The Gainbridge Super League’s Spring Schedule is only just underway, but we’ve reached a crucial point of the season for the teams sitting below the playoff line, where points are now at a premium if they’re to make a move into the top four and secure a postseason berth.
While nothing’s close to being decided, entering Week 19 the trio of DC Power FC, Brooklyn FC and Fort Lauderdale United FC – all stacked together on 18 points – are within touching distance of the top four but with the playoff race intensifying, the pressure is beginning to mount.
For each side, there are areas for improvement to move their results in the right direction. Here’s a look at what needs to happen to begin their push for the playoffs.
DC Power FC – Proactive Defending
If there’s anything DC Power should take away from its victory against Sporting Club Jacksonville on Saturday night, it’s the power of being on the front foot defensively.
As the Power became more aggressive in their defensive posture against the league-leader, the more of a threat they became in the attacking third, which was ultimately paid off in Alyssa Walker’s game-winner. The same applied in the side’s last game of the fall schedule, where it also won possession eight times in the final third. If not for a seven-save performance by Carolina Ascent’s Meagan McClelland, DC would have come away with more than the point it earned from the scoreless draw.
Those two contests are the high points this season for DC when it comes to attacking third takeaways, but the side overall ranks last in the league in that category, winning possession only 64 times in 15 games. By contrast, they rank third in the league with 333 instances of winning possession in their defensive third – the only teams ahead of them are Spokane Zephyr (343) and Jacksonville (335), who have played three and two games more than DC entering the weekend respectively.
There’s always a balance to be struck when it comes to a defensive set-up, but it certainly feels like the Power put themselves in better positions to succeed when they’re being more aggressive.
Fort Lauderdale United FC – Close Down Zone 14
There’s been a simple explanation to why Fort Lauderdale United ranks last in the league in both goals conceded (30) and Expected Goals Against (26.59xGA), especially during its current run of conceding 3+ goals in three consecutive games, a first in club history – the side has become easy to play through centrally, and opponents are feasting.
Take Dallas Trinity’s opening goal this past Saturday as an example. From the moment Heather Stainbrook picks up possession at the halfway line, Fort Lauderdale’s defense sags off, giving Dallas’ Camryn Lancaster space to attack at the top of the penalty area – with Lexi Missimo’s smart run engaging Julia Grosso long enough that her challenge arrives late. By then, Stainbrook’s entered the penalty area in space, and a swift turning shot later United is behind.
That area at the top of the penalty area is known as Zone 14 on a tactical board, and it’s a key area defensively. Whether against Dallas – or previously against Lexington (3-1 loss) and Spokane (3-1 loss), Fort Lauderdale has allowed numerous chances to arrive from that area. For interim Head Coach Paul Jennison – appointed on Wednesday following the departure of Ali Rogers after this past weekend’s setback – it’s the key to finding a reset before the postseason places get too far out of reach.
Brooklyn FC – Create Attacking Connections
Brooklyn has been one of the best teams in the league this season when it comes to set pieces. The side ranks third in the league with eight set piece goals, four of which have come from corner kicks, and combined with the side’s resilience it’s helped keep BKFC afloat in the playoff race.
If Brooklyn is going to challenge for a top-four position at the end of the season, though, it’s going to have to find more production and connection in the run of play. The club ranks tied for seventh in the league with only 11 goals from open play this season, with only eight of those having been recorded off assists. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that only one BKFC player currently has double-digit chances created from open play this season – Catherine Zimmerman with 10.
Overall, the side is averaging only 5.13 chances created from open play per game this season – for comparison, fourth-place Carolina Ascent FC sits at 8.63 per game – and that’s a key reason why the side has struggled to find the net consistently. Create more connections in the attacking third – especially in the first half, where the side has scored just once this year – and BKFC can give itself a fighting chance to move up the standings.
See all three teams in action, fighting for three points this Saturday on Peacock.