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Early predictions for the 2025/26 Golden Award winners

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Which players are early contenders to win Golden Boot, Glove, Playmaker? 

We’re only a few weeks into the new Gainbridge Super League season, but based on the results we’ve seen so far, the competition is stacked, and the end-of-season awards are anybody’s game. 

While it’s still too early to call, here are the players who stand out as contenders for the Golden Boot, Glove and Playmaker awards based on what we’ve seen through Week 3. 

  • Golden Boot is awarded to the player who scores the most goals, with assists as a tiebreaker.  
  • Golden Glove is awarded to the goalkeeper with the best goals-against average that has played at least 60% of the team’s minutes.  
  • Golden Playmaker is awarded to the player who records the most assists, with assists per minute as the tiebreaker. 

Golden Boot: Gianna Gourley, DC Power FC 

We’ve had our eyes on Gianna Gourley since she made her debut with DC Power last spring after joining on loan from Fort Lauderdale United. The forward made an immediate impact on DC’s offense and finished the season with a team-high seven goals through 14 appearances. Through two matches so far this season, three of her five shots were on target, and her two goals are tied for first in the league after scoring a brace in DC’s opener against Sporting JAX.  

However, other top strikers who joined the league mid-season like Fort Lauderdale’s Kiara Locklear and Spokane’s Ally Cook will also have a full campaign now to build on the momentum they created with their teams last year (after finishing the 24/25 season with seven and six goals, respectively). Then, there are the newcomers like Cat Barry (LEX) and Maddie Mercado (CAR), who have shown what they can do in front of goal, making this an exciting race to keep an eye on. 

Golden Glove: Rylee Foster, Dallas Trinity FC 

As it stands, Rylee Foster has the best goals-against average (0.33) of all goalkeepers, allowing just one goal in three matches. The Canadian international has 10 saves and two clean sheets, but even she admitted she hasn’t had too many challenges because her back line has been playing excellently.  

Dallas is averaging just 3.3 shots on target faced per game (behind only DC) and has faced 22 shots total (DC and Carolina have faced the least at 21, both playing one less match than Dallas). Trinity also has the best tackle success rate at 66%. 

The next keeper in line is Brooklyn’s Bre Norris with a GAA of 1.25, followed by a four-way tie at 1.5 including last season’s Goalkeeper of the Year Hope Hisey (SPK), Morgan Aquino (DC), and newcomers Kat Asman (LEX) and Jamie Gerstenberg (JAX). As defensive units create more cohesion over the course of the season, we’ll see which goalkeeper stands out above the rest. 

Golden Playmaker: Emina Ekić, Lexington SC 

Emina Ekić finished second behind Jill Aguilera in the Golden Playmaker race last season, and even with a new club, it seems the Bosnian international will be making a run for it again this year. Ekić is tied for first in the league with two assists and eight chances created, and she played a key role in Lexington earning four points from its first two games of the season. 

According to the tiebreaker, Tampa Bay’s Sabrina McNeill is the current leader having played eight less minutes than Ekić. Her two assists already surpassed the lone one she recorded last season with Fort Lauderdale, so it will be interesting to see how involved she continues to get into the Sun’s attack and if she can keep pace with Ekić. 

Which goalkeepers made it into the record books? | News & Notes Week 4

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WEEK 4 SCHEDULE

Friday, September 12
DC Power FC vs. Lexington SC, 7:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, September 13
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Dallas Trinity FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sporting JAX vs. Carolina Ascent FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC, 9:00 p.m. ET

REWIND: WEEK 3 NOTES

MOORE MAKES HISTORY
Academy forward Rhea Moore scored the game-winner for Dallas Trinity FC less than 10 minutes after entering the match, becoming the youngest goal scorer in league history and in any women’s professional regular season match in the U.S. at 15 years, 332 days old.

DALLAS ON TOP
Dallas earned its third-consecutive win to start the season, remaining at the top of the table and setting a club record for most consecutive wins in a single season. Trinity is the only team to have recorded more than one win through the first three weeks.

BRACES ON BRACES
Lexington’s Catherine Barry became the fourth player this season to record a brace.

  • DC: Gianna Gourley, 8/23/25
  • SPK: Lena Silano, 8/30/25
  • JAX: Ashlyn Puerta, 8/30/25
  • LEX: Catherine Barry, 9/7/25

LEX BESTS BROOKLYN
Lexington SC earned its second-ever home win on Sunday, defeating Brooklyn 2-0. It was the first time that Lexington defeated Brooklyn, after going 0-2-2 in the first four meetings. It also ended an 11-match winless streak for the Girls in Green.

KEEPER STATS
Fort Lauderdale’s Bella Hara and Lexington’s Kat Asman joined Dallas’ Rylee Foster as the only goalkeepers to record a clean sheet so far this season. At 22 years old, Hara is the second-youngest goalkeeper to record a clean sheet in league history.

