The Gainbridge Super League’s sophomore season has delivered in its first two months: competitive parity, breakout performances and stoppage-time chaos to shake up results.
But still, there are a few storylines that have unfolded exactly as we predicted. So, while we hit pause for this week’s international break, here’s a look at what’s surprised us and what hasn’t thus far.
Surprising: Sporting JAX’s strong start spearheaded by 18-year-old Ashlyn Puerta
There was some apprehension for how the lone expansion club would perform in its inaugural season, especially with such a young roster full of players right out of college. (Sporting JAX boasts the second-youngest squad in the league behind only Fort Lauderdale United.) Both of its planned preseason matches were cancelled, so there was nothing for us to get a good feel for how this new squad would perform come opening night.
Since then, however, Jacksonville has emerged as one of the better teams in the league. It is currently riding a five-match unbeaten streak to place fourth in the standings. Most of its attacking success has been at the hands of Golden Boot leader and USYNT star Ashlyn Puerta. The attacking midfielder leads the league in shots (18) and shots on target (10) and is well on pace to surpass Allie Thornton’s record of 13 goals last season.
Unsurprising: Spokane’s defensive dominance led by GOTY Hope Hisey
Spokane Zephyr picked up a lot of momentum during the spring slate of last season, and it has carried over into the current campaign. Despite defenders Sydney Cummings (DC) and Alyssa Bourgeois (LEX) transferring to other clubs, Reese Tappan and Kelsey Oyler have seamlessly filled in those spots alongside Sarah McCoy and Haley Thomas to rebuild its solid backline. Spokane leads the league in clearances, recoveries, possession won in the defensive third and is the only team to not have recorded an error that led to a goal.
What’s more, you can’t talk about Spokane without mentioning Hope Hisey. Simply put, the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year looks even better than she did last season. Hisey recorded nine clean sheets and 70 saves in 24/25; she’s already at five and 38 through 10 matches this year. So long as Hisey is between the posts, it will continue to be a challenge for opposing teams to get on the board.
Surprising: Tampa Bay is at the bottom of the table
It’s always tough for a championship team to go back-to-back, but few could have predicted the slow start Tampa Bay Sun FC has had this season. The team sits last in the table with an 0-3-5 record and –4 goal differential, the only squad without a win.
Cecilie Fløe is no longer with the Sun after leading the team in goal contributions last season, and Tampa Bay hasn’t quite been able to fill in the gap she left in attack. Besides that, most of the core group returned, but injuries have hindered the side so far this season, resulting in a new starting lineup in nearly every match.
Unsurprising: Lexington is at the top of the table
It would have been surprising back in April – when Lexington was the first team eliminated from playoff contention after earning just four wins all season – to see it at the top of the standings in October. But when you consider the roster that Lexington put together this offseason, it probably would be disappointing if it wasn’t where it is now.
Just the trio of reigning Player of the Year Emina Ekić, All-League First Team selection Addie McCain and iron woman Allison Pantuso improved Lexington’s frontline, midfield and backline. That’s reflected in the club ranking first in the league in Expected Goals (16.81xG) and second in Expected Goals Against (7.92xGA), giving the side an Expected Goal Differential of +8.89xGD that’s streets ahead of its closest competition.
Throw in additions like Cat Barry and Sarah Griffith, it’s no surprise at all that the Girls in Green have started the season undefeated and are rolling toward a top-of-the-table finish come May.