Sporting JAX midfielder Ashlyn Puerta spoke with the Gainbridge Super League about her journey to becoming a professional soccer player and the league’s leading goalscorer at just 18 years old. Puerta grew up in a soccer household and joined NCAA powerhouse Florida State University for her lone year of college soccer. After playing with Sporting JAX’s USL W League team in 2024, she became the senior team’s first signing ahead of its inaugural season in the Gainbridge Super League.
Sporting JAX
Full weekend slate of rematches | Week 11 Match Previews
Brooklyn FC vs. DC Power FC
Venue: Maimonides Park; Brooklyn, NY
Kickoff: Saturday, November 8, 3 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy, 46°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Brooklyn (1-4-5) is coming off a 1-1 draw against Fort Lauderdale. DC Power (2-2-4) just earned its second win of the season in a 3-2 victory over Dallas.
- Brooklyn has a 1-2-2 record against DC Power. The sides drew 2-2 in their last match in mid-September behind goals from Loza Abera, Gianna Gourley, Kelsey Hill and Rebecca Cooke.
- Gianna Gourley (DC) has scored in her last three appearances against Brooklyn. If she scores on Saturday, it will mark three consecutive matches with a goal.
- Brooklyn is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
- Brooklyn is on a nine-match winless streak. The team has not earned all three points since its first win of the season on opening night (Aug. 23).
- Jess Garziano (BKN) is tied for first in the league with four assists.
Players to Watch
BKN – Rebecca Cooke: The Irish striker is leading her side with four goals, including scoring the lone goal for her side to earn a point in a 1-1 draw with Fort Lauderdale United last week.
DC – Susanna Fitch: DC Power’s captain was all over the field in the team’s 3-2 win last weekend against Dallas Trinity. The defender scored her first goal of the season and created the chance that led to Gianna Gourley’s game-winner.
| Brooklyn FC | DC Power FC | |
| Head Coach | Tomás Tengarrinha | Omid Namazi |
| Record | 1-4-5 | 2-2-4 |
| Standings | 8th | 6th |
Dallas Trinity FC vs. Sporting JAX
Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX
Kickoff: Saturday, November 8, 5 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear, 76°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Both teams enter Saturday’s match coming off a loss. Dallas (3-4-1) fell 3-2 to DC Power, and Sporting JAX (3-3-3) lost 4-2 to Lexington.
- Saturday will be the second meeting of the season between the two sides. Dallas won 1-0 on the road in September behind a late game-winner from Academy player Rhea Moore.
- Dallas has lost four of its last five matches. The match against JAX was its last win of the season.
- Ashlyn Puerta (JAX) currently leads the league in goals (8) and goal contributions (10). If she scores on Saturday, it will mark three consecutive matches with a goal.
- Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) is two away from 10 all-time regular season assists.
Players to Watch
DAL – Camryn Lancaster: The midfielder showed her speed and agility last weekend against DC Power, scoring her first goal of the season. Lancaster can be a true attacking threat, especially when linking up with Allie Thornton and Gracie Brian.
JAX – Paige Kenton: The forward has been the ultimate playmaker for the expansion side, tallying three goals and two assists so far this season, including finding the back of the net in last week’s match against Lexington SC.
| Dallas Trinity FC | Sporting JAX | |
| Head Coach | Chris Petrucelli | Stacey Balaam |
| Record | 3-4-1 | 3-3-3 |
| Standings | 7th | 5th |
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC
Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium; Charlotte, NC
Kickoff: Saturday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy, 63°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Carolina (3-2-4) is coming off a 2-1 win over Spokane. Fort Lauderdale (3-1-4) enters the match following a 1-1 draw against Brooklyn.
- Carolina has a 2-3-1 record against Fort Lauderdale. The sides drew 2-2 in their last match in August behind goals from Ella Simpson, Kiara Locklear and Maddie Mercado.
- Carolina is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
- Kiara Locklear (FTL) has scored in four of her five appearances against Carolina. Six of her 11 regular and postseason goals have been scored against the Ascent.
- Audrey Harding (CAR) is one away from 10 all-time regular season assists.
Players to Watch
CAR – Rylee Baisden: The forward scored a brace to earn Carolina all three points against Spokane Zephyr last week. Carolina’s high press, especially with quick and technical players like Baisden and Mackenzie George, Fort Lauderdale’s defense will need to be on high alert on Saturday.
FTL – Kelli Van Treeck: Van Treeck has delivered in clutch scenarios this season, most recently scoring her third goal of the season last weekend in the 1-1 draw against Brooklyn.
| Carolina Ascent FC | Fort Lauderdale United FC | |
| Head Coach | Philip Poole | Ali Rogers |
| Record | 3-2-4 | 3-1-4 |
| Standings | 3rd | 4th |
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA
Kickoff: Sunday, November 9, 3:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy, 51°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Spokane (3-3-5) is coming off a 2-1 loss to Carolina. Tampa Bay did not play in Week 10. Its last match was a 1-1 draw against Sporting JAX on October 18.
- Spokane has a 4-1-0 record against Tampa Bay. The Zephyr won 2-0 when the teams last met in mid-September behind goals from Lena Silano and Ally Cook.
- Tampa Bay is still searching for its first win of the season. The team has drawn in its last four matches.
- Hope Hisey (SPK) is one away from 15 regular season clean sheets.
Players to Watch
SPK – Emma Jaskaniec: Jaskaniec excels at connecting through the lines and creating chances for her teammates. In Spokane’s last match against Carolina, she recorded seven tackles and seven duels won, earning possession and immediately moving into the attack.
TB – Sydny Nasello: Nasello will be the key to Tampa Bay earning its first win of the season. The midfielder, who leads the team in assists (3) and ranks second in goals (2), controls the tempo and knows when to find her teammates in the box or take a shot herself.
| Spokane Zephyr FC | Tampa Bay Sun FC | |
| Head Coach | Nicole Lukic | Denise Schilte-Brown |
| Record | 3-3-5 | 0-3-5 |
| Standings | 2nd | 9th |
Can DC Power earn back-to-back road wins? | News & Notes Week 11
WEEK 11 SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 8
Brooklyn FC vs. DC Power FC, 3:00 p.m. ET
Dallas Trinity FC vs. Sporting JAX, 5:00 p.m ET
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC, 7:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, November 9
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC, 3:00 p.m. ET
REWIND: WEEK 10
ROAD WARRIORS
Carolina Ascent won 2-1 against Spokane Zephyr last Thursday, marking back-to-back road wins for Carolina. Rylee Basiden recorded the Ascent’s second brace of the season, and Audrey Harding recorded her fourth assist of the season, tying for first in the league.
HALLO-WINNING
Lexington SC won 4-2 against Sporting JAX in the matchup on Halloween to extend its unbeaten streak to 10 matches. Lexington has now scored 4+ goals in three matches this season; Fort Lauderdale United and Sporting JAX are the only other clubs to score 4+ goals in a match and have done so only once each.
LET HER COOKE
Fort Lauderdale United FC and Brooklyn FC split points in a 1-1 draw. Rebecca Cooke scored her fourth goal of the season and her third in the last four matches. It was also Brooklyn’s first goal scored in the first half of play this season.
DC ON TOP
DC Power FC won 3-2 against Dallas Trinity FC on Sunday to earn its first victory since opening week. Gianna Gourley scored her 12th all-time regular season goal. Jaydah Bedoya and Susanna Fitch both scored their second goals with DC Power.
GOLDEN AWARDS CURRENT LEADERS
GOALS:
1. Ashlyn Puerta (JAX) – 8
2. Catherine Barry (LEX) – 6
T-3. Addie McCain (LEX) – 5
T-3. Gianna Gourley (DC) – 5
ASSISTS:
T-1. Jess Garziano (BKN) – 4
T-1. Audrey Harding (CAR) – 4
T-2. Tati Fung (LEX) – 4
T-2. Emina Ekić (LEX) – 3
T-2. Meg Hughes (JAX) – 3
T-2. Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3
GOALS-AGAINST AVERAGE:
1. Hope Hisey (SPK) – 0.81
2. Kat Asman (LEX) – 0.88
3. Bella Hara (FTL) – 1.42
T-4. Morgan Aquino (DC) – 1.5
T-4. Sydney Schneider (TB) – 1.5
T-4. Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 1.5
WEEK 11 STORYLINES
SEARCHING FOR FIRSTS
Both Brooklyn and Carolina are still searching for their first clean sheets of the season. Tampa Bay is still looking for its first win of the season.
ON THE BRINK
Carolina’s Audrey Harding has recorded an assist in three of the team’s last four matches to bring her total to nine across both seasons. If she records one this Saturday, she will become the first player in league history to reach double-digit assists. Emina Ekić (LEX) also sits at nine; Dallas’ Chioma Ubogagu is right behind them with eight assists.
WEEK 11 DISCIPLINE REPORT
TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the Gainbridge Super League’s discipline report for Week 11 of the 2025/26 season:
Fort Lauderdale United FC’s Taylor Smith has been suspended for one game following her red card for a second caution against Brooklyn FC on November 1. Smith will be unavailable for selection for Fort Lauderdale’s contest against Carolina Ascent FC on November 8.
