The 2025 soccer season just got better! Sure, the top two professional USL men’s leagues have been underway for a few months and the US Open Cup has just wrapped up the Round of 32… but its really the launch of the amateur leagues which signal that the summer of soccer is upon us.

Our writers and favorite contributors take a close look at the biggest storylines in USL League Two; will the legends of amateur soccer find their way to the playoffs yet again; what young organizations will upturn the apple carts this season; and who will look the best doing it?

Fort Wayne vs Sueno FC

05/11, 3pm PT / 6pm ET at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne will be looking to start off 2025 hot as they seek their third straight division title. Given the excitement around the team’s move up to League One in 2026, all eyes will be on Fort Wayne to deliver on and off the pitch come the season opener

Brett Mullenix - KITSZN / The USL Show

FC Olympia vs Ballard FC

05/16, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at RAC Soccer Fields in Lacey, WA

All time, in league play, Ballard FC have 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss to FC Olympia - they have outscored them 25 to 5 in that stretch, dating back to a 1-1 draw in June of 2022. Ballard have won the Northwest Division two years in a row and won the league back in 2023. Suffice to say Ballard FC are crushing it. What’s confounding is that FC Olympia is well-run, finished runners-up in the division two years ago, but finished second-bottom last year; they know it and I’m telling you, they should challenge for this division this season.

Unfortunately, for us anyways, they only play this one time and Olympia won’t have to worry about going to Interbay Stadium this year, until they get to the playoffs. Expect goals, there have been 27 goals between the two in the last 6 games and no goalie is going home unscathed.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C / The C Podcast

Redlands FC vs Stars FC

05/17, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Dodge Stadium at Redlands High School

The season opener should begin to answer some of the questions surrounding both teams this season. In its third season, Redlands FC coach Cody Carlson has stacked his squad with the best college talent in Southern California’s Inland region, including the 2024 Gatorade State Player of the Year Javier Hernandez, who is finishing his freshman year at North Carolina after playing for LAFC2 last fall. Stars FC is a new Phoenix, Ariz.-based expansion team with Christian-focused leadership. Gaige Gibbs, a senior midfielder/defender at St. Mary’s College in Northern California, and attacking midfielder Mateo Barth, one of Arizona’s top junior college players last season and an incoming junior at NCAA Division II Jessup University, are currently on the roster.

Dennis Pope - Independent Journalist / Root & Branch Podcast

Academica SC vs Project 51O

05/17, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Academica Soccer Field in Turlock, CA

It’s a two hour drive east, from Oakland to Academica Soccer Field in Turlock, California. And the last time these two met up in Central Valley, Cali, 51O left with all three points and a 2-1 win; however, Academica SC made the trip to Oakland and earned a draw on the road a month later. One of their three draws in a fairly difficult season where Academica finished second-bottom in the NorCal Division. 51O finished second place in the division, with 9 wins and that 1 draw at home to Academica… plus a few losses which kept them from finishing first.

Both look to improve upon their respective finishes last season and while this isn’t a particularly nasty rivalry or anything, you can expect both to give their all early in the very short season to avoid trying to catch up at the end.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C / The C Podcast

Flint City Bucks vs Oakland County FC

05/21, 11am PT / 2pm ET at Atwood Stadium in Flint, MI

A great test for a usually solid OCFC looking to rebound in a tough Great Lakes Division, against one of the best amateur clubs in the county. It’s also a great look at potential future pros as the Bucks have a penchant for getting their players to the next level

Fletcher Sharpe - The Daily Detroit

River Light FC vs MPLS City SC

05/22, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Spartan Athletic Park in Aurora, IL

These are simply two of my favorite clubs in the League and to have them in the same division this year feels like USL2 is pandering to me personally. River Light burst on the scene last year but missed out on a trip to the playoffs narrowly due to eventual finalists Peoria City. They will be a different outfit without manager Charlie Latshaw III but their early returns have been promising. MPLS City are looking to bounce back after a tough year last year. They’ve added loads of talented kids and some true veterans to the roster who can catapult them back among the best in the division.

Phil Baki - Independent Writer / The USL Show

Northern Indiana FC vs Lansing City Football

05/24, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Indiana Invaders Complex, South Bend, Indiana

After Michiana FC - formerly South Bend Lions - folded after the 2024 season, it will be interesting to see how Northern Indiana FC does as South Bend’s soccer team. I’ve always believed South Bend is ripe for soccer, but given Michiana’s folding doesn’t help. After playing in the Midwest Premier League in 2024 and winning the Great Lakes West division over a very good 1927 SC team, the precedent is set for success on the pitch. Let’s see if that success can transition from the MWPL to USL-L2 and off the pitch.

