How will stadium drama affect NWSL playoffs? Plus: Andi Sullivan & Vanessa DiBernado interviews

And then there were four. This week, the NWSL playoffs are rolling into the semifinals. Gotham FC have been bounced from their usual home, Sports Illustrated Stadium, over an unsafe pitch, while, thanks to Michele Kang, the Washington Spirit have managed to secure their home fortress of Audi Field despite a booking clash.

So how will the stadium drama affect the NWSL playoff semifinals? On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin to analyze both matchups: The Spirit vs. the Utah Royals and Gotham vs. the KC Current.

PLUS: Tamerra sits down with Spirit leader Andi Sullivan to learn more about the special fanbase and joy of playing at Audi Field, as well as the keys to beating Utah. Then, Jill has an interview with Current veteran Vanessa DiBernado to unpack a season of growth in Kansas City and how they can get revenge on Gotham.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

PANEL: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin

GUESTS: Andi Sullivan, Vanessa DiBernado

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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Referenced on the show:

Inside the NWSL venue saga: Spirit land Audi Field, Gotham move to 5K-seat Icahn Stadium

Trinity Rodman’s best season yet has Spirit in NWSL semifinals: ‘A nightmare for everybody else’

Gotham FC survives Seattle Reign, rough field conditions to reach NWSL semis

2026 NWSL Awards Predictions Podcast

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