UPCOMING MILESTONES & ACTIVE STREAKS
Upcoming Milestones
Approaching 15 all-time regular season goals
Mia Corbin (CAR) – 13
Emina Ekić (LEX) – 12
Gianna Gourley (DC) – 12
Approaching 10 all-time regular season goals
Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 9
Ashlyn Puerta (JAX) – 8
Mackenzie George (CAR) – 7
Approaching 10 all-time regular season assists
Emina Ekić (LEX) – 9
Audrey Harding (CAR) – 9
Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 8
Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7
Mackenzie George (CAR) – 7
Approaching 15 all-time regular season shutouts
Hope Hisey (SPK) – 14
Active Streaks
Consecutive regular season minutes played across seasons
Sarah McCoy (SPK) – 3510
Allison Pantuso (LEX) – 3330
Amber Wisner (DAL) – 3240
Consecutive regular season matches unbeaten
Lexington SC – 10 (across seasons)
Carolina Ascent FC – 4
Tampa Bay Sun FC – 4
WEEK 11 MATCH NOTES
BKNvDC
- Brooklyn (1-4-5) is coming off a 1-1 draw against Fort Lauderdale. DC Power (2-2-4) just earned its second win of the season in a 3-2 victory over Dallas.
- Brooklyn has a 1-2-2 record against DC Power. The sides drew 2-2 in their last match in mid-September behind goals from Loza Abera, Gianna Gourley, Kelsey Hill and Rebecca Cooke.
- Gianna Gourley (DC) has scored in her last three appearances against Brooklyn. If she scores on Saturday, it will mark three consecutive matches with a goal.
- Brooklyn is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
- Brooklyn is on a nine-match winless streak. The team has not earned all three points since its first win of the season on opening night (Aug. 23).
- Jess Garziano (BKN) is tied for first in the league with four assists.
DALvJAX
- Both teams enter Saturday’s match coming off a loss. Dallas (3-4-1) fell 3-2 to DC Power, and Sporting JAX (3-3-3) lost 4-2 to Lexington.
- Saturday will be the second meeting of the season between the two sides. Dallas won 1-0 on the road in September behind a late game-winner from Academy player Rhea Moore.
- Dallas has lost four of its last five matches. The match against JAX was its last win of the season.
- Ashlyn Puerta (JAX) currently leads the league in goals (8) and goal contributions (10). If she scores on Saturday, it will mark three consecutive matches with a goal.
- Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) is two away from 10 all-time regular season assists.
CARvFTL
- Carolina (3-2-4) is coming off a 2-1 win over Spokane. Fort Lauderdale (3-1-4) enters the match following a 1-1 draw against Brooklyn.
- Carolina has a 2-3-1 record against Fort Lauderdale. The sides drew 2-2 in their last match in August behind goals from Ella Simpson, Kiara Locklear and Maddie Mercado.
- Carolina is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
- Kiara Locklear (FTL) has scored in four of her five appearances against Carolina. Six of her 11 regular and postseason goals have been scored against the Ascent.
- Audrey Harding (CAR) is one away from 10 all-time regular season assists.
SPKvTB
- Spokane (3-3-5) is coming off a 2-1 loss to Carolina. Tampa Bay did not play in Week 10. Its last match was a 1-1 draw against Sporting JAX on October 18.
- Spokane has a 4-1-0 record against Tampa Bay. The Zephyr won 2-0 when the teams last met in mid-September behind goals from Lena Silano and Ally Cook.
- Tampa Bay is still searching for its first win of the season. The team has drawn in its last four matches.
- Hope Hisey (SPK) is one away from 15 regular season clean sheets.
Gainbridge Super League Team of the Month – October
The Gainbridge Super League announced the Team of the Month for October on Wednesday, with Carolina Ascent FC midfielder Audrey Harding earning Player of the Month honors.
Harding was a playmaker for the Ascent during its undefeated month, recording three assists and creating 11 chances. She scored the lone goal in the 1-1 draw against Lexington SC, and she tallied an assist in all three of the team’s wins in October.
GK: Hope Hisey, Spokane Zephyr FC – Hisey returns to the Team of the Month for the second-straight month after recording two clean sheets and 21 saves across four matches to lead Spokane to second in the standings.
D: Jill Aguilera, Carolina Ascent –The defender guided the backline every minute last month, winning 25 duels and slotting home a game winner to help Carolina take home all three points against Brooklyn FC on October 18.
D: Sydney Studer, Carolina Ascent – Studer maintained 87% passing accuracy across all 360 minutes for Carolina last month, while also adding 24 clearances and 24 duels won during the team’s unbeaten run.
D: Hannah Sharts, Lexington SC – Sharts has become a cornerstone of Lexington’s defense, playing every minute and making 22 clearances. Her long throw-ins have also been valuable, as seen in the 5-1 match against Fort Lauderdale on October 16.
D: Reese Tappan, Spokane Zephyr FC – Tappan led the league in passes (291) and finished second in clearances (24) last month to help Spokane earn two clean sheets and five points.
M: Alexis Theoret, DC Power FC – Theoret continues to dominate the midfield for DC Power, winning 19 duels and nine tackles at high success rates. She also created four chances and tallied a late assist on the equalizing goal against Spokane.
M: Sydny Nasello, Tampa Bay Sun FC – Nasello controlled the midfield for Tampa Bay last month, recording one goal, one assist and winning 24 duels across her 262 minutes on the field.
M: Ashlyn Puerta, Sporting JAX – The Golden Boot leader added two more goals to her account and tallied two assists, contributing to four of Sporting JAX’s seven goals last month.
F: Audrey Harding, Carolina Ascent FC – The forward led Carolina’s attack last month, recording one goal, three assists, nine shots, 10 interceptions and 11 chances created. Harding is now tied for first all-time in regular season assists with nine.
F: Sarah Griffith, Lexington SC – Griffith was one of many attacking threats for Lexington in October. She scored three of the team’s 10 goals, including a brace in the 5-1 win over Fort Lauderdale. She also added seven shots, seven interceptions, seven tackles and 20 duels won.
F: Rebecca Cooke, Brooklyn FC – The Irish international came up big for Brooklyn last month, scoring an equalizer in two different matches. She also tallied an assist, seven shots and 13 duels won.
Coach: Philip Poole, Carolina Ascent – After a winless stretch to start the season, Poole led Carolina to a 3-0-1 record in October, ending with back-to-back road wins to move into third place in the league standings.
Bench: Leah Scarpelli (BKN), Georgia Brown (JAX), Addie McCain (LEX), Jasmine Hamid (FTL), Ally Cook (SPK), Paige Kenton (JAX), Kat Asman (LEX)
What to watch for in each Week 10 matchup
With the FIFA international break behind us, Week 10 of the Gainbridge Super League season kicks off tonight. Eight teams are competing across four consecutive nights of action, so here’s one thing to watch for in each match.
SPKvCAR: Which team scores first
In the series between Spokane and Carolina, scoring first has proven to be the key to winning. Aside from one scoreless draw, the winning team scored first in each of the other four matches. Additionally, the momentum seemed to shift to the team with the lead; only once did the losing team even get on the board, and it was a late penalty kick to bring the score to 2-1.
The challenge for Carolina – and most other teams in the league – is the difficulty of getting past Spokane’s stout defense. Ascent was held scoreless by the Zephyr last month, even while recording more shots. But Spokane isn’t necessarily an attacking powerhouse. The team has scored 10 goals across 10 matches, tied for the lowest goals-per-game mark in the league. Thursday’s match will likely be low-scoring but tightly-contested and could swing either way.
LEXvJAX: How JAX performs without Puerta and Brown
Sporting JAX is set to face Lexington for the first time this Friday as the seventh team attempting to end the Girls in Green’s undefeated streak. However, the visitors will be without their star midfielder and center back Ashlyn Puerta and Georgia Brown. Both players have competed in nearly every minute this season but will be unavailable on Friday due to international duty.
Paige Kenton and Jade Pennock have combined for goals multiple times this season and will likely pick up the offensive load without Puerta. On the defensive end, Grace Phillpotts and Julia Lester will have to step up to cover for Brown, who leads the team in clearances and blocks. If JAX can take down a team like Lexington without two of its starters, it’ll add even more credence to how good the expansion club can be the rest of the season.
BKNvFTL: Brooklyn’s first-half offense
All 12 of Brooklyn’s goals this season have come in the second half, and while it doesn’t hurt to be a comeback team, Brooklyn could be much farther up in the standings if it jumped on teams a little earlier. Its best match of the season was its opener against Tampa Bay, and although it was scoreless at halftime, the first 45 built a lot of momentum that Brooklyn used to net two goals to start the second half.
It would be especially advantageous to strike early on Saturday as Fort Lauderdale plays its first full match without starting goalkeeper Bella Hara, who is serving a red card suspension. FTL UTD has barely had to play from behind this season, but we saw what happened when Lexington jumped to a 2-0 lead by the 25th minute in Week 9.
DALvDC: Star strikers
Both Dallas Trinity and DC Power are in winless ruts right now. Dallas has played just one league match in the past month and has fallen down the standings after its strong 3-0-0 start. DC hasn’t won since opening night and is earning just a point per game through seven contests. The spark for both teams is often provided through their strikers and all-time leading scorers, Allie Thornton and Gianna Gourley.
Thornton has been off to a slow start this season, scoring half the number of goals she had at this point last year, but Dallas as a whole has scored five less goals through its first seven games compared to last season. Returning to the Cotton Bowl after a five-match road stretch might give Thornton and Dallas the energy they need to find the back of the net.
As for Gourley, she tends to rise to the moment when DC needs her most, as we saw with her equalizer in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time against Spokane in Week 9. Surprisingly, eight of her 11 goals in the league have been scored on the road, so she will surely look to get past Dallas’ backline on Sunday.
Can Sporting JAX become the first team to defeat Lexington? | Week 10 Match Previews
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA
Kickoff: Thursday, October 30, 9:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear, 42°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Spokane Zephyr FC (3-2-5) most recently played to a 1-1 draw against DC Power FC. Carolina Ascent FC (2-2-4) coming off a 2-1 win over Brooklyn.
- Spokane earned its first ever win over Carolina Ascent on September 24, a 1-0 victory behind a goal from Tori Zierenberg. Carolina still leads the series with a 3-1-1 record against Spokane.
- Hope Hisey (SPK) is one match away from reaching 15 clean sheets.
- Audrey Harding (CAR) recently surpassed teammate and last season’s Golden Playmaker Jill Aguilera with her eighth assist to move up to tied-second in the league in all-time regular season assists.
- Carolina is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
Players to Watch
SPK – Ally Cook: The former UCLA Bruin is central to the Zephyr attack. Tied for top of the league in shots (18), the forward has scored a team-high three goals this season, including converting a penalty to secure Spokane’s 1-1 draw with Power FC on October 19.
CAR – Brianna Martinez: The loanee has made six appearances for the Ascent since joining the squad this summer. The defender has recorded 23 duels won and 18 clearances while also getting in on the attacking side with her first goal of the season in Carolina’s last match.
| Spokane Zephyr FC | Carolina Ascent FC | |
| Head Coach | Nicole Lukic | Philip Poole |
| Record | 3-2-5 | 2-2-4 |
| Standings | 2nd | 5th |
Lexington SC vs. Sporting JAX
Venue: Lexington SC Stadium; Lexington, KY
Kickoff: Friday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 53°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Lexington SC (3-0-5) is coming off a 5-1 victory over Fort Lauderdale. Sporting JAX (3-2-3) most recently tied 1-1 against Tampa Bay.
- This will be the first encounter between the two sides.
- Lexington has yet to lose a match through its first eight matches this season. Jacksonville is also unbeaten in its last five.
- Ashlyn Puerta (JAX) leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals.
- Lexington leads the league with 17 goals and a +11 goal differential.
- Addie McCain (LEX) recently moved up to tied-first in all-time regular season goals with 15 alongside last season’s Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton.
- Justina Gaynor (LEX) will face off against her former Michigan State teammates Kaitlyn Parks and Meg Hughes (JAX).
- Allison Pantuso (LEX) will face off against her former Brooklyn FC teammate Grace Phillpotts (JAX).
Players to Watch
LEX – Sarah Griffith: Griffith has been a key component of Lexington’s offense this season, starting every match so far. The winger notched her first professional brace to lead the Girls in Green to a dominant 5-1 victory over Fort Lauderdale United FC on October 16.
JAX – Ashlyn Puerta: Puerta came up big with a last-minute equalizer in Sporting JAX’s last match against Tampa Bay Sun FC. The midfielder leads the league in goal contributions and will be the biggest challenge for Lexington on Friday night.
| Lexington SC | Sporting JAX | |
| Head Coach | Masaki Hemmi | Stacey Balaam |
| Record | 3-0-5 | 3-2-3 |
| Standings | 1st | 4th |
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Brooklyn FC
Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear, 73°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Both teams are looking to rebound after losses in Week 9. Fort Lauderdale United FC (3-1-3) lost to Lexington, and Brooklyn FC (1-4-4) lost to Carolina Ascent.
- Fort Lauderdale took home all three points in the sides’ last encounter on September 28, in a 2-1 victory behind goals from Stella Nyamekye and Kiara Locklear.
