showcasing their skill , determination , and desire to secure a place in the highly anticipated championship game . The conditions tested the players ' abilities to adapt and perform at their best , adding an extra layer of challenge to the game .
Both teams had their fair share of chances throughout the match , but it was Gotham FC who ultimately found the breakthrough . In the 107th minute , Katie Stengel seized the opportunity and found the back of the net , securing the decisive goal that would send her team to the NWSL championship game . Receiving a pass near the top of the box ,
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