A new chapter in women’s soccer history in the United States began in style this weekend as the USL Super League kicked off its inaugural season.
Statisticians will look back at the Super League’s Inaugural Weekend and point to the first starting lineups, the first goalscorers, and the first final results.
But stats don’t tell the story of the moment.
Sold-out crowds for all three Inaugural Weekend matches, in Charlotte, Spokane, and Tampa, showcased the excitement the women’s soccer community has for more professional women’s soccer in our country. The fans packed the stands to watch top-flight action in their hometown and to be part of another evolution in women’s sports history.
Carolina Ascent FC 1, DC Power FC 0
The historic first match in USL Super League history was the place to be in Charlotte. A sold-out crowd of 10,553 was treated to a season-opening victory.
North Carolina native Vicky Bruce scored the game’s only goal, in the 27th minute. She pounced on a loose ball in the box after a long freekick from the right side, pushing it away from Power FC goalkeeper Morgan Aquino and slotting it home for the score.
The goal sent the home crowd — the largest ever to witness a pro women’s soccer match in the Carolinas — into a frenzied celebration.
DC Power pressed throughout the second half, but the Ascent defense held its ground. When goalkeeper Meagan McClelland made a clutch save in stoppage time, the result was all but confirmed.
The victory certainly thrilled the home fans, but the night was about more than the points. The fans — and the entire community — were clearly excited to be part of a historic moment, to have the chance to say “I was there when the USL Super League began.” They cheered every good play, gasped at every near miss, and stayed long after the final whistle to meet and get selfies with the players.
This was a moment to remember for everyone.
Spokane Zephyr FC 1, Fort Lauderdale United FC 1
Sharing the points on opening night did nothing to dampen the thrill of the either club’s first match in history.
A sold-out crowd at ONE Spokane Stadium were treated to a back-and-forth clash with each side scoring on either side of the halftime break.
Zephyr FC broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when striker Emina Ekic rifled home a penalty. Ekic had created the opportunity after nutmegging FTLUTD defender Sheyenne Allen before being taken down in the box.
Spokane seemed capable of scoring another goal in the second half, but Fort Lauderdale pressed back again and again. The visiting Floridians outshot their hosts 11-6 on the night.
In the 72nd minute, FLTUTD broke through when Addie McCain fired home the equalizer. Both sides had a few late chances but settled for a share of the points on the night.
Tampa Bay Sun FC 1, Dallas Trinity FC 1
Despite humid conditions and temperatures in the 90s at kickoff, the Inaugural Weekend’s closing match provided plenty of energy and action and a thrilling memorable night for the sold-out crowd at Riverfront Stadium.
Dallas dominated most of the match, outshooting Tampa 14-6, and probably deserved three points. They unleashed multiple attacks early on but were thwarted repeatedly by Sun goalkeeper Ashley Orkus.
They finally broke through in first-half stoppage time. Defender Hannah Davison scored off a pinpoint cross from English winger Chioma Ubogagu.
But despite a few more chances and a clear advantage in midfield, Trinity FC could not hold the lead. Off a 70th-minute corner kick, Ashley Clark‘s cross was headed home by Brooke Hendrix, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations.