The league’s sophomore season kicks off on August 23
The upcoming season of the Gainbridge Super League kicks off in less than a month, and there’s a few dates we’re already circling on the calendar. Here are six matches from the fall slate that you won’t want to miss:
August 23 – Sporting JAX’s league debut
Hodges Stadium UNF
Eight of the nine clubs will take the field on the opening day of the season, including expansion side Sporting JAX. The North Florida team will host DC Power FC at Hodges Stadium at 7:00 p.m. ET in its first-ever match, debuting its brand-new roster and Stacey Balaam in her first professional match as head coach.
August 30 – Tampa Bay Sun’s home opener
The reigning champions will be back at Riverfront Stadium the following weekend, returning to the spot where the team lifted the league’s inaugural trophy in June. Tampa Bay had the best home record (9-2-4) in the league last season and hasn’t lost on its home turf since March.
September 20 – Emina Ekić faces Spokane
The 2025 Player of the Year will compete against her former team for the first time since the midfielder transferred to Lexington SC this summer. Half of Ekić’s 10 goals last season came against Lexington, so it will be interesting to see how she will perform now on the other side of the matchup. It will also be a big match for former Spokane players Alyssa Bourgeois, McKenzie Weinert and Taylor Aylmer, who all signed with Lexington for the upcoming season.
October 4 – 2025 Final rematch
Tampa Bay Sun will face Fort Lauderdale United FC for the first time in October since the sides battled for 120 minutes in last season’s Final. The Florida Derby became iconic after the first three meetings ended in draws; however, the Sun has been victorious in the last two matches. Will Fort Lauderdale be able to finally overcome its Florida foe?
October 18 – Brooklyn redemption
If there is one team Brooklyn should anticipate playing the most, it would be Carolina. The Ascent is the only club Brooklyn was unable to beat last year, and Carolina essentially ended Brooklyn’s season and chances at a playoff berth after holding the team scoreless in its final match. This October meeting will also be the return to Brooklyn for Sydney Martinez, Luana Grabias and McKenzie George, who all transferred to Carolina this summer.
December 13 – Top scorers meet again
Dallas Trinity FC will host the Ascent in a rematch of both teams’ regular season finale from last year, featuring the top two scorers in the league. Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton took the crown with her thirteenth goal in that match, beating Ascent striker Mia Corbin with 12 goals to her account. Both stars have returned to their teams for the upcoming campaign and will likely be battling for the title once again.