There’s only one spot remaining in the field for the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Playoffs after both Lexington SC and Carolina Ascent FC clinched their spots last weekend, but this weekend could see as many as three teams mathematically eliminated and the potential for a major shift in the race for the Players’ Shield.
Here’s where every team stands in its pursuit of the postseason entering Week 28’s action.
1. Sporting Club Jacksonville
Record: 14-5-5, 47pts
Maximum Points: 59
Magic Number: Clinched
Up Next: vs. LEX, 4/25
Sporting Club Jacksonville’s loss to Spokane Zephyr FC allowed Lexington SC to close the gap to the top to four points as the sides play at Hodges Stadium this weekend, but clinching a top-two spot is still within reach for the hosts as they enter the top-two clash. A victory against Lexington combined with Carolina Ascent FC dropping points away at Tampa Bay Sun FC would ensure a home Semifinal for Sporting JAX.
Sporting Club Jacksonville Clinches a Top-Two Finish IF…
1. Sporting Club Jacksonville takes victory vs. Lexington SC, moves to 50pts
AND Carolina Ascent FC draws/loses at Tampa Bay Sun FC, maximum drops to 49/48pts
2. Lexington SC
Record: 11-3-10, 43pts
Maximum Points: 55
Magic Number: Clinched
Up Next: at JAX, 4/25
Lexington SC booked its trip to the Gainbridge Super League Playoffs with its first win against Tampa Bay Sun FC in club history last Saturday night but now can move within a point of first place as it visits Sporting Club Jacksonville on Saturday afternoon to tighten the battle for the Players’ Shield. Victory for LSC would reduce Sporting JAX’s lead to one point with three games to play for both sides.
3. Carolina Ascent FC
Record: 12-7-6, 42pts
Maximum Points: 51
Magic Number: Clinched
Up Next: at TB, 4/25
Carolina Ascent FC secured its second consecutive trip to the postseason with its late victory against Dallas Trinity FC last Sunday evening and remains within range of taking a top-two finish going into its final three games. A victory away at Tampa Bay and either a Sporting Club Jacksonville victory against Lexington SC or a draw between the top two would be highly beneficial to Ascent’s aspirations.
4. DC Power FC
Record: 8-9-8, 32pts
Maximum Points: 41
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. DAL, 5/1
DC Power’s emphatic victory against Fort Lauderdale United FC on Wednesday night jumped the side into the playoff positions on goal differential ahead of Dallas Trinity FC. DC doesn’t have a magic number yet due to Dallas’ game in hand, but the showdown between the two on May 1 at Audi Field could be the pivotal game in the postseason race, while the Power will be hoping Brooklyn FC can do them a favor on Saturday as its hosts Trinity.
5. Dallas Trinity FC
Record: 9-10-5, 32pts
Maximum Points: 44
Magic Number: 10
Up Next: at BKN, 4/25
Dallas Trinity is still in control of its path to the postseason with four games to play but the pressure is on to secure a result away from home against Brooklyn FC on Saturday night following DC Power’s victory on Wednesday against Fort Lauderdale, with a crucial game against the Power on May 1 looming on the horizon.
6. Spokane Zephyr FC
Record: 7-9-8, 29pts
Maximum Points: 41
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. FTL, 4/26
Spokane Zephyr’s victory against Sporting Club Jacksonville was a major boost to its postseason chances, but it still needs help to reel in DC Power FC and Dallas Trinity with four games to play. Victory against Fort Lauderdale United FC on Sunday evening is imperative while hoping Trinity drop points away at Brooklyn FC on Saturday night.
7. Brooklyn FC
Record: 6-11-7, 25pts
Maximum Points: 37
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. DAL, 4/25
Brooklyn FC is still mathematically alive in the playoff race going into Saturday night’s home game against Dallas Trinity FC but is in a must-win situation if it’s going to close the gap to the three other contenders for fourth place. If BKFC can emulate its victory against Dallas earlier this month it would be a major boost for both DC Power and Spokane Zephyr, but a defeat would signal the end of the club’s postseason chances.
Brooklyn FC is Mathematically Eliminated IF…
1. Brooklyn FC loses vs. Dallas Trinity FC, maximum points drops to 34pts
– Dallas Trinity moves to 35pts with victory
8. Fort Lauderdale United FC
Record: 5-11-8, 26pts
Maximum Points: 35
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: at SPK, 4/26
Fort Lauderdale United FC’s defeat away at DC Power FC moved it to the brink of mathematical elimination on Sunday evening at Spokane Zephyr FC. Anything but a win would put FTL UTD in danger, with a loss meaning a Dallas Trinity win or draw at Brooklyn FC would eliminate the side, and a draw meaning a Dallas victory would bring the curtain down on the season.
Fort Lauderdale is Mathematically Eliminated IF…
1. Fort Lauderdale United FC loses at Spokane Zephyr FC, maximum points drops to 32pts
AND Dallas Trinity FC wins/draws at Brooklyn FC, moves to 35/33pts
2. Fort Lauderdale United draws at Spokane Zephyr FC, maximum points drops to 33pts
AND Dallas Trinity FC wins at Brooklyn FC, moves to 35pts
9. Tampa Bay Sun FC
Record: 4-11-9, 21pts
Maximum Points: 33
Magic Number: N/A
Up Next: vs. CAR, 4/25
Tampa Bay Sun FC avoided mathematical elimination this past weekend thanks to Dallas Trinity FC’s loss against Carolina Ascent FC, but the side has to win this weekend at home to Carolina and have Dallas drop points away at Brooklyn FC to stay alive. A draw or a loss against Ascent would end Tampa Bay’s title defense.
Tampa Bay Sun FC is mathematically eliminated IF…
1. Tampa Bay Sun FC draws/loses vs. Carolina Ascent FC, maximum points drops to 31/30pts
OR Dallas Trinity FC takes victory at Brooklyn FC, moves to 35pts