The NWSL semifinals kick off in less than 48 hours. That means only four teams are left in the running. So, why did the other twelve teams fail to make it this far? Here’s a 2026 post-mortem, summarizing why the eliminated teams failed to stay alive.
The San Diego Wave lost in a somewhat stunning upset
San Diego was in great form all season and their playoff aspirations were never in doubt. The Wave’s season, though, ended in arguably the biggest shock of the quarterfinals (and those quarters were shocking all around!) The consistent Wave, the team that finished the regular season in second place, played down against the Utah Royals. They failed to capitalize on their opportunities (though it should be noted that Royals’ keeper Mandy McGlynn made some crucial early saves, too). San Diego couldn’t find an equalizer, and their impressive 2026 campaign came to a lurching early exit.
Angel City’s attack disappeared
When the postseason started, Angel City hadn’t lost in 10 straight matches, and they boasted a league-best 54 goals scored this season (though they did share this league-best with Kansas City). And against the very team with whom they shared this impressive stat, they could not generate a dangerous attack or any meaningful chances. While Angel City defended admirably, the Current controlled the game and won on an extra-time penalty. You know what they say — offense wins games, but defense wins championships.
Thorns’ defense fell apart
The Portland Thorns have some of the best attacking talent in the entire NWSL. They scored 50 goals this season, a feat that was largely bolstered by Sophia Wilson’s outstanding 2026 campaign. But the Thorns also conceded 41 goals — the most of any NWSL playoff qualifier. And those defensive vulnerabilities were exposed and exploited dramatically in a lopsided 4-1 loss to the Washington Spirit. The Thorns’ attack ultimately couldn’t compensate for their defensive shortcomings.
Seattle Reign lacked an attack
Seattle narrowly grabbed the last NWSL playoff spot, but the team’s limitations became evident early against Gotham. The Reign only scored 37 regular-season goals — fewer than any other playoff qualifier — and couldn’t do much to break down Gotham’s tough defense in the quarterfinal match. While Seattle’s defensive strength kept the game competitive, you can’t win if you don’t score.
The Courage were inconsistent despite Sanchez
Golden Boot winner Ashley Sanchez had a remarkable 20-goal season, but it wasn’t enough to carry North Carolina into the playoffs. Though they scored often, the team’s defensive mistakes and inconsistent performances left them without enough wins on the board. They particularly struggled to protect leads, and only won twice in their final seven matches. This is the typically-competitive team’s second consecutive playoff miss.
Denver Summit loved the draw
As an expansion team, the Summit definitely exceeded expectations. They finished their inaugural season with 53 goals and a record 41 points for an NWSL expansion team. They competed well, but struggled to turn those competitive performances into victories — they tied in eight matches this season. The team also conceded six goals in the 85th minute or later this season. Denver demonstrated that they could compete almost immediately, but their inability to consistently close out matches kept their playoff dreams out of reach.
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The Orlando Pride needed Banda to do it all
Just two years after Orlando earned a historic championship and Shield double victory, they were disappointed in 2026. Barbra Banda remained the team’s primary attacking threat, but inconsistent performances elsewhere left the Pride unable to compete the way they wanted. Defensive problems also added to these difficulties — Orlando conceded 47 goals and lost 16 matches. And the club’s coaching uncertainty added an extra challenge to a team that has fallen considerably from its championship heights.
The Houston Dash were unstable as usual
The Houston Dash’s organizational instability was once again the team’s biggest problem in 2026 and undermined its progress. Midseason changes to both coaching and technical staff left the club a bit directionless, and inconsistent performances led to only 9 wins on the season. Although the Dash have promising young talent (like Kat Rader, a Rookie of the Year nominee), they struggled to produce positive results. Finding stability and cohesiveness will be crucial if the Dash want to reach the playoffs next year.
Boston Legacy had expansion growing pains
Boston’s first NWSL season had tons of encouraging signs, but the expansion club didn’t have the consistency or quality to make it beyond the regular season. The Legacy were a team that refused to be underestimated, taking points off of every team in the league, yet they struggled with some basic things like creativity and defensive organization. They conceded 53 goals this season, which ultimately made it hard for them to really move forward as a team this year. They have a competitive foundation but their depth and quality need to grow in order for them to reach the playoffs.
Bay FC still have not quite figured it out
Bay’s difficult season was reflective of a club that still has not really established its long term identity or any real sense of being a threat in the league. What the roster has in promise and potential it lacks in experience. The team scored just 30 goals this season (the second-fewest in the league) and conceded 47. The club should feel optimistic given its new leadership, but a 14th-place finish also demonstrates how much work remains.
Louisville’s defense stayed home
Racing Louisville’s season was defined by its defensive problems, with the club conceding 62 goals and failing to record a single clean sheet. Racing especially struggled outside of Louisville — they lost 13 of 15 away games — and never developed the consistency needed to challenge for a playoff spot. Questions surrounding the club’s ownership, future and roster only add to the uncertainty, and the club faces a challenging future.
The Chicago Stars need a complete rebuild
Chicago endured the league’s worst campaign in 2026 (and one of, but not the worst, NWSL season ever). They finished last with just five wins, 17 points, and a minus-54 goal deficit. Meanwhile, they conceded 71 goals and only scored 17, demonstrating problems on every end of the field. The team’s second consecutive last-place finish underscores the scale of the club’s rebuilding challenge that lies ahead. But the arrival of Vlatko Andonovski as chief soccer officer offers a promising path forward.