- Brooklyn is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
- Jess Garziano (BKN) leads the Golden Playmaker race with four assists.
Players to Watch
FTL – Sh’Nia Gordon: FTL’s captain has played every minute of the season thus far, guiding the team to a strong start. Gordon excels on both sides of the ball, earning 28 clearances and 43 recoveries in the defensive third while creating chances and sending in a team-high 18 crosses in the final third.
BKN – Sofia Lewis: The forward was a super-sub for her side in its most recent match, coming off the bench in the second half and scoring her first goal for Brooklyn in its match against Carolina Ascent FC.
| Fort Lauderdale United FC | Brooklyn FC | |
| Head Coach | Ali Rogers | Tomás Tengarrinha |
| Record | 3-1-3 | 1-4-4 |
| Standings | 3rd | 8th |
Dallas Trinity FC vs. DC Power FC
Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX
Kickoff: Sunday, November 2, 5:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Sunny, 70°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Sunday will be Dallas’ (3-3-1) first league match since its 2-0 loss to Spokane Zephyr on Oct. 12. DC Power (1-2-4) is coming off a 1-1 draw against Spokane on Oct. 19.
- Dallas and DC both have a 1-1-2 record against each other. DC won the last meeting in a comeback 3-2 win on May 8 after second-half goals from Susanna Fitch and Loza Abera.
- Samar Guidry (DAL) will face off against her former University of Virginia teammate Alexis Theoret (DC).
- Maya McCutcheon (DAL) will face off against her former West Virginia teammate Jaydah Bedoya (DC).
Players to Watch
DAL – Sealey Strawn: The reigning Young Player of the Year has played a key role in the Trinity’s offense this season, playing in all seven matches. The forward opened her scoring account for the 2025/26 campaign last month against Lexington.
DC – Gianna Gourley: Gourley is lethal when she gets in behind defenses, as we saw in DC’s last match against Spokane when she scored the stoppage-time equalizer. The forward has four goals on 17 shots this season and will likely ask a lot of Dallas’ backline this weekend.
| Dallas Trinity FC | DC Power FC | |
| Head Coach | Chris Petrucelli | Omid Namazi |
| Record | 3-3-1 | 1-2-4 |
| Standings | 6th | 7th |
Which players are moving up the leaderboards? | News & Notes Week 10
WEEK 10 SCHEDULE
Thursday, October 30
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC, 9:00 p.m. ET
Friday, October 31
Lexington SC vs. Sporting JAX, 6:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, November 1
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Brooklyn FC
Sunday, November 2
Dallas Trinity FC vs. DC Power FC
REWIND: WEEK 9
LAST ONE LEFT
Lexington SC is the final undefeated team left after the it defeated Fort Lauderdale United FC 5-1 on Oct. 16. Lexington’s eight-match unbeaten run is tied for the third-longest stretch in league history.
CAROLINA ON TOP
Carolina Ascent earned its first road win of the season after winning 2-1 against Brooklyn FC. Carolina remains undefeated all-time (3-0-2) against Brooklyn.
PUERTA TO THE RESCUE
Golden Boot leader Ashlyn Puerta scored her seventh goal of the season in the 83rd minute to rescue a point in the 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay Sun FC. The draw extended Sporting JAX’s undefeated streak to five matches.
LATE GAME HEROICS
DC Power’s Gianna Gourley scored the equalizer in the 90+5’ 1-1 draw against Spokane Zephyr, the third-latest goal in league history. The goal marked the third week in a row that an equalizer was scored in second-half stoppage time.
Gourley’s goal also snapped Spokane’s streak of five consecutive clean sheets. The team had gone nearly 600 minutes without conceding a goal prior to Gourley’s last-minute strike.
GOLDEN AWARDS CURRENT LEADERS
GOALS:
1. Ashlyn Puerta (JAX) – 7
T-2. Catherine Barry (LEX) – 5
T-2. Addie McCain (LEX) – 5
T-4. Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 4
T-4. Maddie Mercado (CAR) – 4
ASSISTS:
1. Jess Garziano (BKN) – 4
T-2. Meg Hughes (JAX) – 3
T-2. Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3
T-2. Emina Ekić (LEX) – 3
T-2. Audrey Harding (CAR) – 3
T-2. Tati Fung (LEX) – 3
GOALS-AGAINST AVERAGE:
1. Hope Hisey (SPK) – 0.7
2. Kat Asman (LEX) – 0.75
T-3. Bella Hara (FTL) – 1.42
T-3. Morgan Aquino (DC) – 1.42
5. Sydney Schneider (TB) – 1.5
WEEK 10 STORYLINES
UNDEFEATED RUNS
Lexington is on an eight-match unbeaten run to start the season. The team will host Sporting JAX, which has also not lost in its last five matches.
SECOND-HALF SCORERS
All 12 of Brooklyn’s goals this season have been scored in the second half.
UPCOMING MILESTONES & ACTIVE STREAKS
Upcoming Milestones
Approaching 15 all-time regular season goals
Mia Corbin (CAR) – 13
Emina Ekić (LEX) – 11
Gianna Gourley (DC) – 11
Approaching 10 all-time regular season assists
Emina Ekić (LEX) – 9
Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 8
Audrey Harding (CAR) – 8
Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7
Approaching 15 all-time regular season shutouts
Hope Hisey (SPK) – 14
Active Streaks
Consecutive regular season minutes played across seasons
Sarah McCoy (SPK) – 3420
Allison Pantuso (LEX) – 3240
Amber Wisner (DAL) – 3150
Consecutive regular season matches unbeaten
Lexington SC – 8
Spokane Zephyr FC – 6
Sporting JAX – 5
WEEK 10 DISCIPLINE REPORT
TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the Gainbridge Super League’s discipline report for Week 10 of the 2025/26 season:
Fort Lauderdale United FC’s Bella Hara has been suspended for one game following her red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity against Lexington SC on October 16. Hara will be unavailable for selection for Fort Lauderdale’s contest against Brooklyn FC on November 1.
WEEK 10 MATCH NOTES
SPKvCAR
- Spokane Zephyr (3-2-5) most recently played to a 1-1 draw against DC Power FC. Carolina (2-2-4) is coming off a 2-1 win over Brooklyn.
- Spokane earned its first-ever win against Carolina earlier this season on Sept. 24. Tori Zierenberg scored the lone goal in the 1-0 victory in Charlotte. Carolina still leads the series with a 3-1-1 record against Spokane.
- Hope Hisey (SPK) is one match away from reaching 15 clean sheets.
- Audrey Harding (CAR) recently surpassed teammate and last season’s Golden Playmaker Jill Aguilera with her eighth assist to move up to tied-second in the league in all-time regular season assists.
- Carolina is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
LEXvJAX
- Lexington (3-0-5) is coming off a 5-1 victory over Fort Lauderdale. Sporting JAX (3-2-3) most recently tied 1-1 against Tampa Bay.
- Friday will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
- Lexington has yet to lose a match through its first eight matches this season. Jacksonville is also unbeaten in its last five.
- Ashlyn Puerta (JAX) leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals.
- Lexington leads the league with 17 goals and a +11 goal differential.
- Addie McCain (LEX) recently moved up to tied-first in all-time regular season goals with 15 alongside last season’s Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton.
- Justina Gaynor (LEX) will face off against her former Michigan State teammates Kaitlyn Parks and Meg Hughes (JAX).
- Allison Pantuso (LEX) will face off against her former Brooklyn FC teammate Grace Phillpotts (JAX).
FTLvBKN
- Both teams are looking to rebound after losses in Week 9. Fort Lauderdale (3-1-3) lost to Lexington, and Brooklyn (1-4-4) lost to Carolina.
- Fort Lauderdale leads the all-time series 3-0-2 between the two sides. FTL UTD won 2-1 at Coney Island when the teams met on Sept. 28 behind goals from Stella Nyamekye and Kiara Locklear.
- Brooklyn is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season.
- Jess Garziano (BKN) leads the Golden Playmaker race with four assists.
DALvDC
- Sunday will be Dallas’ (3-3-1) first league match since its 2-0 loss to Spokane Zephyr on Oct. 12. DC Power (1-2-4) is coming off a 1-1 draw against Spokane on Oct. 19.
- Dallas and DC both have a 1-1-2 record against each other. DC won the last meeting in a comeback 3-2 win on May 8 after second-half goals from Susanna Fitch and Loza Abera.
- Samar Guidry (DAL) will face off against her former University of Virginia teammate Alexis Theoret (DC).
- Maya McCutcheon (DAL) will face off against her former West Virginia teammate Jaydah Bedoya (DC).
The most surprising – and unsurprising – things about the Gainbridge Super League season thus far
The Gainbridge Super League’s sophomore season has delivered in its first two months: competitive parity, breakout performances and stoppage-time chaos to shake up results.
But still, there are a few storylines that have unfolded exactly as we predicted. So, while we hit pause for this week’s international break, here’s a look at what’s surprised us and what hasn’t thus far.