Brett Mullenix - KITSZN / The USL Show

Annapolis Blues FC vs Christos FC

05/31, 2pm PT / 5pm ET at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD

A battle of former NPSL heavy hitters (yes FC Baltimore Christos counts) in the first meeting between the two sides in a competitive match. It’s been a downhill slide for Christos the last few years in USL League Two as the Liquor Store team has fallen down the Chesapeake Division standings every year. Now, they have to head to a most likely well attended away match against a Golden Child. Annapolis is the team people will be watching this year in League Two as it plays its first season, both on the field and in the attendance game. Both teams excel at producing young talent so this game should be a fun one.

Michael Battista - Independent Writer / Hudson River Blue

LA Krewe vs Little Rock Rangers

06/07, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Ragin’ Cajun Soccer Stadium in Lafayette, LA

A USL2 postseason appearance is seemingly the only success that has eluded the Krewe of Louisiana since their move up to the league. The club has adjusted well to the Mid Souoth Division, their pitch results achieving a playoff spot thwarted only by Texas United and Little Rock in 2023, and a points table against the Lone Star division’s 2nd place finisher and Little Rock (again) in 2024.

To take a step up the standings this season, the Krewe will need to plunder the Stags for more than a point this time around with the Rangers visit Lafayette on June 7th. The Ragin’ Cajun Soccer Stadium could be a difference maker, providing Krewe supporters a more intimidating home ground.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

AFC Ann Arbor vs Flint City Bucks

06/07, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Holliway Field in Ann Arbor, MI

Slow starts and terrifyingly complete finishes, replete with divisional championships, is the modus operandi of Flint City in recent seasons. Seemingly giving their Great Lakes opponents a head start just to make title chase more interesting, the Bucks stand atop the storied clubs in the league for a reason. A postseason stalwart, even while competing in one of the most stacked divisions, FCB runs a gauntlet each summer, and every summer comes out stronger for it in the postseason. AFC Ann Arbor nipped at their heels in some moments last year, and I expect them to take great effort to repeat and improve on that effort in 2025. Their best shot at building a lead on the Bucks will come at Holliway Field on June 7th, when a 3 point home stand could prove the best defense against another FCB late season charge

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Long Island Rough Riders vs FC Motown STA

06/08, 6pm PT / 9pm ET at Mitchell Athletic Complex in Uniondale, NY

It’s a recurring trop in the metropolitan division now that the divisional lead will be hotly competed for during the first ¾ of the season, then a lurking Roughriders team will make an indomitable run out at season’s end while their competition slips up. Their closest challenge last season came from FC Motown, and whether that challenge is equally up to the task in 2025 will be decided early on June 8th when Motown visits Long Island for their only regular season matchup.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Chicago City Dutch Lions vs MPLS City SC

06/11, 6pm PT / 9pm ET at Seatgeek Stadium in Chicago, IL

The Great North is dead. Long live the (northerly shifted) Heartland. With the departure of both first place Thunder Bay (hiatus) and second place Bavarian United (self-demoted), could THIS finally the year of the Marvelous Murder in the Great North Heartland Division? On-pitch success has eluded Minneapolis City so far in their USL2 journey, an adjustment to the league extended by a litany of historically strong rivals. But the Crows made strides in 2024, and they’ll look to caws further noise in their league campaign in 2025. The most significant roadblock to a title might come in the form of the newly merged and now doubly resourced Chicago City Dutch Lions FC. The CCFC half brings a measure of postseason successes, and the Dutch Lions bring a Josh Duder approved lion logo. We’ll know of their combined powers can hold MCFC at bay or not at Seatgeek Stadium on June 11th. Lucky supporters can take the borealis train into town for the match, the rest of us will settle for a stream (hint hint, CDLFC)

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Des Moines Menace vs Peoria City

06/14, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, IA

These are the only two familiar foes in the new Great Plains (the other four are expansion sides), but they are quite familiar with each other. Finishing 1 and 2 respectively, they met three times in the 2024 season, and drew all three times. The third meeting happened to be in the USL 2 Central Conference Semifinals, and only a PK Shootout sent Peoria past the Menace en route to the national final. Des Moines wants revenge, and Peoria wants to stay on top. Expect them both to show quality and fight in hopes of finally getting past each other in regulation. After all, they’ve got to set the standard for the new guys.

Tim Howerton - Ranting Blue Penguin Media

MPLS City SC vs St. Croix Legends

06/18, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Edor Nelson Field in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis City SC goes into this season hoping to build and improve on experiences from their first two seasons in the league. The return of coach Justin Oliver should provide some much needed stability, and the Crows decision to only compete in one league this season (MPLS City 2 will be playing an exhibition schedule) should help bring focus to their efforts in USL.

The legends and the Crows have grown into a legitimate local derby in the last couple of years, with the Legends getting the better of the series. The newly refocused Crows will look to reverse that trend at home.

