Week 25 Photo Gallery
DC Power FC
Brooklyn, Spokane prepare for double matchweek | Week 25 Match Previews
Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC
Venue: Riverfront Stadium; Tampa, FL
Kickoff: Wednesday, March 19; 7:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 57°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Both teams are coming off home wins in Week 24. Tampa Bay won 1-0 against Carolina Ascent, and Spokane defeated DC Power 3-2.
- Both teams have one win against the other this season. Spokane won the first meeting in October 1-0 before Tampa Bay won 3-2 in the Fall Finale.
- Tampa Bay hasn’t lost a match at home since mid-September. It has gone 3-0-4 since then.
- Wednesday’s match will be the first of two for Spokane this week.
Players to Watch
TB – Natasha Flint: Since the start of the Spring Schedule, Flint has tallied 10 shots, five chances created, and 17 duels won to go along with her goal and assist. Spokane’s defense will have to be wary of Flint’s ability to attack quickly after winning the ball.
SPK – Emina Ekić: Ekić recorded a brace and the game-winner in last week’s win over DC Power. The Bosnian international leads Spokane with five goals and four assists and will be the primary playmaker for Zephyr in this match.
| Tampa Bay Sun FC | Spokane Zephyr FC | |
| Head Coach | Denise Schilte-Brown | Jo Johnson |
| Club Record | 6-4-8 | 4-7-6 |
| Standings | 5th | 6th |
Brooklyn FC vs. Dallas Trinity FC
Venue: Maimonides Park; Brooklyn, NY
Kickoff: Wednesday, March 19; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy, 43°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Brooklyn has suffered two back-to-back losses. Dallas had Week 24 off after its match against Lexington was rescheduled due to weather issues.
- The teams recently played each other in Week 23, and Dallas recorded the league’s largest win with a 6-0 victory at the Cotton Bowl.
- Brooklyn recently dropped from the No. 1 spot in the standings for the first time since Week 14. However, earning at least one point would move the team back to first.
- Brooklyn is still looking for its first win of the spring.
- Dallas has scored the most goals (27) and has the best goal differential (11) in the league.
Players to Watch
BKN – Jess Garziano: The St. John’s alum had three shots, one tackle and one interception in last week’s match. Brooklyn needs to find Garziano more often and play her into space so she can get as many quality looks as she was at the beginning of the season.
DAL – Chioma Ubogagu: Ubogagu was everywhere in Dallas’ last win over Brooklyn. The midfielder recorded a goal, two assists, two shots, three tackles and three chances created on 78% passing accuracy.
| Brooklyn FC | Dallas Trinity FC | |
| Head Coach | Jess Silva | Pauline MacDonald |
| Club Record | 9-5-4 | 7-4-6 |
| Standings | 2nd | 4th |
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC
Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Davie, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, March 22; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 64°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Saturday’s match will be Spokane’s second of the week after facing Tampa Bay on Wednesday.
- Fort Lauderdale took over the No. 1 spot after defeating Brooklyn 2-0 last week.
- Fort Lauderdale is on an eight-match unbeaten streak. The team has also scored at least one goal in all eight of those matches.
- FTL’s Addie McCain is one goal away from reaching 10 on the season.
- FTL is 1-0-1 against Spokane this season. The teams drew 1-1 during the league’s inaugural weekend, and FTL won 2-1 against Zephyr in December.
Players to Watch
FTL – Sh’Nia Gordon: The West Virginia alum scored a brace to secure last week’s win over Brooklyn. The winger is finding her stride in front of goal during this Spring Schedule after leading the team in shots this entire season.
SPK – Katie Murray: The midfielder recorded her second goal in three matches in the win over DC. Murray is quick on the counterattack and creates chances for her teammates, but she is also not afraid to take shots from distance.
| Fort Lauderdale United FC | Spokane Zephyr FC | |
| Head Coach | Tyrone Mears | Jo Johnson |
| Club Record | 9-5-4 | 4-7-6 |
| Standings | 1st | 6th |
DC Power FC vs. Brooklyn FC
Venue: Audi Field; Washington, DC
Kickoff: Sunday, March 23; 2:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Sunny, 66°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Sunday’s match is the second of the week for Brooklyn after facing Dallas on Wednesday.
