On the latest edition of USL Super League Game Week, hosts Anna Witte and Marion Crowder break down the paths for Fort Lauderdale United FC, Spokane Zephyr FC and Dallas Trinity FC to claim one of the final two spots in the 2024/25 USL Super League Playoffs. They also discuss who they would choose for Player of the Year and preview Saturday’s matchup between Golden Boot race leaders Mia Corbin and Allie Thornton.
Tampa Bay Sun FC captain Jordyn Listro later joins the show to describe what it was like for the team to clinch the No. 2 seed, her relationship with Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown and how that influenced her choice to play for Tampa Bay, what her experience has been like in a new league, and how her Canadian roots impacted her style of play on the soccer field.
Tampa Bay Sun FC
Super League Power Rankings – Week 34
We’re down to the final week of the regular season, and things couldn’t get any closer. Tampa Bay Sun FC locked in the No. 2 spot, while Brooklyn’s draw against Carolina eliminated it from playoff contention. Now, the final two spots will come down to Spokane Zephyr FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC and Dallas Trinity FC.
Having home-field advantage for the semifinal match is huge for Tampa Bay, which finished the regular season with a 7-2-4 home record. The best-case scenario for the Sun would be Dallas or Fort Lauderdale finishing third, as Tampa Bay is undefeated against those two at home. On the other hand, a third-place finish for Spokane would be the toughest opponent for Tampa Bay, as Zephyr was the last visiting team to win at Riverfront Stadium and has scored the most goals (4) there as well.
From the outside looking in is Dallas, which has now lost three games in a row and is sitting in fifth place. The team needs a result this weekend against Carolina to have a shot at the postseason, meanwhile the Ascent will be No. 1 no matter what. The teams are 1-1-1 against each other, so Saturday’s result could go either way.
On The Move
Rank |
Team |
Change |
Summary |
|
| 1 |  |
Carolina Ascent FC (13-5-9) Week 35: @ DAL |
 Last Week: 1 |
The Ascent extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches after playing Brooklyn to a scoreless draw last weekend. Carolina continues to have one of the most dominant defenses in the league, conceding only three goals during this undefeated stretch. |
| 2 |  |
Tampa Bay Sun FC (12-6-10) Week 35: — |
 1Last Week: 3 |
Tampa Bay closed out its regular season with a 3-0-1 run to secure second place in the standings. Cecilie Fløe scored her eleventh goal of the season in the win against DC, and she will be one of the biggest factors for the team in the semifinal match on June 7. |
| 3 |  |
Fort Lauderdale United FC (11-8-8) Week 35: @ SPK |
1 Last Week: 4 |
A combination play between Sh’Nia Gordon and Kiara Locklear resulted in Fort Lauderdale earning a much-needed win over Dallas on Saturday. FTL UTD has not been able to convert a lot of its chances in front of goal, but its strong defense has made up for the offensive struggles over the last few games. |
| 4 |  |
Spokane Zephyr FC (11-8-8) Week 35: vs. FTL |
 2Last Week: 2 |
Zephyr will have had over two weeks off since its last match by the time it plays Fort Lauderdale this Saturday. However, being back at home and knowing a win guarantees a place in the playoffs might be the edge Spokane needs to put on another strong performance. |
| 5 |  |
Brooklyn FC (10-9-9) Week 35: — |
1 Last Week: 6 |
Although the draw was not enough to keep Brooklyn in the playoff hunt, it still has a lot to be proud of from the performance. Brooklyn was the first team to hold Carolina scoreless in over two months, putting up a battle against the first-place club. |
| 6 |  |
DC Power FC (5-14-8) Week 35: @ LEX |
1 Last Week: 5 |
DC’s four-match scoring streak came to an end last weekend in the 2-0 loss to Tampa Bay. Power FC had a couple of good looks early on in the match, but once Tampa Bay got a hold on the tempo, it was too much of a challenge for DC to overcome. |
| 7 |  |
Dallas Trinity FC (11-9-7) Week 35: vs. CAR |
Last Week: 7 |
The Trinity have started to crumble over the last few weeks and have lost three consecutive matches for the first time this season. Now, the team needs a win over first-place Carolina Ascent to have a shot at potentially playing them again in the semifinal. |
| 8 |  |
Lexington SC (4-18-5) Week 35: vs. DC |
Last Week: 8 |
After taking Week 34 off, Lexington has a chance to close out the season at home this weekend against DC Power, which the Girls in Green have defeated in their last two meetings. |
Carolina Ascent, Tampa Bay Sun set to host 2024/25 USL Super League Playoffs semifinal matches
TAMPA, Fla. – Following the conclusion of Week 34 of the 2024/25 USL Super League season, Carolina Ascent FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC have secured the top two spots and will host both semifinal matches of the 2024/25 USL Super League Playoffs.
