2025/26 Playoffs

Players’ Shield winner rallied for extra time victory against Carolina Ascent FC as attacking persistence paid off 

Lexington SC became the first team to win both the Gainbridge Super League Players’ Shield and league title in the same season on Saturday night as it took a thrilling 3-1 victory against Carolina Ascent FC after extra time before a sellout crowd of 7,715 fans at Lexington SC Stadium.  

The hosts got goals in extra time from Final MVP Regan Steigleder and Addie McCain after McKenzie Weinert’s goal had cancelled out Mia Corbin’s opener for Carolina late in the first half to send the game to an additional 30 minutes.  

Here are three things we took away from the contest. 

1. Lexington’s Attacking Persistence Finally Broke Ascent Down 

After a balanced opening, Lexington’s attack began to assert itself in the middle third of the half as it began to take control of the center of the field and started building its way into good positions in the final third. The spell of pressure saw the hosts record six consecutive shots, including their best of the half as McKenzie Weinert set up Catherine Barry for an opportunity that was denied, as 37.3 percent of the game was played in Carolina’s end between the 16^th and 30^th minute. 

That pressure didn’t pay off then, but it set the groundwork for LSC’s fightback in the second half after Mia Corbin’s excellent finish had put Carolina into a late first-half lead. The exertions of Weinert in both halves helped keep Ascent on the back foot as she recorded a game-high 14 touches in the penalty area and seven shots, with her close-range finish off a deflected cross by Barry capping an excellent five-minute spell of pressure. As well as Carolina did in limiting Lexington’s opportunities in the opening hour, the pressure the visitors faced eventually became irresistible, allowing the hosts to extend the game. 

2. The League’s Best Set Piece Side Delivered in Extra Time 

One of the keys to Saturday’s Final was always going to be the set piece battle, with Lexington having recorded a league-high 17 goals from dead ball situations entering the game and Carolina having conceded only four times from dead ball situations defensively. Carolina goalkeeper Sydney Martinez and her back line were excellent for much of the contest when it came to limiting Lexington’s chances with Martinez’s coming off her line well to claim multiple crosses, but the beauty of set pieces is it only takes one of them to work to make an impact, and six minutes into extra time the hosts cashed in. 

The fact that the goal marked Regan Steigleder’s first goal since joining Lexington during the winter break made the center back a surprise hero in some ways, but the manner in which the goal that eventually decided the contest certainly was not. Alyssa Bourgeois’ delivery from a corner kick on the right was dead on the money, allowing Steigleder to angle her header just inside the left post beyond the despairing dive of Martinez in the Carolina net. It served as Lexington’s ninth set piece assist of the season and 18^th goal from dead ball situations and ultimately proved decisive. 

3. Carolina’s Attacking Flurries Couldn’t Quite Deliver Telling Blow 

For each good spell of pressure Lexington SC produced, Carolina Ascent’s ability to regain its footing and fight back with chances of its own was a testament to the run the side had been on since the middle of February, which had included games in which Carolina may not have had the better of the game but still found ways to win. Ascent’s late goal in the first half by Mia Corbin came after a strong ending to the first half, while the visitors had chances late in regulation to grab victory after Lexington had leveled with 18 minutes to go. 

In both that spell of late pressure, though, and a second period of extra time that saw Carolina outshoot its hosts five shots to none, Ascent was unable to find the opening that could have changed the outcome. Ascent had three shots blocked in the final 10 minutes of regulation and two more in the second period of extra time while recording only three shots on target across the 120 minutes, compared to eight shots on target for the hosts. After a season in which Ascent ranked alongside Lexington SC and Sporting Club Jacksonville in terms of Expected Goals but was unable to capitalize as consistently as the other two Players’ Shield contenders, the visitors’ finishing ultimately proved their undoing on the biggest stage. 

Steigleder, McCain lead hosts to 3-1 comeback victory against Carolina Ascent FC before sellout crowd of 7,715 fans 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Regan Steigleder and Addie McCain scored in the first period of extra time to earn Lexington SC a 3-1 victory against Carolina Ascent FC in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final on Saturday night before a sellout crowd of 7,715 fans at Lexington SC Stadium to cap a worst-to-first season with the club’s first league title. 

