Week 1 Photo Gallery
Lexington SC
Sporting JAX debut headlines 2025/26 season opener | Week 1 Match Previews
Sporting JAX vs. DC Power FC
Venue: Hodges Stadium; Jacksonville, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 8:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Thunderstorms, 75°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Sporting JAX will make its league debut on Saturday.
- Omid Namazi will make his coaching debut with DC Power.
Players to Watch
JAX – Sophie Jones: Headlining Sporting JAX’s inaugural season is captain and former Duke Blue Devil Sophie Jones. The midfielder has shined at the youth, college, professional and international levels and will bring an experienced and composed presence to the pitch.
DC – Gianna Gourley: Gourley was the spark behind DC’s impressive spring slate last season, leading the team with seven goals. The striker has speed and agility, and her scoring versatility will be the biggest challenge for Jacksonville’s defense.
| Sporting JAX | DC Power FC | |
| Head Coach | Stacey Balaam | Omid Namazi |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |
Brooklyn FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
Venue: Maimonides Park; Brooklyn, NY
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 7:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 69°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Brooklyn has never lost to Tampa Bay, holding a 2-0-2 record against the reigning champs.
- Brooklyn finished in 6th place last season (10-9-9, 39 pts). Tampa Bay finished second in the league (12-6-10, 46 pts) and went on to win the 2024/25 title.
- Brooklyn has yet to win a match at Maimonides Park, dating back to its home opener at Coney Island on March 15, 2025.
- Saturday’s match will be the first time Mackenzie Pluck will play against her former club since leaving Brooklyn to join Tampa Bay this season.
- Tampa Bay has not been shut out in its last 18 regular season and playoff matches. The team has scored at least one goal, averaging 1.72 goals per game, since December 14, 2024.
Players to Watch
BKN – Catherine Zimmerman: Zimmerman is returning to the US after an impressive career in both the NWSL and Australian A-League. The forward is a known goal-scorer who will bring some much-needed firepower to Brooklyn’s offense.
TB – Sydny Nasello: Last season’s Final MVP with back with Tampa Bay as it looks to kick off another title run. Nasello was one of the most dynamic midfielders in the league who is excellent with the ball at her feet and able to get past defenders before setting up her teammates inside the box.
| Brooklyn FC | Tampa Bay Sun FC | |
| Head Coach | Tomás Tengarrinha | Denise Schilte-Brown |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Lexington SC
Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Thunderstorms, 78°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Fort Lauderdale has a 3-1-0 record against Lexington.
- Fort Lauderdale finished in 4th place last season (11-8-9, 42 pts), and Lexington finished 8th (4-18-6, 18 pts).
- The last time Fort Lauderdale hosted Lexington, the team won 2-0 behind goals from Jasmine Hamid and Addie McCain.
- Saturday’s match will be the first time former FTL players Addie McCain and Tati Fung will play against their old club since joining Lexington this season.
- Lexington is on a 10-match winless streak dating back to last season. The team last earned a win on March 9, 2025 against DC Power.
Players to Watch
FTL – Kiara Locklear: Fort Lauderdale’s No. 9 is back with the squad to lead the offense in its second season. Locklear ranked first on the team in assists (4) and third in goals (7) last year, proving how crucial she is in the team’s attack whether it’s making runs inside the box or sending in crosses to her teammates like Jasmine Hamid and Sh’Nia Gordon.
LEX – Addie McCain: All eyes will be on Addie McCain as she makes her return to south Florida. The midfielder dominated in nearly every statistic last season, earning a spot on the All-League First Team. Her ability to win the ball, set up her teammates and finish from inside the box makes her one of the best offseason pickups for Lexington.
| Fort Lauderdale United FC | Lexington SC | |
| Head Coach | Tyrone Mears | Masaki Hemmi |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |
Dallas Trinity FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC
Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, August 23; 8:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 75°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Spokane has a 2-1-1 record against Dallas.
- Dallas finished in 3rd place last season (12-9-7, 43 pts), and Spokane finished in 5th place (11-8-9, 42 pts).
- The last time Spokane played at Dallas, the visitors won 1-0 behind a goal from Katie Murray.