Carolina Ascent clinched the Players’ Shield and No. 1 seed last week, and it will host the No. 4 seed at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC, on Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Tampa Bay Sun clinched the No. 2 seed Saturday night with a 2-0 win against DC Power FC. The Sun will host the No. 3 seed at Riverfront Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Fort Lauderdale United FC, Spokane Zephyr FC and Dallas Trinity FC remain in contention for the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds heading into the final week of the regular season.
USL Super League Race to the Playoffs – Week 34
Welcome to the latest edition of the USL Super League Race to the Playoffs, where we provide weekly information on where teams stand in their bid to reach the 2025 USL Super League Playoffs.
The schedule for this weekend includes three matches with major playoff implications. Brooklyn FC needs a win to hold off elimination, Dallas Trinity FC can clinch a berth with three points, and Tampa Bay Sun FC can secure the No. 2 spot and home field advantage in the semifinal with a win and Dallas draw/loss.
Let’s take a look at one key to victory for each of the six teams taking the pitch on Saturday.
Saturday, May 24
Maimonides Park
BKN: Defensive composure and organization
Brooklyn has finally gotten out of its offensive lull and is finding the back of the net more consistently, so getting this win against Carolina will come down to defense. We’ve seen a few times this spring where Brooklyn concedes multiple goals in a short time span, and the backline completely deflates and takes its foot off the gas.
A lot of these goals come from the defense playing flat and getting beaten by balls over the top, not going strong enough into tackles, not clearing their lines quickly enough, or just making poor decisions, like the foul that resulted in a Tori Hansen red card in the team’s last match. If Brooklyn can remain composed, even after conceding, and communicate better, it has a chance at holding off Carolina.
CAR: Score early
The team has already clinched the No. 1 seed, so Saturday’s lineup and substitutions might look a little different than normal. However, Ascent has so many attacking options, who is and isn’t on the field doesn’t really make much of a difference when it comes to finding the back of the net.
Carolina has gone 2-0-1 against Brooklyn this season, outscoring them 8-1. In all three matches, Carolina already had a 1-0 lead by the 22nd minute. Brooklyn struggles to earn results from losing positions, so Ascent just needs to score first and set the tone early to come away with a result.
Saturday, May 24
FTL: Finish chances
There was a time from the end of the fall to the beginning of the spring when Fort Lauderdale looked unstoppable in the final third. Either Jasmine Hamid, Kiara Locklear or Sh’Nia Gordon were scoring in nearly every match, and the team was shooting on target and converting at a high rate.
Over the team’s last three games, it has recorded 35 shots, 11 shots on target and scored just three goals. The decline is not for lack of effort but more towards decision making, for example trying to shoot from a tough angle rather than laying it off to the open player making a run inside. It’s a simple fix that Fort Lauderdale must correct against a team like Dallas.
DAL: Limit counterattacks
Dallas has one of the most experienced defensive units in the league, which is part of the reason why it has allowed the second-fewest goals this season. It is also led by goalkeeper Madison White, who leads the league in clean sheets and ranks third in saves. However, the formation with three in the back does sometimes allow for attacks to outnumber Dallas in transition or expose the spaces out wide.
Trinity will need to limit those opportunities against Fort Lauderdale, a team that not only has speed but also excels in winning the ball in midfield and quickly turning defense into attack. All it could take is one turnover in Dallas’ defensive third for Fort Lauderdale to capitalize and prevent Trinity from clinching a playoff spot.
Saturday, May 24
TB: Defensive awareness
DC Power is on a four-game scoring streak with five different scorers getting in the mix. The team is finding ways to break down the opposition’s defense and is especially good at switching up strategies coming out of halftime. Tampa Bay’s best chance at securing a win is maintaining an awareness on the defensive end.
DC ranks second in offside calls, so the Sun’s backline must communicate when DC tries to send balls over the top to Gianna Gourley or Anna Bagley pressing high. Power also has multiple midfielders who shoot from distance, so the Sun should be mindful of not only the forwards getting inside the box but also who is lurking outside or behind the play.
DC: Play the full 90 minutes
DC Power’s attack has performed exponentially better this spring, so the deciding factor in Saturday’s match will be defense. The team came close to stealing a couple of points in its last two games against Spokane and Fort Lauderdale, but it conceded a goal in the last 10 minutes that changed the outcomes.
How DC closes the game is important against this Tampa Bay side, which has scored more than a quarter of its goals in the final 15 minutes of its matches. The Sun also have the most draws in the league and most points gained from losing positions, a sign that the side is never completely out of a contest, whatever it’s facing.
Brooklyn, Tampa Bay close out regular season at home | News & Notes Week 34
REWIND: WEEK 33 NOTES
DC 1 – 2 SPK
- GOALS:
- Emina Ekić (SPK) 65’, Natalie Viggiano assist.
- Madison Wolfbauer (DC) 74’, penalty.
- Emina Ekić (SPK) 84’.
- STORYLINES:
- ON A ROLL: Spokane extended its undefeated streak to four matches, moving up to third place in the standings for the first time this season.
