Due to the way in which the W League’s schedule is built, all regular season matches will remain within respective divisions. So there’s some limitations of superstar matchups, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a bucketful of great matches between budding rivals. Last year’s losses will need to be revenged and expansion sides will look to make their mark in a new league. This is the second part of our Circle the Date: USL W League series, this time with Elisabeth Schendel and Danielle Gawronski.

MINNESOTA AURORA FC VS. Green Bay

JUNE 14TH AT 7: LOCAL TIME CST

Last season, the only team to get points off of Aurora FC was Green Bay, a team that had been in the WPSL prior to the W League and had the experience needed to make Aurora FC work for a win in front of their new fans. Both teams tied in the second half after a cautious first half and no one really walked away winners. Except the fans who got to enjoy a great game and fun atmosphere.

This year, I think both teams will be more prepared to fight for a win, but we won’t know who is maybe more prepared until a little closer when we see rosters. Besides all of those storylines, another important storyline is that this is the first home game for Aurora FC of the season, their first home game since that loss at home in the championship last season. It’s a redemption story for the ages. And as home openers tend to be, TCO will surely be the place to be in Eagan day. Sadly, most of us will just have to enjoy it from our screens.

CALIFORNIA STORM VS. SAN FRANCISCO GLENS

JUNE 2ND AT 7:00 PM PST

Both teams have announced some high quality players, players who have played in the College Cup and are tomorrow’s top talent. The Storm, the 2022 WPSL Champions, came right out the gate to announce a stalwart of theirs: Janae Gonzalez. Not long after, the Glens started off their roster announcements strong by announcing Stanford’s Elise Evans as their first women’s club player in history.

Both teams have since announced more players and experienced coaching staff as well, staff whose job it is to prepare the players for the games ahead and also, a potential playing career after college. We’ll see who comes to play though in their first matchup on June 2 but one thing is for sure–these are two teams to watch in the coming years.

SOUTH GEORGIA TORMENTA FC VS. BIRMINGHAM LEGION

MAY 19TH AT 7:30 PM EST

This is the 2022 USL W League Champions and Protagonist Soccer Club of the Year South Georgia Tormenta FC’s home opener. It’s also Birmingham’s first year running a women’s club. Chances are, this may be a very one sided matchup but it’s still one you won’t want to miss, as Tormenta FC sets the tone for their 2023 title defending season.

Racing Louisville FC v Indy ELEVEN

June 6th AT 7:30 PM EST

With the first season under their belt, Racing Louisville FC’s USL W League team and staff know what to expect and how to navigate the pre-professional realm. And with the first team staff potentially watching and the possibility of training with NWSL players if they demonstrate the capabilities (similarly to how W League players did last season, those of whom have since been drafted to NWLS teams), expect players to bring the energy.

Indy Eleven made it to the quarterfinals in 2022, losing to Aurora FC but not after scoring first on the team that would eventually make it to the final match. They didn’t make it that far on a fluke. Expect the same level of quality and hopefully, most of the same players, with a commitment to make it to the post season again.

*Photo credit: Trevor Ruszkowski/indy Eleven*

Greenville Liberty v North carolina Courage u-23

JUNE 20TH AT 6:00 PM EST

In 2022 Greenville Liberty was top in the South Atlantic Division with North Carolina Courage placing second in the regular season. Will Liberty be able to keep the roster secure with Clemson players? In the regular season Liberty beat the Courage once and then tied them. Liberty lost in the 2022 Semi-finals to eventual champions Tormenta FC. Expect the Liberty to come back with the same attack minded game plan. Last season they had 3 times as many shots as their opponents and 7 times as many counterkicks. Never underestimate the North Carolina Courage who has an established academy developing top talent.

FC Ann Arbor v Flint City AFC

MAY 6TH AT 7:00 PM EST

2022 saw FC Ann Arbor celebrate victory in the Women’s Michigan Milk Cup with ice cold, you guessed it, milk, earning the first trophy in team history. The Milk Cup is a separate tournament not part of the regular season. Last season this tournament game was tight through 60 minutes. In 2022, Ann Arbor finished in the middle of the division and Flint City at the bottom. Expect the energy to be high in this opening weekend match up. Without scouting film early in the season anything can happen. In the first match of 2022, Flint City beat Ann Arbor. The two teams seem to trade victories back and forth, this should be a well-matched competition.