Some of the best photos from the USL Super League Inaugural Weekend with matches in Charlotte, NC, Spokane, WA, and Tampa, FL.





























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.
Here we go!
The USL Super League is set to kick off with the Inaugural Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.
The league opens with three marquee matches across the country, and USLSuperLeague.com is here to help you get ready.
Saturday, August 17
Sunday, August 18
United States American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands | Peacock |
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom | DAZN |
Central America (including Mexico), South America (including Brazil) | ESPN Latin America |
Caribbean | ESPN Caribbean |
Rest of the World | USL on YouTube |
Brooklyn FC | Carolina Ascent FC | Dallas Trinity FC | DC Power FC | Fort Lauderdale United FC | Lexington SC | Spokane Zephyr FC | Tampa Bay Sun FC
Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium; Charlotte, NC
Kickoff: Saturday, August 17; 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Scattered thunderstorms, 70°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
Players to Watch
CAR – Vicky Bruce: North Carolina native Vicky Bruce was the first player signing for Carolina Ascent. The defender is bringing championship experience to the squad, as she won a NCAA Championship with UNC and won league titles with English club Bristol City and Danish side Fortuna Hjørring.
DC – Claire Constant: Center back Claire Constant joins Power FC after completing her first professional season with S.C.U. Torreense in Portugal. Constant scored eight goals in 108 appearances at the University of Virginia and has earned six caps with the Haitian women’s national team, helping them qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Carolina Ascent FC | DC Power FC | |
Head Coach | Philip Poole | Frédéric Brillant |
Club Record | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 |
Standings | N/A | N/A |
Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA
Kickoff: Saturday, August 17; 9 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 62°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
Players to Watch
SPK – Sophia Braun: Braun comes to Spokane Zephyr FC with a decorated career, including multiple All-Conference First Teams with Gonzaga University, and 29 appearances for the Argentinian national team. Her biggest game for Argentina came in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against South Africa, where she scored the country’s first goal of the tournament. She also has experience with Mexican club León Femenil, playing in 18 matches.
FTL – Sh’Nia Gordon: Up top for Fort Lauderdale will be striker Sh’Nia Gordon. The Florida native started in all 95 matches played while at West Virginia University and recorded 25 goals and 15 assists. Gordon has played for various French professional clubs, most notably Dijon FCO, where she scored seven goals in 22 appearances.
Spokane Zephyr FC | Fort Lauderdale United FC | |
Head Coach | Jo Johnson | Tyrone Mears |
Club Record | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 |
Standings | N/A | N/A |
Venue: Riverfront Stadium; Tampa, FL
Kickoff: Sunday, August 18; 6:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 78°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
Players to Watch
TB – Erika Tymrak: Erika Tymrak will bring a veteran presence to Tampa Bay Sun’s midfield this season. Tymrak appeared in over 170 NWSL matches, netted 21 goals and was named 2013 NWSL Rookie of the Year. After years of experience on U.S. youth national teams, she earned her first senior call up in 2013. She also had a phenomenal career at the University of Florida, where she recorded 95 appearances and 32 goals.
DAL – Haley Berg: Midfielder Haley Berg will be returning to her hometown after spending the last three years playing professionally overseas. Berg also has ties to Texas after playing four seasons at the University of Texas at Austin. She scored 24 goals in 73 appearances and earned multiple honors such as Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year (2017) and Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team (2018).
Tampa Bay Sun FC | Dallas Trinity FC | |
Head Coach | Denise Schilte-Brown | Pauline MacDonald |
Club Record | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 |
Standings | N/A | N/A |
The first-ever 2024/25 USL Super League match kicks off in just five days. Leading up to opening weekend, we will drop five facts about each of the Super League clubs, and up next is DC Power FC.
Power FC’s ownership group includes many high caliber names from the sports industry and the DMV community. Investors include WNBA star Angel Reese, MLB pitcher Josiah Gray and NHL player Hendrix Lapierre, as well as Janice Adams, CEO and Founder of JMA Solutions and club president Jordan Stuart.
Jorian Baucom joined Power FC after scoring 29 goals across all competitions with Hibernian Women’s Football Club and being the second leading goal scorer in the Scottish Women’s Premier League First Division. She also represented the U.S. at the U-15, U-16, U-19, and U-20 levels.
Former French professional soccer player Frédéric Brillant has an extensive playing and coaching career. Brillant came to the U.S. in 2016 to play for MLS club New York City FC. Following his retirement in 2022, Brillant was named as an assistant coach to USL Championship-side Loudoun United FC before becoming an assistant coach for D.C. United. His most recent stop before joining Power FC was with the Utah Royals of the NWSL.
Starting this 2024/25 season, Power FC will play its home matches at Audi Field. Located in Washington, D.C.’s Buzzard Point, the stadium officially opened its doors on July 14th, 2018 and seats 20,000. Tickets for the first home match against Fort Lauderdale United FC on Friday, Sept. 13 can be purchased here.
As stated by Power FC: “The iconic Washington Monument anchors the crest – piercing a clear blue sky and fortified on each side by the tidal basin shores of the Potomac River. Three powerful bolts energize the monument from each side, reflecting the three communities that converge to drive the power center of the DMV and lift women’s soccer to new heights.”
Follow along with DC Power FC this season on Twitter/X and Instagram, and find the team’s full Fall schedule here.
WASHINGTON (June 26, 2024) — DC Power Football Club (Power FC), Washington, DC’s newest professional women’s soccer team, has unveiled an updated team crest ahead of the start of the inaugural USL Super League season. For fans interested in pre-sale priority access ahead of Power FC’s inaugural 2024 Super League season, click HERE.
“There are multiple variables to consider when launching a new club and the crest is a key part,” Jordan Stuart, Power FC Club President, said. “We take pride in DC being our home and decided to have our crest reflect just that of our beloved city from the blue skyline, the unforgettable Tidal Basin, and the Washington Monument as part of the center of our city. We are thrilled with the new logo, and we are excited to unveil branded jerseys, apparel, and merchandise in the near future.”
About the Crest:
As our nation’s center of power, Washington, DC bears a unique responsibility—to lead, to effect change, and to inspire. This energy drives Power Football Club, a club built to welcome fans from across the DMV—from DC to Maryland to Virginia—to join the women’s soccer movement at this profound moment in time.
Women are powering the present and future of the beautiful game. That power—to uplift, bring people together, and change the world—is captured in the Power FC crest.
The iconic Washington Monument anchors the crest – piercing a clear blue sky and fortified on each side by the tidal basin shores of the Potomac River. Three powerful bolts energize the monument from each side, reflecting the three communities that converge to drive the power center of the DMV and lift women’s soccer to new heights.
Power FC will be one of the eight inaugural teams in the United Soccer League’s (USL) Super League ahead of the season set to kick off in August 2024. Power FC will play their first match on Aug. 17 against Carolina Ascent FC in Charlotte, NC. The USL Super League is a Division One women’s professional league dedicated to upholding our nation’s highest standards for soccer.
ABOUT DC POWER FOOTBALL CLUB:
DC Power Football Club (Power FC) is one of the founding teams in the United Soccer League (USL) Super League set to launch in August 2024.
Power FC bridges the journey from youth to professional, connecting the global game to local fans. The club is dedicated to increasing the opportunities for both young girls and women to participate in professional soccer, not just as players but as leaders and champions both on and off the field.
Power FC are headquartered in Washington, DC, and are led by club president and local business leader, Jordan Stuart, who oversees the day-to-day operations at Power FC. The club also announced Frédéric Brillant as their first head coach in club history.
For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcpowerfootballclub.com and find us on social media @DCPowerFC and use the hashtag #BraceForImpact.
ABOUT USL SUPER LEAGUE
The USL Super League is a Division One professional women’s soccer league kicking off in August 2024. The USL Super League’s vision is to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field while providing more opportunities for more women in more communities. The inaugural clubs will represent Brooklyn, Carolina, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Lexington, Spokane, Tampa Bay and Washington, DC.
The USL Super League sits at the top the USL’s distinct youth-to-pro women’s pathway, which includes the USL W League, the leading pre-professional women’s soccer league in the United States; the USL Academy, an advanced talent-development platform connected to professional and pre-professional USL clubs; and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition.
TAMPA, Fla. (May 30, 2024) – The USL Super League today unveiled the Fall Schedule of the 2024/25 inaugural season. The Fall Schedule will kick off on Saturday, August 17, and close out on Saturday, December 14, ahead of a Winter Break.
The Fall will see each club play a balanced 14-match schedule – seven at home and seven away – followed by a similarly balanced 14-match schedule in the Spring. The Spring Schedule will kick off in February.
In total, the inaugural USL Super League season will consist of 112 regular season matches.
