Sporting JAX vs. DC Power FC
Venue: Hodges Stadium; Jacksonville, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 8:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Thunderstorms, 75°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Sporting JAX will make its league debut on Saturday.
- Omid Namazi will make his coaching debut with DC Power.
Players to Watch
JAX – Sophie Jones: Headlining Sporting JAX’s inaugural season is captain and former Duke Blue Devil Sophie Jones. The midfielder has shined at the youth, college, professional and international levels and will bring an experienced and composed presence to the pitch.
DC – Gianna Gourley: Gourley was the spark behind DC’s impressive spring slate last season, leading the team with seven goals. The striker has speed and agility, and her scoring versatility will be the biggest challenge for Jacksonville’s defense.
| Sporting JAX | DC Power FC | |
| Head Coach | Stacey Balaam | Omid Namazi |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |
Brooklyn FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
Venue: Maimonides Park; Brooklyn, NY
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 7:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 69°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Brooklyn has never lost to Tampa Bay, holding a 2-0-2 record against the reigning champs.
- Brooklyn finished in 6th place last season (10-9-9, 39 pts). Tampa Bay finished second in the league (12-6-10, 46 pts) and went on to win the 2024/25 title.
- Brooklyn has yet to win a match at Maimonides Park, dating back to its home opener at Coney Island on March 15, 2025.
- Saturday’s match will be the first time Mackenzie Pluck will play against her former club since leaving Brooklyn to join Tampa Bay this season.
- Tampa Bay has not been shut out in its last 18 regular season and playoff matches. The team has scored at least one goal, averaging 1.72 goals per game, since December 14, 2024.
Players to Watch
BKN – Catherine Zimmerman: Zimmerman is returning to the US after an impressive career in both the NWSL and Australian A-League. The forward is a known goal-scorer who will bring some much-needed firepower to Brooklyn’s offense.
TB – Sydny Nasello: Last season’s Final MVP with back with Tampa Bay as it looks to kick off another title run. Nasello was one of the most dynamic midfielders in the league who is excellent with the ball at her feet and able to get past defenders before setting up her teammates inside the box.
| Brooklyn FC | Tampa Bay Sun FC | |
| Head Coach | Tomás Tengarrinha | Denise Schilte-Brown |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Lexington SC
Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Thunderstorms, 78°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Fort Lauderdale has a 3-1-0 record against Lexington.
- Fort Lauderdale finished in 4th place last season (11-8-9, 42 pts), and Lexington finished 8th (4-18-6, 18 pts).
- The last time Fort Lauderdale hosted Lexington, the team won 2-0 behind goals from Jasmine Hamid and Addie McCain.
- Saturday’s match will be the first time former FTL players Addie McCain and Tati Fung will play against their old club since joining Lexington this season.
- Lexington is on a 10-match winless streak dating back to last season. The team last earned a win on March 9, 2025 against DC Power.
Players to Watch
FTL – Kiara Locklear: Fort Lauderdale’s No. 9 is back with the squad to lead the offense in its second season. Locklear ranked first on the team in assists (4) and third in goals (7) last year, proving how crucial she is in the team’s attack whether it’s making runs inside the box or sending in crosses to her teammates like Jasmine Hamid and Sh’Nia Gordon.
LEX – Addie McCain: All eyes will be on Addie McCain as she makes her return to south Florida. The midfielder dominated in nearly every statistic last season, earning a spot on the All-League First Team. Her ability to win the ball, set up her teammates and finish from inside the box makes her one of the best offseason pickups for Lexington.
| Fort Lauderdale United FC | Lexington SC | |
| Head Coach | Tyrone Mears | Masaki Hemmi |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |
Dallas Trinity FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC
Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 8:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 75°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Spokane has a 2-1-1 record against Dallas.
- Dallas finished in 3rd place last season (12-9-7, 43 pts), and Spokane finished in 5th place (11-8-9, 42 pts).
- The last time Spokane played at Dallas, the visitors won 1-0 behind a goal from Katie Murray.
- Spokane goalkeeper Hope Hisey, last season’s Goalkeeper of the Year, is one clean sheet away from becoming the first player in league history to reach 10 shutouts.
- Dallas striker Allie Thornton, last season’s Golden Boot winner, is two goals away from becoming the first player in league history to reach 15 goals scored.
- Spokane is on a five-match unbeaten streak (3-0-2) dating back to last season, averaging 2 goals per game.
Players to Watch
DAL – Rylee Foster: Filling in the goalkeeper position following the departure of Madison White is Rylee Foster, former West Virginia Mountaineer and Canadian international. Foster is bringing years of experience from England and Australia to help Dallas return to the playoffs this year.
SPK – Hope Hisey: In the goal on the other end of the pitch is 2024/25 Goalkeeper of the Year, Hope Hisey. Hisey leads the league in saves and clean sheets, and she will have the task of shutting down Dallas’ offensive threats, most notably Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton.
| Dallas Trinity FC | Spokane Zephyr FC | |
| Head Coach | Chris Petrucelli | Josh McAllister (interim) |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |