Tampa, Fla. - NC Courage U23 and Utah United have advanced to the 2025 USL W League Final presented by VensureHR after two thrilling semifinal matches. Utah United will host the Final at BYU South Field in Provo, UT, on Saturday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET. 

The 2024 W League champions advanced to their third consecutive W League Final after defeating Asheville City SC 2-1 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Utah United reached the Final in its inaugural season after winning 1-0 against Minnesota Aurora FC. Both teams won on the road. 

Asheville City took the lead first despite earning an early red card that had the team playing with 10 players for most of the match. Emma Sheehan blasted a shot from outside the box in the 37th minute to put the home side ahead 1-0.

However, the visitors came out strong in the second half and netted two goals within 15 minutes to secure the lead. The Courage's free kick right outside the box was blocked before finding Mia Minestrella, who pounced on the rebound for the equalizer. Grace Ivey found the game-winner in the 82nd minute after cutting inside down the left flank and slotting the shot near-post past Asheville's goalkeeper.

Over at TCO Stadium, Minnesota Aurora faced one of its toughest opponents all season, going scoreless for the first time this summer. Utah found the back of the net just before halftime when Ellie Walbruch tapped in the goal from short range. Utah’s backline held firmly in the second half to keep the clean sheet and advance to the Final against the reigning champions. 

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