Photo credit / Gabriel Bayona Sapag (CLUBELEVEN), Ben Cockerham, Mike Carlson
2025 USL Super League Final Gallery
Fort Lauderdale FC
USL Super League Final Preview | Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Sun FC and Fort Lauderdale United FC will meet in the 2025 USL Super League Final at Riverfront Stadium on Saturday as the two Florida teams look to claim the league’s inaugural title. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will stream live on Peacock.
How They Got Here
Tampa Bay Sun FC (12-6-10, 46 pts) – The Sun was the first to clinch a spot in the Final after the team completed the come-from-behind victory last Saturday against Dallas Trinity FC. Striker Tash Flint converted from the penalty spot to equalizer before the English international laid off the assist to Carlee Giammona for the game-winner. Tampa Bay has been on fire lately on the attacking end, outscoring its opponents 9-2 in its last five matches. The team is on a 17-game scoring streak and hasn’t been shutout since early December.
Riverfront Stadium has become a fortress for the Sun throughout the season with the team going 9-2-4 at home across the regular season and playoffs, and it hasn’t lost there since March 19. Tampa Bay has a goal differential of +12 with five shutouts at Riverfront and will look to add to those stats on Saturday.
Fort Lauderdale United FC (11-8-9, 42 pts) – Fort Lauderdale pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season on Sunday, taking down Players’ Shield winners and No. 1-seed Carolina Ascent FC on the road to advance to the Final. Kiara Locklear grabbed the second-half equalizer for the visitors to send the match into extra time, and the striker found the game-winner in the 120th minute from a volley near the penalty spot. It was the second time this season that Locklear scored a brace against the Ascent to secure the win for FTL UTD.
The South Florida side has found its groove during this final stretch of the season, going 3-0-2 in its last five games. The team has also earned a result in its last five road matches, and three of those came after conceding first. Scoring over a quarter of its goals after the 76-minute mark, Fort Lauderdale is never to be counted out, especially with players like Locklear, Jasmine Hamid and Sh’Nia Gordon up top.
All-Time Series
Tampa Bay holds a narrow 1-0-3 record over Fort Lauderdale this season. The teams drew in the first three meetings, with the first two games seeing second-half stoppage time equalizers. Jordyn Listro and Ava Tankersley scored for Tampa Bay in the 2-0 win the last time the sides met in April.
Opta Says
7 – Tampa Bay has taken seven penalty kicks and converted five of them this season, both numbers the most of any team in the league. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale has taken just one, the fewest in the league.
416 – Fort Lauderdale has recorded a league-high 416 tackles won, led by captain and All-League First Team midfielder Addie McCain with 60. Tampa Bay has the league-fewest 312 tackles won.
Players to Watch
TB – Carlee Giammona: The Pepperdine alum has scored in two of the previous four matchups between the two sides, and after scoring the game-winner last week, the confidence is growing for Giammona.
FTL – Cosette Morché: The goalkeeper recorded three saves and three punches on Sunday in the win against Carolina, and she will be a key piece in not only keeping the ball out of the net but building up out of the back alongside FTL’s defenders.
South Florida Siblings | Bill and Jasmine Hamid
It is rare for parents to see their child become a professional soccer player, but in the Hamid household in Annandale, VA, all eyes are on not one, but two players. Bill, and his younger sister Jasmine, are enjoying successful seasons and the unexpected benefit of playing for their respective teams. The “South Florida Siblings”, Jasmine will play for the USL Super League title on Saturday, representing Fort Lauderdale United FC while Bill has helped spark a turnaround for Miami FC in the USL Championship. Living and playing in a roughly 30-minute drive from one another, Jasmine and Bill are relishing the opportunity to strengthen their life-long relationship, while enjoying their careers.
Which Florida team will take the inaugural USL Super League crown? | News & Notes – Final
ROAD TO THE FINAL
No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC 2, No. 3 Dallas Trinity 1
Tash Flint’s goal and assist helped Tampa Bay Sun FC overcome an early deficit and earn a 2-1 win over Dallas Trinity FC to advance to the inaugural USL Super League Final on Saturday night at Riverfront Stadium.
