ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City SC clinched its second consecutive South Central Division title Sunday night, defeating Birmingham Legion WFC 2-1 behind a pair of goals from Lauryn Mateo to earn a third straight berth in the USL W League playoffs.
The Blues took control early when Phoebe Hollin’s long-range shot was stopped by Birmingham goalkeeper Brooklyn Vann, but the rebound fell to Mateo, who tapped home the opener in the eighth minute.
Asheville nearly doubled its lead before halftime. Juli Viera rattled the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, and goalkeeper Lilly Heaslet preserved the advantage moments later with a key save on a one-on-one chance from Destiny Udeh. Maya Leoni also tested Vann from long range just before the break, but Asheville settled for a 1-0 halftime lead.
Mateo added her second goal in the 51st minute, heading home a well-placed free kick from Viera at the near post to extend the Blues’ advantage to 2-0.
Birmingham answered in the 68th minute when Martha Bishop converted a penalty kick after the Legion were awarded a spot kick, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The Blues responded by regaining possession and controlling play for much of the final 20 minutes. Sarah Gorham forced a turnover that nearly led to a goal before striking the crossbar minutes later, while Hedda Ornberg, Rachel Logue and Lucy Sloan all created late scoring opportunities.
Asheville managed the closing minutes effectively, keeping Birmingham pinned in its own half and running out the clock to secure the division championship.
Logue was named the Wicked Pie Player of the Match.
With the victory, Asheville City qualified for the 2026 USL W League playoffs and will host Southern Conference playoff matches this weekend at Greenwood Field.
Playoff schedule
Friday, July 3
- Charlotte Eagles vs. FC Miami City, 3:30 p.m.
- Asheville City SC vs. Lonestar SC, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 5
- USL W League Southern Conference Final, 6 p.m.
The Men in Blue earn 2-0 home win over Charlotte Eagles behind goals from Ocana, Picksley
On Friday, Asheville City’s men’s team picked up a 2-0 victory over the Charlotte Eagles at Greenwood Field.
Franco Ocana opened the scoring in the 28th minute after capitalizing on a turnover by the Eagles’ defense and finishing past goalkeeper Jarret Wuerslin. Asheville nearly added another before halftime, while goalkeeper Tommy Viscuso preserved the lead with a diving save just before the break.
The Blues controlled much of the second half before Mitch Picksley sealed the win in the 85th minute. Picksley intercepted an errant back pass, dribbled past defenders and chipped Wuerslin for Asheville’s second goal.
Defender Dante Huckaby earned Wicked Pie Player of the Match honors after helping anchor the shutout, including a key sliding block that denied a Charlotte scoring chance.
The men’s team returns to Greenwood Field on Monday to host Charlotte Independence II. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