- ANOTHER BRACE: Ekić recorded her third brace of the season, the first player to achieve that feat. She now sits tied for third-most in the league with 10 goals.
- GOAL CONTRIBUTIONS: With her two goals from the night, Ekić now leads the league in goal contributions with 16 (10g/6a).
- FROM THE SPOT: Wolfbauer scored her third goal of the season. All three of her goals came from the penalty spot in matches against Spokane.
- ASSIST: Viggiano recorded her first assist of the season less than a minute after entering the match.
- QUOTES:
- DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:
- On the team’s overall performance… “For the team, it wasn’t for the lack of trying. I’m still proud of what they were able to do out there. The resiliency again to fight back from being down one. We’ll go back and look at film and see exactly what went wrong, what needs to improve and try to build on the things we did well.”
- DC scorer Madison Wolfbauer:
- On how her equalizer propelled the team… “Them missing the penalty kick gave us that momentum and us making the penalty kick. We really do thrive off that as a group and I think if you look at the last couple of games we’ve really come together as a team. We’re feeding off each other’s energy and momentum and you can feel it.”
- Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson:
- On overall thoughts on the match… “I’m proud of how our players handled adversity this week and throughout the match. From the rain, to the emotional swings of missing a penalty and then conceding one, they stayed locked in and found a way to win. It wasn’t always pretty, but they continue to rise to the challenge and take care of the opponent in front of them.”
- Spokane forward Natalie Viggiano:
- On overall thoughts on the match… “Super happy to get 3 points and continue our chances of making the playoffs. Proud of this group for battling it out on the road and excited to close out the regular season back at home.”
- DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:
LEX 0 – 1 FTL
- GOALS:
- Jennifer Aalbue (LEX) 17’, own goal.
- STORYLINES:
- SNAPPED THE STREAK: Fort Lauderdale ended its six-match winless streak and earned its first win since March 15.
- CLEAN SHEET: Goalkeeper Cosette Morché recorded her sixth clean sheet of the season.
- QUOTES:
- Lexington goalkeeper Sarah Cox:
- On overall thoughts on the team’s performance… “I think a big positive for us was the fact that we were able to fight for ninety minutes. And I think in the spells where we were able to keep the ball and pass it around and switch the point of attack, I thought we were really successful.”
- Lexington midfielder Libby Moore:
- On what the team did well… “We were high pressing today, which is something we’ve been working on recently. And we had a lot more success winning the ball up the field and communication between the lines. Something we’ve been working on to stay compact, and I thought we did a better job of that and got a lot of offsides from that.”
- Fort Lauderdale Head Coach Tyrone Mears:
- On the result and quick turnaround… “Tonight’s result was an important step forward, and we’re looking for this win to mark the beginning of a strong momentum shift. As we head to D.C. on a short turnaround, our focus is on maintaining our standards, managing recovery effectively, and continuing to build consistency in our performance. Securing points on the road is never easy, but the group is clear on the demands and ready for the challenge ahead.”
- Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Cosette Morché:
- On the result and the feeling in the locker room… “Great team win tonight, I’m really proud of the girls. I think we’re gonna come out of this with a smile on our face and we’re gonna be ready to prove that we deserve to be in the playoffs. I think we’re going to go into the game in DC in a couple of days really excited, motivated, and ready to win.”
- Lexington goalkeeper Sarah Cox:
CAR 1 – 1 TB
- GOALS:
- Eli Hutchinson (CAR) 2’, Jill Aguilera assist.
- Cecilie Fløe (TB) 23’.
- STORYLINES:
- CLINCHING: With the result, Carolina clinched the Players’ Shield and hosting during the playoffs, while Tampa Bay also secured a playoff berth.
- GOALS: Fløe scored her tenth goal of the season, tying for third-most in the league. Hutchinson also scored her fifth goal of the season, tying for second-most on the team.
- PLAYMAKER: Aguilera recorded her league-leading seventh assist of the season.
- SERIES: Tampa Bay finished with a 2-0-2 record against Carolina this season, finishing as the only team the Ascent did not defeat all year.
- QUOTES:
- Carolina Head Coach Philip Poole:
- On claiming the Players’ Shield… “I think the first step is claiming the regular season, which I’m proud of the players. So I’m proud of the players, proud of the owner, proud of the staff, proud of the front office, everyone plays their part. So that’s been huge for us. But I said it before, to bring the home playoff game back here to Charlotte, to the fans, it has been good to us and the supporters have been there for us since day one. It’s been great.”
- On the team’s performance… “There were parts of it that were great. We obviously created a lot of chances. Tampa came here, very aggressive on the front foot and they did great and it was difficult to deal with, so it was it was a battle. I think we created some chances that we’d like back, but I think there was a really good midfield battle where it was back and forth, so credit to Tampa.”
