Philadelphia Freedom v DC Inferno Match Preview

Projected Lineups:

PHI: Melissa Alves, Olivia Clyne, Enora Villard

DC: Amanda Sobhy, Rowan Elaraby, Marie Stephan

 

This upcoming weekend brings us a rematch of the inaugural women’s league finals. Philadelphia will travel down to Washington DC in the hopes of getting their title defense off to a strong start. DC, meanwhile, needs to win to prevent an 0-2 record, which would put their season in serious jeopardy. 

 

The hometown Inferno squad looks completely different from the one they brought to New York to face the Queens. By the end of this match, everyone on the Inferno roster will have gained NSL experience in 2026. They should have an excellent idea of the skillsets on their roster moving forward. 

 

DC will feel great having Amanda Sobhy in the fold. Currently the World #11, Sobhy has the highest world ranking in this matchup. But, perhaps the most fascinating storyline headed into this match: Rowan Elaraby. Rowan is coming off a tough foot injury, and she was consequentially dropped by the Lightning ahead of this year’s draft. DC drafted her in the third round, and now here she is, healthy and ready to go for the match against Philly. She’ll have a little extra to play for in this one as she tries to give the Lightning sellers remorse. Marie Stephan rounds out the lineup nicely too with some shotmaking prowess. 

 

Philadelphia fans will have to wait for the season debuts of World #3 Olivia Weaver and premium draft pick Siva Subramaniam. They’re relying on their depth early in the season, with Olivia Clyne and Enora Villard making their NSL debuts. 2025 Finals MVP Melissa Alves headlines this Freedom lineup, and they’ll need a top performance from her. If you believe world rankings, Philly is at a talent deficit in this matchup. However, their players last year swore by the team culture and quality of coaching. That matters in the NSL. Could that put the Freedom over the edge? We’ll have to see. 

 

I think DC will be determined to keep their season alive and have an extra chip on their shoulder that will push them to victory.

 

PREDICTION: Philadelphia 1-3 DC