Dallas took the lead when defender Hannah Davison headed the ball past Tampa Bay goalkeeper Ashley Orkus in the 17th minute off an assist from Julia Dorsey. Flint equalized from the penalty spot before halftime, and she lofted a perfectly placed pass over Dallas’ backline to Carlee Giammona, who chipped goalkeeper Madison White and netted the game-winner for the hosts in the 59th minute.
No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC 2, No. 1 Carolina Ascent FC 1
A brace from Kiara Locklear earned Fort Lauderdale United FC a 2-1 victory after extra time over Players’ Shield winner and No. 1 seed Carolina Ascent FC on Sunday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
After going into halftime scoreless, Carolina’s Kathrynn González netted her first goal of the season to put the home side on the board. Locklear scored the equalizer in the 68th minute and later found the game-winner off a volley from the center of the box in the final minute of extra time.
FINAL PREVIEW
No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC v No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC
Venue: Riverfront Stadium; Tampa, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, June 14; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Scattered thunderstorms, 87°
Tampa Bay Sun FC will host the inaugural USL Super League Final this Friday against inter-state rival Fort Lauderdale. The Sun have been in peak form in the last few months of the season, going undefeated (4-0-1) in its last five matches. The team is especially strong at home and has not lost at Riverfront Stadium since March 19. Tampa Bay will likely look to Tash Flint this weekend, as the English international recorded a goal and assist in the semifinal win against Dallas.
Fort Lauderdale United FC took down the No. 1 seed in extra time to earn a ticket to the Final against Tampa Bay, the one team FTL UTD has not been able to defeat this season. Fort Lauderdale is also on a five-match unbeaten streak (3-0-2) but has battled from behind to earn results, mostly on the road. Striker Kiara Locklear has been the biggest offensive threat for FTL this spring, especially after scoring the game-winning brace last weekend.
FINAL STORYLINES
ALL-LEAGUE SELECTIONS
Tampa Bay’s Tash Flint, Sydny Nasello, Cecilie Fløe and Vivianne Bessette were named to the All-League Teams along with Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain, Jasmine Hamid and Laveni Vaka.
View the full list here.
FLORIDA DERBY PT. 5
The two Florida-based teams will face off in the inaugural Super League Final in Tampa. The sides played to three draws (1-1, 2-2, 1-1) before the Sun took the first win, 2-0, at Riverfront Stadium on April 5.
COMEBACK COMPLETED
Both teams came back down 1-0 and scored two unanswered goals to advance to the Final.
FORT LAUDERDALE’S KRYPTONITE
Tampa Bay Sun is the one team Fort Lauderdale has not been able to defeat this season.
SCORING STREAK
Tampa Bay is on a 17-game scoring streak, netting at least one goal in every match this Spring Schedule. The last time the Sun was shut out was December 8 against Dallas Trinity.
W LEAGUE ALUMS
Eight USL W League alums will be available for selection for the USL Super League Final.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
Learn more about Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale players for additional content:
- Never Giving Up | Tampa Bay Sun FC: Brooke Hendrix
- How Kiara Locklear revived Fort Lauderdale’s championship hopes
FINAL DISCIPLINE REPORT
TAMPA, Fla. – There are no new suspensions to report.
LEAGUE LEADERS – PLAYOFFS
GOALS:
- Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 2 goals
- Carlee Giammona (TB) – 1 goal
- Tash Flint (TB) – 1 goal
- Hannah Davison (DAL) – 1 goal
- Kathrynn González (CAR) – 1 goal
ASSISTS:
- Tash Flint (TB) – 1 assist
- Julia Dorsey (DAL) – 1 assist
- Julia Grosso (FTL) – 1 assist
- Sh’Nia Gordon (FTL) – 1 assist
- Rylee Baisden (CAR) – 1 assist
Who will win the inaugural USL Super League title? | Super League Game Week
On the latest edition of USL Super League Game Week, hosts Anna Witte and Marion Crowder are joined by analysts Bridget Howard and Kasey White to discuss the outcomes of the 2024/25 USL Super League semifinals and preview the upcoming Final between No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC and No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC. Witte and Crowder later go over the 2024/25 USL Super League All-League Teams and the end-of-year awards chosen by the USL Players Association.