Additionally, Sporting JAX goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg recorded eight saves in last week’s match against Dallas, which is tied for the third-most saves in a single match.

WEEK 4 STORYLINES

SEARCHING FOR WINS
Tampa Bay, Spokane and Carolina are the only three teams to have not earned a win yet this season. Coincidentally, those were the three teams that earned the most wins during the spring schedule of last season (TB: 7, CAR: 8, SPK: 9).

SCORING STREAKS
Carolina’s Maddie Mercado has scored in both of the team’s opening matches. A third goal from the striker this weekend would tie the team’s scoring streak set last season by Mia Corbin.

Additionally, Fort Lauderdale’s Ella Simpson scored in the team’s last two matches.

UPCOMING MILESTONES & ACTIVE STREAKS

Upcoming Milestones
Approaching 15 all-time regular season goals
Allie Thornton (DAL) – 14
Mia Corbin (CAR) – 13

Approaching 10 all-time regular season assists
Emina Ekić (LEX) – 8
Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7

Approaching 10 all-time regular season clean sheets
Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9

Active Streaks
Consecutive regular season minutes played across seasons
Sarah McCoy (SPK) – 2880
Amber Wisner (DAL) – 2790
Allison Pantuso (LEX) – 2700

Consecutive regular season matches with a goal across seasons
Tampa Bay Sun FC – 19
Fort Lauderdale United FC – 11

WEEK 4 DISCIPLINE REPORT

TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the Gainbridge Super League’s discipline report for Week 4 of the 2025/26 season:

Fort Lauderdale United FC’s Taylor Smith has been suspended for one game following her red card for two cautionable offenses against Spokane Zephyr FC on September 6. Smith will be unavailable for selection in Fort Lauderdale’s contest against Dallas Trinity FC on Saturday night.

Lexington SC’s Hannah Johnson has been suspended for one game following her red card for two cautionable offenses against Brooklyn FC on September 7. Johnson will be unavailable for selection in Lexington’s contest against DC Power FC on Friday night.

WEEK 4 MATCH NOTES

DCvLEX

  • DC Power (1-0-1) returns to action after having Week 3 off. Lexington (1-0-1) enters this weekend following a 2-0 win against Brooklyn on Sunday.
  • Lexington has the lead in the head-to-head record against DC, going 2-1-1 in their four matchups last season. The teams played to a 3-3 draw when they last met in Lexington on May 31, 2025.
  • Kat Asman (LEX) recorded her first clean sheet of the season. It was Lexington’s third clean sheet in club history.
  • Loza Abera (DC) has scored in both of her last two appearances against Lexington.
  • Hannah White and Amber Nguyen (LEX) will compete against their former University of Georgia teammates Ellie Gilbert and Margie Detrizio (DC).
  • Gianna Gourley (DC) will compete against Addie McCain and Tati Fung (LEX), who all played together at Fort Lauderdale United FC in the fall of 2024.
  • Sydney Cummings (DC) will compete against Taylor Alymer, McKenzie Weinert, Emina Ekić and Alyssa Bourgeois (LEX), who all played together last season at Spokane Zephyr FC.

FTLvDAL

  • Fort Lauderdale United (1-0-2) is coming off its first win of the season, a 1-0 victory against Spokane Zephyr. Dallas (3-0-0) is on a three-match winning streak, most recently earning a 1-0 win against Sporting JAX.
  • Fort Lauderdale holds the 2-1-1 lead in the head-to-head record between the two teams. FTL UTD won 1-0 the last time the sides met on May 24, 2025, behind a goal by Kiara Locklear.
  • Bella Hara recorded five saves in last week’s match to earn the team’s first clean sheet of the season.
  • Four West Virginia Mountaineers will face off against each other in this meeting. Rylee Foster (DAL) and Sh’Nia Gordon (FTL) played together for three seasons from 2016-2018. Maya McCutcheon (DAL) and Lilly McCarthy (FTL) competed together for three seasons from 2021-2023.

JAXvCAR

  • Sporting JAX (1-2-0) is coming off a 1-0 loss to Dallas, while Carolina Ascent (0-0-2) is still searching for it first win of the season after most recently drawing 2-2 against Tampa Bay.
  • This is the first meeting between these two teams.
  • Emily Morris (CAR) will face off against her former Wake Forest teammate Kaitlyn Parks (JAX).

SPKvTB

  • Spokane Zephyr (0-2-2) and Tampa Bay Sun (0-2-1) are both looking for their first win of the season. In Week 3, Spokane drew 1-1 with Brooklyn and lost 1-0 to Fort Lauderdale, while Tampa drew 2-2 against Carolina.
  • Spokane holds a dominant 3-1-0 record against the reigning champs, and Zephyr won 3-2 at home the last time the two sides met on April 26, 2025.

Can Tampa Bay get its season on track against Carolina Ascent? 

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It’s been a rough start to the season for the reigning Gainbridge Super League champions Tampa Bay Sun FC.  

The team lost both of its opening two matches, falling 2-1 to Brooklyn FC on the road before losing 3-2 in its home opener against expansion club Sporting JAX. For perspective, Tampa Bay had only lost once in its previous 18 regular and postseason matches. 

To prevent a third loss – which would be the longest losing streak in the Sun’s history – and get out of last place in the table, it must defeat last season’s Players’ Shield winners Carolina Ascent FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday. 

So, how can Tampa Bay snap this skid and earn a result against a tough team at a venue where it’s yet to claim victory? 

  • Keep Scoring: The positive Tampa Bay can take away from both of its losses is neither were shutouts. The team is still creating chances, ranking third in penalty area entries and passes into the final third (behind only Spokane and Brooklyn which have played one more match), and finding players like Carlee Giammona, who are clinical inside of the box. 
  • Prevent the Multi-Goal Deficit: In both losses this season, Tampa Bay found itself in a hole by multiple goals well into the second half. All the momentum had shifted to its opponents, and by the time the Sun cut into the lead and got back into the game, it was too late. While the Sun led the league with nine points gained from losing positions last season, against a team like Carolina, which can quickly build one goal into four, it likely cannot afford to fall behind on Saturday. 
  • Utilize the Wings: All three of Tampa Bay’s goals have come from either Sydny Nasello making runs down the right flank, cutting inside and sending balls into the 6-yard box or from a corner that Erica Gaines-Ramos earned by making a dangerous run down the left flank. Those two, along with players like Jordan Zade and Sabrina McNeill, will be the keys to getting around Carolina’s stout defense. 

Despite its slow start, Tampa Bay still feels confident and knows that it’s a long season with a lot of time to grow. 

“Brooklyn is a hard environment to play in, and I don’t think we played our normal game,” Sun captain Jordyn Listro said after the season opener. “But there were positive moments, especially with the goal late in the final half, and those are things we can go back to and build on moving forward.”   

Getting the win this weekend against Carolina is crucial, as the Sun’s next match on the schedule is at Spokane, a spot it has lost at twice, followed by Dallas, the team at the top of the table after two dominant wins. 

Tampa Bay is the type of team that once it starts stringing results together, a momentum builds up that’s hard to slow down. The team just needs to earn a first win to start resembling the squad we saw lift the trophy in June. 

Brooklyn, Spokane kick off double matchweek in New York | Week 3 Match Previews

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Brooklyn FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC 

Venue: Maimonides Park; Brooklyn, NY

Kickoff: Wednesday, September 3; 7:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Clear, 63°   

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Brooklyn (1-1-0) is coming off its first loss of the season after falling 1-0 to Dallas. Spokane (0-1-1) most recently drew 2-2 against DC Power. 
  • Brooklyn and Spokane each have a 1-1-2 record against each other. The teams played to a 2-2 draw when they last met at Maimonides Park on May 10, 2025. 
  • Jordan Thompson (BKN) will face off against three of her former Gonzaga teammates on Spokane: Sophia Braun, Kelsey Oyler and Charley Boone. 
  • Alice Barbieri (BKN) will play against her former Oregon teammate Ally Cook (SPK). 
  • Ginger Fontenot will play against her former team for the first time since joining Spokane this summer. 
  • Charley Boone (SPK) and Annie Williams (BKN) will face each other for the first time since playing this past USL W League season together on Minnesota Aurora FC. 

Players to Watch

BKN – Sofia Lewis: The Jacksonville native will be one to watch as Brooklyn attempts to get back in the winning column after being shut out last week. The striker leads the team in shots and had multiple close looks in Brooklyn’s last home match. 

SPK – Lena Silano: The forward got on the scoresheet for Spokane twice last weekend, recording a brace in a three-minute period to help the team take home a point. Both goals came from headers, showing the aerial threat Silano can pose to Brooklyn’s backline. 

 Brooklyn FC Spokane Zephyr FC 
Head Coach Tomás Tengarrinha Josh McAllister (interim) 
Record 1-1-0 0-1-1 
Standings 3rd 8th 

Carolina Ascent FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC 

Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium; Charlotte, NC 

Kickoff: Saturday, September 6, 7:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy with chance of storms, 67°   

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Carolina Ascent (0-0-1) is coming off a 2-2 road draw against Fort Lauderdale. Tampa Bay (0-2-0) is looking for its first win of the season after dropping back-to-back matches. 
  • Carolina has never beaten Tampa Bay and has a 0-2-2 record against the reigning champs. The last time the teams met, they drew 1-1 at American Legion Memorial Stadium on May 17, 2025. 
  • Gabby Provenzano (TB) will face off against former Rutgers teammate Meagan McClelland (CAR). 
  • Audrey Harding (CAR) will play against her former UNC Wilmington teammate Sydney Schneider (TB). 
  • Tampa Bay Sun has not been shutout in its last 18 regular season matches and 20 matches, including postseason.  
  • Saturday will be Carolina Ascent’s first match at home this season. The Ascent’s home record last season was 7-2-5.  