After an even start to the game, Lexington began to carry more of the game and almost took the lead in the 17^th minute when McKenzie Weinert won possession on a ball over the top into the right side of the penalty area ahead of Carolina goalkeeper Sydney Martinez before cutting a pass back to Catherine Barry in space, but Martinez recovered to save Barry’s effort to the left corner, denying the Golden Boot winner.  

Ascent came further into the game late in the half, however, and as it ticked into stoppage time the visitors took the lead. A cross in from the left by Mackenzie George was battled for in the air by Shea Groom, and the ball deflected to Mia Corbin at the top of the box for a powerful left-footed strike into the right side of the net. 

Lexington threatened to level just past the hour-mark when it was awarded a free kick just outside the top-left edge of the penalty area, but Martinez parried a powerful shot by Sarah Griffith wide of the right post. Weinert then went close with 20 minutes to go as LSC turned over possession in the attacking third to set up a chance that was blocked away, but moments later Weinert found the equalizer, scoring from close range off Barry’s cross from the right to bring the hosts level. 

Carolina made a push to regain the lead late in regulation, including a pair of set piece opportunities that Lexington was able to withstand to send the game to extra time. The hosts then took their first lead of the night six minutes into the extra session as Steigleder rose to head home at the top of the six-yard area off a corner from the right, while eight minutes later McCain added an insurance goal for LSC, finishing at the second attempt after bring played in by Hannah White.  

Ascent once again pushed in the second period of extra time, but the visitors were unable to find a way back into the game as the Lexington back line held firm, ending the night with seven blocked shots to close out a historic victory. 

Takeaways 

Lexington SC – The hosts completed a remarkable turnaround campaign, going worst-to-first in the regular season before claiming the league title, with a resilient display that saw McKenzie Weinert capitalize and eventually break down Ascent’s defensive resistance. LSC’s league-leading 18^th goal from a set piece early in the first period of extra time by Regan Steigleder then set the hosts on their way to well-earned victory in front of a sellout crowd. 

Carolina Ascent FC – The visitors produced a sterling display for more than an hour, with Mia Corbin’s opening goal a top-quality finish to put Carolina ahead. As the second half progressed, however, the pressure Lexington was able to produced finally broke down Carolina’s back line and from there while Ascent had positive spells it was unable to find another decisive moment either late in regulation or as it tried to rally in the second period of extra time. 

Key Moment 

Regan Steigleder’s headed finish six minutes into extra time off a corner from the right was pin-point in its placement and sent Lexington into a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.  

Key Stat 

Lexington SC’s lone other comeback victory in the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season was also against Carolina Ascent FC on February 7, 2026 when LSC took a 2-1 victory. 

Gainbridge Super League Final Most Valuable Player 

Regan Steigleder, Lexington SC – The center back scored the game-winning goal early in extra time as part of a strong all-around display that saw her lead all players, completing 63 of 76 passes and record seven clearances, three blocked shots and two interceptions defensively for the champions. 

Scoring Summary 
CAR – Mia Corbin 45+1 
LEX – McKenzie Weinert 72’ 
LEX – Regan Steigleder 96’ 
LEX – Addie McCain 104’ 
 

24-year-old set single-season record with 86 saves and notched 10 shutouts while playing every minute of the campaign

TAMPA, Fla. – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that Spokane Zephyr FC’s Hope Hisey had been voted as the 2025/26 Goalkeeper of the Year after a record-setting campaign between the sticks in the Pacific Northwest.  

Hisey earned the award for a second consecutive season after setting a Super League single-season record with 86 saves as she played every minute of the campaign while also tying for second in the league with 10 shutouts.  

A native of Tucson, Ariz., Hisey joined Spokane for the Super League’s inaugural season and quickly vaulted to the top tier among the league’s shot-stoppers. In addition to her record-setting save total this past season, the 24-year-old ranked first among Golden Glove-eligible goalkeepers with a save percentage of 75.4% and a Goals Added mark of +4.25. She also posted a -4.06 Goals Prevented mark per Opta data. 

