DC Power FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
Venue: Audi Field; Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: Wednesday, October 2; 6:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy, 61°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- In the previous meeting between these two teams on August 24, they played to a scoreless draw. DC had 17 shots to Tampa’s eight, and Ashley Orkus made a season-high seven saves.
- Both teams are coming off draws from Week 7. Tampa played Carolina Ascent to a scoreless draw, and DC drew 2-2 against Spokane Zephyr.
- DC goalkeeper Morgan Aquino leads the league in saves made (20). Tampa’s Ashley Orkus is tied for second with 17 saves.
- DC’s Madison Wolfbauer is now the team’s leading goal scorer after netting a brace in its last match.
Players to Watch
DC – Katie Duong: The Stanford alum continues to create opportunities for this DC side, leading the league in crosses (28) and chances created (12). Duong’s service will likely play a large role in DC finding the back of the net and earning its first win.
TB – Sydny Nasello: Nasello has been a big playmaker for the Sun in its last few matches. She will need to bring her speed and technicality to Audi Field to help get Tampa Bay back in the win column.
| DC Power FC | Tampa Bay Sun FC | |
| Head Coach | Frédéric Brillant | Denise Schilte-Brown |
| Club Record | 0-3-3 | 1-1-3 |
| Standings | 7th | 4th |
Lexington SC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
Venue: Lexington Sporting Club Stadium; Lexington, KY
Kickoff: Sunday, October 6; 4 p.m. ET
Weather: Scattered showers, 50°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- In the previous meeting between these two teams on August 25, they played to a 1-1 draw with goals from Sydney Shepherd and Mia Corbin.
- Carolina is one of two undefeated teams left, and Lexington is still searching for its first win.
Players to Watch
LEX – Sydney Shepherd: The defender has been putting in work on both ends of the field for Lexington. Shepherd leads the team in clearances and goals scored while also maintaining an 83% passing accuracy.
CAR – Addisyn Merrick: Coming in as one of Carolina’s newest additions, Merrick is aggressive and reads the game well from a defensive standpoint. In the last match, she made four tackles and two clearances while winning 5 of 7 duels.
| Lexington SC | Carolina Ascent FC | |
| Head Coach | Mike Dickey | Philip Poole |
| Club Record | 0-4-1 | 3-0-2 |
| Standings | 8th | 1st |
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Dallas Trinity FC
Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA
Kickoff: Sunday, October 6; 5 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 74°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Dallas will travel to Spokane for its second of three consecutive road matches. It’s first match of the road trip resulted in a 2-0 loss to Brooklyn FC for Dallas’ first loss of the season.
- Taylor Aylmer scored her first career goal for Spokane off a header in its most recent match against DC Power.
Players to Watch
SPK – Alyssa Bourgeois: The fullback has become a reliable part of Spokane’s backline lately, moving into the starting lineup in September. Bourgeois created two chances and recorded three tackles, three clearances and an interception in the last match at DC.
DAL – Sam Meza: Meza is quick and shifty while still holding a strong presence in the midfield. She leads the team in tackles and duels won, and she recorded a goal and assist in the last three matches.
| Spokane Zephyr FC | Dallas Trinity FC | |
| Head Coach | Jo Johnson | Pauline MacDonald |
| Club Record | 1-1-3 | 1-1-2 |
| Standings | 5th | 6th |
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Brooklyn FC
Venue: FTL UTD Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: Sunday, October 6; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Showers, 79°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Fort Lauderdale United is the last team to host its season opener. Sunday will be the inaugural match at the new FTL UTD Stadium.
- Brooklyn is on a three-match winning streak, outscoring its opponents 4-0 in that span.
- Brooklyn’s Sasha Pickard and Fort Lauderdale’s Felicia Knox played four years together at the University of Alabama.
Players to Watch
FTL – Addie McCain: The league’s leading goal scorer is on a tear, scoring five goals in four matches. McCain positions herself well inside the box and times her runs perfectly to become a great option for the team when it’s on the attack.
BKN – Mackenzie George: Very few wingers in the league are as quick and agile as Mackenzie George. The Tennessee alum will be sure to cause problems for Fort Lauderdale’s backline.
| Fort Lauderdale United FC | Brooklyn FC | |
| Head Coach | Tyrone Mears | Jessica Silva |
| Club Record | 2-1-1 | 3-0-1 |
| Standings | 3rd | 2nd |