Players to Watch

TB – Sandrine Gaillard: The Swiss midfielder and summer signing came out swinging last week, finding the back of the net in her debut for the Sun against Sporting JAX. Gaillard joins the team with a wealth of experience that will only bolster the attacking presence for Tampa.  

CAR – Maddie Mercado: Coming to the Ascent this summer on loan from the NWSL’s Seattle Reign, the midfielder already wrote her name in the history books with the fastest goal in league history last weekend. Mercado skillset in front of goal is adding to a Carolina attacking unit that scored the most goals of any team last season. 

 Carolina Ascent FC Tampa Bay Sun FC 
Head Coach Philip Poole Denise Schilte-Brown 
Record 0-0-1 0-2-0 
Standings 8th 9th 

Sporting JAX vs. Dallas Trinity FC 

Venue: Hodges Stadium UNF; Jacksonville, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, September 6, 7:30 p.m. ET 

Weather: Sunny, 74° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Both teams enter Week 3 coming off a win. Sporting JAX won 3-2 against Tampa Bay, and Dallas won 1-0 against Brooklyn. 
  • This is the first meeting between Sporting JAX and Dallas. 
  • Dallas is the only team in the league to win both of its opening two matches. 
  • Caroline Kelly (DAL) will play against her former Brooklyn FC teammate Grace Phillpotts (JAX). Both players competed with Brooklyn in the spring of last season. 

Players to Watch

JAX– Ashlyn Puerta: The 18-year-old made club history last week, taking down the reigning champs for Sporting JAX’s first-ever win. The midfielder recorded the club’s first-ever brace as well, converting from the penalty spot then slotting home a goal from a tight angle just minutes after. 

DAL – Wayny Balata: Joining Dallas from Spokane Zephyr this season, the Canadian midfielder has been both an attacking threat and critical playmaker for the Trinity already, finding the back of the net against her former side to help Dallas to a 2-1 season opener victory and making an assist on the game-winning goal for last week’s 1-0 victory over Brooklyn FC.  

 Sporting JAX Dallas Trinity FC 
Head Coach Stacey Balaam Chris Petrucelli 
Record 1-1-0 2-0-0 
Standings 4th 1st 

Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC 

Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA 

Kickoff: Saturday, September 6, 9:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy, 66° 

Broadcast: Peackocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Saturday will be Spokane’s second match of the week after drawing 1-1 against Brooklyn on Wednesday. 
  • Fort Lauderdale (0-0-2) will have its first road test after earning draws against Lexington and Carolina. 
  • Fort Lauderdale has never lost to Spokane with a 1-0-3 record. The teams drew 1-1 at ONE Spokane Stadium in the very last match of the regular season in which Fort Lauderdale earned a playoff spot and eliminated Spokane. 

Players to Watch

SPK – Sarah McCoy: One of last season’s four Ironwomen, McCoy continues to hold down the backline for Spokane. The center back leads the team in clearances (8) and passing accuracy (88.9%) on 117 completed passes. 

FTL – Ella Simpson: The defender got on the attacking end last weekend, scoring the equalizer off a header from a free kick. Simpson has played every minute of both matches thus far and will play a key role in helping Fort Lauderdale earn its first clean sheet of the season. 

 Spokane Zephyr Fort Lauderdale United FC 
Head Coach Josh McAllister (interim) Tyrone Mears 
Record 0-1-2 0-0-2 
Standings 6th 5th 

Lexington SC vs. Brooklyn FC 

Venue: Lexington SC Stadium; Lexington, KY 

Kickoff: Sunday, September 7, 2:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Partly cloudy, 75° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Sunday will be Brooklyn’s second match of the week after drawing 1-1 against Spokane on Wednesday. 
  • Lexington (0-0-1) will return to action after having Week 2 off. The team drew 3-3 against Fort Lauderdale in Week 1. 
  • Lexington has never beaten Brooklyn and has a 0-2-2 record against them. In their last meeting, the teams drew 1-1 at Maimonides Park on April 19, 2025. 

Players to Watch

LEX– McKenzie Weinert: The striker showcased her clinical finishing skills in Lexington’s first match of the season, scoring the second goal in the team’s comeback against Fort Lauderdale. Whether Weinert is in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, she provides a spark of energy to the team’s attack. 

BKN – Bre Norris: Norris currently leads all goalkeepers in saves (7) while conceding just two goals across Brooklyn’s opening matches. Norris commands the team from the net and has come up big in moments when the squad needs her most.  

 Lexington SC Brooklyn FC 
Head Coach Masaki Hemmi Tomás Tengarrinha 
Record 0-0-1 1-1-1 
Standings 7th 3rd 

Can Sporting JAX build off its first win? | News & Notes Week 3

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WEEK 3 SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 3
Brooklyn FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC, 7:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, September 6
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC, 7:00 p.m. ET
Sporting JAX vs. Dallas Trinity FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC, 9:00 p.m. ET

Sunday, September 7
Lexington SC vs. Brooklyn FC, 2:00 p.m. ET

REWIND: WEEK 2 NOTES

DALLAS GETS IT DONE
Dallas Trinity is the only team to win both of its first two matches this season, placing them atop the table with six points.

