Carolina takes top spot after an exhilarating first week of play
The USL Super League’s inaugural weekend lived up to its promise with sellout crowds taking in thrilling on-field action as six clubs took to the field for a historic moment in women’s soccer in the United States.
Carolina Ascent FC made a powerful debut on opening weekend, emerging as the only team to secure three points. Hometown hero Vicky Bruce electrified the crowd by scoring in the 27th minute, marking the inaugural goal in league history. Can Carolina keep the winning streak alive as they face Lexington SC at home this weekend?
On the West Coast, Spokane’s Emina Ekic dazzled with a slick nutmeg and then slotted home a penalty in the 16th minute, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. However, FTL UTD equalized in the 72nd minute after Addie McCain found space in the six-yard box, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
In the Florida heat, Dallas Trinity looked set to fend off the Tampa Bay Sun after Hannah Davison’s header, assisted by Chioma Ubogagu, put them ahead in the 52nd minute. But the Sun equalized fifteen minutes later with a sweet header from Brooke Hendrix off a set piece, ending the match 1-1.
We know what the standings look like, but what impression did each of the six clubs in action leave us with? Here are our inaugural USL Super League Power Rankings, where we’ll take a vibes-based temperature check on each club as the season progresses.
Here’s how this week’s rankings look.
On The Move
Rank |
Team |
Summary |
|
| 1 |  |
Carolina Ascent FC (1-0-0) Week 2: v. LEX |
Carolina’s defense showed up in a big way before a raucous crowd – holding DC scoreless was no small feat – as Vicky Bruce led the way with four interceptions as well as her game-winning goal. |
| 2 |  |
Dallas Trinity FC (0-0-1) Week 4: v. DC |
Dallas’ attack looked strong in the Florida heat, tallying seven shots on target, which is about what you’d expect when you have talent like Chioma Ubogagu and Amber Brooks leading the way. |
| 3 |  |
Fort Lauderdale United FC (0-0-1) Week 4: @ CAR |
The trio of captain Darya Rajaee, Laveni Vaka and Celia Gaynor looked a strong foundation for FTL to build around. Well-deserved road point in Spokane. |
| 4 |  |
Spokane Zephyr FC (0-0-1) Week 4: v. BKN |
Women’s soccer was empathically ushered into Spokane after midfielder Emina Ekic incredible nutmeg and penalty kick conversation. Spokane will look to sharpen their attack in the coming weeks. |
| 5 |  |
Tampa Bay Sun FC (0-0-1) Week 2: v. DC |
Tampa Bay’s goalkeeper Ashley Orkus was a large reason the Sun were able to walk away with a point during opening weekend. Orkus recorded six saves throughout the match, including in the 90th minute. |
| 6 |  |
DC Power FC (0-1-0) Week 2: @ TB |
While DC finds themselves at the bottom of the rankings, don’t expect the team to stay there long. Jorian Baucom is relentless in the attacking third and the whole team will be looking for redemption. |
| Not Ranked |  |
Brooklyn FC (0-0-0) Week 3: v. CAR |
Brooklyn FC will kick the season off in the coming weeks. |
| Not Ranked |  |
Lexington SC (0-0-0) Week 2: @ CAR |
Lexington SC will kick the season off in the coming weeks. |