2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season Preview

Head Coach: Alex Smith 
Venue: Maimonides Park 
2025/26 Record: 6-14-8, 26pts, 7^th position 
2025/26 Scoring: 31 goals for, 44 goals against | 35.74xG, 41.01xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: N/A 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

Having faded late in the race for the postseason, Brooklyn FC made a coaching change during the summer as Tomás Tengarrinha departed the club with Alex Smith the new leader on the sidelines at Maimonides Park. Smith brings an impressive resume – most recently he produced a positive uptick in performance at the Brisbane Roar in Australia’s A-League Women – and that will be the aim for BKFC as it pursues its first trip to the postseason.  

The side suffered a blow that will extend into the 2026 season with leading scorer Rebecca Cooke sidelined with a torn ACL, but both midfielder Jess Garziano – who had five assists and a team-high 34 chances created last season – and experienced defender Jordan Thompson are both back alongside Ghana international Jennifer Cudjoe, who will look to impact the game from the center of the park. 

Among the new arrivals are Texas native Ashlyn Miller, who arrives having played for Smith in Brisbane, and forwards Carlee Giamonna, who recorded 12 goals for the Tampa Bay Sun over the past two seasons, and Tziarra King, who returns to action after spending a season on the sidelines with the West Seattle Rhodies in the USL W League where she served as an assistant coach and mentor. There is work for Smith and his squad to put in, but there should be a sense of optimism BKFC can press forward over the upcoming campaign. 

Key Returnee – Catherine Zimmerman, forward: When Catherine Zimmerman was on the field for Brooklyn FC during the 2025/26 campaign, she was a difference-maker. The veteran ranked second on the team with six goals on a 5.6xG mark, consistently getting into good positions in the attacking penalty area, while also recording 5.2 defensive actions and 3.7 possessions won per 90 minutes on the other side of the ball. The question for Zimmerman is whether she can pick up the slack left by the absence of Rebecca Cook, having logged fewer than 60 percent of the club’s regular season minutes. The impact Zimmerman can deliver in the final third could be key to BKFC’s success this year. 

Key Arrival – Ashlyn Miller, midfielder: There’s something useful in having a good lieutenant in your squad as a new manager, and that is going to be one of the roles Ashlyn Miller will be called on as she joins Head Coach Alex Smith in making the move from Brisbane Roar. The Texas native recorded three penalty kick goals and five assists in 23 appearances for the Roar during the past campaign, helping lead the side to a top-four finish in the A-League Women. Miller played primarily on the right side for Brisbane and logged 22 chances created and seven big chances created. Getting that integrated into BKFC’s lineup – as well as helping set the standard for expectations on the field – could be a major addition to the squad. 

Young Player to Watch – Sophia Lowenberg, midfielder: The 22-year-old joins Brooklyn on loan from Boston Legacy FC having made a brief cameo for the expansion NWSL side so far this year. What will be interesting to monitor is how Brooklyn utilizes the former Boston College product. With the Eagles, Lowenberg played primarily as a center back, winning 7.5 duels per 90 minutes at a 65.7% success rate, but she’s also previously played higher up the field, and completed 6.1 progressive passes per 90 minutes during her senior season. Whether its on the back line or as two-way performer in the center of the park, Lowenberg will be expected to make an impact, even as the youngest player in BKFC’s current squad. 

Key Number – 17: Brooklyn FC was outstanding at set pieces in the 2025/26 season, tying for the league-lead with 14 goals from dead ball situations, but ranked last in the league with only 17 open play goals in 28 games. Finding a way to unlock more opportunities and goals in the run of play is going to be key in the upcoming campaign. 

