The Conference Finals of the 2025 USL W League Playoffs presented by VensureHR are set after an action-packed first round. The eight remaining teams will face off on Sunday, July 6 for a chance at a spot in the National Semifinals. 

Host teams Asheville City SC, Annapolis Blues FC and Stockton Cargo SC all advanced, while Minnesota Aurora FC was the lone team to defeat the hosting team, Pittsburgh Riveters SC. Reigning champions NC Courage U23 are also heading to the Eastern Conference Final following a comeback 2-1 win against Eagle FC. 

USL W League Conference Finals schedule:    

Southern Conference – UNC Asheville – Greenville Field, Asheville, NC 

• Asheville City SC vs. Lonestar SC, 6:30 p.m. ET 

Central Conference – Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA 

• Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati vs. Minnesota Aurora FC, 7:00 p.m. ET 

Eastern Conference – Navy Marine Corps Stadium, Annapolis, MD 

• Annapolis Blues FC vs. NC Courage U23, 7:30 p.m. ET 

Western Conference – St. Mary’s High School, Stockton, CA 

• Utah United vs. Stockton Cargo SC, 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET 

Conference Semifinals Recap 

NC Courage U23 2 – 1 Eagle FC 

In a rematch of the 2023 National Semifinal, NC Courage U23 came up victorious once against after earning a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Eagle FC. The Mid Atlantic Division champs got on the board first behind a goal from Meg Tate. However, Taylor Chism equalized for the Courage right before halftime, and Ivy Garner scored the go-ahead goal in the 60th minute to secure the win. 

Annapolis Blues FC 2 – 0 Long Island Rough Riders 

The Eastern Conference hosts are advancing after taking down the Long Island Rough Riders, one of the most experienced teams in the playoffs. The University of Maryland’s Kelsey Smith gave the Blues a 1-0 first-half lead with a left-footed shot inside the box, and she later sealed the win for Annapolis with a goal in second-half stoppage time. 

Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati 2 – 1 Detroit City FC 

The defending Central Conference champs were eliminated after a strong performance from first-time playoff team Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati. Xavier University striker Samantha Erbach recorded the second brace of the playoffs within the first 20 minutes. Amanda Britain got one back for DCFC, but it wasn’t enough to keep Le Rouge’s playoff hopes alive. 

Minnesota Aurora FC 2 – 0 Pittsburgh Riveters SC 

The Heartland Division champs continue their undefeated season after defeating the hosts 2-0 at Highmark Stadium. Saige Wimes put Minnesota ahead right before halftime, and the team doubled its lead in the 73rd minute after Natalie Tavana converted from a free kick just outside the box. 

Sporting JAX 0 (0) – 0 (3) Lonestar SC 

The first Southern Conference matchup went to extra time and later penalty kicks after neither team was able to find the back of the net. Lonestar goalkeeper Azul Alvarez made three consecutive saves in the shootout while her teammates converted all three of their shots to win 3-0 on penalties and advance to the Conference Final. 

Utah United 2 – 1 FC Olympia 

Utah United continues its outstanding inaugural season in the W League after taking down three-time Northwest Division champs FC Olympia on Friday. Utah’s Seven Castain put the team ahead early in the first half before Olympia’s Ginny Lackey found the equalizer in the 55th minute. It was Castain again to regain the lead with her second goal of the night in the final moments of the match. 

Asheville City SC 3 – 1 TLH Reckoning 

Asheville City advanced to the Conference Final for the second year in a row after winning 3-1 against wild card team TLH Reckoning. Gry Boe Thrysoe, Emma Sheehan and Lucie Bertrand all scored within six minutes of each other to give the Blues a comfortable lead heading into halftime. Zamiyah Hill did put the visitors on the board, but Asheville still came away with the victory. 

Stockton Cargo SC 2 – 1 Santa Clarita Blue Heat FC 

Stockton Cargo earned another comeback win after scoring two late goals to overcome SC Blue Heat. Following a scoreless first half, the visitors took the lead after Kendall Campbell scored from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. The Cargo remained relentless in the attack and found the equalizer in the 89th minute and the game-winner in stoppage time.