How Kiara Locklear revived Fort Lauderdale’s championship hopes
Midseason arrival made significant impact in playoff push before brace in home state against Ascent sent the underdogs into the Final
Heading into last Sunday’s USL Super League Playoffs Semifinal between No. 1-seed Carolina Ascent FC and No. 4-seed Fort Lauderdale United FC, the visitors had a chip on their shoulders. According to a poll posted by the league, only five percent of Super League fans voted that Fort Lauderdale would win the inaugural title.
The results lit a fire under the Florida-based team, especially striker Kiara Locklear. After the Ascent took a 1-0 lead early in the second half, Locklear found the equalizer in the 68th minute following a quick restart from a throw in. The match went into extra time, and in the 120th minute, she netted the game-winner to send the team to the Final against No. 2-seed Tampa Bay Sun FC.
“I’m just so excited to have another week with this team,” Locklear said post-match. “It’s a team effort, and I’m proud of all my teammates just battling, literally until the last minute. Everyone doubted us this whole playoff run. I mean, five percent, are you kidding me? We’re taking it, and we’re taking it home to Fort Lauderdale.”
The celebration was even sweeter for the Mooresville, N.C., native, who helped her side earn the win at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte just 30 minutes down the road from her hometown. Locklear’s family was in the stands as her own personal supporter’s section and was able to see her iconic backflip celebration in person.
“Scoring the goal at the end felt like a weight was instantly lifted off our shoulders — we didn’t have to face the unpredictability of penalty kicks,” she said. “Having my family there to support, encourage and celebrate with me made it even more special.”
Locklear made a new home for herself in South Florida last year, joining the team in December following the conclusion of her collegiate career. The striker was one of the most accomplished players at Lipscomb University, where she led the Bison to their fourth conference title. She was named Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year in her senior season after leading the conference with 19 goals and 4 assists—the highest single-season point total in program history. Prior to Lipscomb, Locklear played as a defender for two seasons at UNC Charlotte.
After her arrival to Fort Lauderdale, Locklear played a key role in the team reaching the playoffs. She recorded five goals and four assists in 16 appearances during the regular season, including scoring the crucial game-winner against Dallas Trinity on May 24 to put FTL UTD in position to clinch on the final day of the season.
“This team means everything to me,” Locklear said. “I was just so lucky to have joined halfway through the season, and they took me in with open arms and just allowed me to feel like a part of something really special. This half of the season has had its ups and downs, but we did it together. We’re on the rise now and looking forward to a championship.”
Fort Lauderdale now prepares to face its inter-state rival and the one team it has yet to beat all season. Tampa Bay has the one victory in the series, winning 2-0 when the teams last met on April 5 after three-straight draws. Both teams are in top form and riding five-match unbeaten streaks, but getting the hard-fought win on Sunday and being underestimated by fans has Fort Lauderdale feeling like true underdogs.
“This group earned the right to play for a title,” said Head Coach Tyrone Mears. “That’s been the goal since day one. We’ve stayed focused, handled every challenge, and we proved we are ready to fight to bring home the championship.”
USL Super League announces 2024/25 All-League Teams
TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Super League announced the 2024/25 USL Super League All-League Teams on Tuesday, honoring 22 players for their standout regular season performances in the league’s inaugural campaign.
Players’ Shield winners Carolina Ascent FC led the league with three First Team selections. Golden Playmaker Jill Aguilera, Mia Corbin and Sydney Studer are featured on the First Team, with goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy making the Second Team.
Dallas Trinity FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC also earned four total selections. Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton earned First Team honors alongside captain Amber Brooks, and Hannah Davison and Chioma Ubogagu round out the Dallas quartet. The Sun is represented by forwards Tash Flint and Cecilie Fløe, midfielder Sydny Nasello and defender Vivianne Bessette.
The four Tampa Bay honorees are set to feature this Saturday in the 2025 USL Super League Final against Fort Lauderdale United FC. The duo of Addie McCain and Jasmine Hamid represent FTL UTD in this year’s All-League Teams.
The 2024/25 USL Super League All-League Teams were voted on by each club’s technical staff following the conclusion of the 2024/25 USL Super League regular season.
2024/25 USL Super League All-League First Team
GK: Hope Hisey, Spokane Zephyr FC – Spokane’s shot-stopper was a key piece of the team’s success, especially in the second half of the season. Hisey recorded league-highs in saves (70) and clean sheets (9) to record a 1.0 goals-against average and 77% save percentage through 21 matches played.
D: Sydney Studer, Carolina Ascent FC – The center back anchored the Ascent defense which conceded a league-fewest 24 goals. Studer recorded 123 clearances, 52 of which were headed, along with 106 duels won, 82% passing accuracy, one goal and one assist.
D: Susanna Fitch, DC Power FC – The wingback is the lone DC Power representative in the inaugural All-League selections. Fitch started all 28 matches this season, tallying one goal and three assists. She also recorded 139 duels won, 62 clearances, 34 interceptions and 24 chances created.
D: Jill Aguilera, Carolina Ascent FC – The Golden Playmaker makes the First Team following an exceptional season as an outside back for Carolina. Aguilera made an appearance in every game while recording two goals, seven assists, 101 clearances, 45 chances created and 29 interceptions.
M: Amber Brooks, Dallas Trinity FC – Dallas’ captain was a consistent, veteran presence in the midfield, playing all 2,520 regular season minutes. Brooks’ 77 aerial duels won led the league, and she also created 24 chances with two assists and three goals of her own.
M: Emina Ekić, Spokane Zephyr FC – The Bosnian international’s 10 goals and six assists led the league in goal contributions as well as leading the team in both categories. Ekić dominated the midfield this season with 144 duels won, 32 tackles won, 35 shots and 42 chances created.
M: Addie McCain, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The Texas native represents Fort Lauderdale on the First Team following her impressive performance in the midfield this season. McCain led the league with 187 duels won, while also recording 10 goals, two assists, 38 interceptions, 32 shots and 36 clearances.
M: Sydny Nasello, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The winger contributed heavily to Tampa Bay’s attack this season, recording four goals, three assists and 29 chances created. She also tallied 37 interceptions and 187 recoveries.
F: Allie Thornton, Dallas Trinity FC – The Trinity’s striker earned the inaugural Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals in her 27 appearances. Thornton recorded 59% shooting accuracy on 44 total shots while also creating 18 chances and earning three assists.
F: Tash Flint, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The English forward was a clinical finisher for the Sun after joining a few months into the season. Flint recorded nine goals and two assists on 49 total shots. She also won 86 duels and 17 tackles in her 22 appearances.
F: Mia Corbin, Carolina Ascent FC – Corbin headlined the top-scoring Carolina Ascent team, finishing second in the league with 12 goals while tying for first with 50 shots. She also recorded 111 duels won, 27 chances created and 17 interceptions.
2024/25 USL Super League All-League Second Team
GK: Samantha Leshnak Murphy, Carolina Ascent FC – Leshnak Murphy was nearly unstoppable in goal for the Ascent after joining the team during the Winter Break. The goalkeeper recorded five clean sheets and a 68% save percentage, conceding only seven goals for a league-best 0.67 goals-against average.
D: Vivianne Bessette, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The outside back was a crucial part of Tampa Bay’s defense this season, while also frequently contributing to the attack. Bessette played in all 28 matches, recording three assists, 25 chances created, 111 clearances and 33 interceptions.
D: Hannah Davison, Dallas Trinity FC – The veteran center back was a key piece to Dallas’ defensive success this season, playing in 25 matches for over 2,000 minutes. Davison won 67% of her duels and 73% of her tackles while recording 99 clearances, two goals and one assist.