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Breanna Norris; D – Nayeong Shin, Jordan Thompson, Sophia Lowenberg, Jillian Shimkin; DM – Jennifer Cudjoe, Antoinette Williams; AM – Carlee Giamonna, Jessica Garziano, Ashlyn Miller; F – Catherine Zimmerman 

Head Coach: Philip Poole 
Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium 
2025/26 Record: 15-7-6, 51pts, 3rd position 
2025/26 Scoring: 39 goals for, 27 goals against | 49.39xG, 37.19xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: Gainbridge Super League Finalist 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

After falling in extra time against Lexington SC in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final, Carolina Ascent FC has bolstered its roster with the aim of building on the momentum the side ended the past campaign with. Carolina surged into the postseason on a six-game winning streak and 11-game undefeated streak that got the side within touching distance of a second consecutive Players’ Shield only for the gap it needed to bridge to prove just too much. 

While there have been a few departures, including goalkeeper Meagan McClelland, Head Coach Philip Poole has simply reloaded the roster for the new campaign. Coming aboard is two-time Super League Goalkeeper of the Year Hope Hisey, who figures to maintain the standard that saw Ascent average fewer than a goal conceded per game in the regular season, with Reese Tappan also coming aboard in the back line after her All-League campaign. 

With a plethora of returning faces, including veteran midseason addition Shea Groom, the Ascent look on paper to be a side ready to contend for silverware once again.  

Key Returnee – Jill Aguilera, defender: There might not have been more players with worse luck than Jill Aguilera in the past campaign. The Puerto Rico international led the league with 6.3 Expected Assists and ranked second in the league with 50 chances created but had only three assists to show for it. Those first two numbers, though, are why Aguilera is a key piece in Ascent’s puzzle. She’s a solid full back, but her value in the attacking third is what makes Carolina go. Aguilera’s going to tee up the opportunities for her teammates, if they can start converting more consistently, another Golden Playmaker award – which Aguilera claimed in the 2024/25 season – could be in the offing. 

Key Arrival – Hope Hisey, goalkeeper: It’s a hard ask to make a defense that allowed just over 10 goals fewer than its Expected Goals Against mark in a campaign – as Carolina did last season – but adding the goalkeeper who’s been the gold standard since the Gainbridge Super League’s launch is a good way to try. Hope Hisey has recorded a league-high 156 regular season saves and 19 shutouts in the past two campaigns while individually logging a -10.25 Goals Prevented mark. With a solid back line in front of her, Hisey might not be quite as busy – she averaged 3.18 saves per game with Spokane Zephyr FC – but her numbers should be just as good. 

Young Player to Watch – B Hylton, midfielder: The England U-20 international has seen limited action in Carolina’s experienced midfield, but this could be the moment for Hylton to step forward and take the next step in her progression. Hylton logged 214 minutes during the past campaign, but in that limited sample won possession 7.2 times per 90 minutes and averaged 2.1 dribbles per 90 minutes. Between her and United States U-16 international Stella Spitzer, there’s bright potential in Ascent’s squad that will be gaining plenty from the experience around them.  

Key Number – 10.39: Carolina Ascent ranked third in the Gainbridge Super League with a 49.39 Expected Goals mark in the 2025/26 campaign, narrowly behind Lexington SC (50.27xG) and Sporting JAX (49.73xG), but recorded only 39 goals in the regular season. Finding a way to put away more of the chances the side creates could push it through to more silverware. 

Projected Starting XI (4-2-2-2): GK – Hope Hisey; D – Jill Aguilera, Reese Tappan, Jenna Butler, Addisyn Merrick; DM – Mia Corbin, Lily Nabet; AM – Riley Parker, Audrey Coleman; F – Shea Groom, Mackenzie George 

Head Coach: Lee Nguyen 
Venue: Cotton Bowl 
2025/26 Record: 11-10-7, 38pts, 4th position 
2025/26 Scoring: 36 goals for, 40 goals against | 42.19xG, 39.42xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: Super League Semifinals 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

Dallas Trinity came through at the death to secure their second consecutive trip to the playoffs, but this summer the major news at the club was its acquisition by the ownership group of 2027 USL Championship expansion club Atlético Dallas, bringing the two clubs under one umbrella as they share the Cotton Bowl as a venue. That resulted in major changes elsewhere, with former United States Men’s National Team player Lee Nguyen appointed as the club’s new Head Coach as it enters a new era. 

