We’re just days away from the start of the 2025 USL W League Playoffs presented by VensureHR, as 16 teams face off for a chance at a title in the league’s fourth season. This week, we will preview every matchup from all four conferences, starting with the Eastern Conference. 

Annapolis Blues FC will host the Eastern Conference playoff matches at Navy Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, MD. The hosts will play Long Island Rough Riders on Thursday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. ET, following the match between NC Courage U23 and Eagle FC at 5:00 p.m. ET. 

Tickets to both matches are available for purchase here.   

NC Courage U23 vs. Eagle FC 

It will be a 2023 National Semifinals rematch as reigning W League Champions NC Courage U23 (10-0-2) face off against three-time Mid Atlantic Division champs Eagle FC (7-2-1). Both teams will be fueled by history, with Eagle FC looking for a shot at redemption, as both sides enter their 3rd straight playoffs appearances.  

The Courage enter the playoffs following the completion of their third consecutive undefeated regular season, finishing this summer with 3-0 win over NC Fusion. On the defensive side, Carli Crews and Taylor Chism held down the backline, recording six clean sheets and allowing just nine goals. On the attacking end, 2024 USL W League Finals MVP Macey Bader and Auburn standout Grace Ivey have both played 11 matches this season for the North Carolina side, netting four goals each.  

Eagle FC enters these playoffs with some motivation, as the team was knocked out in the first round last year and will now get to replay the team that eliminated them in 2023. Eagle’s roster boasts experienced returning players, including leading scorer Justyce Hollenbach and captain Meg Tate. As it heads to Annapolis, Eagle FC hopes to add to its solid away record this season (4-1-0) and earn a shot at a return to the National Semifinals. 

Annapolis Blues FC vs. Long Island Rough Riders 

The Long Island Rough Riders (7-3-0) are also returning to the playoffs fueled by redemption, after back-to-back first round losses in 2022 and 2023 and a 3-0 loss to the eventual champions NC Courage U23 in 2024. Meanwhile, Annapolis Blues (9-0-1) is heading into the postseason on a high, having maintained an undefeated record and earning the Chesapeake Division title in its first W League season.  

The Rough Riders were the last team to clinch a playoffs spot after earning a 5-0 victory on Sunday to once again win the Metropolitan Division. Long Island is very well-rounded with top talent on both ends of the field. Defenders Alyssa Abramson and Caroline Nuttall have been difficult to get past this season, contributing to six clean sheets and a division-best 10 goals allowed. Alabama’s Gianna Paul and Hofstra’s Olivia Pearse led in the attack and have combined for 10 goals this summer. 

The Blues are looking to make a statement at home this weekend and are coming into the playoffs on a streak of four-straight shutout wins. Between goalkeepers Caroline Duffy and Abigail Makela, it has been rare for opponents to score on Annapolis this season. The team also has multiple offensive threats that the Rough Riders will need to look out for, including leading goal scorer Stephanie Lathrop and forwards Sabba Haghgoo and Riley Demartino.  

Catch both matches live on SportsEngine Play, and follow the W League on Instagram and Twitter for playoff updates.