“Releasing the Fall Schedule is another milestone in the formation of the USL Super League,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League President. “Competing on a fall-to-spring calendar and playing a balanced schedule further aligns the league with the global game, which has always been our strategy. The Super League is thrilled to be providing elite players the opportunity to compete at the highest level and give fans the chance to watch top-tier on-field competition.”
USL Super League clubs have begun building their rosters and will convene for preseason starting on July 1.
INAUGURAL COMPETITION STRUCTURE & PLAYOFF FORMAT
The USL Super League’s inaugural season features a balanced regular season schedule, with each club playing 28 regular-season matches – 14 at home and 14 away – followed by playoffs.
Structuring the schedule in two phases – Fall Schedule and Spring Schedule, separated by a Winter Break – allows the league to provide the players with an important mid-season break to rest and recover and ensures that fans can enjoy the highest quality of action throughout the season.
The full regular season will run from August 2024 to late May 2025.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the top four teams in the league table standings will qualify for the 2024/25 USL Super League Playoffs.
The inaugural USL Super League Playoffs will consist of a single-elimination, fixed-bracket format featuring two semifinals and a final. The postseason will culminate in the 2024/25 USL Super League Final, where the first-ever champions will be crowned.
More info on the full Spring Schedule and playoff dates will be released in the coming months.
America’s newest professional women’s soccer league set to kick off August 17
TAMPA, Fla. (May 23, 2024) – The highly anticipated inaugural season of the USL Super League will kick off Saturday, August 17, launching an exciting slate of home openers for the league’s eight inaugural clubs and beginning an exciting new chapter for professional women’s soccer.
The kickoff weekend of the USL Super League will feature coast-to-coast action. Carolina Ascent FC will start the ball rolling on the evening of Saturday, August 17, welcoming DC Power FC to downtown Charlotte’s American Legion Memorial Stadium. Later that night, Spokane Zephyr FC hosts Fort Lauderdale United FC at One Spokane Stadium. On Sunday, Tampa Bay Sun FC will cap off the opening weekend by hosting Dallas Trinity FC at Riverfront Stadium.
Following the three matches of the kickoff weekend, five more home openers will take place over the subsequent weeks.
2024/25 USL Super League Home Openers:
“Today’s announcement marks another major milestone for the USL Super League and our clubs, as our fans and players now have a concrete date to circle on their calendars,” said Amanda Vandervort, USL Super League President. “Kicking off this August, directly after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, reinforces the league’s vision of aligning with the global game. The league and our clubs are committed to delivering a world class experience for our fans and players, and we’re excited to see the on-field action and off-field impact each club has on its community.”
More information about the 2024/25 schedule and competition format will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fans can stay informed about the latest happenings around the Super League by signing up for the Super Newsletter, and following the league on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
WASHINGTON (May 21, 2024) – DC Power Football Club (Power FC), the Washington, DC-based professional women’s soccer team in the United Soccer League (USL) Super League, have announced Angel Reese as the first member of their ownership group. The basketball star and WNBA standout will join the Power FC ownership group set to kick off Super League’s inaugural season in August 2024. Power FC announced their team crest, the appointment of Jordan Stuart as the first club president, and the hiring of Frédéric Brillant as the first head coach on May 20.
Motivated by her passion for empowering female athletes, Reese brings her unwavering dedication to Power FC and the Super League. Hailing from Randallstown, Maryland, Reese has deep roots in the local community and is passionate about growing the women’s game and creating new pathways for aspiring professional athletes.
“I want to help grow women’s sports and elevate female athletes across the board,” said Angel Reese, Power FC owner. “We’re taking over, and I’m honored to be able to support Power FC and invest in women’s soccer in the DMV community.”
In 2023, Reese became a household name as she helped lead the LSU Lady Tigers to a historic NCAA Division I National Championship victory, becoming one of the most recognizable women in college basketball. Her exceptional skills and charisma catapulted her into becoming one of the highest-paid college athletes, securing the most NIL deals and endorsements among both men’s and women’s basketball.
Now, as the newest member of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, Reese is one of basketball’s brightest superstars, already making a significant impact both on and off the court. Reese brings major brand partnerships with her to the professional level, including Reebok, Beats, Mielle, Tampax, Good American, and more, as she continues to level the playing field and push boundaries and opportunities for female athletes forward. Reese was connected with Power FC through her business advisors, Jamel Barnes of DBA Management and Jeanine Ogbonnaya of The Clearview Group.