- Carolina captain Taylor Porter:
- On clinching home field advantage… “It’s such a huge advantage, but I think it’s something that we’ve worked really hard towards since the beginning of July when we started working towards this. So, we’re really, really excited and super stoked for the fans to come out and support us.”
- Tampa Bay Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown:
- On overall thoughts on the match… “Carolina’s team has been a strong opponent, and we’ve really appreciated the competitive spirit throughout the series. I’m incredibly proud of our players for showing resilience to earn a draw on the road. We’re a team that continues to show strong depth, with everyone stepping up when called upon. This group plays selflessly, stays focused, and consistently gives their best for each other.”
- Tampa Bay scorer Cecilie Fløe:
- On the team’s performance… “We should have done better on the goal they scored, but we came back… I just think that we are sticking to our game plan, and we’re doing what we decided to do before the game, and it paid off.”
- Carolina Head Coach Philip Poole:
WEEK 34 SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 20th
DC Power FC v Fort Lauderdale United FC, 7 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 24th
Brooklyn FC v Carolina Ascent FC, 2 p.m. ET
Fort Lauderdale United FC v Dallas Trinity FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Sun FC v DC Power FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
WEEK 34 STORYLINES
PLAYOFF PICTURE
Carolina Ascent and Tampa Bay Sun have both secured a spot in the 2024/25 Super League Playoffs. Brooklyn, Spokane, Dallas and Fort Lauderdale still remain in the hunt for the final two spots.
GOLDEN RACE UPDATES
All three end-of-year awards based on regular season stats remain in a tight race. Dallas’ Allie Thornton and Carolina’s Mia Corbin lead the Golden Boot race with 12 goals each, and both have two matches remaining.
Carolina’s Jill Aguilera has pulled ahead in the Golden Playmaker race with seven assists. Spokane’s Emina Ekić and Dallas’ Chioma Ubogagu are not far behind with six assists each.
Lastly, Carolina’s Meagan McClelland and Spokane’s Hope Hisey lead the Golden Glove race with a 1.0 goals-against average. Right behind them is Dallas’ Madison White at 1.04 GAA.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END
Brooklyn and Tampa Bay will play their final two matches of the regular season this weekend. Both matches are of importance as Brooklyn fights to stay in the playoff hunt, and Tampa Bay is on a quest to secure the No. 2 spot and host its semifinal match.
WEEK 34 DISCIPLINE REPORT
TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the USL Super League’s discipline report for Week 34 of the 2024/25 USL Super League season:
Brooklyn FC’s Tori Hansen has been suspended for one game following her red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity against Spokane Zephyr FC on May 10. Hansen will be unavailable for selection in Brooklyn’s contest against Carolina Ascent FC on May 24.
Additionally, the following player enters the upcoming matches one caution away from their eighth yellow card of the season and a one-game suspension for caution accumulation.
– DC Power FC (1): Claire Constant
LEAGUE LEADERS – WEEK 34
GOALS:
- Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12 goals
- Allie Thornton (DAL) – 12 goals
- Addie McCain (FTL) – 10 goals
- Emina Ekić (SPK) – 10 goals
- Cecilie Fløe (TB) – 10 goals
- Natasha Flint (TB) – 9 goals
- Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 9 goals
- Carlee Giammona (TB) – 7 goals
- Jessica Garziano (BKN) – 6 goals
ASSISTS:
- Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7 assists
- Emina Ekić (SPK) – 6 assists
- Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 6 assists
- Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists
- Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists
- Shea Moyer (LEX) – 5 assists
- Audrey Harding (CAR) – 5 assists
- Mackenzie George (BKN) – 5 assists
CLEAN SHEETS:
- Madison White (DAL) – 9 clean sheets
- Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9 clean sheets
- Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets
- Cosette Morche (FTL) – 6 clean sheets
- Samantha Leshnak Murphy (CAR) – 5 clean sheets
- Ashley Orkus (TB) – 5 clean sheets
- Morgan Aquino (DC) – 5 clean sheets
DC, Fort Lauderdale kick off double matchweek at Audi Field | Week 34 Match Previews
DC Power FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC
Venue: Audi Field; Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: Tuesday, May 20th; 7:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy with chance of rain, 56°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Tuesday is the first of two matches this week for both teams.
- DC is coming off a 2-1 loss to Spokane, while Fort Lauderdale recently picked up a 1-0 win against Lexington.
- The teams are 1-1-1 against each other this season. The away side won each of the first two matchups, and they finished in a 1-1 draw when they last met in April.
- DC was eliminated from playoff contention.
- DC captain Claire Constant is one yellow card away from a one-match suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
Players to Watch
DC – Carleigh Frilles: The forward has added another spark to DC’s offense alongside Gianna Gourley. Frilles nearly opened the scoring last week before the offside call, and she drew the penalty to get Power FC back in the match.
FTL – Jasmine Hamid: The winger has been one of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest assets all season. Her speed, skill and shots from distance have shown to be a problem for every defense across the league.
| DC Power FC | Fort Lauderdale United FC | |
| Head Coach | Phil Nana (Interim Coach) | Tyrone Mears |
| Club Record | 5-13-7 | 10-8-7 |
| Standings | 7th | 6th |
Brooklyn FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
Venue: Maimonides Park; Brooklyn, NY
Kickoff: Saturday, May 24th; 2:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 64°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Saturday is Brooklyn’s last match of the regular season.
- Brooklyn did not play in Week 33. Its most recent match was a 2-2 draw against Spokane in Week 32. Carolina is coming off a 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay last week.
- Carolina clinched the Players’ Shield and will host its semifinal match.
- Carolina has a 2-0-1 record against Brooklyn this season. The team won 5-0 when they met in Charlotte in April.
- Carolina is 6-0-1 in its last seven games.
- Brooklyn’s Tori Hansen will be unavailable for selection due to a red card suspension.
Players to Watch
BKN – Jess Garziano: The St. John’s alum has scored in Brooklyn’s last two matches due to her high press and quick instincts in front of goal. She will be the biggest threat to Carolina’s defense and goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy.
CAR – Jill Aguilera: Aguilera currently leads the league in assists and chances created due to her ability to control the left flank and send in great crosses, along with her service on set pieces. Brooklyn will need to shut her down to prevent opportunities for the Ascent in the final third.
| Brooklyn FC | Carolina Ascent FC | |
| Head Coach | Kevin Tenjo (Interim Coach) | Philip Poole |
| Club Record | 10-9-8 | 13-5-8 |
| Standings | 5th | 1st |
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Dallas Trinity FC
Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, May 24th; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 80°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Saturday will be Fort Lauderdale’s second match of the week. Dallas most recently lost 3-2 to DC Power on May 8.
- The teams are 1-1-1 against each other this season. The home side won each of the first two matchups, and they finished in a 1-1 draw when they last met in April.
- Both teams are still in the hunt for the final two playoff spots.
- Dallas will be without Sealey Strawn, who was called up to the U.S. U-20 National Team.
Players to Watch
FTL – Addie McCain: The last time FTL faced Dallas, it was a battle in the midfield that forced 10 duels and 10 tackles out of captain Addie McCain. The center mid will need to control the middle third and set the tone for the home side.
DAL – Madison White: Last week, Fort Lauderdale was shut down by Lexington goalkeeper Sarah Cox. White will need to be equally aggressive to thwart all the options FTL has on its offense.
| Fort Lauderdale United FC | Dallas Trinity FC | |
| Head Coach | Tyrone Mears | Pauline MacDonald |
| Club Record | 10-8-7 | 11-8-7 |
| Standings | 6th | 4th |
Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. DC Power FC
Venue: Riverfront Stadium; Tampa, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, May 24th; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 73°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Saturday will be DC’s second match of the week. Tampa Bay most recently drew 1-1 with Carolina last week.
- Saturday is Tampa Bay’s last match of the regular season.
- Tampa Bay has clinched a spot in the playoffs.
- Tampa Bay has a 2-0-1 record against DC this season. The Sun most recently won 1-0 when the teams met in April.
Players to Watch
TB – Cecilie Fløe: The Danish forward has recorded two goals and two assists in the Sun’s last two matches. Fløe is sharp with the ball at her feet and can score in a variety of ways, making it tough for backlines to defend.
DC – Susanna Fitch: The outside back has started every match and leads the team in minutes played. She also ranks first in duels and tackles won, showing her defensive skills, while also getting into the attack and creating chances in the final third.
| Tampa Bay Sun FC | DC Power FC | |
| Head Coach | Denise Schilte-Brown | Phil Nana (Interim Coach) |
| Club Record | 11-6-10 | 5-13-7 |
| Standings | 2nd | 7th |
Super League Power Rankings – Week 33
Spokane continues to pick up points during this spring campaign and has moved to third place in the league standings. Its most recent victory came at the hands of Bosnian international Emina Ekić, who recorded her third brace of the season. She is the first person in the league to do so.
Both of her left-footed shots gave Zephyr the lead in the 2-1 win over DC Power last Tuesday. Ekić curled in her second goal from the corner flag for an olimpico game-winner. The two goals bring her season total to 10, and alongside her six assists, she leads the league in goal contributions.
With just one regular season match remaining, Spokane will be looking for another win to secure its playoff spot and a chance to see more of Ekić’s magic.
On The Move
Rank |
Team |
Change |
Summary |
|
| 1 | |
Carolina Ascent FC (13-5-8) Week 34: @ BKN |
Last Week: 1 |
The Ascent remain on top after earning a 1-1 draw last week to secure the inaugural USL Super League Players’ Shield. Carolina has consistently been strong both offensively and defensively, and earning results over its last two regular season games will help continue their momentum into the playoffs. |
| 2 | |
Spokane Zephyr FC (11-8-8) Week 34: — |
1 Last Week: 3 |
Spokane has earned its third win in its last four matches, doing all that it needs to keep its hopes alive for making it into the postseason. Last week, it battled through the emotions of missing a penalty and conceding one on the other end to come back and score the game-winner. |
| 3 | |
Tampa Bay Sun FC (11-6-10) Week 34: vs. DC |
1 Last Week: 2 |
Tampa Bay remains as the only team to go undefeated against Carolina this season. The Sun’s top scorer Cecilie Fløe’s incredible strike got the team back in the match after conceding an early goal, but a save from the penalty spot prevented Tampa Bay from taking all three points. |
| 4 | |
Fort Lauderdale United FC (10-8-7) Week 34: @ DC; vs. DAL |
2 Last Week: 6 |
Fort Lauderdale got back in the win column last week with a 1-0 victory over Lexington, with nine points left on the board to move up the table and secure its playoff spot. The team created many opportunities on Friday but struggled to put most of them away, something it will need to correct in its final three games. |
| 5 | |
DC Power FC (5-13-7) Week 34: vs. FTL; @ TB |
1 Last Week: 4 |
While DC wasn’t able to extend its winning streak to three games last week, the fight it put up against a strong Spokane side creates some excitement for how DC can perform next season. The team has three more games to continue building on those positives to close its inaugural campaign. |
| 6 | |
Brooklyn FC (10-9-8) Week 34: vs. CAR |
1 Last Week: 5 |
Brooklyn spent the last week away from game action and will conclude its season at home against Carolina. The team will have to dig deep to earn a win and remain in playoff contention, and it will come down to having composure defensively and attacking out the gate. |
| 7 | |
Dallas Trinity FC (11-8-7) Week 34: @ FTL |
Last Week: 7 |
Dallas is also returning to play after a hiatus but is also in the thick of the playoff race. The team has suffered two consecutive losses but needs to get back on the winning side as it finishes the season against Fort Lauderdale and Carolina. |
| 8 | |
Lexington SC (4-18-5) Week 34: — |
Last Week: 8 |
Despite the result not going Lexington’s way last week, the team put on a strong performance at home. The Girls in Green did very well at limiting Fort Lauderdale in the final third, and goalkeeper Sarah Cox made four huge saves to keep the match close. |
USL Super League Race to the Playoffs – Week 33
Welcome to the latest edition of the USL Super League Race to the Playoffs, where we provide weekly information on where teams stand in their bid to reach the 2025 USL Super League Playoffs.
There are just nine matches left in the regular season, and nearly each one has major implications toward the playoff picture. With five teams still fighting for one of the final three spots, it’s imperative for them to pick up points in the final three weeks.
Let’s look at the five most important matches remaining for each of the teams still in the race to the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Sun FC
Saturday, May 17
Tampa Bay Sun’s next match is the most crucial for the No. 2 ranked team for multiple reasons. A win would not only clinch a playoff berth, but it would also spoil top-seeded Carolina Ascent’s final home game of the regular season and their hopes for securing the Players’ Shield for the time being, leaving the possibility open for the Sun just one point back. It would also be a big motivation boost heading into playoffs for Tampa Bay to defeat the top team on the road, end Carolina’s six-match winning streak and remain as the only team to never lose to the Ascent this season.
Fort Lauderdale United FC
Tuesday, May 20
It might seem odd to say Fort Lauderdale United’s most important match remaining is against a team that was eliminated from playoff contention last month, but let’s take a look at DC Power’s last few results. It beat Brooklyn 1-0 on the road, came back down 2-0 to defeat Dallas Trinity, then nearly just stole at least one point from Spokane on Tuesday. DC has been playing spoiler lately, and if Fort Lauderdale doesn’t take care of business against lower-seeded teams, its final two matches might not even matter.
Brooklyn FC
Saturday, May 24
As Brooklyn’s only remaining match of the season, the meeting against Carolina is as must-win as it gets. A loss or draw would eliminate it from playoff contention, and even with a win, Brooklyn would need many fortuitous results from around the league to hold on to that fourth-place spot. Also considering the 5-0 loss the last time it faced the Ascent, the red card suspension defender Tori Hansen will be on, and the fact that the team has yet to win at Maimonides Park, everything needs to go right for Brooklyn to get those three points.
Dallas Trinity FC
Saturday, May 24
Dallas has slipped to fourth place, its lowest position this spring, and both of its remaining matches are crucial. However, the Ascent has all but secured first place, so earning a result against them isn’t nearly as important as against Fort Lauderdale, which still has the chance to knock Dallas out of the playoffs. The teams are 1-1-1 against each other this season, but the Trinity has lost its last three road games, so it needs to snap that streak here.
Spokane Zephyr FC
Saturday, May 31
Spokane has done a remarkable job at getting results this spring to currently sit in third place; however, it’s not out of the woods yet. With only one match remaining, other teams with games in hand can still pick up points and shift Zephyr down the standings. One of those teams is Fort Lauderdale, so this final match of the season might decide not only seeding but which of these two teams makes the playoffs or not.