D: Sarah Clark, Spokane Zephyr FC – Clark enters the All-League Second Team after playing all 2,520 minutes and leading the league with 1,701 passes on 85% accuracy. She made 146 clearances, 35 interceptions and tallied one assist this season.
D: Laveni Vaka, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The Tongan defender was spearheading Fort Lauderdale’s backline in her first professional season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. She started all 18 matches played and recorded 89% passing accuracy with 65 clearances and 64 recoveries.
M: Sam Kroeger, Brooklyn FC – The Rutgers alum was one of the most dynamic players on both ends of the field for Brooklyn this season. Kroeger led all field players in the league with 219 recoveries, while also recording 148 duels won, 50 tackles won, 49 interceptions, 48 clearances, one goal and two assists.
M: Shea Moyer, Lexington SC – Lexington’s captain is the sole representative for the Girls in Green in the All-League Teams this season. Moyer started all 28 matches for 2,455 total minutes played, earning two goals and five assists with 127 duels won and 33 clearances.
M: Chioma Ubogagu, Dallas Trinity FC – Ubogagu brought years of experience to Dallas’ midfield and contributed everywhere on the field in her 25 appearances. Her fifth goal of the season in the regular season finale sent the team to the postseason, and she led the league with 48 chances created and ranked second with six assists.
F: Jasmine Hamid, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The 23-year-old winger emerged as one of the top attackers in the league with nine goals and two assists this season. She had 44 shots and 20 chances created in 26 appearances, and she was the only player to earn two Player of the Month honors (December and February).
F: Mackenzie George, Brooklyn FC – The Tennessee Volunteer started in all 28 matches to become Brooklyn’s top contributor this season with four goals and five assists. George explosive and versatile on the flanks, recording 123 duels won, 39 tackles won and 28 chances created.
F: Cecilie Fløe, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The Danish striker was the leader of the Sun’s sharp attacking unit this season. She led the team in goals (11) and assists (4) in her 22 appearances, while also recording 145 duels won, 43 shots and 26 chances created.
Tampa Bay Sun FC to host Fort Lauderdale United FC in 2025 USL Super League Final
Both teams will square off at Riverfront Stadium next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET; Stream live on Peacock
Tampa Bay Sun FC will host Fort Lauderdale United FC in the inaugural 2025 USL Super League Final at Riverfront Stadium next Saturday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET on Peacock after Tampa Bay took a 2-1 victory against Dallas Trinity, and Fort Lauderdale earned a 2-1 win against Carolina Ascent after extra time in the Semifinals on Saturday and Sunday night. Tickets to the 2025 USL Super League Final can be purchased here.
MATCH RECAPS
No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC 2, No. 3 Dallas Trinity 1
Tash Flint’s goal and assist helped Tampa Bay Sun FC overcome an early deficit and earn a 2-1 win over Dallas Trinity FC to advance to the inaugural USL Super League Final on Saturday night at Riverfront Stadium.
Dallas took the lead when defender Hannah Davison headed the ball past Tampa Bay goalkeeper Ashley Orkus in the 17th minute off an assist from Julia Dorsey. Flint equalized from the penalty spot before halftime, and she lofted a perfectly placed pass over Dallas’ backline to Carlee Giammona, who chipped goalkeeper Madison White and netted the game-winner for the hosts in the 59th minute.
No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC 2, No. 1 Carolina Ascent FC 1
A brace from Kiara Locklear earned Fort Lauderdale United FC a 2-1 victory after extra time over Players’ Shield winner and No. 1 seed Carolina Ascent FC on Sunday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
After going into halftime scoreless, Carolina’s Kathrynn González netted her first goal of the season to put the home side on the board. Locklear scored the equalizer in the 68th minute and later found the game-winner off a volley from the center of the box in the final minute of extra time.
2025 USL Super League Final
Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC, 7:30 p.m. ET (Peacock)
Stay up to date on all things playoffs at USLSuperLeague.com/Playoffs.
