Sporting JAX & Lexington SC to host semifinal matches this weekend; Carolina Ascent FC and Dallas Trinity FC round out field
TAMPA, Fla. – The bracket for the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Playoffs was set on Saturday night, with Dallas Trinity FC securing their spot on the final day of the regular season to join No. 1-seed Lexington SC and No. 2-seed Sporting JAX in the playoff field. Both Semifinals will be streamed live on Peacock.
Four teams have qualified for the single-elimination 2026 Gainbridge Super League Playoffs. Sporting JAX had previously secured homefield advantage and Players’ Shield-winning Lexington secured hosting rights after its final match of the season.
Lexington SC claimed the No. 1 seed on the final day of the season as Addie McCain’s late penalty kick against 2024/25 title-winner Tampa Bay Sun FC earned the side a 1-0 victory and moved LSC to 53 points in the regular season. That result combined with Carolina Ascent FC’s 3-1 victory against Sporting Club Jacksonville allowed LSC to claim the No. 1 seed and Players’ Shield via goal differential after finishing level on points with Sporting JAX.
Sporting Club Jacksonville and Carolina Ascent FC will square off for a second consecutive weekend following Ascent’s victory between the sides at American Legion Memorial Stadium that saw Shea Groom, Tyler Lussi and Jill Aguilara score for Ascent. The sides will meet at Hodges Stadium next Sunday evening with a first trip to the Super League Final at stake.
Dallas Trinity FC clinched its second trip to the postseason on Saturday night with a 4-0 victory against Fort Lauderdale United FC at the Cotton Bowl that saw the side edge out Spokane Zephyr FC for the No. 4 seed after Zephyr had taken a 4-0 win against Brooklyn FC earlier on Saturday. Sealey Strawn bagged a brace and Allie Thornton and Bethany Bos scored for Dallas, which will travel to face Lexington next Saturday night.
Semifinals
Saturday, May 23: No. 1 Lexington SC v. No. 4 TBD, 5:00 p.m. ET, Lexington SC Stadium, Lexington, KY. Buy tickets here.
Sunday, May 24: No 2. Sporting JAX v No. 3 Carolina Ascent FC, 5:00 p.m. ET, Hodges Stadium, Jacksonville, FL. Buy tickets here.
Final
The 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final will take place on Saturday, May 30 at the home venue of the higher remaining seed, with kickoff to be determined.
Visit GainbridgeSuperLeague.com/Playoffs to stay up-to-date for all things 2026 Playoffs.