GOAL + ASSIST
Five players have recorded at least one goal and one assist to start the season:

  • DAL: Wayny Balata
  • DC: Gianna Gourley
  • LEX: Allison Pantuso
  • JAX: Meg Hughes
  • SPK: Ally Cook

FASTEST GOAL
Carolina Ascent’s Maddie Mercado recorded the fastest goal in league history – scoring 43 seconds into the team’s matchup against Fort Lauderdale United.

FIRST WIN FOR JAX
Sporting JAX secures their first-ever victory in the Gainbridge Super League after an impressive 3-2 win over the defending champions Tampa Bay Sun. 18-year-old Ashlyn Puerta recorded the team’s first brace in the match.

GOAL STREAK
FTL UTD’s Kiara Locklear and TB Sun’s Carlee Giammona both scored in each of their team’s first two matches this season.

WEEK 3 STORYLINES

HOME OPENERS
This weekend Carolina, Lexington and Spokane will all play at home for the first time this season.

TAMPA’S TOUGH START
Tampa Bay has opened the season with two losses, tying the club record for most consecutive losses. Last weekend’s result against Sporting JAX was only the third-ever loss for the Sun at home. The team will play on Saturday against Carolina Ascent, which the Sun has never lost a match against.

UPCOMING MILESTONES & ACTIVE STREAKS

Upcoming Milestones
Approaching 15 all-time regular season goals
Allie Thornton (DAL) – 14
Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12

Approaching 10 all-time regular season assists
Emina Ekić (LEX) – 8
Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7

Approaching 10 all-time regular season clean sheets
Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9

Active Streaks
Consecutive regular season minutes played across seasons
Amber Wisner (DAL) – 2700
Sarah Clark (SPK) – 2700

Consecutive regular season matches with a goal across seasons
Tampa Bay Sun FC – 18
Fort Lauderdale United FC – 10
Spokane Zephyr FC – 7

WEEK 3 DISCIPLINE REPORT

TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the Gainbridge Super League’s discipline report for Week 3 of the 2025/26 season:

Brooklyn FC Assistant Coach Francisca Ferreira has been suspended one game following her red card for a second caution against Dallas Trinity FC on August 30, 2025. Ferreira is unable to be on the sideline for Brooklyn’s contest against Spokane Zephyr FC on September 3, 2025.

WEEK 3 MATCH NOTES

BKNvSPK

  • Brooklyn (1-1-0) is coming off its first loss of the season after falling 1-0 to Dallas. Spokane (0-1-1) most recently drew 2-2 against DC Power.
  • Brooklyn and Spokane each have a 1-1-2 record against each other. The teams played to a 2-2 draw when they last met at Maimonides Park on May 10, 2025.
  • Jordan Thompson (BKN) will face off against three of her former Gonzaga teammates on Spokane: Sophia Braun, Kelsey Oyler and Charley Boone.
  • Alice Barbieri (BKN) will play against her former Oregon teammate Ally Cook (SPK).
  • Ginger Fontenot will play against her former team for the first time since joining Spokane this summer.
  • Charley Boone (SPK) and Annie Williams (BKN) will face each other for the first time since playing this past USL W League season together on Minnesota Aurora FC.

CARvTB

  • Carolina Ascent (0-0-1) is coming off a 2-2 road draw against Fort Lauderdale. Tampa Bay (0-2-0) is looking for its first win of the season after dropping back to back matches.
  • Carolina has never beaten Tampa Bay and has a 0-2-2 record against the reigning champs. The last time the teams met, they drew 1-1 at American Legion Memorial Stadium on May 17, 2025.
  • Gabby Provenzano (TB) will face off against former Rutgers teammate Meagan McClelland (CAR).
  • Audrey Harding (CAR) will play against her former UNC Wilmington teammate Sydney Schneider (TB).

JAXvDAL

  • Both teams enter Week 3 coming off a win. Sporting JAX won 3-2 against Tampa Bay, and Dallas won 1-0 against Brooklyn.
  • This is the first meeting between Sporting JAX and Dallas.
  • Caroline Kelly (DAL) will play against her former Brooklyn FC teammate Grace Phillpotts (JAX). Both players competed with Brooklyn in the spring of last season.

SPKvFTL

  • This will be Spokane’s second match of the week after playing Brooklyn on Wednesday.
  • Fort Lauderdale (0-0-2) will have its first road test after earning draws against Lexington and Carolina.
  • Fort Lauderdale has never lost to Spokane with a 1-0-3 record. The teams drew 1-1 at ONE Spokane Stadium in the very last match of the regular season in which Fort Lauderdale earned a playoff spot and eliminated Spokane.