Tampa Bay, Carolina host inaugural playoffs semifinal matches | Match Previews
No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. No. 3 Dallas Trinity FC
Saturday, June 7
Riverfront Stadium
How We Got Here
Tampa Bay Sun FC (12-6-10) has been one of the most consistent teams throughout the season but is hitting its peak at just the right time. The Sun hovered around the middle of the pack throughout the spring and went into Winter Break in fifth place. However, Tampa Bay picked up points in 13 of its 15 spring matches and won three of its last four to clinch the No. 2 spot in Week 34.
Dallas Trinity FC (12-9-7) went through more peaks and valleys this season compared to its opponent. The team had an impressive fall slate going 6-3-5 and headed into the break in second place. The spring was a bit rockier, where Dallas had a 6-6-2 record and lost three straight matches in May before a hard-earned win on the final day secured a playoff berth.
Series History
Tampa Bay and Dallas have an even series record against each other at one win and two draws apiece. The teams opened their campaigns against each other on opening weekend at Riverfront Stadium. Defenders Hannah Davison and Brooke Hendrix both headed in goals for a 1-1 draw. The other 1-1 draw came earlier this spring, when Lexi Missimo and Parker Goins got on the scoresheet.
Dallas got the first win in the series on December 8 at the Cotton Bowl; Trinity netted two goals within three minutes for the 2-0 victory. The Sun won in their most recent meeting, despite a red card requiring the team to play with 10 for the majority of the match. An early goal from Hannah Keane claimed the three points.
Players to Watch
Both teams have top-tier strikers that have led their respective teams to victories throughout the season. Tampa Bay’s Cecilie Fløe, who was just named May Player of the Month, finished the regular season leading the team in both goals (11) and assists (4). The Danish forward makes great runs into the box and is clinical with both feet, while also sending in great crosses and through-balls to set up her teammates.
On the other hand, Dallas has the league’s Golden Boot winner in Allie Thornton. All 13 of Thornton’s goals came in the run of play, and she’s also an ambidextrous shooter as well as an aerial threat. Dallas’ playmakers like Chioma Ubogagu and Tamara will likely pick out Thornton inside the box as their main target on Saturday.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC
Sunday, June 8
How We Got Here
Carolina Ascent FC (13-6-9) likely surprised no one when it claimed the No. 1 spot and the inaugural Players’ Shield in Week 33. The team opened the season on an 11-match unbeaten streak and had arguably an even more impressive stretch in the spring when it won six in a row with a +19-goal differential. The Ascent never dropped below the playoff line all season and will be tough to beat in the playoffs with home field advantage.
Fort Lauderdale United FC (11-8-9) was the final team to clinch a playoff berth, finishing in a spot that was consistent with what the team showed all season. Fort Lauderdale also went into Winter Break in fourth place, recorded 1.5 points per game in both spring and fall, and had nearly identical home (6-4-4) and away (5-4-5) records.
Series History
Like the other semifinal matchup, Carolina and Fort Lauderdale have an even series record against each other with two wins apiece. In the spring, both home teams won, starting with a 2-1 Ascent victory on September 6. In the Fall Finale, Fort Lauderdale won 2-0 at Beyond Bancard Field behind a brace from Kiara Locklear.
In the fall, it was the road teams to earn three points both times. In March, Fort Lauderdale came from behind to win 2-1 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. However, Carolina got its revenge in April and handed FTL UTD its worst loss in a 5-2 rout. Mia Corbin and Audrey Harding had braces of their own, and Sarah Troccoli scored her third of the season.
Players to Watch
Carolina scored a league-high 45 goals across a league-high 15 scorers, so nearly every Ascent player should be watched on the offensive end. However, Golden Playmaker Jill Aguilera led the league in assists and was second in chances created, and Corbin finished second in the Golden Boot race and tied for first in the league with 50 shots.
The player Corbin tied with was Fort Lauderdale’s Sh’Nia Gordon, whose goal last weekend sent the team through to the playoffs. Gordon and Locklear have been the two most dangerous players in the final third as of late for the Florida-based team. The two have combined for 17 goal contributions this season and will be the two biggest threats for Carolina’s defense.