- Spokane goalkeeper Hope Hisey, last season’s Goalkeeper of the Year, is one clean sheet away from becoming the first player in league history to reach 10 shutouts.
- Dallas striker Allie Thornton, last season’s Golden Boot winner, is two goals away from becoming the first player in league history to reach 15 goals scored.
- Spokane is on a five-match unbeaten streak (3-0-2) dating back to last season, averaging 2 goals per game.
Players to Watch
DAL – Rylee Foster: Filling in the goalkeeper position following the departure of Madison White is Rylee Foster, former West Virginia Mountaineer and Canadian international. Foster is bringing years of experience from England and Australia to help Dallas return to the playoffs this year.
SPK – Hope Hisey: In the goal on the other end of the pitch is 2024/25 Goalkeeper of the Year, Hope Hisey. Hisey leads the league in saves and clean sheets, and she will have the task of shutting down Dallas’ offensive threats, most notably Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton.
| Dallas Trinity FC | Spokane Zephyr FC | |
| Head Coach | Chris Petrucelli | Josh McAllister (interim) |
| Club Record | – | – |
| Standings | – | – |
Eight teams set to kick off in season opener | News & Notes Week 1
WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 23
Brooklyn FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC, 7:00 p.m. ET
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Lexington SC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sporting Club Jacksonville vs. DC Power FC, 8:00 p.m. ET
Dallas Trinity FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC, 8:30 p.m. ET
REWIND: OFFSEASON
PLAYER MOVEMENT
Over 100 players signed to a Gainbridge Super League team during the offseason, including 24 players on Sporting JAX’s inaugural roster and 20 intra-league transfers. View the full list on the Signings Tracker.
NEW COACH APPOINTMENTS
Six of the clubs will feature a new head coach for the upcoming season:
- Brooklyn FC: Tomás Tengarrinha
- Dallas Trinity FC: Chris Petrucelli
- DC Power FC: Omid Namazi
- Lexington SC: Masaki Hemmi
- Spokane Zephyr FC: Josh McAllister (interim)
- Sporting JAX: Stacey Balaam
DALLAS’ CHAMPION
Dallas Trinity’s Deb Abiodun helped the Nigerian Women’s National Team to its tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in July, winning 3-2 against hosts Morocco in the Final. Abiodun played in five of six matches throughout the tournament for a total of 229 minutes of action.
YOUNGEST PRO
Carolina Ascent FC signed 15-year-old Stella Spitzer to a multi-year contract, becoming the youngest player in the league to sign a professional contract. Spitzer joined the Ascent in 2024 on an Academy contract, making her debut with the team on October 19, 2024.
WEEK 1 STORYLINES
WELCOME SPORTING JAX
Sporting JAX will officially kick off their Gainbridge Super League campaign as the league’s single expansion team. Under Head Coach Stacy Balaam, who most recently served as the Associate Head Coach at Vanderbilt, the team will open the season at home against DC Power FC.
NEW SEASON, NEW CREST
Twenty players transferred from one club to another within the league for the new season. Most notably is 2024/25 Player of the Year Emina Ekić, who departed from Spokane Zephyr FC to join Lexington SC. Read about the five biggest intra-league transfers here.
UPCOMING MILESTONES & ACTIVE STREAKS
Upcoming Milestones
Approaching 15 regular season goals
Allie Thornton (DAL) – 13
Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12
Approaching 10 regular season assists
Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7
Approaching 10 regular season clean sheets
Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9
Active Streaks
Consecutive regular season games undefeated
Spokane Zephyr FC – 5
Tampa Bay Sun FC – 4
Consecutive regular season minutes played
Allison Pantuso (LEX) – 2520
Amber Wisner (DAL) – 2520
Sarah Clark (SPK) – 2520
Taylor Porter (CAR) – 2520
WEEK 1 DISCIPLINE REPORT
TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the Gainbridge Super League’s discipline report for Week 1 of the 2025/26 season:
Spokane Zephyr FC’s Thais Reiss has been suspended for one game following her red card for dissent by word or action against Dallas Trinity FC on October 6, 2024. Reiss will be unavailable for selection in Spokane’s contest against Dallas Trinity FC on August 23, 2025.
