TAMPA, Fla. - After a thrilling first two rounds, the final four teams remain in the 2025 USL W League Playoffs presented by VensureHR. Minnesota Aurora FC, Asheville City SC, NC Courage U23 and Utah United will square off in the National Semifinals next weekend. 

Both matches will take place on Saturday, July 12. Asheville City will host NC Courage U23 at UNC Asheville’s Greenwood Field in Asheville, NC, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Minnesota Aurora will host Utah United at TCO Stadium in Eagan, MN, at 8 p.m. ET. 

The 2025 W League Final will be a matchup of the two winners from the semifinal matches and will take place during the weekend of July 19 with location and time to be determined.  

Conference Finals Recap 

Minnesota Aurora FC 1 – 0 Kings Hammer FC Cincinnati 

The two undefeated teams battled each other on Sunday after Minnesota defeated hosts Pittsburgh Riveters and Kings Hammer upset Detroit City to advance to the Central Conference Final. After a scoreless 88 minutes, Saige Wimes got on the end of a brilliant pass from Mariah Nguyen and slotted home the game-winner for Aurora. 

Asheville City SC 2 – 1 Lonestar SC 

Asheville City advanced to its first National Semifinal following a comeback win after extra time against Lonestar SC. The Texas team got on the board first in the 19th minute behind a long strike from Teagan Wahle. The home side kept their playoff hopes alive after Emma Sheehan equalized in second-half stoppage time. Naroa Domenech later headed in the go-ahead goal in the final moments of extra time. 

Annapolis Blues FC 0 (3) – 0 (4) NC Courage U23 

The defending W League champions are headed back to the National Semifinals after handing Eastern Conference hosts Annapolis Blues their first loss of the season. After a scoreless 90 minutes and two extra time periods, the teams went to the second penalty shootout of the playoffs. Courage goalkeeper Lauren Zitt opened the shootout with a massive save that led the team to a 4-3 win on kicks. 

Stockton Cargo SC 0 – 2 Utah United 

United United is the last expansion club remaining after winning 2-0 against Western Conference hosts Stockton Cargo. The visitors got on the board first in the 21st minute after a corner kick resulted in a short-range goal from Kaylie Chambers. Striker Seven Castain doubled the lead from the penalty spot right before halftime, and Utah held the shutout in the final 45 minutes.