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Carolina Ascent FC

Super League Power Rankings – Week 28

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Carolina Ascent continues to thrive and extended its first-place lead in the standings after picking up wins against DC Power and Brooklyn last week. The team has now won four matches in a row and all were clean sheets, tying the longest shutout streak in the league. 

All eyes have been on Golden Boot race leader Mia Corbin, but the forward wasn’t one of the six Carolina goal scorers from last week. Sarah Troccoli, Jenna Butler, Addisyn Merrick, Jill Aguilera, Audrey Harding and B Hylton all got on the score sheet in the two victories. Corbin did however grab an assist, along with Riley Parker and Taylor Porter, who had two assists on Saturday. 

The Ascent is one of the best teams in the league on both sides of the pitch; the team ranks first in goals for (35) while conceding the least (19) and has the most shutouts at 10. If Carolina can ride this momentum through the end of the regular season, it will set the team up not only for the postseason but in securing the Players’ Shield. 

On The Move

3 SPK 4 DAL

Rank

 

Team

Change

Summary
1 Carolina Ascent FC
(11-5-7)
Week 29: vs. SPK 		1
Last Week:
2		 The Ascent has hit cruise control and is now four points clear of second-place Dallas. The team continues to find ways to win and takes care of both sides of the ball to earn results. Carolina is once again the team to beat.
2 Spokane Zephyr FC
(7-7-7)
Week 29: @ LEX; @ CAR
 3
Last Week:
5		 Spokane is the only other team to have built some positive consistency over this Spring Schedule. Zephyr has gone 5-1-1 since the return from break, and the only loss was a 2-1 defeat to Carolina. Things are starting to click for Spokane, and it is exciting to watch.
3 Tampa Bay Sun FC
(8-5-9)
Week 29: @ DC
Last Week:
3		 The Sun have earned back-to-back wins and continue to make Riverfront Stadium a fortress. Like last week, each of the goals were scored by different players, including Hannah Keane netting her first of the season, showing the diversity of attacking threats on the Tampa Bay roster.
4 Fort Lauderdale United FC
(9-6-6)
Week 29: @ DAL
Last Week:
4		 FTL UTD has been tested a bit recently, but it bodes well for the team that it fought back from going down a goal and earned a point, especially after being shut out the past two weeks. Its next match against Dallas could be a turning point as it tries to hold on to a top-four spot.
5 Dallas Trinity FC
(10-6-6)
Week 29: vs. FTL		 4
Last Week:
1		 Just when Dallas looked like it was back on track after picking up a couple wins, the team was absolutely thwarted by Spokane last weekend. Despite recording 15 shots, only four were on target and it wasn’t enough against Zephyr’s solid backline.
6 DC Power FC
(3-11-7)
Week 29: vs. TB
Last Week:
6		 It’s been a frustrating run for DC this spring, as it has clearly improved in multiple areas but is still not getting the results it needs. Its record since the break is 0-4-3, but all of the losses have been decided by one goal. Last week’s draw against FTL UTD is another example of its phenomenal effort not being enough to earn all three points.
7 Lexington SC
(4-13-4)
Week 29: vs. SPK; @ BKN		 1
Last Week:
8		 While it was good to see Lexington prevent another shutout with the goal by Nicole Vernis on Saturday, it still fell 4-1 to Tampa Bay. The defensive struggles have been the biggest obstacle for Lexington this season and the reason why its postseason hopes are hanging in the balance this week.
8 Brooklyn FC
(9-8-6)
Week 29: vs. LEX 		1
Last Week:
7		 Things couldn’t look worse for Brooklyn. The team has picked up four points in its last nine matches and is now in a three-way tie for a playoff spot, and it has played more matches than both of them. Something needs to change for Brooklyn, and it needs to happen quickly.

What we learned from Week 28 in the USL Super League 

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The playoff race is heating up, and every point counts for these Super League teams as they make a run for a top-four spot. 

Here are the three biggest takeaways from Week 28: 

Carolina is the team to beat, again 

Carolina Ascent is the definition of peaking at the right time. Whether it’s the 5-0 rout it produced against Brooklyn or the gritty 1-0 win it pulled out against DC, the Ascent find a way to earn results. The team has won its last four in a row, recording clean sheets in each contest, outscoring their opponents by 13 goals. 

The most impressive part is that those 13 goals came from nine different players. This squad has so much depth and chemistry, and it has found some consistency that has built momentum over the past month. With five matches left, the Ascent are back to being the team that was so formidable at the start of the fall. 

Is Dallas a contender or a pretender?

If you look at the standings and the stats, Dallas seems to be one of the best teams in the league. Multiple players can score, Madison White and the backline are an extremely tough defensive unit, and they have disciplined and experienced veterans like Chioma Ubogagu and Amber Brooks controlling the midfield. 

But if you look deeper and dissect their results from the spring, Trinity hasn’t really been as impressive as you would think for a No. 2 team. They’ve now lost twice to Spokane, who completely embarrassed Dallas’ defense last weekend, and the 3-0 loss to Carolina showed just how wide the gap is between the top two teams in the league. Dallas’ only wins have been against Lexington, DC and a struggling Brooklyn side that’s earned four points in its last nine matches. Dallas’ upcoming match against Fort Lauderdale will show if this team is truly a championship contender or just a playoff pretender. 

No. 4 will likely come down to Tampa Bay vs. Spokane 

 Let’s face it: with Brooklyn now in a three-way tie with Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale despite having played more matches than both and its recent overall form, a postseason berth does not appear to be in its future. FTL UTD, Carolina and Dallas are in the best shape to finish above the playoff line, and that means the final spot is going to fall to either Tampa Bay or Spokane. 

The Sun have six matches left this season compared to Zephyr’s seven, and you can make a good argument Spokane has the easier schedule of the two as they try to make up a five-point margin between the sides. The key game will be when they go head-to-head one final time this month at ONE Spokane Stadium. If that match goes anything like their last meeting, Zephyr might be able to sneak into that No. 4 spot. 

Who could be in line for the Super League’s inaugural End-of-Year Awards? 

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Only eight weeks remain in the Super League’s inaugural regular season, and it’s coming down to the wire as teams compete for a spot in the postseason. The top four teams are separated by just five points, with Tampa Bay Sun FC and Spokane Zephyr FC still in the playoff picture. 

The end of the season also means end-of-year awards, which the Super League recently announced along with the dates for the inaugural USL Super League Playoffs. Here’s who we think the favorites are for the five major awards as the teams look to close out their campaigns on a high note. 

Player of the Year: Addie McCain, Fort Lauderdale United FC 

Among the top four teams in the league, no single player has as much of an impact on their team’s success than Addie McCain. Tied for first in the Golden Boot race, McCain also leads FTL UTD in minutes played, tackles won, duels won, interceptions, chances created and is second in assists and third in shots. She makes her teammates better and will be the key to Fort Lauderdale finishing the regular season above the playoff line. 

Also in contention: Chioma Ubogagu, Dallas Trinity FC; Mia Corbin, Carolina Ascent FC 

Young Player of the Year: Sealey Strawn, Dallas Trinity FC 

Ever since Sealey Strawn came in as a substitute and scored the game-winner in her third appearance for Trinity against FTL UTD in November, it was clear she would be a major asset for Dallas going forward. The 17-year-old has two goals and two assists in four starts and 13 appearances and would likely have more, if not for her being called up to the USYNT U-18s camp last month. 

Also in contention: Taylor Smith, Fort Lauderdale United FC; Emma Johnson, Lexington SC 

Coach of the Year: Philip Poole, Carolina Ascent FC 

The Super League’s first announced Head Coach has led Carolina Ascent FC to a remarkable inaugural campaign. Poole guided the Ascent to what will likely be the league’s longest unbeaten run of the season, going its opening 11 matches without a loss. The team has never fallen below fourth on the table and is a favorite to win the first Players’ Shield. 

Also in contention: Tyrone Mears, Fort Lauderdale United FC; Pauline MacDonald, Dallas Trinity FC 

Defender of the Year: Brooke Hendrix, Tampa Bay Sun FC 

The contest for Defender of the Year is one of the toughest to predict, as nearly every club has at least one outstanding center back leading its defense. Brooke Hendrix is first among defenders in clearances (114) and blocks (19) with an 88% tackle success rate. On the other hand, Brooklyn’s Allison Pantuso leads the league in tackles (60) and duels won (149) and ranks second in recoveries (135) behind her teammate Kelsey Hill, while also playing all 1,980 minutes. However, Brooklyn’s 16 goals conceded this spring compared to Tampa Bay’s nine puts the odds in Hendrix’s favor. 

Also in contention: Allison Pantuso, Brooklyn FC; Sarah Clark, Spokane Zephyr FC; Hannah Davison, Dallas Trinity FC 

Goalkeeper of the Year: Madison White, Dallas Trinity FC 

Goalkeeper of the Year is another award that might be too early to call. As of now, Brooklyn’s Sydney Martinez leads the league in save percentage (80.5%), goals conceded (8) and goals-against average (0.76), but her battle for a starting spot with teammate Neeku Purcell might prevent her from claiming this award. It’s opened the door for Dallas’ Madison White, who now leads the league in shutouts (9) and is second in saves (46) and GAA (0.83) with the most minutes played among goalkeepers. 

Also in contention: Sydney Martinez, Brooklyn FC; Cosette Morché, Fort Lauderdale United FC; Hope Hisey, Spokane Zephyr FC  

All eight clubs back in action as quest for playoff spots continue | News & Notes Week 28

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REWIND: WEEK 27 NOTES

DAL 1 – 0 DC

  • GOALS:
    • Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) 24’ 
  • STORYLINES:
    • FREE KICK GOALS: Ubogagu’s strike from a set piece was Dallas’ first direct free kick goal and just the third in league history. It was also her fourth goal of the season. 
    • CLEAN SHEET: Goalkeeper Madison White recorded her league-leading eighth shutout of the season. It was also the first time DC was shut out this spring. 
    • FIRST WINNER: Dallas’ win over DC was the first time either team won in their series thus far. Their first two meetings ended 1-1 and 0-0. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Dallas Head Coach Pauline MacDonald:  
      • On the importance of the win… “I think tonight was hugely important to bounce back after a disappointing performance. I think tonight we were really, really good.” 
    • Dallas goal scorer Chioma Ubogagu: 
      • On the team’s camraderie… “As a team we just knew it was gonna take everyone. We have had a lot of games in a short amount of time, so we knew we were going to use everyone. Everyone was just staying ready and doing their job when their number was called to get three points.” 
    • DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:  
      • On what went well defensively against Dallas… “We were organized defensively. We prepared well and knew exactly what they were going to come out in. They made a few adjustments and some positional rotations, but we were able to sort that out quickly. A goal from set piece and that seems to be our Achillies heel, these set pieces. However, I knew we were going to come in and need to defend for 90 minutes, and they did that very well.” 
    • DC defender Susanna Fitch:  
      • On the team’s growth from the start of the season… “The staff is putting in so much work for us and there’s a lot more trust within the team. That translates onto the field. We’ve already matched the number of goals scored from the first half of the season. I believe in this team 100% and we’re almost there, it’s just that final piece of getting those wins. I know it’s coming, and the growth shows on and off the field.” 