Andrew Nelson - Independent Writer

Sarasota Paradise vs Ft Lauderdale United FC

06/18, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, FL

The Paradise have started off 2025 in style, qualifying for the US Open Cup and taking future rivals FC Naples of USL League 1 to the brink. With their last League 2 season about to start, another team with professional ambition will come to town in mid-June. Fort Lauderdale already have their Super League side going, with a men’s pro team to follow. This certainly won’t be the last time these clubs play each other, and the bragging rights are up for grabs ahead of the jump in level!

James Knowles - RBLR Sports

Lionsbridge FC vs Virginia Beach United

06/21 at TowneBank Stadium in Newport News, VA

The longstanding leader of the Chesapeake vs the long-awaited challenger. Lionsbridge has held off worthy divisional championship contenders for the past three seasons, including VBU in 2024. In one of the competitively deeper divisions in the nation, other sides and other matchups will certainly have their impact, but this return leg in Newport News on June 21st probably carries the greatest consequence in its outcome.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Fort Wayne FC vs West Virginia United

06/21, at Bishop John D’Arcy Stadium in Fort Wayne, IN

One of the most curious “new look” divisions is the Valley, where Fort Wayne sent off their Lake Erie-clinging rivals to pasture after romping over them, again, in 2024. Now, they’ll pick up three new opponents in the division, including West Virginia United, a club accustomed to on-field successes in their own right, even when playing their game in the deeply competitive South Atlantic. The two sides meet twice fairly early into the season, and while FWFC might lose some points, as most do, traveling deep into the Appalachian hill country, it’s the WVU return journey to Bishop John D’Arcy Stadium on June 21st that best decides whether or not, in the Valley, the more teams change, the more the divisional standings leader remains the same.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Portland Bangers FC vs Lane United FC

06/23, 7pm PT / 10pm ET, at Hilken Stadium in Portland, OR

Sure, the Portland Bangers make their debut on May15th against fellow league newcomer, Bigfoot FC. That’s also the return of League Two soccer to Hilken Stadium, which has been dormant for a couple of seasons while the college campus it sits on underwent a change of ownership

It’s also the return of league two soccer to Portland, in general, after both United PDX and PDX FC left the league… for whatever reasons.

However, when Lane United visit and their Red Aces instigate an in-state rivalry with the new sausages on the block, it will be between the only two teams left in Oregon after Capital FC also pulled out of USL. The reverse fixture, in July, will also be important with both possibly playing for a spot in the playoffs.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C / The C Podcast

Nona FC vs Brave SC

06/25, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Austin Tindall Stadium in Kissimmee, FL

In 2023, the Southeast Division was won by Brave SC (Then the Villages SC) by a single point over Nona FC. In 2024, the rivals outdid themselves by finishing tied on the points atop the table, but Brave took the title on tiebreakers. Both their matchups in 2025 will be significant, but the second leg at Austin Tindall Stadium on June 25th might be the more impactful for either side to extend an insurmountable lead, or climb back into a title chase. Circle this Buffaloes and Longhorns bullfight as a must-stream.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

San Francisco City FC vs San Francisco Glens

07/02, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco

These two teams don’t necessarily get along - San Francisco City FC are 100% supporter-owned and have given their blood, sweat, and tears to not only keep their team alive, but to also see it thrive - I’m not aware of any other organization which can truly call itself a club. Their home ground, Kezar Stadium, turns 100 this year and while only remnants of the original stadium actually exist, it does sit on the corner of Frederick and Stanyon, right where the original structure was built in 1925. Meanwhile, the Glens play in a nearly brand new facility (built in 2023) on Treasure Island, a man-made island, halfway between San Francisco and West Oakland - while they meet up first on Treasure Island, its that second tie at Kezar in the penultimate matchweek of the season where the tension and drama of a true derby will play out; especially if playoffs are on the line for either side.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C / The C Podcast

Seacoast United Phantoms vs Vermont Green FC

07/02, 6pm PT / 9pm ET at Seacoast United Outdoor Complex in Epping, NH

The defending national titlist vs the lower league peoples’ champion. The Northeast title has eluded Vermont thus far, in large part due to the Phantoms. While the sides face off twice this season, the measuring stick game will come on July 2nd in New Hampshire, where the Green will look to take points off Seacoast in the defending champs’ own home.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Peoria City vs Des Moines Menace

07/02, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Shea Stadium in Peoria, IL

Every couple of years, the eternally title contending Grandfather club of USL2 find itself gifted a new divisional landscape, rife with league newbies to smite on their way to divisional, conference, and national titles. Absolutely Menacing off the pitch in how Des Moines reloads an enviable depth of talent, and menacing on it when that talent is put to full display, the Iowan side is in competition with only itself as peer most seasons. Hounding them the past two years, however, is a rival that threatens to be an invasive species to the Menace divisional ecosystem in 2025, and in years to come. The Carp of Peoria City more then made up for the 2-point standings separation that handed the Menace the regular season title in 2024 by matching Des Moines goal for goal in 5-5 thriller (advanced on PKs) en route to a national title appearance. Our best chance of seeing a repeat of that fireworks display will come just before Independence Day, July 2nd at Peoria’s Shea Stadium. In a division stocked primarily by freshman clubs, this match between new veteran sides likely determines the Great Plains Grandpa for 2025.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Ocean City Nor’easters vs Reading United