Can Tampa Bay Sun clinch the next playoff spot? | News & Notes Week 33
REWIND: WEEK 32 NOTES
DC 3 – 2 DAL
- GOALS:
- Sealey Strawn (DAL) 26’, Chioma Ubogagu assist.
- Allie Thornton (DAL) 33’, Hannah Davison assist.
- Loza Abera (DC) 54’, Katie Duong assist.
- Susanna Fitch (DC) 63’.
- Loza Abera (DC) 90+5’, Susanna Fitch assist.
- STORYLINES:
- BACK-TO-BACK: For the first time ever, DC Power recorded two consecutive wins.
- BRACE OFF THE BENCH: Loza Abera recorded a brace after coming in at the half. Abera joins her DC teammate Allie Flanagan as the only two players in the league to score a brace after entering the match as a substitute.
- FIRST FOR FITCH: Defender Susanna Fitch, who has started all 24 matches for DC, recorded her first goal of the season. She also recorded her second assist of the season.
- GOLDEN: Allie Thornton scored her 12th goal of the season, tying her with Mia Corbin atop the Golden Boot race. Chioma Ubogagu also recorded her sixth assist, tying her for the lead in the Golden Playmaker race.
- GOALS: Sealey Strawn scored her fourth goal of the season.
- ASSISTS: Hannah Davison recorded her first assist of the season, and Katie Duong recorded her third.
- QUOTES:
- DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:
- On what fueled the comeback win… “We’re growing and finally starting to play together. We’ve found our identify, and like I told them in the locker room, once you know who you are, then no matter what happens, we’ll get through it. They showed that today.”
- DC scorer Susanna Fitch:
- On the halftime message that ignited the comeback… “We made a few changes, and that made a world of difference. We were more disciplined in our defense. You could tell; we tired them out. We were winning second balls, high pressing them more and we were able to keep possession. It was a different game in the second half.”
- Dallas Head Coach Pauline MacDonald:
- On the team’s focus going forward… “The objective is to make the playoffs, which is what we have to re-focus on. We’ll take the good, all of the good that we showed in the first half. We just need to make sure to correct the mistakes and learn quickly, in relation to how to control the game for 90 minutes.”
- Dallas defender Hannah Davison:
- On moving forward from this result… “This league is so competitive, and any game that you go into, you need to be a 90-minute team. Our first 45 minutes was who we are. We’ll go back, take the good from the first half and remind ourselves of who we are. There are still games to be played and points to pick up to put us in a good spot for playoffs. We need to find that momentum again and really lean into where our identity is.”
- DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:
BKN 2 – 2 SPK
- GOALS:
- Jess Garziano (BKN) 9’.
- Caroline Kelly (BKN) 17’, Hope Breslin assist.
- Sydney Cummings (SPK) 74’.
- Ally Cook (SPK) 90+2’.
- STORYLINES:
- GOALS: Jess Garziano scored her sixth goal of the season, Ally Cook scored her fifth, Sydney Cummings scored her third and Caroline Kelly scored her second.
- ASSIST: Hope Breslin recorded her second assist of the season.
- SPOKANE COMES BACK: For the first time this spring, Spokane conceded first but came back to earn a result. In both previous matches where it conceded first, it lost.
- WINLESS AT HOME: Brooklyn has still yet to earn a win at Maimonides Park, with one home match remaining this season.
- QUOTES:
- Brooklyn defender Leah Scarpelli:
- On the mindset going into the match… “We’re treating every game as a championship game and as a playoff game, so I think that that was our mindset coming to this game. We stuck with the game plan super well. I think everyone did their role super well in the first half. It’s just the small details in the second half. It’s what led to some goals. But I think overall, as a team, we did great. I’m super proud of us. I think now it’s just moving forward, and our next objective is Carolina. So, we take it game by game.”
- Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson:
- On overall thoughts on the match… “We didn’t start the way we needed to. The first 45 minutes did not represent who we are as a team—too many turnovers, loose balls, and poor challenges. But I am incredibly proud of the response in the second half.”
- Spokane scorer Sydney Cummings:
- On the team’s performance… “We’re disappointed to not come away with the win, but we’re proud of the way we were able to bounce back and get the point. We’ll look at the performance and build on it to get 3 points in DC.”
- Brooklyn defender Leah Scarpelli:
LEX 0 – 3 TB
- GOALS:
- Victoria Haugen (TB) 45’, Cecilie Fløe assist.
- Parker Goins (TB) 60’, Cecilie Fløe assist.
- Cecilie Fløe (TB) 90+2’.
- STORYLINES:
- SEASON SWEEP: Tampa Bay earned the season sweep on Lexington, winning all four matches and scoring at least three goals in every game this season. Saturday was the first time Tampa Bay held them scoreless.
- GOALS: Cecilie Fløe tied for first on the team with her ninth goal of the season. Victoria Haugen also scored her first goal, and Parker Goins scored her second.