WEEK 1 MATCH NOTES
JAXvDC
- Sporting JAX will make its league debut on Saturday at Hodges Stadium.
- DC Power finished in 7th place last season (5-14-9, 24 pts).
BKNvTB
- Brooklyn has never lost to Tampa Bay, holding a 2-0-2 record against the reigning champs.
- Brooklyn finished in 6th place last season (10-9-9, 39 pts). Tampa Bay finished second in the league (12-6-10, 46 pts) and went on to win the 2024/25 title.
- Brooklyn has yet to win a match at Maimonides Park, dating back to its home opener at Coney Island on March 15, 2025.
- Saturday’s match will be the first time Mackenzie Pluck will play against her former club since leaving Brooklyn to join Tampa Bay this season.
- Tampa Bay has not been shut out in its last 18 regular season and playoff matches. The team has scored at least one goal, averaging 1.72 goals per game, since December 14, 2024.
FTLvLEX
- Fort Lauderdale has a 3-1-0 record against Lexington.
- Fort Lauderdale finished in 4th place last season (11-8-9, 42 pts), and Lexington finished 8th (4-18-6, 18 pts).
- The last time Fort Lauderdale hosted Lexington, the team won 2-0 behind goals from Jasmine Hamid and Addie McCain.
- Saturday’s match will be the first time former FTL players Addie McCain and Tati Fung will play against their old club since joining Lexington this season.
- Lexington is on a 10-match winless streak dating back to last season. The team last earned a win on March 9, 2025 against DC Power.
DALvSPK
- Spokane has a 2-1-1 record against Dallas.
- Dallas finished in 3rd place last season (12-9-7, 43 pts), and Spokane finished in 5th place (11-8-9, 42 pts).
- The last time Spokane played at Dallas, the visitors won 1-0 behind a goal from Katie Murray.
- Spokane goalkeeper Hope Hisey, last season’s Goalkeeper of the Year, is one clean sheet away from becoming the first player in league history to reach 10 shutouts.
- Dallas striker Allie Thornton, last season’s Golden Boot winner, is two goals away from becoming the first player in league history to reach 15 goals scored.
- Spokane is on a five-match unbeaten streak (3-0-2) dating back to last season, averaging 2 goals per game.
Gainbridge Super League Power Rankings – Preseason
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
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.
New Players to Watch ahead of 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season
70+ new players joined the league over the offseason
The upcoming Gainbridge Super League season is right around the corner, and many new faces have joined the teams, including a brand-new roster for expansion club Sporting Jacksonville. Here’s a look at one new signing from each club that we’re excited to see take the pitch this season:
Brooklyn FC: Jordan Thompson
Thompson is bringing years of professional and collegiate experience to Brooklyn’s backline this season. The defender most recently won the Australian A-League title with Sydney FC in 2024, where she started all 23 matches played and logged over 2,000 minutes. She also spent two seasons with the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.
The Sumner, WA, native finished her career at Gonzaga University as the winningest player in program history with a program-record 54 career wins in 81 starts and over 7,100 minutes played. Adding Thompson’s talent and composure to Brooklyn’s defense, especially after ironwoman Allison Pantuso departed for Lexington SC this summer, might be one of the club’s biggest moves in the offseason.
Carolina Ascent FC: Meaghan Nally
Last year’s best defensive unit in the league will be strengthened even more with the addition of defender Meaghan Nally. The Georgetown University alum is joining the squad after spending the 2024 season with Danish club Odense Boldklub Q, where she made 23 appearances and scored one goal.
A proven winner, Nally captured the 2022 NWSL Championship and 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup with the Portland Thorns alongside current Carolina Ascent captain Taylor Porter. Nally also led the Hoyas to three consecutive BIG EAST Championship and two regular season titles, while being named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Dallas Trinity FC: Rylee Foster
Dallas kicked off its offseason signing announcements with a splash, bringing in Canadian goalkeeper Rylee Foster. With the departure of Madison White, who started 26 matches for the club last season, Foster will bring years of experience between the posts for the Trinity this season.
Foster played from 2016-2019 with the West Virginia Mountaineers, where she recorded a 0.72 goals-against average and 39 clean sheets in 84 appearances. She signed her first professional contract with Liverpool in 2020 and most recently played for Durham FC before joining Dallas. Foster has also represented Canada at the youth national level, including winning the Golden Glove in the 2013 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship.
DC Power FC: Margie Detrizio
DC Power FC bolstered its offense with the addition of Margie Detrizio from the Washington Spirit. The forward made her professional debut with the club earlier this year in its season opener after concluding her five-year college career at the University of Georgia and Washington State University.
In 2024, Detrizio appeared in 21 fixtures (19 started) and led the Bulldogs in goals (9), points (20), shots (65) and shots on target (34). At WSU, she finished with 26 goals and 16 assists in 4,326 minutes of action in 71 appearances. Bringing in Detrizio alongside players like Gianna Gourley and Loza Abera will make for an exciting attack in DC.
Fort Lauderdale United FC: Sophie Harding
Also adding international talent to its roster is Fort Lauderdale, which signed Australian striker Sophie Harding last month. Harding became one of the most notable names in the Australian A-League, where she began her professional career in 2020 with the Newcastle Jets.
She later joined the Western Sydney Wanderers and had her breakout season in 2023/24. Her 12-goal campaign set a club record, and combined with four assists, she was awarded the prestigious Julie Dolan Medal, given annually to the A-League’s best player. Harding is a proven scorer and offensive weapon that could help Fort Lauderdale return to the Final come next June.
Sporting JAX: Jade Pennock
Sporting JAX’s roster is a good mix of recent college graduates and more tenured players, with one of the latter being Jade Pennock. The English forward is reuniting with head coach Stacey Balaam, who coached her at the University of North Georgia in 2015.
Pennock spent time with the Leeds Youth Academy and played for Doncaster Belles, Sheffield United and Birmingham City in England. She most recently helped guide the Central Coast Mariners to their first-ever Australian A-League women’s title this year. Her leadership will be crucial as the team takes the pitch for the first time later this month.
Lexington SC: Justina Gaynor
Michigan native Justina Gaynor is one of the newest additions to Lexington’s midfield in the team’s majorly revamped roster. Gaynor, who signed with the Greens after most recently playing for NWSL side Chicago Stars FC, will play alongside some of the top midfielders in the league like Emina Ekić and Addie McCain.
Gaynor is one of the most decorated players in Michigan State University history, earning United Soccer Coaches All-America honors, three First Team All-Big Ten selections, and she was named the 2023 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year. She made 83 appearances and 73 starts with the Spartans, recording 16 goals and 20 assists and leading the team to back-to-back Big Ten Championships and multiple NCAA Tournament wins.
Spokane Zephyr FC: Cameron Tucker
Former All-American Cameron Tucker was the Zephyr’s first off-season signing announcement, bringing a wealth of professional and international talent to the Pacific Northwest. The midfielder joins Spokane after most recently playing in Valencia, Spain, with Levante UD of Liga F.
Tucker recorded 43 goals and 31 assists in her five years with the BYU Cougars, earning All-American honors her senior season in 2021. She began her professional career with NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL and had stints with the Houston Dash and Utah Royals over the next three years.
Tampa Bay Sun FC: Sandrine Mauron
The reigning league champions have added Swiss international Sandrine Mauron ahead of their quest toward another title. The midfielder has years of experience at the professional and international level, most recently joining Switzerland in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
Mauron spent 2019-2022 with Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Frauen-Bundesliga, where made 59 league appearances and scored two goals. She then returned to her home country to join Servette Chênois Féminin, tallying 14 goals in 63 appearances, helping lead the club to a Swiss Championship in 2024 and back-to-back Swiss Cup titles in 2023 and 2024.
6 Matches to watch in the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season
The league’s sophomore season kicks off on August 23
The upcoming season of the Gainbridge Super League kicks off in less than a month, and there’s a few dates we’re already circling on the calendar. Here are six matches from the fall slate that you won’t want to miss:
August 23 – Sporting JAX’s league debut
Saturday, August 23
Hodges Stadium UNF
Eight of the nine clubs will take the field on the opening day of the season, including expansion side Sporting JAX. The North Florida team will host DC Power FC at Hodges Stadium at 7:00 p.m. ET in its first-ever match, debuting its brand-new roster and Stacey Balaam in her first professional match as head coach.
August 30 – Tampa Bay Sun’s home opener
Saturday, August 30
The reigning champions will be back at Riverfront Stadium the following weekend, returning to the spot where the team lifted the league’s inaugural trophy in June. Tampa Bay had the best home record (9-2-4) in the league last season and hasn’t lost on its home turf since March.
September 20 – Emina Ekić faces Spokane
Saturday, September 20
The 2025 Player of the Year will compete against her former team for the first time since the midfielder transferred to Lexington SC this summer. Half of Ekić’s 10 goals last season came against Lexington, so it will be interesting to see how she will perform now on the other side of the matchup. It will also be a big match for former Spokane players Alyssa Bourgeois, McKenzie Weinert and Taylor Aylmer, who all signed with Lexington for the upcoming season.
October 4 – 2025 Final rematch
Saturday, October 4
Tampa Bay Sun will face Fort Lauderdale United FC for the first time in October since the sides battled for 120 minutes in last season’s Final. The Florida Derby became iconic after the first three meetings ended in draws; however, the Sun has been victorious in the last two matches. Will Fort Lauderdale be able to finally overcome its Florida foe?
October 18 – Brooklyn redemption
Saturday, October 18
If there is one team Brooklyn should anticipate playing the most, it would be Carolina. The Ascent is the only club Brooklyn was unable to beat last year, and Carolina essentially ended Brooklyn’s season and chances at a playoff berth after holding the team scoreless in its final match. This October meeting will also be the return to Brooklyn for Sydney Martinez, Luana Grabias and McKenzie George, who all transferred to Carolina this summer.
December 13 – Top scorers meet again
Saturday, December 13
Dallas Trinity FC will host the Ascent in a rematch of both teams’ regular season finale from last year, featuring the top two scorers in the league. Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton took the crown with her thirteenth goal in that match, beating Ascent striker Mia Corbin with 12 goals to her account. Both stars have returned to their teams for the upcoming campaign and will likely be battling for the title once again.
Preseason Training Gallery
Lexington SC Reloads with Top Intraleague Talent for Upcoming Season
Following a challenging inaugural season that saw Lexington SC finish at the bottom of the table with just 18 points and a –33 goal differential, the team is turning a new page with a bold approach and a roster to match.
Headlining Lexington’s announcements is new head coach, Masaki Hemmi. The Tokyo, Japan native moved to the United States as a teenager and has since built a career in soccer that reflects both global perspective and deep roots in the game. Hemmi joins a Lexington technical staff that has wasted no time adding new talent to the roster for the upcoming season.
In the past two weeks, the team announced the addition of 14 new signings, featuring six strong interleague transfers. The biggest announcement was the addition of midfielder Addie McCain, who captained Fort Lauderdale United FC last season and led the team to the 2025 USL Super League Final. McCain started all 30 matches for FTL UTD, leading the team in minutes (2,673), goals (10), chances created (40), duels won (198) and tackles won (61). She was also the lone representative for the team on the All-League First Team. Former FTL UTD midfielder and teammate Tati Fung is also taking her talents to the Bluegrass State.
Another huge offseason signing for the team is former Brooklyn FC ironwomen Allison Pantuso. The center back played every minute in all 28 matches for BKFC, leading the team in tackles won (75), duels won (185) and ranking third in clearances (78).
From Spokane Zephyr FC, a trio of teammates are making the move together: Taylor Aylmer, McKenzie Weinert, and Alyssa Bourgeois. Aylmer, who captained the Zephyr, contributed four goals and maintained 80.7% passing accuracy over 23 starts last season. Weinert, the April Player of the Month, adds firepower to the front line, while Bourgeois strengthens the defense, joining returning defenders NaYeong Shin, Trinity Watson, and Madison Perez.
These new additions, paired with the notable returners Shea Moyer, Nicole Vernis, and goalkeeper Sarah Cox, as well as Argentinian Mariana Larroquette on loan from Orlando Pride, Lexington will look to see distinguishable improvement and make a run at the playoffs and Final this season.