Hisey reached multiple landmarks over the past campaign, too, becoming the first goalkeeper to pass 150 saves in the Super League’s regular season while moving to a league record 19 shutouts in 49 regular season appearances.  

Cumulatively over the past two seasons, Hisey has posted a save percentage of 76.1% while logging a -10.46 Goals Prevented mark, a testament to the quality she has produced since making her professional debut in the Super League in 2024. 

Hisey earned the Goalkeeper of the Year award with 44 percent of the ballot, voted on by club management following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League regular season. Sporting Club Jacksonville’s Kaitlyn Parks finished second with 20 percent, while Carolina Ascent FC’s Sydney Martinez finished third with 15 percent, with seven goalkeepers receiving votes overall.

Lexington looks to complete a historic double against an Ascent side that’s been the hottest over the final three months of the season 

LEXINGTON, Ky. – No. 1 seed Lexington SC plays host to No. 3 seed Carolina Ascent FC in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final on Saturday night at Lexington SC Stadium with the hosts aiming to become the first in league history to claim the league title and Players’ Shield in the same season against an Ascent side that is on the best run of form in its history. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Peacock. Here’s what you need to know. 

How They Got Here 

Lexington SC (14-3-11, 53pts) – Lexington SC advanced to its first Gainbridge Super League Final with a 2-0 victory against Dallas Trinity FC last Saturday night as goals from Sarah Griffith and Cat Barry either side of halftime paved the way through. The result extended a six-game undefeated streak for LSC that lifted the side to the Players’ Shield on the final weekend of the regular season, with Head Coach Kosuke Kimura’s side having won five of the six outings while recording 12 goals and conceding only twice. Lexington’s defensive strength has been at the core of its massive turnaround this season with goalkeeper Kat Asman claiming the Golden Glove with a 0.86 goals-against average and the side conceding only 24 goals in 29 games overall. Playing in front of its home fans, LSC will take aim at one final victory to cap a worst-to-first turnaround that would stand the test of time. 

Carolina Ascent FC (15-7-6, 51pts) – A year after winning the Players’ Shield, Carolina Ascent FC advanced to its first Gainbridge Super League Final as an early goal by Mackenzie George and seven-save shutout by Sydney Martinez earned a 1-0 victory against Sporting Club Jacksonville last Sunday evening. The result continued what is now both the longest undefeated streak and longest winning streak in Ascent’s history, with the side entering the Final on a 12-game undefeated run and seven-game winning run, the latter of which has seen Carolina outscore its opponents 13-3. Ascent’s last defeat came on February 14, at which point Head Coach Philip Poole made the decision to make Martinez the club’s starter between the sticks. Since then, the Puerto Rico international has recorded 43 saves at a 91.5% save percentage while posting eight shutouts and a -7.47 Goals Prevented mark, providing a strong foundation for the side’s impressive back line. 

All-Time Series 

Carolina Ascent holds a 3-1-3 record in the all-time series against Lexington SC and took a 1-0 victory when the teams last met in the regular season on April 11 behind a goal from Emily Morris to even this season’s series at one win apiece with one draw. 

Opta Says 

17 – Lexington SC has scored 17 goals from set pieces across the regular season and playoffs, the most in the Gainbridge Super League, including a league-high four goals from throw-ins and eight from corner kicks. 

4 – Carolina Ascent FC has conceded four goals from set pieces across the regular season and playoffs, the fewest in the Gainbridge Super League, allowing only two goals from corner kicks and none from throw-ins. 

Players to Watch 

Lexington SC – Taylor Aylmer: The central midfielder was voted to the Gainbridge Super League All-League First Team on Tuesday after a standout two-way campaign that saw her rank third in the league with 1,184 completed passes at an 85.7% accuracy rate while recording four assists and 18 chances created. The 27-year-old also ranked third among outfield players with 161 recoveries and won 30 tackles at a 76.9% success rate to grade third among Central Midfielders with a +3.50 Goals Added mark per American Soccer Analysis.  