- FLøE IS ON FIRE: Fløe became only the third player, and the first not on Dallas Trinity, to record one goal and two assists in a single match. She now leads the team with four assists.
- LATE SCORERS: Tampa Bay has scored a league-high 11 goals in the final 15+ minutes of its matches, accounting for over a quarter of its 39 goals.
- QUOTES:
- Lexington forward Kate Doyle:
- On the team’s morale heading into the match… “Team morale was really good going into this game, and there’s always gonna be circumstances around us, so we just wanted to come out and play for each other. We’re a close-knit group that love each other a lot. And, obviously, we haven’t seen the results that we would want out of that, but all we can do is keep fighting and keep trying.”
- Tampa Bay Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown:
- On overall thoughts on the match… “I’m incredibly proud of our team tonight. We showed up with intensity, executed our game plan, and competed from start to finish. Earning our first clean sheet against Lexington is a big milestone, and it speaks to the hard work and commitment of this group.”
- Lexington forward Kate Doyle:
WEEK 33 SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 13th
DC Power FC v Spokane Zephyr FC, 7 p.m. ET
Friday, May 16th
Lexington SC v Fort Lauderdale United FC, 6 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 17th
Carolina Ascent FC v Tampa Bay Sun FC, 7 p.m. ET
WEEK 33 STORYLINES
PLAYOFF PICTURE
With a DC Power win over Spokane Zephyr, Tampa Bay can clinch a playoff berth.
Additionally, with a win or draw over Tampa Bay on Saturday, Carolina Ascent will clinch the Players’ Shield award, therefore securing hosting for the playoffs.
NO. 1 VS NO. 2
Top-seeded Carolina Ascent FC will host No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC in its final home match of the season. Tampa Bay is the only team Carolina has yet to defeat this season. The Sun is 2-0-1 against Carolina, winning the last two matchups. Tampa Bay was the first team to beat Carolina this season, ending the Ascent’s monumental 11-match unbeaten streak at the start of the campaign.
GOLDEN RACES
Dallas’ Allie Thornton and Mia Corbin are tied for first in the Golden Boot race with 12 goals each. There’s currently a three-way tie for the Golden Playmaker, with Dallas’ Chioma Ubogagu, Spokane’s Emina Ekić and Carolina’s Jill Aguilera tied with six assists. Spokane’s Hope Hisey and Carolina’s Meagan McClelland are tied for first in the Golden Boot race with a 1.0 GAA.
SEALEY THE SCORER
Dallas’ 17-year-old Academy star Sealey Strawn tied for second on the team with her fourth goal of the season last week. She is the youngest of all 94 goal scorers this season, with three of her four goals coming off the bench.
PARTY IN THE DISTRICT
DC Power has won consecutive matches for the first time all season after a 1-0 shutout over Brooklyn and a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over a strong Dallas Trinity. Loza Abera scored two goals in the affair after entering the match as a sub at halftime.
While DC is out of the playoff race, they are still impacting it – playing spoiler for clubs hoping to clinch against the team. Their next three matches are all against teams in the hunt for a playoff spot.
WEEK 33 DISCIPLINE REPORT
TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the USL Super League’s discipline report for Week 33 of the 2024/25 USL Super League season:
Brooklyn FC’s Tori Hansen has been suspended for one game following her red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity against Spokane Zephyr FC on May 10. Hansen will be unavailable for selection in Brooklyn’s contest against Carolina Ascent FC on May 24.
Additionally, the following player enters the upcoming matches one caution away from their eighth yellow card of the season and a one-game suspension for caution accumulation.
– DC Power FC (1): Claire Constant
LEAGUE LEADERS – WEEK 33
GOALS:
- Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12 goals
- Allie Thornton (DAL) – 12 goals
- Addie McCain (FTL) – 10 goals
- Natasha Flint (TB) – 9 goals
- Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 9 goals
- Cecilie Fløe Nielsen (TB) – 9 goals
- Emina Ekić (SPK) – 8 goals
- Carlee Giammona (TB) – 7 goals
- Jessica Garziano (BKN) – 6 goals
ASSISTS:
- Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 6 assists
- Emina Ekić (SPK) – 6 assists
- Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 6 assists
- Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists
- Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists
- Shea Moyer (LEX) – 5 assists
- Audrey Harding (CAR) – 5 assists
- Mackenzie George (BKN) – 5 assists
- Mackenzie Pluck (BKN) – 4 assists
- Taylor Porter (CAR) – 4 assists
- Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 4 assists
- Cecilie Fløe (TB) – 4 assists
CLEAN SHEETS:
- Madison White (DAL) – 9 clean sheets
- Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9 clean sheets
- Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets
- Cosette Morche (FTL) – 5 clean sheets
- Samantha Leshnak Murphy (CAR) – 5 clean sheets
- Ashley Orkus (TB) – 5 clean sheets
- Morgan Aquino (DC) – 5 clean sheets