Surprising: Sporting JAX’s strong start spearheaded by 18-year-old Ashlyn Puerta
There was some apprehension for how the lone expansion club would perform in its inaugural season, especially with such a young roster full of players right out of college. (Sporting JAX boasts the second-youngest squad in the league behind only Fort Lauderdale United.) Both of its planned preseason matches were cancelled, so there was nothing for us to get a good feel for how this new squad would perform come opening night.
Since then, however, Jacksonville has emerged as one of the better teams in the league. It is currently riding a five-match unbeaten streak to place fourth in the standings. Most of its attacking success has been at the hands of Golden Boot leader and USYNT star Ashlyn Puerta. The attacking midfielder leads the league in shots (18) and shots on target (10) and is well on pace to surpass Allie Thornton’s record of 13 goals last season.
Unsurprising: Spokane’s defensive dominance led by GOTY Hope Hisey
Spokane Zephyr picked up a lot of momentum during the spring slate of last season, and it has carried over into the current campaign. Despite defenders Sydney Cummings (DC) and Alyssa Bourgeois (LEX) transferring to other clubs, Reese Tappan and Kelsey Oyler have seamlessly filled in those spots alongside Sarah McCoy and Haley Thomas to rebuild its solid backline. Spokane leads the league in clearances, recoveries, possession won in the defensive third and is the only team to not have recorded an error that led to a goal.
What’s more, you can’t talk about Spokane without mentioning Hope Hisey. Simply put, the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year looks even better than she did last season. Hisey recorded nine clean sheets and 70 saves in 24/25; she’s already at five and 38 through 10 matches this year. So long as Hisey is between the posts, it will continue to be a challenge for opposing teams to get on the board.
Surprising: Tampa Bay is at the bottom of the table
It’s always tough for a championship team to go back-to-back, but few could have predicted the slow start Tampa Bay Sun FC has had this season. The team sits last in the table with an 0-3-5 record and –4 goal differential, the only squad without a win.
Cecilie Fløe is no longer with the Sun after leading the team in goal contributions last season, and Tampa Bay hasn’t quite been able to fill in the gap she left in attack. Besides that, most of the core group returned, but injuries have hindered the side so far this season, resulting in a new starting lineup in nearly every match.
Unsurprising: Lexington is at the top of the table
It would have been surprising back in April – when Lexington was the first team eliminated from playoff contention after earning just four wins all season – to see it at the top of the standings in October. But when you consider the roster that Lexington put together this offseason, it probably would be disappointing if it wasn’t where it is now.
Just the trio of reigning Player of the Year Emina Ekić, All-League First Team selection Addie McCain and iron woman Allison Pantuso improved Lexington’s frontline, midfield and backline. That’s reflected in the club ranking first in the league in Expected Goals (16.81xG) and second in Expected Goals Against (7.92xGA), giving the side an Expected Goal Differential of +8.89xGD that’s streets ahead of its closest competition.
Throw in additions like Cat Barry and Sarah Griffith, it’s no surprise at all that the Girls in Green have started the season undefeated and are rolling toward a top-of-the-table finish come May.
Ten Gainbridge Super League players called up to senior national teams for October FIFA international break
Ten players across five Gainbridge Super League clubs have been called up to their senior national teams for the October FIFA international window running from Oct. 20-29. Four more players have been called up to various U.S. Youth National Team camps.
Sydney Schneider (TB) is competing in the group stage of the 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers, while the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will feature Loza Abera (DC), Stella Nyamekye (FTL) and Olga Massombo (TB). Sophia Braun (SPK) will compete with Argentina in the Women’s Nations League 2027 World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The remaining senior teams players are competing in international friendlies.
Gainbridge Super League Players on International Duty in October
Argentina (1) – Sophia Braun (Spokane Zephyr FC)
Australia (1) – Morgan Aquino (DC Power FC)
Democratic Republic of the Congo (1) – Olga Massombo (Tampa Bay Sun FC)
Ethiopia (1) – Loza Abera (DC Power FC)
Ghana (1) – Stella Nyamekye (Fort Lauderdale United FC)
Jamaica (1) – Sydney Schneider (Tampa Bay Sun FC)
Philippines (2) – Carleigh Frilles (DC Power FC), Katrina Guillou (DC Power FC)
Scotland (1) – Georgia Brown (Sporting JAX)
Wales (1) – Charlie Estcourt (DC Power FC)
United States (4) – Alexa Strickler (U-18/19, Fort Lauderdale United FC), Ashlyn Puerta (U-20, Sporting JAX), Charlotte Burge (U-20, Carolina Ascent FC), Sealey Strawn (U-20, Dallas Trinity FC)