Carolina Ascent FC – Jill Aguilera: The Puerto Rico international earned her second consecutive Gainbridge Super League All-League First Team honor on Tuesday after ranking second in the league with 50 chances created and recording four goals and three assists as her quality set piece deliveries helped Ascent record 14 set piece goals. Aguilera also ranked third among defenders with 145 duels won at a 66.5% success rate and recorded 128 recoveries and 32 tackles won at a 71.1% success rate to grade fifth in the league among outfield players with +6.52 Goals Added mark per American Soccer Analysis.  

Uniforms 

Discipline Report 

Lexington SC – No suspensions 

Carolina Ascent FC – No suspensions 

Led expansion side to historic first campaign, setting multiple single-season records on way to second-place finish 

TAMPA, Fla. – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that Sporting Club Jacksonville’s Stacey Balaam had been voted the 2025/26 Coach of the Year after guiding the expansion side to a historic regular season that saw Jacksonville set numerous Super League single-season records. 

Appointed as the first Head Coach in Sporting JAX’s history in April, 2025 having previously served as an associate Head Coach at Vanderbilt University, Balaam quickly put her imprint on the first-year club. She led Jacksonville to its first win in club history in its second outing, defeating defending Super League titleholder Tampa Bay Sun FC, and then led the side on a run of one defeat in 11 games to conclude the fall schedule to Sporting JAX firmly in contention for the postseason at the winter break. 

“There are a lot of people behind this recognition,” said Balaam. “Firstly this is a reflection of what the player’s have done throughout the season. Their coachability, their receptiveness, their willingness to and to execute. Secondly My support staff have been incredible, they have put in hard hours to allow us just to worry about soccer.”

And lastly, Alan (Kirkup) and Mat (Cosgriff) share this award too because it’s not just a single effort. We’ve had a lot of laughs throughout the season which shows how much we enjoy each other and want to achieve things together. I am honored and extremely thankful”

Jacksonville went on to win seven of its first nine games after the winter break to move to the top of the Super League standings and set a single-season record for victories. Balaam’s squad ended the season with the most wins (16) and most goals (54) and best goal differential (+32) in a Super League regular season, as the attacking trio of Ashlyn Puerta, Baylee DeSmit and Paige Kenton – all of whom were in their first professional campaigns – recorded double-digit goals.  

Balaam’s side led the Super League with 145 shots on target, a 50.27 Expected Goals mark and 42 goals from open play while also setting single-season records for the most away wins (10) and away goals (27) in a regular season campaign. The side’s performance saw six Jacksonville players earn All-League honors as the club’s first campaign established it as a force to be reckoned with moving into Year 2. 

Balaam earned the Coach of the Year award with 78 percent of the ballot, voted on by club management following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League regular season. Five coaches received overall, with the remaining four finishing tied for second on six percent.

Standout center back featured for best defensive unit in league, ranking second in tackles won as part of well-rounded campaign

TAMPA, Fla. – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that Lexington SC’s Allison Pantuso had been voted as the 2025/26 Defender of the Year after a standout season leading the best defensive unit in the regular season campaign.  

“I am grateful to be selected for this award and to play with this team!” said Pantuso. “This award is a reflection of how hard our entire team works. Defense is a collective effort and every player on the field contributes to the success of our back line.”

An offseason arrival from Brooklyn FC, Pantuso earned the award after delivering a tremendous all-around campaign which led Lexington to its first silverware in club history as it claimed the Players’ Shield. Pantuso and her teammates are now set to compete in Saturday’s Gainbridge Super League Final against Carolina Ascent FC (7 p.m. ET | Peacock).  

The native of Thousand Oaks, Calif. was at the heart of Lexington’s defensive success. Pantuso started 27 of 28 regular season contests, playing 2,430 minutes, as LSC recorded 11 shutouts and conceded a league-fewest 24 goals in its 28-game regular season campaign.  

The 28-year-old led the league with 1,362 completed passes at an 84.5% accuracy rate, helping set the tempo for Lexington. She was also outstanding defensively, tying for first in the league with 51 tackles won and ranking sixth in the league with 154 duels won at a 65% success rate. Pantuso also ranked sixth in the league with 152 recoveries and notched 24 interceptions and 99 clearances.  