LEXvBKN

  • This will be Brooklyn’s second match of the week after playing Spokane on Wednesday.
  • Lexington (0-0-1) will return to action after having Week 2 off. The team drew 3-3 against Fort Lauderdale in Week 1.
  • Lexington has never beaten Brooklyn and has a 0-2-2 record against them. In their last meeting, the teams drew 1-1 at Maimonides Park on April 19, 2025.

Carolina Ascent makes season debut against Fort Lauderdale | Week 2 Match Previews

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DC Power FC vs. Spokane Zephyr 

Venue: Audi Field; Washington, D.C. 

Kickoff: Saturday, August 30; 7:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Sunny, 78° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • DC Power (1-0-0) is coming off a 3-1 win over Sporting JAX. Spokane Zephyr (0-1-0) most recently lost 2-1 against Dallas Trinity. 
  • DC Power has never won against Spokane Zephyr (0W-3L-1D). The last time the teams met at Audi Field, Spokane won 2-1 behind two goals from Emina Ekić. 
  • Saturday’s match will be the first time Sydney Cummings will play against her former club since joining DC Power. 
  • Former University of Central Florida teammates Mollie Rouse (SPK) and Madison Murnin (DC) will face off against each other. 
  • Sarah McCoy (SPK) will compete against her former University of Virginia teammates Claire Constant and Alexis Theoret (DC). 

Players to Watch

DC – Jaydah Bedoya: Ecuadorian international Jaydah Bedoya found the back of the net in her debut with DC Power last weekend. The forward recorded three goals and an assist last season with Carolina Ascent and will be a great addition to DC’s attack this year. 

SPK – Ally Cook: The forward scored Spokane’s first goal of the season in last weekend’s clash with Dallas Trinity and will be a massive attacking presence for Spokane this season. Cook has shown to be a versatile scorer with speed that will be challenging for DC’s backline to battle. 

 DC Power Spokane Zephyr 
Head Coach Omid Namazi Josh McAllister (interim) 
Record 1-0-0 0-1-0 
Standings 1st 7th 

Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC 

Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Fort Lauderdale, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, August 30; 7:30 p.m. ET 

Weather: Thunderstorms, 90° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Saturday will be Carolina Ascent’s first match of the new season. 
  • Fort Lauderdale United is coming off a 3-3 draw last week against Lexington SC. 
  • FTL UTD has a 3W-2L-0D all-time record against Carolina. The last time the team met was in the playoffs semifinals, where FTL won 2-1 on the road. 
  • Saturday’s match will be the first time Kat Gonzalez will play against her former club since joining Fort Lauderdale. 
  • Former Wake Forest teammates Laurel Ansbrow (FTL) and Emily Morris (CAR) will face off against each other. 
  • Former UNC Charlotte teammates Kiara Locklear (FTL) and Macey Bader (CAR) will face off against each other. 
  • Ansbrow and Bader were also former teammates in the USL W League with NC Courage U23. 
  • Fort Lauderdale is on a nine-match regular season scoring streak dating back to last season. The team was last held scoreless on April 5 against Tampa Bay Sun. 

Players to Watch

FTL – Jasmine Hamid: Back for her second season with Fort Lauderdale, Jasmine Hamid is already making an impact after scoring the equalizer last weekend against Lexington SC from the penalty spot in stoppage time.  

CAR – Jill Aguilera: Reigning Defender of the Year and Golden Playmaker Jill Aguilera was a crucial part of Carolina’s success last season. The outside back’s ability to shut down opponents in the defensive third while creating chances in the attack makes her a force to be reckoned with.  

 Fort Lauderdale United FC Carolina Ascent FC 
Head Coach Tyrone Mears Phillip Poole 
Record 0-0-1 0-0-0 
Standings 4th 6th 

Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Sporting JAX 

Venue: Suncoast Credit Union Field; Tampa, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, August 30; 8:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms, 85° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Both teams are coming off losses from Week 1. Tampa Bay lost 2-1 to Brooklyn FC, and Sporting JAX fell 3-1 to DC Power FC. 
  • This will be the first time these two Florida teams meet. 
  • Former Duke Blue Devils Mackenzie Pluck (TB) and Sophie Jones (JAX) will face off against each other. 
  • Georgia Brown (JAX) will compete against her former University of South Florida teammate Vivianne Bessette (TB) and Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown. 
  • Tampa Bay continued its scoring streak last weekend with a 90+4’ goal from Carlee Giammona. The team has now not been shutout in its last 17 regular season matches and 19 matches, including postseason.  

Players to Watch

TB – Carlee Giammona: Carlee Giammona was a consistent presence for the Sun last season, playing in all 30 matches and scoring eight goals. The midfielder prevented a shut out last weekend with her stoppage time goal against Brooklyn, showing her scoring versatility and dominance inside the box. 

JAX – Jade Pennock: The English forward made history last weekend, scoring Sporting JAX’s first-ever goal in the opening moments of the match. Pennock’s experience brings a veteran presence to the team, and the group will need her skills to take down Tampa Bay’s defense. 