Nguyen brings a strong resume to his new position. He’s previously served as an assistant coach for five years in the NWSL, most recently as an assistant coach to Laura Harvey at Seattle Reign, and he now steps into his first head coaching role in the professional ranks. With him come a collection of new arrivals including Argentine international Sophie Braun and loanees Neeku Purcell from the Reign and Seven Castain from Orlando Pride.  

There are notable names returning, too, including local product Lexi Missimo and late-season addition Jasmine Hamid as well as scoring sparkplug Camryn Lancaster. Having made consecutive Semifinal appearances, the stakes appear to be rising for Trinity this campaign. 

Key Returnee – Jasmine Hamid, forward: When Dallas Trinity acquired Jasmine Hamid via transfer from Fort Lauderdale United for the final stretch of the 2025/26 season, it was with the aim of lifting the side’s attack. It didn’t quite come off – Hamid logged only one assist in 522 minutes – but her underlying numbers offered room for optimism it will come good this season. Hamid averaged 0.43xG+xA per 90 minutes for Trinity, with her ability to create her own shot and create off the dribble making Trinity a more dangerous side. After averaging 4.61 progressive carries per 96 minutes a season ago, Hamid should be the centerpiece the rest of Trinity’s attack can be built around. 

Key Arrival – Sophíe Braun, defender: The Argentine center back put together a solid campaign for Spokane in the 2025/26 campaign, winning 2.4 aerial duels per recording seven defensive actions per 90 minutes. With the retirement of Gainbridge Super League ironwoman Amber Wisner during the summer, Braun could be called into serving in the back line, or as a defensive midfielder, where her ball-winning ability – 115 duels won at a 59.3% success rate – could help shore things up for a defense that leaked goals a season ago.  

Young Player to Watch – Sofia Cedeño, midfielder: A native of Panama, Cedeño arrives on loan from Seattle Reign FC having previously competed for the United States U-20 National team and now looking to build her professional experience. The 19-year-old competed in Canada’s Northern Super League for the Halifax Tides in the 2025 season, logging more than 500 minutes in 11 appearances, and her familiarity with Nguyen should give her a chance at regular minutes here. 

Key Number – 33: Dallas Trinity ended the season with a negative goal differential despite having a positive Expected Goal Differential a season ago due to its open play defense. The side conceded 33 times in open play last season, second-most in the league after Fort Lauderdale United, as it allowed 12.7 shots per 90 minutes. Finding a way to plug those gaps will be front of mind for Nguyen as he sets his side up this season. 

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Neeku Purcell; D – Cyera Hintzen, Sophie Braun, Sydney Cheesman, Drew Coomans; DM – Jamie Shepherd, Aria Nagai; AM – Camryn Lancaster, Sofia Cedeño, Seven Castain; F – Jasmine Hamid 

Head Coach: Omid Namazi 
Venue: Audi Field 
2025/26 Record: 8-11-9, 33pts, 6th position 
2025/26 Scoring: 34 goals for, 32 goals against | 45.46xG, 39.04xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: N/A 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

DC Power took a step forward in its second season, with a late-season fade taking it out of the postseason race with a game to play, as Head Coach Omid Namazi’s squad found more attacking support for standout Gianna Gourley that almost carried the side over the line. This offseason has seen some notable departures such as winger Dasia Torbert and Alexis Thoeret but add a strong contingent of attacking firepower that could carry the side to the next level. 

Leading the way is Tyler Lussi, who had a positive impact for Carolina Ascent after her arrival midway through the past campaign, while midfielder Emma Jaskianec arrives from Spokane Zephyr having put together a strong two-way campaign in the Pacific Northwest. The side also re-signed Ethiopian international Loza Abera – who logged seven goals a campaign ago – to add to the returning Gourley and Alyssa Walker, who proved a game-changer after her midseason arrival from Carolina.  

The Power also bring back All-League selections Sydney Cummings and defensive tandem Claire Constant, while Emily Colton is set to return in midfield after proving a key cog for the side in the 2025/26 campaign, averaging 6.5 possessions won and 2.1 chances created per 90 minutes. With the experience of last year’s stretch run under their belts, the Power could be in a position to challenge for a first postseason berth. 

