Gotham FC forward Midge Purce (23) moves the ball in front of Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello (25) during their NWSL semifinal on Nov. 16, 2025.

The 2025 NWSL postseason continued with a semifinal matchup between No. 4 seed Orlando Pride FC and No. 8 seed Gotham FC on Sunday, Nov. 16 in Orlando, Florida.

After a very defensive battle for 90 minutes, we found ourselves scoreless. However, Orlando had several opportunities and nearly twice as many shots as Gotham. In fact, heading into the 90th minute, Gotham hadn't mustered a single shot on goal, but all it took was one free kick from Jaedyn Shaw to give Gotham another stunning win.

Gotham FC entered the playoffs as the lowest seed and faced the No. 1 overall seed Kansas City Current, the NWSL Shield winners, in the quarterfinals. Gotham FC fully embraced the underdog role and pulled off a 2-1 upset on the road to oust Kansas City. It appears their magic has not run out yet.

The victory followed a similar script to Gotham's 2023 championship run, where they entered the postseason in the final playoff position before winning the title. (The playoff field expanded from six to eight teams in 2024.) They are now just one win away from another NWSL championship.

Gotham will face the No. 2 seed Washington Spirit in next weekend's final. The Spirit scored a 2-0 win over the the No. 3 seed Portland Thorns on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Washington D.C.

Scroll below for highlights from today's game between Gotham FC and Orlando Pride:

FINAL: Gotham FC 1, Orlando 0

It took extra time to finally get a goal in this game, but it was Gotham, the same Gotham that had only recorded four shots the whole game that would find the back of the opposing net.

Off a free kick from just outside the Orlando penalty area, Shaw attempted to cross the ball to her teammates, yet somehow the ball snuck through everyone, including the Orlando keeper. There were only supposed to be six minutes of extra time, but Gotham's persistent attack kept the clock moving just long enough to finally have them break through.

Orlando had a small opportunity to retaliate, as the game ended up going to 90+9'. However, it wasn't nearly enough time for them to mount an attack.

Orlando had most of the offensive opportunities in this game. In fact, Gotham didn't have a single shot on goal until Shaw's goal, but it's not about how often you get looks. It's about how often you put numbers on the scoreboard.

It's final! Gotham FC 1, Orlando 0!

HALFTIME: Orlando 0, Gotham FC 0

Despite Gotham holding possession for 54% of this game, Orlando has had more looks at the opposing goal, with four shots and one shot on goal in the first half. Gotham has played with fire a bit, racking up two yellow cards in the first 45 minutes, but they are still in control of the pace of this contest.

That said, they will certainly need more looks at Orlando's net if they want to win this one.

What time is Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC?

The No. 4 seed Orlando Pride is set to host a NWSL semifinal matchup against No. 8 seed Gotham FC on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. ET (Noon, PT) at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC: Time, streaming for NWSL semifinals

  • Date: Sunday, Nov. 16
  • Time: 3 p.m. ET (Noon, PT)
  • Location: Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
  • TV: ABC
  • Stream: Fubo, ESPN+

When is the 2025 NWSL championship game?

The 2025 NWSL championship game will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+) at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, home of NWSL's Bay FC and MLS' San Jose Earthquakes.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No. 8 seed Gotham FC stuns Orlando Pride to reach 2025 NWSL Final

Reporting by Cydney Henderson and Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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