07/06, 4pm PT / 7pm ET at Carey Stadium in Ocean City, NJ

Since 1997, these two clubs have faced each other in both professional and amateur realms. In soccer terms, that is a long, long time. In recent years, it has been Ocean City that has had the upper hand in this rivalry. Reading’s win last July was its first win against OC since 2019. This is the second of the two meetings between the two (the Nor’easters travel to Reading in June), but c’mon now - Carey Stadium is right next to the Ocean City boardwalk. Spend the day on the beach, walk the boards, pick up some salt water taffy, then enjoy an evening of soccer.

John Howard-Fusco - Protagonist Soccer / The W League Show / Super Show

AHFC Royals vs Corpus Christi FC

07/09, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Campbell Road Sports Park in Houston, TX

There’s new dangers in the Lone Star in 2025 and the Texas based division might prove to be one of the deepest competitions in the Southern conference, if not the nation. With every matchup potentially carrying high stakes, keep an eye on the tilt at Campbell Road Sports Park on July 9th.
The developmental academy depth of AFC Royals versus the professional-move intentioned Corpus Christi match is not only an interesting case of club-prioritization and how it is showcased within the USL2, it could have serious postseason impact for the Sharks, Royals, and old and new rivals alike.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Toledo Villa FC vs Cleveland Force SC

07/10, 7pm PT / 10pm ET at Paul Hotmer Field in Toledo, OH

The “Indiana Boogeyman” now firmly in their rearview, the old Valley clubs can breathe easier with two playoff spots up for grabs far from the vice grip of Fort Wayne FC. Near neighbors Cleveland and Toledo battled for the Valley’s second place spot last year, with Cleveland slipping into the postseason over their Glass City rivals by a single point on the table. TVFC gets to build off the disappointment of 2024’s near chance with a clear goal of overtaking their rival to the east, and there will be no better opportunity to do that than the two sides’ penultimate matches of the season at Paul Hotmer Field on July 10th.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Laredo Heat SC vs AHFC Royals

07/12, 5pm PT / 8pm ET at PEG Energy Stadium in Laredo, TX

I’m happy that Laredo Heat moved from NPSL to USL2; they have long been the team opponents dread, from the skillful Mexican style of play to the scorching heat in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. AHFC Royals have a deep academy team and a clear path to pro. Let’s see if the Royals replace leading goal scorer Heriberto Soto. This should be competitive to say the least.

Danielle Gawronski - Protagonist Soccer / The Super Show

South Carolina United vs Salem City FC

07/12, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Southeastern Freight Line Soccer Complex in Columbia, SC

A fierce divisional rivalry race in 2024 rightfully gets its second leg in 2025 on the regular season closing weekend down in the South Atlantic division. The SCU Bantams came up just short last year in their bid to unseat Salem City. They'll hold the home field advantage in that July 12th closing match, but will it be enough to surpass the defending divisional champs? Salem City has grown accustomed to playing the hunted role for the past several seasons, and the Chimera won’t be caught unaware when they visit Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Complex. Circle this game as a must-watch in your ‘decision-week’ lineup.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Sarasota Paradise vs FC Miami City

07/12, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Premier Sports Complex in Lakewood Ranch, FL

FC Miami City returns from hiatus to a very changed South Florida Division, most notably the ascendancy of Sarasota Paradise to the divisional throne. A fourth place finisher when FCMC last played a competitive USL2 match, Paradise won the title in the SE Florida side’s absence in 2024 and are now looking not only to repeat their effort in 2025, but have solid plans to move to the professional ranks in the near future. The South Florida powers, both old and new, will meet on the season’s final weekend on the peninsula’s west coast for what may be the deciding game for the divisional crown.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Asheville City SC vs Tennessee SC

07/12, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Greenwood Field, UNC-Asheville, in Asheville, NC

Every so often, the club schedulers around the USL2 work out a match date and time that seems to be a subtle gift to the lower league sickos. This final week South Central division matchup seems to be one of those gifts, with the 2024 first and second place finishers agreeing to close their season at Greenwood Field in Asheville. If Tennessee, or anyone else for that matter, is to unseat Asheville, they’ll need to find a way to take a point or two off their Blues in their house. Even just a single point taken home here by TNFC could prove consequential to the playoff race in one of the largest divisions in the league.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Edited by Joshua Duder
Special thanks to all contributors - we couldn’t do things like this without you!