Rowdy Friday night sets stage for Round of 16

By USLLeagueTwo.com Staff, 07/19/25, 10:30AM EDT

60 goals scored in 16 matches

TAMPA, Fla. - The Conference Quarterfinals of the 2025 USL League Two Playoffs presented by VensureHR delivered action packed matches, late drama, and not one but two bicycle kick goals. After a wild Friday, the matchups for the Conference Semifinals are set for Sunday, pitting multiple division foes against each other.

Recapping the Round of 32

EASTERN CONFERENCE

FC Motown STA 2, Western Mass Pioneers 1

It was a close first half between these two Eastern Conference heavyweights, but Motown’s confidence only grew after taking the lead on a well-executed corner. Western Mass fought hard to bring itself back into the match but ultimately fell, 2-1.

Vermont Green FC 4, Hudson Valley Hammers 1

The Hammers came out of halftime ready for a fight, and Nick Zielonka gave them a lead with an upset win in sight. But that goal seemed to flip a switch for the Green, spurring Arnaud Tattevin into action, who scored a hat trick in six minutes.

Northern Virginia FC 2, West Chester United SC 0

NoVa gained a reputation for late heroics this season, but today it was its start that sealed the deal. Jackson Hall scored four minutes into the match, and NoVa never looked back, despite West Chester holding onto the ball for most of the match.

Lionsbridge FC 4, Salem City FC 0

Lionsbridge got off to a quick start, scoring 14 minutes into the game. A five-hour lightning delay could’ve reshuffled the deck, but Lionsbridge came out roaring once again, en route to a 4-0 victory that ended after 2:30 a.m. local time.

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

Laredo Heat SC 1, Fort Lauderdale United FC 2 - A.E.T

This game was absolutely wild. Fort Lauderdale struck first, only to have Laredo equalize with a bicycle kick for the final action of the first half. The two teams kept battling, sending the game to extra time, where Fort Lauderdale found the winner to outlast nine-man Laredo.

Sarasota Paradise 2, Sporting JAX 0

Homefield might have played the advantage for Paradise as they went out and claimed a comfortable 2-0 win against Florida rival Sporting JAX. The northern neighbors put up a good fight, but a beautiful curling effort from Elias Khodri and a second-half own goal sealed the deal for the hosts.

Asheville City SC 2, Louisiana Krewe FC 3

The temperamental southern weather reared its head again as this one was pushed back by a couple hours, started for four minutes, and then went into another delay. You couldn’t tell it affected the players, however, and both LA Krewe and Asheville tallied goals within six minutes of the restart. A first-half red card for Asheville swung the game as LA Krewe claimed an upset 3-2 win over their previously unbeaten foes.

Dothan United 1, Little Rock Rangers 0

The home crowd was behind Dothan as they fought valiantly against the Mid South Division champions, Little Rock Rangers. The game was an even affair throughout and took a special run of play capped off by a Laurie Goddard header in the 74th minute to earn the hosts a tight 1-0 victory in their first-ever playoff game against the Rangers.

CENTRAL CONFERENCE

Minneapolis City SC 2, Peoria City 2 - Minneapolis wins 4-1 on PKs

This game had it all. Playoff Luke Persenico. The second bicycle kick of the day, courtesy of Preston Kipnusu. What it came down to was penalty kicks, where Minneapolis went 4-for-4 and Daniel Sessler made two saves, booking its spot in the conference semifinal.

Des Moines Menace 4, Sueño FC 2

The Menace came into this match as the favorites on paper, having a deep roster and a strong season to date. Sueño didn’t want to hear it. Easton Bogard’s hat trick silenced the Des Moines crowd and keeps the dream alive for Sueño as it gears up for a rematch with a division foe.

Fort Wayne FC 3, Midwest United FC 2 - A.E.T

This match was the first of the day and arguably the most exciting. Midwest thought it had one foot in the door of the Round of 16, until a Caio Oliveria free kick in the 90th minute said not so fast. Fort Wayne went on to complete the comeback, sealing the deal with a 118th minute winner.

Flint City Bucks 4, Steel City FC 3

This game was like a boxing match, with both clubs exchanging punches. It was 2-2 coming out of halftime when Flint found a way to open up a two-goal lead. Steel City did not go quietly, bringing itself within one and keeping it tense until the final whistle.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Utah United 0, Snohomish United 2

The first 45 from this one were exciting but showed each team growing into its game. Snohomish came out for the second half wasting no time, scoring a minute in and riding that goal to a 2-0 shutout victory.

Ballard FC 6, Colorado Storm 0

Almost from the moment the match kicked off, Ballard was in control. Colorado played hard but were simply outmatched by this experienced Ballard squad that is full of quality. 6-0 was the final as five different players scored for the Bridges.

Almaden FC 1, FC Tucson 1 - Tucson wins 2-0 on PKs

Both teams stayed composed throughout this match, sending it to extra time scoreless. Tucson broke the deadlock in the 113th minute only for Almaden to equalize five minutes later. The keepers had their way for most of the penalty shootout, but Tucson snuck two in to move onto the conference semifinal.

Ventura County Fusion 2, San Juan SC 1

Ventura County knew it would have its hands full defending home turf against a powerful San Juan squad. Ventura played to its strengths, taking the lead on a counterattack and adding one more before the end of the first half. San Juan kept pressing in the second half, making it 2-1, but Ventura hung on in the end.