Key Returnee – Sydney Cummings, defender: The 27-year-old played every minute of the campaign a season ago for the Power and earned Gainbridge Super League All-League honors after a standout defensive campaign. Cummings averaged 9.5 defensive actions and 2.8 aerial duels won per 90 minutes as she led the side with 150 clearances and 27 blocked shots. The Power were a solid defensive side last season, and could improve further as the rest of the lineup follows Cummings’ lead. 

Key Arrival – Tyler Lussi, forward: The veteran striker was a strong midseason pickup for Carolina Ascent in the past campaign, doing work on both sides of the ball as she averaged 3.4 shots and 5.4 touches in the opposition penalty area while also averaging 6.4 defensive actions in the club’s pressing defensive system. Lussi only found the net four times in 986 minutes for Ascent, but was consistently in good positions, logging 5.5 Expected Goals and 0.15xG per Shot. If her finishing sharpens up, she should be a valuable addition to the club’s squad.  

Young Player to Watch – Mak Whitham, forward: Two years on from becoming the youngest player to sign with an NWSL club, Mak Whitham heads on loan to the Power from Gotham FC in search of minutes and a chance to make the breakthrough in the professional ranks. The 16-year-old has logged 10 appearances across all competitions for Gotham previously, and will be intriguing to watch as she gets acclimated in her new surroundings. 

Key Number – 6: The Power underperformed their Expected Goals mark by a wide margin in the past season, ranking fourth in the league with a 45.46xG mark but scoring only 34 goals. Part of that was due to the club’s lack of success from set pieces, where it recorded a league-fewest six goals. DC also created only 36 chances from set pieces overall, making it an area where improvement could push the side forward substantially. 

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Makenna Gottschalk; D – Paige Almendariz, Sydney Cummings, Claire Constant, Susanna Fitch; DM – Justina Gaynor, Emily Colton; AM – Loza Abera, Emma Jaskaniec, Tyler Lussi; F – Alyssa Walker 

Head Coach: Tyrone Mears 
Venue: Beyond Bancard Field 
2025/26 Record: 5-15-8, 23pts, 9^th place 
2025/26 Scoring: 30 goals for, 62 goals against | 29.23xG, 58.12xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: N/A 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

After a season in which the club went from competing in the inaugural Gainbridge Super League Final to finishing well off the pace in the regular season, Fort Lauderdale United FC announced a return to the sideline of Tyrone Mears in early June as the club looks to get back on track in its third campaign. Promoted to President of Soccer for FTL UTD after the club’s stellar first year, the former Jamaica international has added some notable pieces with a mind to a bounce-back season. 

Among the new arrivals is forward Grace Cutler, who returns to the United States from competing in Europe for the past six years. She’ll be reunited with former West Virginia teammate Sh’Nia Gordon, who is among the notable returning names to the club. Also coming aboard are the former Spokane Zephyr duo of Kelsey Oyler and Haley Thomas, both of whom logged more than 1,800 minutes a season ago for the playoff contender.  

Having put in positive performances during her loan stint last season, Shea Moyer has also joined the club via transfer from Lexington SC, and she’s joined in South Florida by another loanee from the defending champions as Nicole Vernis arrives to bolster the midfield. With a fresh slate, and Mears’ know-how on the bench, Fort Lauderdale will take aim at contending again this campaign. 

Key Returnee – Kiara Locklear, forward: By the top-lying numbers, there wasn’t a major contrast between Kiara Locklear’s first season at FLT UTD and her second as she followed up a 2024/25 campaign in which she recorded seven goals and four assists with six goals and four assists a season ago. The difference for Locklear came in the number of minutes it took to produce those numbers – in the 2024/25 campaign for the side, she averaged 0.42 goals and 4.8 box touches per 90 minutes, but saw those numbers diminish to 0.22 goals and 3.6 box touches per 90 minutes as she logged almost 1,000 more minutes in the 2025/26 season. Locklear could be the key piece for FTL UTD’s attack this season and will be aiming to get into dangerous positions more consistently this fall. 