SPK 1 – 0 BKN

  • GOALS:
    • McKenzie Weinert (SPK) 51’ 
  • STORYLINES:
    • FIRST: Weinert scored her first goal of the season. She ranks second in the league in shots (38). 
    • CLEAN SHEET: Goalkeeper Hope Hisey recorded her sixth clean sheet of the season, tying her for second in the league. 
    • SHUTOUTS: Thursday’s match was the fifth time Brooklyn was shut out in the eight matches of this spring. The team was only shut out three times during the entire Fall Schedule. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson:  
      • On the team’s recent good form… “We’ve known that we can compete with anybody in the league. It’s just getting everybody else to see that, too.” 
    • Spokane goal scorer McKenzie Weinert: 
      • On the team’s newfound confidence… “I think the entire Spring season, our team has shown up for every game, and we are getting results. I think we’re just showing people we’re not someone you can just walk all over.” 
    • Brooklyn Head Coach Jess Silva:  
      • On the team’s recent struggles… “Today, we were not good enough, and we know that. Consistency is key in pro sports, and this is our learning curve right now. We will get some much-needed rest, regroup and prepare for Carolina.” 
    • Brooklyn forward Luana Grabias:  
      • On what went wrong… “Our game against Spokane wasn’t our best, we made too many mistakes and didn’t take advantage when it mattered. Now, we need to focus, learn from it, and be better in the next match.” 

TB 2 – 0 FTL

  • GOALS:
    • Jordan Listro (TB) 31’ 
    • Ava Tankersley (TB) 80’ 
  • STORYLINES:
    • FLORIDA DERBY WINNER: Tampa Bay became the first winner of the Florida Derby after the first three meetings ended in draws. 
    • FIRSTS: Listro and Tankersley both recorded their first goals of the season. 
    • SHUTOUTS: FTL UTD was shut out in back-to-back matches for the first time this season. The loss also ended the team’s nine-match unbeaten streak. 
    • CLEAN SHEET: Goalkeeper Ashley Orkus recorded her fourth clean sheet of the season. 
    • PLAYOFF PUSH: The win moved Tampa Bay just two points behind FTL in the fourth and final spot above the playoff line. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Fort Lauderdale Head Coach Tyrone Mears:  
      • On the team’s performance and moving forward… “Tonight was not good enough, and we have to be honest about that. But every match presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Our focus now is fully on preparing for DC — we’ll take the lessons from tonight, make the necessary adjustments, and ensure we’re ready to respond with the mentality and quality we expect from ourselves.” 

LEX 0 – 3 DAL

  • GOALS:
    • Amber Brooks (DAL) 36’, Penalty 
    • Cyera Hintzen (DAL) 63’, Allie Thornton assist. 
    • Gracie Brian (DAL) 83’, Chioma Ubogagu assist. 
  • STORYLINES:
    • 10 WINS: Dallas’ win over Lexington marked its tenth win of the season, becoming the first team to accomplish that feat. 
    • FIRST PLACE: The win also moved Dallas to first place in the league standings. 
    • GOAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Thornton is the new league leader in goal contributions (12) after earning her third assist to go along with nine goals. 
    • ASSISTS LEADER: Ubogagu recorded her fifth assist of the season, tying her for first in the league. 
    • PENALTIES: Dallas was the last team to have attempted and scored a goal from the penalty spot. 
    • THREE IN A ROW: Dallas defeated Lexington for the third straight match in a row and scored at least three goals in every meeting. No other team has a 3-0-0 record against another team in the league. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Lexington Interim Head Coach Sam Stockley:  
      • On the team’s performance and positive takeaways… “We just spoke about it after the game, obviously really disappointing. Just the way we conceded goals, some individual mistakes, which we’ll own collectively, but actually thought the performance (was not bad). As I said to them at halftime, I felt that we probably wore them down. Felt that as good as we played in the first half, since I’ve been in charge. So, I see the growth. I see what they’re trying to do. They’re implementing what we’re trying to do.” 
    • Lexington forward Madi Parsons: 
      • On the team’s misfortune and how to improve… “This is a cruel game. Sometimes we’re on, sometimes we’re off. We had multiple chances tonight that just were, unfortunately, a little to the right, little to the left, but our attack is still there. It’s just about making that final pass and getting it to the back of the net.” 
    • Dallas Head Coach Pauline MacDonald:  
      • On her pride in the team… “I’m absolutely delighted for the players and their efforts. Three matches in nine days is very difficult, especially having two of them on the road. I think that we had some really good moments. Overall, we scored three really good goals and potentially could’ve had more. The players worked tirelessly for each other, and we knew that there was going to be fatigue in the legs. They gave it their best effort and got the job done.” 
    • Dallas goal scorer Cyera Hintzen:  
      • On the teams focus moving forward… “I think we just need to remember that in this league, everything can change so fast. We can’t be caught up on that, and we just have to be confident to play as one team and one unit. We have to stay positive and pick each other up because we know it’s going to be a battle down the stretch.” 