 Tampa Bay Sun Sporting JAX 
Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown Stacey Balaam 
Record 0-1-0 0-1-0 
Standings 8th 9th 

Dallas Trinity FC vs. Brooklyn FC 

Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX 

Kickoff: Saturday, August 30; 8:30 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy with scattered showers, 82° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Both teams are coming off wins from Week 1. Dallas won 2-1 against Spokane Zephyr, and Brooklyn FC won 2-1 against Tampa Bay Sun. 
  • The teams have a split 2-2-0 record against each other. Brooklyn won the first two meetings, and Dallas won the most recent two matches. 

Players to Watch

DAL – Allie Thornton: Last season’s Golden Boot Winner Allie Thornton scored the game-winning goal to earn Trinity a 2-1 victory in last week’s match against Spokane Zephyr. Thornton’s aerial presence as well as her ability to shoot from distance makes her one of the best strikers in the league.  

BKN – Annie Williams: Also scoring a game-winner last weekend was former South Dakota State standout Annie Williams. The defender has years of experience overseas and showed in Week 1 her ability to make an immediate impact for Brooklyn. 

 Dallas Trinity FC Brooklyn FC 
Head Coach Chris Petrucelli Tomás Tengarrinha 
Record 1-0-0 1-0-0 
Standings 2nd 3rd 

Which teams are on scoring streaks? | News & Notes Week 2

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WEEK 2 SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 30
DC Power FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC, 7:00 p.m. ET
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Sporting JAX, 8:00 p.m. ET
Dallas Trinity FC vs. Brooklyn FC, 8:30 p.m. ET

REWIND: WEEK 1 NOTES

TWO FOR EMINA
Lexington’s Emina Ekić had two assists on Saturday against Fort Lauderdale. It was the second time she recorded two assists in a single match, becoming the only player in league history to record multiple games with multiple assists. She is now the current league leader all-time in assists with eight total.

TEAMMATES TURNED FOES
Addie McCain (LEX) and Wayny Balata (DAL) both scored against their former clubs in their debut with their new teams. McCain headed in a goal in the 63rd minute for the first of three goals against Fort Lauderdale. Balata also headed home her goal, equalizing against Spokane Zephyr in the 48th minute.

ALL AROUND ACTION
All eight teams in action scored in the league’s opening weekend and every match featured a header goal.

BROOKLYN ON TOP
Brooklyn FC earned its first win at Maimonides Park on Saturday after going 0W-3L-4D at home last spring. The team also remains undefeated against reigning champions Tampa Bay Sun FC (3W-0L-2D) after winning 2-1 on Saturday.

BAGGED A BRACE
Gianna Gourley scored two goals on Saturday, her second time recording a brace with DC Power. She is the first player in club history to record multiple braces and the sixth person in the league to record multiple braces.

MULTI-GOAL WIN
DC Power scored three goals on Saturday, tying its record for most goals in a single match. The 3-1 win marked the first time DC had beaten an opponent by multiple goals.

FIRST FOR JAX
England native Jade Pennock scored the first-ever goal for Sporting JAX in the seventh minute of the team’s inaugural match against DC Power.

WEEK 2 STORYLINES

CAROLINA IS BACK
Last season’s Players’ Shield winners will begin their 2025/26 campaign this weekend against Fort Lauderdale United FC. The last time Carolina Ascent played there, the Ascent won 5-2 in one of the highest scoring matches in league history.

REIGNING CHAMPS RETURN HOME 
Tampa Bay Sun will return home on Saturday to host its new Florida competitor Sporting JAX. The Sun has the best home record in the league (10W-2L-4D, including playoff matches), and it has not lost at home since March 19.

LOAN RECALL
Dallas Trinity midfielder Deb Abiodun has been called back by the Washington Spirit from her loan. Abiodun made 7 starts in 13 appearances with Dallas in the 24/25 regular and postseason. She played all 90 minutes in the team’s opener on Saturday.

UPCOMING MILESTONES & ACTIVE STREAKS

Upcoming Milestones
Approaching 15 all-time regular season goals
Allie Thornton (DAL) – 14
Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12


Approaching 10 all-time regular season assists
Emina Ekić (LEX) – 8
Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7


Approaching 10 all-time regular season clean sheets
Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9

Active Streaks
Consecutive regular season minutes played across seasons
Allison Pantuso (LEX) – 2610
Amber Wisner (DAL) – 2610
Sarah Clark (SPK) – 2610

Consecutive regular season matches with a goal across seasons
Tampa Bay Sun FC – 17
Fort Lauderdale United FC – 9
Spokane Zephyr FC – 6

WEEK 2 DISCIPLINE REPORT

TAMPA, Fla. – There are no new suspensions to report. 