Key Arrival – Kelsey Oyler, defender: Fort Lauderdale United needed some upgrades on its back line after conceding a league-high 62 goals in the past campaign. In former Spokane full back Kelsey Oyler, they’ve added a solid two-way piece that could help the side at both ends of the field. The 23-year-old recorded 37 tackles at a 72.5% success rate while logging 51 clearances and 39 interceptions, but also helped Zephyr as an attacking piece on the left side. Oyler logged only one assist and 12 chances created, but she also notched 113 progressive passes in the campaign to earn a +2.71 Goals Added rating. Finding chemistry will be important in the short format, but Oyler can have a positive impact for her new squad. 

Young Player to Watch – Jules Cagle, defender: After making her debut as a USL Academy signing late in the 2025/26 season, Jules Cagle entered the professional ranks with FTL UTD this summer, becoming the third player to turn pro from the club’s academy in its short history. The 17-year-old will be the youngest player on the squad as the season begins, but her tenacity defensively showed in 105 minutes, and the hope will be Cagle can find her place for regular minutes over the upcoming campaign.  

Key Number – 38: Fort Lauderdale not only conceded a league-high 62 goals in the 2025/26 campaign, it allowed 38 goals in the second halves of games. That was more than five clubs conceded overall across the regular season and playoffs in the campaign and is the foundation point for where the side must improve this season. 

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Haley Craig; D – Kelsey Oyler, Ella Simpson, Maggie Mace, Haley Thompson; DM – Taylor Smith, Nicole Vernis; AM – Emily Thompson, Kelly Van Treek, Sh’Nia Gordon; F – Kiara Locklear 
 

Head Coach: Kosuke Kimura 
Venue: Lexington SC Stadium 
2025/26 Record: 14-3-11, 53pts, 1st place 
2025/26 Scoring: 50 goals for, 24 goals against | 49.73xG, 32.6xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: Gainbridge Super League Champion 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

Coming off the high of claiming both the Players’ Shield and the Gainbridge Super League title after extra time against Carolina Ascent FC, Lexington SC retained many of the key figures that earned the club’s first silverware as Head Coach Kosuke Kimura enters his first full campaign at the helm. About fifteen players are set to return for the title defense, including 10 of the 11 starters in the Super League Final in June.  

Leading that group is Golden Boot winner Catherine Barry, who returns looking to add to her 16-goal campaign. The standout striker is joined by Addie McCain and McKenzie Weinert, both of who provided strong secondary scoring for the club, while the spine of the lineup remains solid with All-League First Team selections Taylor Aylmer and Allison Pantuso both back alongside center back Regan Steigleder.  

Lexington will have a new figure in net for the 2026 campaign after the end of Kat Asman’s loan at the end of the past campaign, with former Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year Ryan Campbell joining the club on loan from Gotham FC of the NWSL. The side has also added midfielder Ally Perry from Juventus as she returns to the United States. With his core intact, however, Kimura will be hoping the consistency the side developed in the past campaign carries forward to more success.  

Key Returnee – Catherine Barry, forward: With 17 goals across the regular season and playoffs, Catherine Barry set a single-season record in the Gainbridge Super League’s short history while proving one of the most clinical finishers in the league. Barry consistently put herself in position to take advantage of her side’s playmaking ability, racking up a 15.0xG mark and averaging 0.18xG per shot on her 83 efforts. With a strong group behind her, the 24-year-old will be aiming for more of the same this fall. 

Key Arrival – Ally Perry, midfielder: After completing her senior season at Mississippi State last fall, Perry headed overseas to begin her professional career at Juventus in Serie A Women, and while she made only three appearances for the Bianconere across all competitions, her production for the Bulldogs offers signs she can find a place in LSC’s lineup. Perry averaged 3.7 shots and 1.4 chances created in her senior season, averaging a combined 0.43xG+A per 90 minutes, and she could add another strong option to Kimura’s lineup. 