“Angel’s decision to be a founding investor alongside us in Power FC is groundbreaking,” Jason Levien, D.C. United CEO and Co-Chairman, said. “As a Maryland native, Angel is so passionate about being a catalyst for positive change in women’s sports in the DMV as well as globally while inspiring the next generation of female athletes. We’re looking forward to her partnership in the boardroom as an equity partner.”
Reese is a fierce advocate for gender equality in sports, challenging the double standards women face, and is steadfast in her mission to help develop young female athletes. In 2023, she founded the Angel C. Reese Foundation, dedicated to empowering girls and women through sports, education, financial literacy, and more.
WASHINGTON (May 20, 2024) — DC Power Football Club (Power FC), Washington, DC’s newest professional women’s soccer team, has unveiled their name and team crest. The name ‘Power’ symbolizes the team’s strength and determination, while the crest, inspired by the iconic DC flag, represents the unity that anchors our club.
Power FC will be one of the eight inaugural teams in the United Soccer League’s (USL) Super League ahead of the season set to kick off in August 2024. The USL Super League is a Division One women’s professional league dedicated to upholding our nation’s highest standards for soccer. The club have also announced the hiring of Frédéric Brillant as the first head coach in club history, in addition to appointing local business leader Jordan Stuart as the first club president.
“This is a monumental day for our club and the integration into the community as we officially launch our team’s name and crest,” Jordan Stuart, DC Power FC Club President, said. “Power FC’s identity is deeply rooted in the dynamic spirit and resilience of its hometown, Washington, DC. As our nation’s center of power, Washington, DC bears a unique responsibility. The responsibility to lead. To effect change. To inspire. This energy drives Power Football Club.”
The inaugural Super League season will run through Spring 2025, inclusive of a Winter Break hiatus. The home opener and specific game day schedule are forthcoming. This schedule is closely aligned with the global soccer calendar.
About the Crest:
Power DC is a club built to welcome fans from across the DMV — from DC to Maryland to Virginia — to join the women’s soccer movement at this profound historical moment.
Women are powering the present and future of the beautiful game. That power—to uplift, bring people together, and change the world—is captured in the Power FC crest. Inspired by the iconic DC flag, the interlocking D and C embodies the unity that anchors our club.
Within the crest, a swooping eagle wing cuts through the shield. Three powerful bolts hidden in the wings’ negative space reflect the three communities that converge to drive the DMV and lift the game to new heights.
First Executive Hire and Appointment of Head Coach:
The team has appointed local business leader Jordan Stuart, 41, as the first club president. A former collegiate soccer player at Haverford College, he brings a wealth of business experience and a deep-rooted passion for the sport. An investor in the USL Championship’s Loudoun United FC since 2023, he has spent the last decade as the founder of multiple business enterprises within the real estate industry. Stuart will be hands-on as president and adriving force in establishing the Power FC brand as well as the overall business strategy. His expansive network and partnerships, both within the region and beyond, will be integral to the growth and success of the franchise.
Power FC have announced the hiring of Frédéric Brillant, 38, as the first head coach in club history. Before joining Power FC as head coach, Brillant was an assistant coach with the Utah Royals in the First Division National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after joining the club on March 13, 2024. Brillant retired from professional soccer in 2022 after a career that spanned 16 years and saw him make over 400 professional appearances in Belgium and the United States.
“I would like to thank Power FC for their belief in me and giving me the backing I need to succeed in this role,” said Frédéric Brillant, Power FC Head Coach. “The DMV has become a second home to my family, and I am looking forward to returning to the area. I am excited about the Super League project and believe this league will create so many opportunities for female athletes in this country. We are eager to hit the ground running. My priority is to assemble a competitive roster and establish a team identity and culture before the start of the season in August.”
Brillant originally joined D.C. United on December 10, 2017, in a trade with New York City FC. In four seasons in the District, Brillant scored five goals and recorded two assists in 99 MLS Regular Season appearances for the Black-and-Red. In two MLS Cup Playoff appearances, Brillant scored one goal and recorded an assist. He was a stalwart in the D.C. United backline and represented the team as captain on multiple occasions. Following retirement from playing, Brillant served as an assistant coach for USL Championship Loudoun United FC and onto D.C. United on the men’s side, including a brief stint as Interim Head Coach.
For fans interested in pre-sale priority access ahead of Power FC announcing their 2024 Super League schedule, click HERE.