Which players will make the biggest impact on their new clubs?
Some of the biggest names from in the league’s inaugural season will don a new crest when they take the pitch starting next week as the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season kicks off.
All nine clubs signed at least one of the 20 intra-league transfers over the summer. Here are five we’re most intrigued by and looking forward to seeing with their new teams:
Emina Ekić: Spokane Zephyr FC to Lexington SC
The 2024/25 Player of the Year has returned to her home state after an incredible first season with Spokane Zephyr. The midfielder recorded 10 goals and six assists in 24 appearances, and also recorded a 72 percent passing accuracy rate, 144 duels won and 32 tackles won. Her 42 chances created ranked third in the league, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina international also added 111 recoveries, 17 interceptions and 35 total shots.
Lexington finished at the bottom of the table last season, and the team struggled offensively during the spring slate, scoring just nine goals while being shut out eight times. Bringing in a skilled scorer-playmaker like Ekić, who can also set up plays and win possession back in the midfield, was a perfect move for the team.
Other notable transfers to LEX: Addie McCain (FTL), Allison Pantuso (BKN)
Sydney Martinez: Brooklyn FC to Carolina Ascent FC
Puerto Rican international Sydney Martinez is moving down the coast from Brooklyn to Charlotte to join last season’s Players’ Shield winners. The goalkeeper recorded four clean sheets and 33 saves in 11 appearances with Brooklyn FC at an 80.5% save percentage, splitting minutes in the starting lineup with Neeku Purcell, now at Seattle Reign FC.
A goalkeeper position opened up on the Ascent’s roster after All-League Second Team honoree Samantha Leshnak Murphy departed from the team at the end of the season. Martinez will now battle it out for a starting spot against Golden Glove winner Meagan McClelland, as they will lead what was last year’s most dominant defensive unit in the league.
Other notable transfers to CAR: Mackenzie George (BKN), Luana Grabias (BKN)
Paige Almendariz: Tampa Bay Sun FC to DC Power FC
A champion will make her debut with DC Power on opening night, as Paige Almendariz transferred to the nation’s capital this summer from Tampa Bay Sun FC. The defender started 18 of her 26 appearances with the Sun, recording 39 clearances, 17 interceptions and 81 duels won. She also added 22 key passes, 39 crosses and an assist in her last campaign.
Almendariz excelled at left back during the 2024/25 season – a spot that DC was looking to fill this summer – working hard defensively while also getting into the attack by playing balls over the top to Tampa Bay’s strikers. Her skills and work rate will undoubtably boost DC’s backline as the team looks to finish higher up the table this season.
Other notable transfers to DC: Sydney Cummings (SPK), Jaydah Bedoya (CAR)
Sabrina McNeill: Fort Lauderdale United FC to Tampa Bay Sun FC
As one of the few Florida-to-Florida team transfers, defender Sabrina McNeill made the move from Fort Lauderdale United FC to Tampa Bay Sun this summer. McNeill became a key piece of FTL UTD’s starting lineup last season after joining the squad in mid-October. She finished the campaign with 111 duels won and 44 tackles won – ranking in the top three at the club in both categories – while also recording 61 clearances, 17 interceptions, one goal and one assist in 17 appearances.
Similar to Almendariz, McNeill is an outside back that can contribute on both ends of the field. Her pace and timely tackles shut down opposing wingers from cutting inside or sending in crosses, but she is also not afraid to take space and move the ball up field to get into the attack. She will likely play a large role in the Sun’s attempt to get defend its title this season.
Other notable transfers to TB: Mackenzie Pluck (BKN)
Kathrynn González: Carolina Ascent FC to Fort Lauderdale United FC
Former Carolina Ascent midfielder Kathrynn González is headed to South Florida to join Fort Lauderdale for the upcoming season. González mainly came off the bench for the Ascent, starting seven of 23 appearances and recording 843 minutes last year, but she still made a huge impact. She tallied 11 shots, 32 duels won, 10 tackles won, five interceptions, one goal and one assist in her campaign.
FTL UTD will see a major shift in its midfield with the departures of Addie McCain, Felicia Knox, Anele Komani and Tati Fung. González is a strong addition, as she is quick with the ball at her feet and is willing to shoot from range, a strength that the team saw success with last season.
View the full list of new signings and transfers from the offseason here.