USL W League – Chesapeake Division | May 30
The Annapolis Blues Women’s team hosted Charlottesville Blues FC in their home opener at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The night also marked a historic moment for the league, as a USL W League record crowd of 7,936 packed the stands, surpassing the previous attendance record set by Annapolis in 2025.
Pre-Match
Annapolis entered the match in excellent form, having won their opening two fixtures of the season with a 3–1 victory over Virginia Beach United FC and a 1–0 win against Virginia Atlantic WFC. After going undefeated in the regular season during their inaugural 2025 campaign, the Blues were clear favorites heading into the matchup.
Charlottesville arrived in Annapolis searching for their first points of the season. The Blues had dropped their opening three matches, conceding seven goals while scoring just once. In 2025, Charlottesville finished fourth in the Chesapeake Division and were eager to reset their season momentum.
First Half
The opening 20 minutes belonged almost entirely to Annapolis, as they dominated possession and applied relentless pressure on the Charlottesville back line. Kelsey Smith controlled the tempo from midfield, repeatedly sparking attacks. Charlottesville goalkeeper Alex Devory was called into action early, producing multiple saves to keep her side level.
Despite Annapolis’ dominance, the opening goal came against the run of play in the 24th minute. A long ball down the right flank found Carly Keene, who controlled it near the end line and cut it back to Reese Coggeshall at the top of the box. Coggeshall beat two defenders before firing a clinical finish into the top-left corner, giving Charlottesville a surprising 1–0 lead on their first shot on target.
Annapolis responded by maintaining heavy pressure. Devory continued her standout performance, making three excellent saves in quick succession. The Blues’ best chance arrived in the 38th minute when Jolie Farmer was played through on goal and rounded the keeper. A last-ditch goal-line clearance by Madelyn Radtke sent the ball onto the crossbar before it was cleared for a corner.
Despite controlling the majority of the opening 45 minutes, Annapolis went into halftime trailing 1–0, while Charlottesville headed to the break knowing they had withstood immense pressure.
Second Half
Annapolis made four substitutions at the start of the second half, looking for fresh energy and an equalizer. The pattern remained the same, with Annapolis pinning Charlottesville deep in their own half. Devory once again proved difficult to beat, denying chance after chance.
Charlottesville struck again in the 60th minute, once more against the flow of the match. Madelyn Radtke picked up the ball near the halfway line and drove centrally before combining in a quick one-two with Georgina Spraggon just outside the box. Radtke finished confidently into the top-right corner to double the visitors’ lead.
Charlottesville nearly added a third moments later after a miscue from the Annapolis goalkeeper, but the effort rolled just wide.
Needing a quick response, Annapolis pushed forward with urgency. Much of their threat came down the right flank, where McKinley Heaven consistently ran at the Charlottesville defense. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute when Heaven took a heavy touch past her marker to put herself through on goal. Devory managed to get a hand to the shot, but the ball still found the bottom-left corner to make it 2–1.
Despite a late push, time ran out on the home side, and Charlottesville held on to claim their first win of the season with a 2–1 victory.
Full Time
These two sides will meet again in just one week, with the reverse fixture scheduled for June 6 in Charlottesville. Annapolis will be eager for revenge, while Charlottesville will look to complete the season double over their namesake rivals.
Woman of the Match
Alex Devory (Charlottesville Blues FC) – Delivered a string of outstanding saves and played a decisive role in securing Charlottesville’s first win of the season.
Honorable Mention
Madelyn Radtke (Charlottesville Blues FC) – Anchored the defense under constant pressure, produced a crucial goal-line clearance in the first half, and capped her performance with a well-taken goal.
Player Stats
Annapolis Blues FC
- McKinley Heaven – 1 goal
Charlottesville Blues FC
- Reese Coggeshall – 1 goal
- Madelyn Radtke – 1 goal
- Carly Keene – 1 assist
- Georgina Spraggon – 1 assist
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