Young Player to Watch – Gracie Falla, defender: Falla signed with Lexington early this year before returning to the University of South Carolina to complete her final year of college, but if the 22-year-old’s numbers for the Gamecocks are any indication, she’ll be worth the wait for LSC fans. Falla was one of the top-rated center backs in the country last fall, earning All-America Second Team honors and her second SEC Defender of the Year award and posting a 68.2% duel success rate and 82.4% passing accuracy rate. Reuniting with former college teammate Catherine Barry, Falla could have an immediate impact in the professional ranks. 

Key Number – 32.6: Lexington ranked first in the league with 32.6 Expected Goals Against Mark during the 2025/26 regular season while allowing only 24 goals as Kat Asman shone with a -4.63 Goals Prevented mark. Those will be big gloves to fill as LSC looks to retain its defensive foundation. 

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Ryan Campbell; D – Ally Brown, Regan Steigleder, Allison Pantuso, Alyssa Bourgeois; DM – Addie McCain, Taylor Aylmer; AM – McKenzie Weinert, Mac Midgley, Ally Perry; F – Catherine Barry 
 

Head Coach: Stacey Balaam 
Venue: Hodges Stadium 
2025/26 Record: 16-7-5, 53pts, 2nd place 
2025/26 Scoring: 54 goals for, 32 goals against | 50.27xG, 36.21xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: Semifinals 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

Sporting Club Jacksonville hit almost all the right notes in its inaugural season, drawing strong crowds to Hodges Stadium with a standout attack that almost carried the club to silverware in its inaugural season, only for the Players’ Shield to be lost on the final day of the regular season before falling in the playoff Semifinals. It was a tough ending to a great campaign, but Sporting looks set to be right there again with a large contingent set to return. 

All six of Jacksonville’s All-League selections are back in the fold with the attacking trio of Baylee DeSmit (12G), Paige Kenton (10G, 7A) and Super League Player of the Year Ashlyn Puerta (12G, 7A) ready to go again for the highest-scoring attack in the 2025/26 season. Goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks is also back between the sticks after recording -1.32 Goals Prevented mark and 10 shutouts a season ago, while center back Georgia Brown and holding midfielder Sophie Jones add to a strong spine for the lineup. 

Among the new faces for Sporting are standout defender Ginger Fontenot, who was one of the better two-way full backs in the league a season ago as she averaged 0.15 Expected Assists per 90 minutes and logged 99 progressive passes and carries. She’s joined by holding midfielder Melina Descary, who is coming off a strong senior campaign for the University of South Alabama, while AJ Hennessey adds to the attacking corps after featuring for TCU collegiately.  

Key Returnee – Ashlyn Puerta, midfielder: The United States national team prospect took the league by storm in her first professional campaign, logging 12 goals and seven assists to rank second in the league in goal contributions. That earned Puerta the double of the Super League’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, and now the 19-year-old will be aiming to get another strong campaign under her belt with the goal of bringing Jacksonville its first silverware after narrowly missing out a season ago. 

Key Arrival – Ginger Fontenot, defender: Having competed briefly for Brooklyn FC late in the Super League’s inaugural season, Fontenot blossomed in her first full campaign in Spokane, carrying a solid two-way threat on the left side of defense. The 23-year-old averaged 2.4 completed dribbles and 3.9 box touches per 90 minutes and accumulated a +1.43 Goals Added mark, ranking fourth among full backs in American Soccer Analysis’ database. While there will likely be more defensive responsibility in Jacksonville, it’s very easy to see Fontenot fitting into the right wingback slot in Jacksonville’s 3-5-2 formation.  

Young Player to Watch – Maggie Illig, defender: Joining Jacksonville as a mid-season signing from Michigan State University, Illig logged 811 minutes and became a regular starter by the end of the campaign. The 22-year-old made a solid start to her professional career, averaging 5.1 possessions won and 1.8 aerial duels won per 90 minutes to rank in the upper half of Opta’s database, with her 77.8% tackle success rate and 75% aerial duel success rate highlighting her strengths. Illig will look to build on that foundation as Jacksonville looks to contend once again. 