WEEK 2 MATCH NOTES

DCvSPK

  • DC Power (1-0-0) is coming off a 3-1 win over Sporting JAX. Spokane Zephyr (0-1-0) most recently lost 2-1 against Dallas Trinity.
  • DC Power has never won against Spokane Zephyr (0W-3L-1D). The last time the teams met at Audi Field, Spokane won 2-1 behind two goals from Emina Ekić.
  • Saturday’s match will be the first time Sydney Cummings will play against her former club since leaving Spokane to join DC Power.
  • Former University of Central Florida teammates Mollie Rouse (SPK) and Madison Murnin (DC) will face off against each other.
  • Sarah McCoy (SPK) will compete against her former University of Virginia teammates Claire Constant and Alexis Theoret (DC).

FTLvCAR

  • Saturday will be Carolina Ascent’s first match of the new season.
  • Fort Lauderdale United is coming off a 3-3 draw last week against Lexington SC.
  • FTL UTD has a 3W-2L-0D all-time record against Carolina. The last time the team met was in the playoffs semifinals, where FTL won 2-1 on the road.
  • Saturday’s match will be the first time Kat Gonzalez will play against her former club since leaving Carolina to join Fort Lauderdale.
  • Former Wake Forest teammates Laurel Ansbrow (FTL) and Emily Morris (CAR) will face off against each other.
  • Former UNC Charlotte teammates Kiara Locklear (FTL) and Macey Bader (CAR) will face off against each other.
  • Ansbrow and Bader were also former teammates in the USL W League with NC Courage U23.
  • Fort Lauderdale is on a nine-match regular season scoring streak dating back to last season. The team was last held scoreless on April 5 against Tampa Bay Sun.

TBvJAX

  • Both teams are coming off losses from Week 1. Tampa Bay lost 2-1 to Brooklyn FC, and Sporting JAX fell 3-1 to DC Power FC.
  • This will be the first time these two Florida teams meet.
  • Former Duke Blue Devils Mackenzie Pluck (TB) and Sophie Jones (JAX) will face off against each other.
  • Georgia Brown (JAX) will compete against her former University of South Florida teammate Vivianne Bessette (TB) and Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown.
  • Tampa Bay continued its scoring streak last weekend with a 90+4’ goal from Carlee Giammona. The team has now not been shutout in its last 17 regular season matches and 19 matches, including postseason.

DALvBKN

  • Both teams are coming off wins from Week 1. Dallas won 2-1 against Spokane Zephyr, and Brooklyn FC won 2-1 against Tampa Bay Sun.
  • The teams have a split 2-2-0 record against each other. Brooklyn won the first two meetings, and Dallas won the most recent two matches.

Gainbridge Super League Power Rankings – Preseason

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Which teams made the top four? 

The 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season is finally here! This Saturday, eight of the nine clubs will take the pitch to kick off the new campaign and their hunt towards the league’s second title. 

Power Rankings will look a little different this season, with only the top four making the list, similar to the top four that will advance to the playoffs. Based on last season’s results and offseason moves, here’s who we have leading the pack. 

Note: These rankings are compiled by the Marcomms team and will reflect a mix of recent team performances and overall impressions. They’re meant to be fun, not official —they should not be interpreted as formal analysis. 

On The Move

Rank

 

Team

Change

Summary
1 Tampa Bay Sun FC
(0-0-0)
Week 1: @ BKN

The reigning champs enter at the top spot with a high potential of going back-to-back this year. Tampa Bay was firing on all cylinders and stringing together consistent performances towards the end of last season. Even with the departure of Cecilie Fløe, the team’s leader in goals and assists, the Sun is returning nearly all of its key playmakers while adding star signings in all positions on the field.
2 Carolina Ascent FC
(0-0-0)
Week 1: —

Last season’s Players’ Shield winners will be back for redemption after last year’s dissatisfying ending. Carolina had the best defensive group in the league, led by Defender of the Year Jill Aguilera and Golden Glove winner Meagan McClelland, that allowed only 24 goals and recorded 12 clean sheets. Its core group is back for the 25/26 season, and intra-league transfers like Mackenzie George and Luana Grabias will bolster its attack.
3 Lexington SC
(0-0-0)
Week 1: @ FTL

Lexington is one team we’re interested in seeing take the field this weekend. The Girls in Green finished at the bottom of the table last season, but they’ve made a 180 during the offseason. Bringing in top players from around the league like Emina Ekić, Addie McCain and Allison Pantuso and signing Head Coach Masaki Hemmi has created high standards for what Lexington can achieve this season.
4 Fort Lauderdale United FC
(0-0-0)
Week 1: vs. LEX

Fort Lauderdale always showed composure and grit in last year’s matchups, and we expect to see that again this season. FTL UTD had one of the most dynamic attacking units last year made up of Kiara Locklear, Jasmine Hamid and Sh’Nia Gordon, who are all returning this season. The team also added international talent with Sophie Harding and Madison McComasky that counteracts the club’s few departures, especially in the midfield, making for a diverse and skilled roster.

Breaking down the Gainbridge Super League’s biggest offseason intra-league transfers 

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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.