Pantuso earned the Defender of the Year award with 38 percent of the ballot, voted on by club management following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League regular season. Dallas Trinity FC’s Amber Wisner finished second with 33 percent, while Carolina Ascent FC’s Jill Aguilera finished third with 30 percent. 

Sporting Club Jacksonville leads clubs with six selections; seven players earn second consecutive All-League honor 

TAMPA, Fla. – The Gainbridge Super League today announced the 2025/26 All –League Teams, honoring players for their standout regular season performances, with seven players earning their second consecutive All-League honors after a groundbreaking campaign. 

Sporting Club Jacksonville led all clubs with six overall selections as the team’s remarkable inaugural season saw attacking standouts Ashlyn Puerta and Paige Kenton named to the All-League First Team. The duo was joined in being honored by All-League Second team selections goalkeeper Kaitlin Parks, defender Georgia Brown, midfielder Sophie Jones and forward Baylee DeSmit after the club set multiple single-season records, including wins (16) and goals (54). 

Players’ Shield winner Lexington SC earned four selections, including a league-high three First Team honorees as standout defender Ally Pantuso, midfielder Taylor Aylmer and 2025/26 Golden Boot winner Catherine Barry were all honored following their standout campaigns. They were joined on the All-League Second Team by Addie McCain, one of those earning her second consecutive selection. 

In addition to McCain, six more players earned second consecutive All-League honors, including First Team selections Hope Hisey of Spokane Zephyr FC, Carolina Ascent FC defensive duo Jill Aguilera and Sydney Studer, Dallas Trinity FC veteran Amber Wisner and Tampa Bay Sun FC standout Sydny Nasello. Carolina Ascent FC forward Mackenzie George was also honored for a second time, earning All-League Second Team honors. 

Seven players honored in the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League All-League Team could be in action on Saturday in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final as No. 1 seed Lexington SC hosts No. 3 seed Carolina Ascent FC at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock. 

The 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League Awards were voted on by club management following the conclusion of the regular season. 

2025/26 Gainbridge Super League All-League First Team 

GK – Hope Hisey, Spokane Zephyr FC (Second Selection): Hisey earned her second consecutive All-League First Team selection as she set a single-season record with 86 saves while posting a save percentage of 75.4% and 10 shutouts while playing every minute of the regular season. Hisey’s save percentage was the highest among Golden Glove-eligible goalkeepers, while she also posted a -3.83 Goals Prevented mark. 

D – Jill Aguilera, Carolina Ascent FC (Second Selection): The Puerto Rico international had another standout two-way campaign to earn All-League First Team honors for the second time, ranking second in the league with 50 chances created and recording four goals and three assists in attack while ranking third among defenders with 145 duels won at a 66.5% success rate. Aguilera also ranked in the league leaders among defenders in recoveries (128) and tackles won (32 at a 71.1% success rate), ranking fifth in the league overall with +6.52 Goals Added mark per American Soccer Analysis. 

D – Ally Pantuso, Lexington SC (First Selection): Pantuso proved one of the most well-rounded defenders in the Super League, leading the league with 1,363 completed passes at an 84.5% accuracy rate while ranking second in the league with 51 tackles won. The 28-year-old also ranked in the top 10 in the league with 154 duels won at a 65.3% success rate and third among defenders with 152 recoveries while notching two goals and two assists for the Players’ Shield winner.  

D – Sydney Studer, Carolina Ascent FC (Second Selection): Studer earned her second consecutive All-League First Team honors as one of the key figures in Ascent’s backline for much of the campaign, ranking fourth among defenders with 142 duels won at a 64.6% success rate while also winning 21 tackles at a 67.7% success rate. The 25-year-old also logged three goals and 25 shots and recorded 128 clearances and 94 recoveries in 21 regular season appearances.      

