Spokane’s Braun features for Argentina vs. USWNT; Super League youngsters Puerta, Strawn connect for U.S. U-19s
Players from across the Gainbridge Super League were in action over the past weekend at the senior and youth national team level, with performances by Carolina Ascent FC’s Jill Aguilera and Sydney Martínez leading Puerto Rico to a key victory and youngsters Ashlyn Puerta (Sporting Club Jacksonville) and Sealey Strawn (Dallas Trinity FC) featuring for the United States U-19s.
Want to follow the international action as it continues this week? Check out the guide on how to follow Gainbridge Super League players competing for their countries.
Carolina’s Aguilera, Martínez Lead Puerto Rico Romp
Carolina Ascent FC’s Jill Aguilera recorded a hat trick and an assist while Sydney Martínez notched a shutout as Puerto Rico took a 1-0 victory against St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday night at the Estadio Juán Rámon Loubriel.
Aguilera notched Puerto Rico’s second goal in the 21st minute and provided the assist on Gemma Gillespie’s finish on the stroke of halftime which put the hosts up by seven goals at the break. She then added two goals in the second half, giving Aguilera seven goals in the first two games of Concacaf W Qualifying.
Martínez notched one save for the shutout as Puerto Rico remained on track for a key game against Mexico in April that is set to decide first place in Group A and advancement to the 2026 CONCACAF W Championship.
Spokane’s Sophia Braun Features Against United States
The United States Women’s National Team took a 2-0 victory against Argentina on Sunday evening as former USL W League standout Lindsey Heaps notched a goal and assist to open the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, but Spokane Zephyr FC’s Sophia Braun put in a solid performance on the right side of the Argentine’s three-player back line, grading out as one of the top performers for the visitors at Geodis Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
Having played primarily as a holding midfielder this season for Spokane, Braun complete 27 of 32 passes and recorded three interceptions, five clearances and one blocked shot while winning 2 of 4 duels. Argentina will look to rebound on Wednesday afternoon when they face CONMEBOL rival Colombia before closing the tournament next Saturday against Canada.
Dallas’s Strawn, Jacksonville’s Puerta Connect for United States U-19s
2025 Gainbridge Super League Young Player of the Year Sealey Strawn of Dallas Trinity FC scored a late tally off an assist by current Golden Boot leader Ashlyn Puerta of Sporting Club Jacksonville as the United States U-19 Women’s National Team took a 2-0 victory against Czechia on Friday in the first of three exhibitions the side will play during its current trip to Portugal.
Both Puerta and Strawn came on in the 63rd minute before Rylee McLanahan put the United States ahead with three minutes to go. Strawn added an insurance marker in the 90th minute as Puerta delivered a beautiful through-ball behind the Czechia defense which allowed Strawn to break in past the back line and fire home a powerful shot.
Fort Lauderdale’s Kat González Notches Assist in Dominican Republic Victory
Fort Lauderdale United’s Kat González provided a boost for the Dominican Republic as a second-half substitute, notching one assist and two shots in the side’s 6-1 victory against Belize on Saturday night at Estadio Cibao.
González came on with 22 minutes to play and made the most of her opportunity, setting up Winibian Peralta for the game’s final goal with six minutes to go off a corner kick. The 25-year-old notched two chances created in addition to her two shots while completing 12 of 15 passes overall to move the Dominican Republic into a tie for first place in Group D of Concacaf W Qualifying with a key game against Haiti on the horizon next month.
DC Power’s Frilles, Guillou Open AFC Women’s Asian Cup for Philippines
DC Power FC duo Carleigh Frilles and Katrina Guillou took to the biggest stage of their careers to date on Friday night as each started for the Philippines against hosts Australia in the opening game of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Optus Stadium in Perth, where the hosts took a 1-0 victory behind a finish from Sam Kerr but the visitors put in a creditable performance.
Frilles played the opening 59 minutes and won 4 of 5 duels while also notching four tackles and two clearances before giving way. Guillou, meanwhile, went 83 minutes and completed 10 of 17 passes while recording three tackles and six clearances. The Philippines will continue group play late on Wednesday night against South Korea in a contest that will be key to its potential of advancement to the knockout stage.