WEEK 28 SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 8th 
DC Power FC v Carolina Ascent FC, 7:30 p.m. ET 

Saturday, April 12th 
Carolina Ascent FC v Brooklyn FC, 7:00 p.m. ET 
Tampa Bay Sun FC v Lexington FC, 7:00 p.m. ET 
Fort Lauderdale United FC v DC Power FC, 7:30 p.m. ET 
Spokane Zephyr FC v Dallas Trinity FC, 9:00 p.m. ET 

WEEK 28 STORYLINES

TOP OF THE TABLE 
Four different teams have held the No. 1 spot in the league table over the last month. Just six points separates 1-5 in the standings, with sixth-place Spokane Zephyr just seven points behind fourth place, and at least one game in hand over the top three. 

GOLDEN BOOT RACE CONTINUES 
Carolina’s Mia Corbin, Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain and Dallas’ Allie Thornton are all tied for first place in the Golden Boot race with nine goals each. 

2024/25 USL SUPER LEAGUE PLAYOFF DATES ANNOUNCED 
The USL Super League announced the official dates for its inaugural postseason, marking an exciting milestone in the league’s first campaign. The 2024/25 USL Super League Playoffs will kick off the weekend of June 7, with the highly anticipated 2025 USL Super League Final scheduled for the weekend of June 14.   

Read the full release with playoff structure and end of year awards here.  

WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE 
2025/26 expansion side Sporting JAX announced Stacey Balaam as the first head coach of the team for its inaugural season. Balaam most recently served as the associate head coach at Vanderbilt University, helping to lead the NCAA Top 20 program to historic achievements since 2023. 
Read the full announcement here. 

INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS 
17 players have been called up to their national teams for the most recent FIFA international window: 

  • CAR – Eli Hutchinson, Israel  
  • DAL – Sealy Strawn, USYNT U-18 
  • DAL – Gaby Gullen, Costa Rica 
  • DC – Claire Constant, Haiti   
  • DC – Katrina Guillou, Philippines 
  • DC – Carleigh Frilles, Philippines 
  • DC – Charlie Estcourt, Wales 
  • DC – Jennifer Cudjoe, Ghana 
  • LEX – Nayeong Shin, South Korea  
  • LEX – Emma Johnson, USYNT U-18 
  • LEX – Yunaira Lopez, Colombia   
  • LEX – Grace Wisnewski, New Zealand  
  • SPK – Riley Tanner, Panama  
  • SPK – Sophia Bruan, Argentina 
  • TB – Cecilie Fløe, Denmark U-23 
  • TB – Andrea Hauksdottir, Iceland  
  • TB – Sydney Schneider, Jamaica  

SUPER CONNECTIONS 
Teammates from college to national teams to the USL W League will face off against each other this week: 

  • Carolina’s Jill Aguilera played alongside DC’s Amber DiOrio with the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team. 
  • Carolina’s Sydney Studer played alongside Brooklyn’s Allison Pantuso in 2018 at Oregon State University. Carolina’s Ashlynn Serepca and Riley Parker were also teammates with Brooklyn’s Sasha Pickard at the University of Alabama. 
  • Tampa Bay’s Ava Tankersley and Lexington’s Kate Doyle both joined the league over Winter Break after playing last season with the Arkansas Razorbacks. 
  • FTL’s Darya Rajaee was teammates with DC’s Madison Murnin and Anna Henderson at the University of Central Florida in 2021. 
  • Spokane’s Wayny Balata was teammates with Dallas’ Sam Estrada and Allie Thornton at Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 2019-2023.  
  • Spokane’s Alyssa Bourgeois and Dallas’ Camryn Lancaster were teammates last season for USL W League club California Storm, taking the team to the playoffs. 

DISCIPLINE REPORT – WEEK 28

TAMPA, Fla. – There are no new suspensions to report. 

LEAGUE LEADERS – WEEK 28

GOALS:

  • Addie McCain (FTL) – 9 goals 
  • Allie Thornton (DAL) – 9 goals  
  • Mia Corbin (CAR) – 9 goals 
  • Natasha Flint (TB) – 8 goals 
  • Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 7 goals  
  • Carlee Giammona (TB) – 6 goals 
  • Cecilie Fløe Nielsen (TB) – 6 goals 
  • Madison Parsons (LEX) – 5 goals  
  • Emina Ekić (SPK) – 5 goals 

ASSISTS:

  • Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists  
  • Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists 
  • Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 5 assists  
  • Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 5 assists 
  • Mackenzie Pluck (BKN) – 4 assists 
  • Emina Ekić (SPK) – 4 assists 
  • Shea Moyer (LEX) – 4 assists 
  • Mackenzie George (BKN) – 4 assists 
  • Audrey Harding (CAR) – 4 assists 
  • Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 3 assists 
  • Rylee Baisden (CAR) – 3 assists 
  • Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3 assists 
  • Lucy Shepherd (DAL) – 3 assists 
  • Allie Thornton (DAL) – 3 assists 