D – Amber Wisner, Dallas Trinity FC (Second Selection): The former United States international completed her outstanding career at the top of her game, playing every minute of the regular season for the second consecutive campaign. Wisner ranked fourth in the league with 1,123 completed passes at a 82% accuracy rate while also recording three goals and 33 shots offensively to lead all center backs with a +5.64 Goals Added mark per American Soccer Analysis as she also notched 136 clearances, 118 duels won at a 59.3% success rate and 29 tackles won at a 69.1% success rate. 

M – Taylor Aylmer, Lexington SC (First Selection): Aylmer proved one of the central pieces in Lexington’s elevation from a last-place finish in its inaugural season to the Players’ Shield this campaign, ranking third in the league with 1,184 completed passes at an 85.7% accuracy rate while recording four assists and 18 chances created. The 27-year-old also ranked third among outfield players with 161 recoveries and won 30 tackles at a 76.9% success rate to grade third among Central Midfielders with a +3.50 Goals Added mark.   

M – Emily Colton, DC Power FC (First Selection): The former All-America selection had a standout first campaign in the professional ranks, leading the Super League with 51 chances created and recording four assists while completing 781 passes at a 81.4% passing accuracy rate. Colton also ranked fifth among outfield players with 156 recoveries and won 131 duels at a 54.6% success rate, ranking first among Defensive Midfielders with a +4.04 Goals Added mark. 

M – Ashlyn Puerta, Sporting Club Jacksonville (First Selection): The United States youth international had an outstanding first professional campaign, recording 12 goals and seven assists to rank second in the league with 19 goal contributions. Puerta also ranked third in the league with 72 shots and fourth in the league with 42 completed dribbles while winning 29 tackles at a 69.1% success rate and 119 recoveries to lead all Central Midfielders with a +6.12 Goals Added mark. 

F – Catherine Barry, Lexington SC (First Selection): The 24-year-old had a historic season for the Players’ Shield winner, setting a single-season record with 16 goals and becoming the first player to record 20 goal contributions in a regular season in league history. Barry led the league with 35 shots on target, ranked second with 75 total shots and took top spot in the league among outfield players with a +9.66 Goals Added mark.  

F – Paige Kenton, Sporting Club Jacksonville (First Selection): The first-year pro had a spectacular season for expansion side Sporting JAX, recording 10 goals and seven assists to rank third in the league in goal contributions. Kenton tied for fourth in the league with 68 shots and notched 30 chances created to help power the league’s top-scoring attack and ranked second among outfield players with a +8.92 Goals Added mark.   

F – Sydny Nasello, Tampa Bay Sun FC (Second Selection): Earning her second All-League First Team selection, Nasello was a bright spot for the defending titleholders as she recorded six goals and three assist while leading the league with 72 completed dribbles – almost 30 more than her closest rival. The 26-year-old also recorded 180 progressive actions – 98 passes, 82 carries – while leading outfield players with 179 recoveries to rank third in the league with a +8.17 Goals Added mark.

2025/26 Gainbridge Super League All-League Second Team  

GK – Kaitlyn Parks, Sporting Club Jacksonville (First Selection): Parks starred for the expansion side, ranking third in the league with 58 saves in 23 appearances while posting a save percentage of 70.7% and 10 shutouts. Parks recorded a -1.32 Goals Prevented mark while completing the most passes (762 at a 74.2% accuracy rate) of any goalkeeper in the league as part of Jacksonville’s possession-based style. 

D – Georgia Brown, Sporting Club Jacksonville (First Selection): The Scotland international had a stellar first campaign in Jacksonville, ranking second in the league with 1,228 completed passes at a 87.3% accuracy rate and second with 168 clearances defensively. Brown also tied for third in the league with 27 blocked shots while making 33 interceptions and 112 recoveries, earning a +3.92 Goals Added mark. 

D – Sydney Cummings, DC Power FC (First Selection): The Guyana international made a major impact after her move to DC Power for the new season and was one of only three outfield players to log every minute of the regular season campaign. Cummings tied for fourth in the league with 150 clearances and tied for third with 27 blocked shots while also winning 141 duels at a 57.3% success rate and completing 1,114 passes at a 78.6% accuracy rate to earn a +4.50 Goals Added mark. 

D – Reese Tappan, Spokane Zephyr FC (First Selection): The Washington native had an outstanding first professional season, playing every minute of the regular season as Zephyr’s bid to reach the playoffs went down to the final day. Tappan led the league with 32 blocked shots while ranking third in the league with 157 clearances, eighth among outfield players with 147 recoveries, and logged 35 successful tackles at a 71.4% success rate to earn a +4.95 Goals Added mark. 

M – Sophie Jones, Sporting Club Jacksonville (First Selection): The California native proved one of the key pieces to Sporting JAX’s inaugural season success, holding down the center of the field impressively as she ranked second in the league with 47 interceptions and seventh in the league with 148 recoveries. Jones also ranked sixth in the league with 1,090 completed passes at an 87.1% accuracy rate and won 130 duels at a 59.1% success rate.  

M – Emma Jaskaniec, Spokane Zephyr FC (First Selection): The second-year pro had a breakout campaign as a two-way performer, recording four goals and one assist for Zephyr while featuring prominently in central midfield. Jaskaniec ranked third in the league with 50 tackles won at a 68.5% success rate and eighth in the league in duels won with 151 at a 51.7% success rate while also recording 125 recoveries, 20 interceptions and 60 clearances to rank fourth among Central Midfielders with a +3.49 Goals Added mark. 

M – Addie McCain, Lexington SC (Second Selection): One of Lexington’s high-profile additions last offseason, McCain delivered another sparkling campaign, recording nine goals and three assists to help LSC make its run to the Players’ Shield. McCain ranked fourth in the league with 44 chances created while also recording 64 progressive passes to record a +5.09 Goals Added mark. 

M – Kelli Van Treeck, Fort Lauderdale United FC (First Selection): The first-year pro provided a bright spot for Fort Lauderdale United as she ranked fourth in the league winning 48 tackles at a 65.8% success rate and fourth among outfield players with 175 duels won at a 51.6% success rate. Van Treek also recorded four goals and two assists and had 31 shots overall while making 119 recoveries and 21 interceptions.   

F – Rebecca Cooke, Brooklyn FC (First Selection): The Irish forward had a stellar first professional campaign at BKFC, leading the team with nine goals while also recording three assists in 2,063 minutes of action. Cooke ranked eighth in the league with 35 completed dribbles and tied for fourth in the league with 68 total shots while also notching 13 chances created to earn a +6.35 Goals Added mark, good for seventh overall in the league. 

F – Mackenzie George, Carolina Ascent FC (Second Selection): Making the move to Carolina Ascent, George continued to prove herself one of the league’s most versatile forwards as she recorded three goals and two assists in the regular season. The California native tied for sixth in the league with 38 completed dribbles and logged 44 shots and 25 chances created, but her work in and around the penalty area made Carolina one of the most dangerous sides in the attacking third as she recorded 81 progressive carries to rank fourth among outfield players with a +7.64 Goals Added mark.  

F – Baylee DeSmit, Sporting Club Jacksonville (First Selection): The first-year pro provided the third prong of Sporting JAX’s league-leading attack, tying for the team-high with 12 goals alongside Ashlyn Puerta while ranking second in the league with 30 shots on target and tied for seventh in the league with 58 shots overall. DeSmit posted a strike rate of a goal every 128.3 minutes, the best in the league among players with at least five goals, and recorded a +5.72 Goals Added mark despite playing only 1,540 minutes. 

George scores only goal, Martinez posts seven-save shutout as No. 3 seed Carolina advances to Final  

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mackenzie George scored an early goal while Sydney Martínez posted a seven-save shutout as No. 3 seed Carolina Ascent FC took a 1-0 victory against No. 2 seed Sporting Club Jacksonville in the Semifinals of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Playoffs on Sunday evening at Hodges Stadium. 

Carolina Ascent will face No. 1 seed Lexington SC in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final next Saturday night at Lexington SC Stadium. 

Ascent made a positive start and was rewarded with the opening goal in just the sixth minute as George combined with Riley Parker on the right before darting into the penalty area to put home Parker’s cross to the top of the six-yard area. The visitors almost doubled their lead when Jenna Butler’s header off a corner from the left hit the crossbar and was parried away to safety by Sporting JAX goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks, but Carolina held its lead until the halftime break. 