Key Number – 31: Sporting Club Jacksonville led the Gainbridge Super League with 31 first-half goals in the 2025/26 regular season, using those early advantages to apply pressure on opponents. Despite taking the lead consistently throughout the campaign. Jacksonville only dropped four points from winning positions on four occasions in the campaign as it almost claimed the league title. 

Projected Starting XI (3-5-2): GK – Kaitlyn Parks; D – Grace Philpotts, Georgia Brown, Maggie Illig; M – Meg Hughes, Ashlyn Puerta, Sophie Jones, Sophia Boman, Ginger Fontentot; F – Paige Kenton, Baylee DeSmit  
 

Head Coach: Denise Schilte-Brown 
Venue: Suncoast Credit Union Field  
2025/26 Record: 5-14-9, 24pts, 8th place 
2025/26 Scoring: 27 goals for, 46 goals against | 31.89xG, 45.15xGA 
2025/26 Postseason: N/A 

What’s Happened This Offseason? 

Tampa Bay Sun FC’s defense of its Gainbridge Super League title didn’t go at all to plan, and while there are 10 players set to return for the new season, there are also some major new additions that figure to get the side back into the playoff picture this fall. Notable among that group is Dasia Torbert, who is coming off a season where she provided a dynamic wide presence for DC Power FC, with midfielder Sam Kroeger and defender Leah Scarpelli also coming aboard from Brooklyn FC and penciled in as new starters. 

Torbert’s addition should help take some of the pressure off two-time All-League selection Sydny Nasello, who continued to shine for the Sun a season ago while leading the side with six goals. Other key figures returning from the title-winning side are captain Jordyn Listro and defender Vivianne Bessette, both of whom logged more than 2,200 minutes a season ago, with assists leader Sabrina McNeil also back in the fold. 

In addition to Torbert, the Sun will also be looking for a boost in the front line with the arrival Kennedy White after a campaign in which she recorded eight goals in 20 appearances for the Melbourne Victory in A-League Women, and former Spokane Zephyr playmaker Tori Zierenberg, who had four goals and three assists in the past campaign. With a new-look lineup, Tampa Bay will be hoping it can find more attacking punch to get back into playoff contention. 

Key Returnee – Sydny Nasello, forward: The local product from Land O’ Lakes and the University of South Florida remained a bright spot for the Sun a season ago, but Nasello will want to be more productive in the final third this season. The 26-year-old recorded 6.1 completed dribbles and 57 touches per 90 minutes in the past campaign, but only 1.0 Chances Created and 0.22 Goals per 90. Nasello can be one of the most dynamic players in the attacking third in the Super League but less could be more this campaign as she tries to help Tampa Bay’s attack get back on track.  

Key Arrival – Dasia Torbert, forward: Torbert was among the key figures as DC Power FC took a step toward playoff contention a season ago, and the 24-year-old will look to bring that same attacking spark to Tampa Bay this season. Torbert adds similar characteristics to Nasello as a strong high presser in the front line, where she averaged 5.0 defensive actions and 5.0 possessions won per 90 minutes, but now will be looking to amp her production in the final third after logging four goals, two assists and 17 key passes in 1,234 minutes a season ago.  

Young Player to Watch – Erika Zschuppe, midfielder: Making the move north from Florida Gulf Coast University, Erika Zschuppe is one of the newcomers to the professional ranks that will look to make an impact for the Sun this season. Turning 23 in early September, Zschuppe was the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year as a senior this past fall after recording a program single-season record 21 goals in 17 appearances for FGCU. In February, she made her debut for Croatia at the international level and will carry that experience into her first professional campaign. 

Key Number – 27: The Sun recorded only 27 goals in 28 regular season games a season ago, the fewest in the Super League, posting an 11.39% shot conversion rate. Finding a better quality of opportunity and capitalizing is going to be crucial for Tampa Bay to deliver a bounce-back campaign. 

Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK – Liz Beardsley; D – Leah Scarpelli, Kelsey Hill, Vivianne Bessette, Parker Goins; DM – Sam Kroeger, Jordyn Listro; AM – Dasia Torbert, Tori Zierenberg, Sydny Nasello; F – Kennedy White