CLEAN SHEETS:

  • Madison White (DAL) – 9 clean sheets  
  • Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets 
  • Hope Hisey (SPK) – 6 clean sheets 
  • Cosette Morche (FTL) – 5 clean sheets  
  • Sydney Martinez (BKN) – 4 clean sheets 
  • Morgan Aquino (DC) – 4 clean sheets 
  • Neeku Purcell (BKN) – 4 clean sheets 
  • Ashley Orkus (TB) – 4 clean sheets 

MILESTONES

HAT TRICKS:

  • DAL – Allie Thornton (09.13.24): 61 minutes 
  • FTL – Addie McCain (09.22.24): 68 minutes 
  • BKN – Luana Grabias (11.13.24): 13 minutes 

BRACES:

  • DAL – Chioma Ubogagu (09.13.24) 
  • DC – Madison Wolfbauer (09.29.24) 
  • TB – Cecilie Fløe Nielsen (10.02.24) 
  • CAR – Ashlynn Serepca (10.19.24) 
  • LEX – Madison Parsons (10.19.24) 
  • DC – Allie Flanagan (10.25.24) 
  • TB – Cecilie Fløe Nielsen (11.02.24) 
  • LEX – Hannah Richardson (12.14.24) 
  • TB – Natasha Flint (12.14.24) 
  • FTL – Kiara Locklear (12.14.24) 
  • DAL – Allie Thornton (03.09.25) 
  • SPK – Emina Ekić (03.15.25) 
  • FTL – Sh’Nia Gordon (03.15.25) 
  • CAR – Audrey Harding (03.23.25) 
  • TB – Natasha Flint (03.29.25) 
  • CAR – Mia Corbin (03.29.25) 

DC, Carolina kick off double matchweek at Audi Field | Week 28 Match Previews

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DC Power FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC 

Venue: Audi Field; Washington, D.C. 

Kickoff: Tuesday, April 8; 7:30 p.m. ET 

Weather: Clear skies, 32° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Tuesday’s match will be the first of two this week for both clubs. 
  • DC is looking to bounce back from its 1-0 loss last week to Dallas Trinity. Carolina did not play in Week 27 and most recently defeated Dallas 3-0 on March 29. 
  • Carolina has a 2-0-1 record against DC this season. The Ascent won 1-0 in the first two meetings. The teams drew 3-3 in a back-and-forth match the last time they met in February. 
  • DC Power will be without Claire Constant, Katrina Guillou, Carleigh Frilles, Charlie Estcourt and Jennifer Cudjoe as all were called up to their home countries on international duty. 
  • DC is looking for its first win of the spring. 
  • Carolina can move back to No. 1 in the standings with a win over DC. 
  • Carolina’s Mia Corbin is tied for first in the league with nine goals. 
  • Carolina’s Jill Aguilera played alongside DC’s Amber DiOrio with the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team. 

Players to Watch

DC – Jeannette Yango: With multiple starters out on international duty, the Cameroonian midfielder stepped up huge on the defensive end against Dallas last week. Yango recorded 11 duels won, six tackles won, three interceptions and two clearances. 

CAR – Mia Corbin: March’s Player of the Month will look to continue her incredible form on Tuesday. Corbin is one goal shy of a league-leading tenth on the season, and the forward scored the last time Carolina faced off against DC. 

 DC Power FC Carolina Ascent FC 
Head Coach Phil Nana (Interim Coach) Philip Poole 
Club Record 3-10-6 9-5-7 
Standings 8th 2nd 

Carolina Ascent FC vs. Brooklyn FC 

Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium; Charlotte, NC 

Kickoff: Saturday, April 12; 7:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy, 42° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Saturday’s match will be Carolina’s second of the week after defeating DC 1-0 on Tuesday. 
  • Brooklyn looks to rebound after falling 1-0 on the road to Spokane Zephyr last week. The team has yet to win a match this spring. 
  • Carolina is 1-0-1 against Brooklyn this season. The teams played to a 1-1 draw before the Ascent won 2-0 behind a brace from Ashlynn Serepca in October. 
  • Carolina’s Sydney Studer played alongside Brooklyn’s Allison Pantuso in 2018 at Oregon State University. Carolina’s Ashlynn Serepca and Riley Parker were also teammates with Brooklyn’s Sasha Pickard at the University of Alabama. 

Players to Watch

CAR – Audrey Harding: Since Harding’s return from injury this spring, the midfielder has found her stride and is contributing on both sides of the pitch. In March, she recorded two goals and three assists to earn her first Team of the Month honor. 

BKN – Mackenzie George: The Tennessee alum continues to shine on that left flank for Brooklyn. The midfielder had two shots and four crosses in last week’s match and is just missing that last piece in the final third to help Brooklyn get over the hump. 

 Carolina Ascent FC Brooklyn FC 
Head Coach Philip Poole Jess Silva 
Club Record 10-5-7 9-7-6 
Standings 2nd 3rd 

Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Lexington SC 

Venue: Riverfront Stadium; Tampa, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, April 12; 7:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Clear skies, 57° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Tampa Bay is coming off a huge 2-0 win over Fort Lauderdale last weekend to become the first winner of the Florida Derby. Lexington looks to rebound after suffering back-to-back multi-goal home losses. 
  • Tampa Bay is 2-0-0 against Lexington this season, recording 3-2 and 3-1 wins in the fall. 
  • Tampa Bay is just two points below the playoff line, and a win could potentially move the team into fourth place. 
  • Tampa Bay’s Ava Tankersley and Lexington’s Kate Doyle both joined the league over Winter Break after playing last season with the Arkansas Razorbacks. 

Players to Watch

TB – Ashley Orkus: Orkus showed why she was the 3x SEC Goalkeeper of the Year after putting on a clinic in Tampa Bay’s last match. She recorded five saves to earn the shutout against FTL UTD and her fourth clean sheet of the season. 

LEX – Shea Moyer: Lexington’s captain continues to be a cornerstone of the team’s midfield, earning a spot on the March Team of the Month. In last week’s match, she recorded two tackles, two chances created, five duels won and 83% passing accuracy. 

 Tampa Bay Sun FC Lexington SC 
Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown Sam Stockley (Interim Coach) 
Club Record 7-5-9 4-12-4 
Standings 5th 7th 

Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. DC Power FC 

Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Fort Lauderdale, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, April 12; 7:30 p.m. ET 

Weather: Clear skies, 61° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Saturday’s match will be DC’s second of the week after losing 1-0 to Carolina on Tuesday. 
  • Fort Lauderdale most recently fell 2-0 to Tampa Bay on Saturday, ending its nine-match unbeaten streak. 
  • Both teams have picked up a win in this series against each other. FTL won 2-0 in September, and DC won 1-0 in November. The road team won both matches. 
  • FTL’s Addie McCain is tied for first in the league with nine goals. 
  • Tyrone Mears was announced as the March Coach of the Month, becoming the first Super League coach to earn the recognition twice. 
  • FTL’s Darya Rajaee was teammates with DC’s Madison Murnin and Anna Henderson at the University of Central Florida in 2021. 

Players to Watch

FTL – Adrienne Jordan: As one of the most experienced players in the league, Jordan’s presence in the outside back role is undeniable. In last week’s match, she recorded eight duels won, three tackles, a clearance, an interception and two chances created. 

DC – Susanna Friedrichs: Matching up against Jordan will be Friedrichs, who also has impressed in the same position this season. She had two shots, two crosses, four clearances and two tackles in DC’s last match. 

 Fort Lauderdale United FC DC Power FC 
Head Coach Tyrone Mears Phil Nana (Interim Coach) 
Club Record 9-6-5 3-11-6 
Standings 4th 8th 

Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Dallas Trinity FC

Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA 

Kickoff: Saturday, April 12th; 9:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy, 39° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com  

Things to Know

  • Both teams are looking to continue their winning streaks. Spokane most recently won 1-0 against Brooklyn and has gone unbeaten in its last four matches. Dallas most recently won 3-0 against Lexington and has won four of its last five matches. 
  • Both teams have a 1-1-1 record in this series heading into their final regular season matchup this year. Spokane won 1-0 at the Cotton Bowl when they last met in February. 
  • Dallas became the first team to earn 10 wins this season and moved to first place in the league standings. 
  • Dallas’ Allie Thornton is tied for first in the league with nine goals. 
  • Dallas’ Madison White leads the league with nine clean sheets and ranks second in saves (46). 
  • Spokane’s Wayny Balata was teammates with Dallas’ Sam Estrada and Allie Thornton at Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 2019-2023. 
  • Spokane’s Alyssa Bourgeois and Dallas’ Camryn Lancaster were teammates last season for USL W League club California Storm, taking the team to the playoffs. 

Players to Watch

SPK – Wayny Balata: Balata had a great performance in the holding midfielder position last week in her first start with Spokane. She recorded four clearances, two tackles and an interception to help the team to the shutout win. 

DAL – Amber Brooks: Dallas’ captain is one of the most consistent and reliable midfielders in the league and is the only player on the team to have competed for every minute. Last week, she drew the foul that led to the goal against DC and converted from the penalty spot against Lexington. 

 Spokane Zephyr FC Dallas Trinity FC 
Head Coach Jo Johnson Pauline MacDonald 
Club Record 6-7-7 10-5-6 
Standings 6th 1st 

Super League Power Rankings – Week 27

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Dallas takes over top spot after two shutout wins 

Carolina Ascent FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC and Brooklyn FC all held the top spot at some point in the last month. However, Dallas Trinity picked up all six points in its double matchweek to become the first team to 10 wins on the season and take its spot at the top of the standings. 

This Spring Schedule has shown the parity amongst the league and that any team can win on any given day. Dallas had two shutout wins last week, but it fell 3-0 to Carolina the week before. Fort Lauderdale was on a nine-match unbeaten streak but lost to Tampa Bay Sun on Saturday for its first loss since November. Brooklyn, which ended the fall with six straight wins, has yet to earn all three points in any of its eight matches since the return from break. 

First through fifth in the standings are separated by only six points, and even sixth-place Spokane Zephyr FC is just seven points below the playoff line and has been taking down higher-ranked teams. As we inch closer to the final day of the regular season on May 31, the key for the four that will head to the playoffs is consistency. 

On The Move

4 Dal 3 FTL

Rank

 

Team

Change

Summary
1 Dallas Trinity FC
(10-5-6)
Week 28: @ SPK		 4
Last Week:
5		 After securing back-to-back victories last week, Dallas has climbed to the top of the table for the first time this season. The team has won four of its last five matches, and goalkeeper Madison White has recorded clean sheets in each of those wins, as she embarks on her tenth shutout of the season.
2 Carolina Ascent FC
(9-5-7)
Week 28: @ DC; vs. BKN
Last Week:
2		 The Ascent had Week 27 off to prepare for its upcoming double matchweek against DC and Brooklyn. With March Player of the Month and Golden Boot leader, Mia Corbin, at the helm, the team is determined to carry its momentum into the final stretch of the season.
3 Tampa Bay Sun FC
(7-5-9)
Week 28: vs. LEX		 1
Last Week:
4		 The Sun is edging closer and closer to a playoff spot, especially after last week’s huge 2-0 win over Fort Lauderdale. It’s even more motivating for Tampa Bay as Jordyn Listro and Ava Tankersley scored their first goals of the season, showing the depth of attacking threats on the roster.
4 Fort Lauderdale United FC
(9-6-5)
Week 28: vs. DC 		3
Last Week:
1		 For the first time this season, Fort Lauderdale was shut out in back-to-back matches, and a few defensive miscues resulted in its first loss since November. The team must go back to relying on its big three of Jasmine Hamid, Addie McCain and Kiara Locklear while filling in the gap of injured Laveni Vaka if it wants to keep a top-four spot.
5 Spokane Zephyr FC
(6-7-7)
Week 28: vs. DAL
 2
Last Week:
3		 For the third time this spring, Spokane has defeated a team ranked higher than it on the table, most recently winning 1-0 against Brooklyn on Thursday. If Zephyr can maintain this promising form, it has a very real chance of pushing above the playoff line.
6 DC Power FC
(3-10-6)
Week 28: vs. CAR; @ FTL
Last Week:
6		 In DC’s last match against Dallas, the team was creating chances and was controlling just as much of the midfield as Trinity. Power FC was once again plagued by a careless foul in a dangerous area and did not put away opportunities in the final third, losing a match where it very much could have picked up points.
7 Brooklyn FC
(9-7-6)
Week 28: @ CAR
Last Week:
7		 The once-red hot Brooklyn offense seen in the fall has completely fizzled out and is nowhere to be found this spring. The team is 0-4-4 in its eight matches since the break and has been shut out five times. Brooklyn needs a win over Carolina this week as it barely holds on to a playoff spot.
8 Lexington SC
(4-12-4)
Week 28: @ TB
Last Week:
8		 When it rains, it pours in Lexington. The team continues to struggle defensively and has not performed as well offensively as it was before the Winter Break. Lexington has scored in both previous matches against the Sun, giving the team an opportunity to find its stride again and regain some confidence.

How Carolina Ascent found its way back to the top of the standings 

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Amidst a jumble at the top of the league standings with four clubs separated by just two points, Carolina Ascent FC has found itself back in the No. 1 spot for the first time in 12 weeks.  

The team began its inaugural season going 11 matches without a loss before ending the fall campaign with three straight defeats. Battling through injuries and struggling to score, the break couldn’t come soon enough for the Ascent. 

However, Carolina has gone 4-2-1 and scored 15 goals, the most of any team since resuming play in February. Here’s how the Ascent have risen back to being one of the most dominant teams in the league. 

Finding the back of the net 

In Carolina’s final five matches of the fall, it had scored just two goals, with one coming from the penalty spot. The team wasn’t creating many quality chances, averaging two shots on goal and 0.9 Expected Goals per match. 

The start of the spring saw a clear shift; there were more opportunities, illustrated by the side averaging 2.0 Expected Goals per game, and the team could have had a few more comfortable wins or picked up more points if it had put away that second or third goal.  

It wasn’t until the Lexington match on March 23 that we saw a huge breakthrough for the Ascent. Four goals were the most in a match for the team, all of which came from patiently creating in the final third or pouncing on Lexington’s defensive mistakes. The confidence carried over to the 3-0 win against Dallas, the first time Carolina beat Trinity this season. Six different players have scored for Carolina this spring, and the team’s versatility in scoring has made it one of the best offenses over the last two months. 

Corbin and Harding 

Two keys to that offense improvement have been Mia Corbin and Audrey Harding. Both players were named to the Team of the Month for March, with Corbin honored as the Player of the Month. Carolina would not have seen the success it did had it not been for this duo. 

Corbin is now tied with Golden Boot leaders Dallas’ Allie Thornton and Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain on nine goals this season; six of Corbin’s goals have come since the return from the winter break. Whether it’s on a volley, winning possession off her defender or holding her runs so that she can play into space, Corbin does everything right to where her goals look easy. 

Harding, who was injured at the end of the fall, has returned with a vengeance. She recorded a brace against Lexington, her first goals of the season, and had three more assists in March alone. She is the ultimate playmaker for the team, boasting incredible technical skills to beat defenders and control the left flank. 

The more reps Harding and Corbin have together, the more likely they are to become the most dynamic and threatening midfielder pairing in the league. 

New signings 

Carolina’s defense has always been impressive. Even when the team wasn’t producing much on the offensive end, its strong defending was what earned it points in multiple draws in the fall. However, the team’s new additions during the winter break made its defense even better. 

It’s not surprising that center back Jenna Butler has fit so seamlessly into Carolina’s defensive unit, as she had previous experience competing with multiple Ascent players. However, the 25-year-old ranks second this spring among all defenders in clearances (46) and is averaging 81% passing accuracy. She’s also a threat inside the box, which we saw when she headed in her first goal of the season against Spokane. 

There was also a goalkeeper swap after Carolina brought in UNC alum Samantha Leshnak Murphy. While Meagan McClelland had been leading the league in various statistical categories, Leshnak Murphy has shown herself to be aggressive and confident in goal, most recently leading the team to back-to-back shutouts.  

If Carolina keeps up the solid defensive performances paired with the uptick in efficiency in front of goal, the team might hold on to this No. 1 spot through to the postseason. 

USL Super League Team of the Month – March

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The USL Super League announced the Team of the Month for March on Thursday, with Carolina Ascent FC forward Mia Corbin earning Player of the Month. 

Corbin nearly doubled her goal tally for the season this month, scoring four goals in five matches, including a brace in the Ascent’s win over Dallas. Her standout performances helped lead Carolina to a 3-2-0 record in March, propelling the team to the top spot in the league standings for the first time since November. Corbin has now been named to the Team of the Month four times and earns her first Player of the Month recognition. 

Fort Lauderdale’s Tyrone Mears became the first Super League coach to win Coach of the Month twice, after he also received the honor in September. FTL UTD went undefeated in March and briefly took over the top of the league table for the first time this season. 

“I’m proud of the way my sporting staff continues to push the process forward, and credit to the players for earning Team of the Month recognitions,” Mears said. “Still, we know the job is far from finished — plenty more to build on.” 

GK: Cosette Morché, Fort Lauderdale United FC – Morché played a pivotal role in Fort Lauderdale’s undefeated run through March. The Texas A&M Aggie made eight saves and secured two clean sheets across four matches to earn her first Team of the Month honor. 

D: Haley Thomas, Spokane Zephyr FC – Thomas contributed on both ends of the pitch in the outside back position for Spokane this month. She recorded 22 clearances and 15 duels won, while also recording the assist on the game-winner against Tampa Bay. 

D: Laurel Ansbrow, Fort Lauderdale United FC – Ansbrow earns her second consecutive Team of the Month honor in her first two months with Fort Lauderdale. The center back won 16 duels and five tackles and ranked first among defenders with an 88% passing accuracy in March. 

D: Hannah Davison, Dallas Trinity FC – Davison anchored the defense for Dallas this month, playing every minute of all three matches. She tallied 22 clearances, six interceptions and 15 duels won, while helping the team earn two back-to-back clean sheets. 

M: Shea Moyer, Lexington SC – The Penn State alum provided consistency for Lexington on both an offensive and defensive front this month. She posted an 84% passing accuracy and an 83% tackle success rate along with six clearances and three interceptions across Lexington’s three matches. 

M: Taylor Aylmer, Spokane Zephyr FC – Aylmer was one of the most consistent and dominant midfielders this month. She helped Spokane to a 2-1-1 record in March by recording a goal, 24 duels won, 16 clearances and five interceptions, playing all 360 minutes. 

M: Audrey Harding, Carolina Ascent FC – The midfielder had quite the month, especially in Carolina’s two huge wins to close out March. On top of her two goals and three assists, she also registered 36 duels won, five chances created, nine shots and eight interceptions. 

M: Mackenzie George, Brooklyn FC – Brooklyn’s leading goal contributor added to her tally this month with a goal and an assist. The Tennessee Volunteer played in a more defensive role in March while still getting involved in the attack, resulting in 26 duels won, 10 clearances, five shots and five chances created. 

F: Tash Flint, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The English international and Tampa Bay’s leading goal scorer had another outstanding month for the Sun. Alongside her four goals, including a brace against Brooklyn, she registered 15 shots, four interceptions and three chances created. 

F: Mia Corbin, Carolina Ascent FC – March’s Player of the Month adds another notch to her belt after netting four goals in 12 total shots and creating five chances for her team. The Golden Boot leader will look to keep up this good form to help Carolina stay in the No. 1 spot. 

F: Gianna Gourley, DC Power FC – Gianna Gourley has been a bright spot for Power FC since joining the team over the break. Her two goals this month set her as the team’s leading scorer, and she also had an assist, 16 shots and five tackles won in March. 

Coach: Tyrone Mears, Fort Lauderdale United FC – Mears steered the ship for Fort Lauderdale’s impressive March, finishing with a record of 2-0-2 to extend its undefeated run to nine matches. 

Bench: Vivianne Bessette (TB), Camryn Lancaster (DAL), Sh’Nia Gordon (FTL), Jill Aguilera (CAR) 

Which four teams will make the inaugural playoffs? | Super League Game Week

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On the latest edition of USL Super League Game Week, hosts Anna Witte and Marion Crowder break down Carolina Ascent’s big win over Dallas Trinity and what Tampa Bay needs to turn its recent draws into wins. They also give their predictions for which four teams will finish above the playoff line and make it to the Super League’s first postseason.

Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole later joins the show to give his take on the team’s recent form, what has changed from the fall to the spring schedules, his biggest challenges and rewards as a first-time professional head coach, and what the future of women’s soccer and women’s sports in the U.S. looks like.