Jacksonville had some half-chances in the opening half but provided the first real test for Martínez soon after the break when Baylee DeSmit broke into the right channel and fired a shot low to the far corner that was turned away. DeSmit then sent a finish high from close range off a cross from the left by Grace Philpotts moments later, but then Carolina began to regain a foothold in the game as Shea Groom had a shot blocked during a good spell of possession. 

The hosts began to press further as the game entered the final stages, however, and Georgia Brown was denied well on a header to the right corner by a diving save from Martínez with 15 minutes to play. Ascent had a late opportunity to put the game away as Audrey Coleman had a shot saved by Parks, but after a late header by Sophie Jones slid wide of the left post for the hosts, Carolina saw out the result to advance. 

Takeaways  

Sporting Club Jacksonville – Having been frontrunners for much of the season, Sporting JAX’s debut campaign ended in disappointment as the top-scoring attack in the league was unable to break down a resolute Carolina back line. The hosts recorded 17 shots, 13 of which came inside the penalty area, but when they were unable to take advantage of a bright start to the second half, clear-cut chances proved hard to come by, resulting in elimination.  

Carolina Ascent FC – The visitors continued the surge that made them the form team coming into the postseason with the fast start that produced the only goal of the game by Mackenzie George just six minutes into the game proving key. From there, Ascent’s back line took over with Sydney Martínez delivering a seven-save shutout and her back line blocking four shots on the way to a trip to the Final. 

Key Moment  

Carolina Ascent goalkeeper Sydney Martínez went at full stretch to keep out a good flicked header by Jacksonville’s Georgia Brown with 15 minutes to go, keeping the visitors on course for victory. 

Key Stat 

Carolina Ascent’s 12-game undefeated streak and seven-game winning streak are both the longest in their club’s history. 

GainbridgeSuperLeague.com Player of the Game 

Sydney Martínez, Carolina Ascent FC – The Puerto Rico international continued to deliver for her side with her eighth shutout since becoming starter midway through the spring schedule, notching seven saves to keep Jacksonville off the board. 

Scoring Summary 
CAR – Mackenzie George (Riley Parker) 6’  

Both sides to fight for the title in Lexington, KY next Saturday at 7 p.m. ET; Stream live on Peacock

Lexington SC will host Carolina Ascent FC in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final at Lexington SC Stadium on Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock after Lexington SC took s a 2-0 victory against Dallas Trinity, and Carolina earned a 1-0 victory against Sporting JAX in the Semifinals on Saturday and Sunday night. Tickets to the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final can be purchased here.

MATCH RECAPS

No. 1 Lexington SC 2, No. 4 Dallas Trinity 0

The Players’ Shield winners scored either side of halftime to take victory at Lexington SC Stadium as Sarah Griffith opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a low strike from outside the box, and Golden Boot winner Catherine Barry added a second six minutes into the second half off an assist from Alyssa Bourgeois. Dallas went close to answering five minutes after Barry’s goals when Maya McCutcheon had an effort cleared off the line by LSC’s Ally Brown, but the hosts closed out the result as goalkeeper Kat Asman posted a four-save shutout.

Match Highlights | Full Recap | Match Center

No. 3 Carolina Ascent FC 1, No. 2 Sporting Club Jacksonville 1

Carolina’s fast start proved decisive as Mackenzie George scored the only goal in the sixth minute as she combined with Riley Parker. The visitors almost doubled their lead midway through the first half when Jenna Butler headed off the crossbar, but while Jacksonville produced a positive response in the second half, the hosts were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. A header by Georgia Brown that was well denied by Carolina’s Sydney Martinez with 15 minutes to go proved the closest the hosts came to scoring, allowing Ascent to advance to the final with Martinez delivering a seven-save shutout.

Match Highlights | Full Recap | Match Center

2026 Gainbridge Super League Final

Saturday, May 30
No. 1 Lexington SC vs. No. 3 Carolina Ascent FC, 7 p.m. ET (Peacock)

Tickets to the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final can be purchased here.