- Both teams are still searching for their first wins of the spring.
- Both teams have one win against each other this season. DC earned its first win on the road when it beat Brooklyn 1-0 in stoppage time. Brooklyn then defeated DC 3-0 in November behind a Luana Grabias hat trick.
- DC has scored six goals in its last three matches. Brooklyn has been shutout in its last three matches prior to Wednesday.
Players to Watch
DC – Gianna Gourley: In Gourley’s first three matches with her new team, she has contributed to a goal in each one (2g/1a). The striker has looked more and more confident in front of goal and will be the primary target for DC in Sunday’s match.
BKN – Mackenzie Pluck: The midfielder scored Brooklyn’s lone goal this spring and continues to be the playmaker for the team this season. Getting Pluck more involved with Garziano and Sam Kroger in the midfield will be key to breaking down DC.
| DC Power FC | Brooklyn FC | |
| Head Coach | Phil Nana (Interim Coach) | Jess Silva |
| Club Record | 3-9-5 | 9-5-4 |
| Standings | 8th | 2nd |
Lexington SC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
Venue: Lexington Stadium; Lexington, KY
Kickoff: Sunday, March 23; 4:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Partly cloudy, 64°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Sunday’s match will be the final meeting between the two teams this regular season. After splitting the first two matches 1-1, Carolina finally earned the 2-1 win over Lexington this February.
- Carolina is coming off a 1-0 loss to Tampa Bay in Week 24. Lexington had the week off after its match against Dallas was rescheduled due to weather issues.
- This is the last of three consecutive road matches for the Ascent.
Players to Watch
LEX – Shea Moyer: Lexington’s captain has been holding down the midfield in its last two matches. She recorded four interceptions, three clearances, two tackles and one chance created in the win against DC.
CAR – Mia Corbin: The striker has been leading the way for Carolina all season. She recorded two shots on target, a tackle and an interception in last week’s match, and she scored against Lexington two of the three times they’ve met.
| Lexington SC | Carolina Ascent FC | |
| Head Coach | Sam Stockley (Interim Coach) | Philip Poole |
| Club Record | 4-10-4 | 7-5-7 |
| Standings | 7th | 3rd |
Spokane, DC seeing offensive boost in Spring Schedule | News & Notes Week 25
REWIND: WEEK 24 NOTES
SPK 3 – 2 DC
- GOALS:
- Katie Murray (SPK) 36’, Emma Jaskaniec assist.
- Anna Bagley (DC) 50’
- Gianna Gourley (DC) 63’, Loza Abera assist.
- Emina Ekić (SPK) 66’, Penalty.
- Emina Ekić (SPK) 90+3’
- STORYLINES:
- BAGGED A BRACE: Emina Ekić recorded the first brace in Spokane Zephyr history.
- FROM THE SPOT: Ekić has converted all three of her penalty kicks. She leads the league in penalties taken and converted this season.
- GO ON GOURLEY: Gianna Gourley has contributed to a goal (2g/1a) in all three of DC Power’s matches this spring.
- SECOND: Katie Murray and Anna Bagley both recorded their second goals of the season. Emma Jaskaniec recorded her second assist of the season.
- SCORING SUBSTITUTE: Anna Bagley recorded a goal after entering the match as a substitute for the second time this season. She previously scored the game-winner in the 90+2’ against Fort Lauderdale on November 23 after subbing into the match in the 70th minute.
- 3-2 SCORELINE: Saturday’s match was Spokane’s third time ending a match with a 3-2 scoreline. This was the first time the team was on the winning side.
- QUOTES:
- Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson:
- On the team’s offensive success … “I think the three goals are almost more important to me than the three points, because that’s been our Achilles’ heel. To build on that momentum into the next one, especially on the road, gives us confidence to put some in the back of the net.”
- Spokane Goal Scorer Emina Ekić:
- On the free kick goal in stoppage time … “I’ve done this shot plenty of times before, it was in my sweet spot. I was trying to keep it low and trying to hit it hard so it could go against the wind.”
- DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:
- On the team’s motivation to get back on track next week… “We’ll look at the film because there were lots of good moments. I told them our biggest thing was to keep on believing and this is a great opportunity for us to work on that. It’s tough to believe when the odds are stacked up against you but we have no choice.”
- On Gianna Gourley scoring two goals in three matches… “We’re Impressed. That second goal came from hustle and heart. She digs deep and she produces. She works hard for them.”
- DC Goal Scorer Anna Bagley:
- On her equalizer…“Seeing the equalizer hit the back of the net, I definitely felt a big sense of relief. My first touch of the game being a goal was a great feeling, and it gave our team some momentum, leading us to a second goal and that really switched up the entire mood of the match.”
- On how the result strengthens the team… “It definitely wasn’t the result we were hoping for, especially after coming back and scoring two goals, but it brings us closer and motivates us for upcoming games. We know that we’re capable of winning these games and beating these teams. That motivates us when we face them again.”
- Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson:
BKN 0 – 2 FTL
- GOALS:
- Sh’Nia Gordon (FTL) 32’, Kiara Locklear assist.
- Sh’Nia Gordon (FTL) 67’
- STORYLINES:
- NEW NO. 1: The win over Brooklyn moved Fort Lauderdale to first place in the league standings. Brooklyn had previously held the No. 1 spot since Week 14.
- BAGGED A BRACE: Sh’Nia Gordon recorded her first and Fort Lauderdale’s second brace of the season. She ranks tied for third on the team with three goals.
- EIGHT STRAIGHT: Fort Lauderdale set a new league record by scoring at least one goal in eight consecutive matches. The team has only been shut out twice in its 17 matches. FTL is also undefeated (6-0-2) in those eight matches.
- OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES: Brooklyn has been shut out its last three matches, after recording at least one goal in the seven prior matches.
- CLEAN SHEET: Cosette Morché is now tied for second in the league after earning her fourth clean sheet.
- QUOTES:
- Brookyln Head Coach Jess Silva:
- On how the team responded after conceding the second goal… “I don’t know that things changed, but I think that we dropped off a little bit too much. Right before we get scored on, we have a great opportunity, and we get we miss it, and then they come back our way, and it’s off a mistake. So, it’s obviously frustrating, but I really liked how we came back and had a really strong start to the second half.”
- Brooklyn Midfielder Mackenzie Pluck:
- On the team’s first match at Maimonides Park… “Honestly, we were so excited to see so many people show out for us and just play for Brooklyn. It’s been a long time coming, and just seeing people fill in the stands and cheer us on made the biggest difference for us. So hopefully we can continue to perform and do our best for you guys, leading forward in the next couple games.”
- FTL Goal Scorer Sh’Nia Gordon:
- On what contributed to the team’s success… “I think just playing our game and playing how we know how to play. We connected our passes, we fought and we worked hard defensively. We were connected and compact. We just played to our strengths, and that’s what got us to win.”
- On scoring a brace… “I couldn’t have done it without the team, so I’m thankful for them, and I’m just happy to get those goals to secure the win for this team because we work so hard, and we deserved it. So, that’s all that really matters to me.”
- Brookyln Head Coach Jess Silva:
TB 1 – 0 CAR
- GOALS:
- Natasha Flint (TB) 14’, Cecilie Fløe assist.
- STORYLINES:
- FIVE FOR FLINT: Natasha Flint scored her fifth goal of the season.
- RIVERFRONT: Tampa Bay is undefeated (4-0-2) in its last six matches at Riverfront Stadium.
- SNAPPED THE SCORING STREAK: Tampa Bay shut out Carolina for the first time this spring. The Ascent had scored eight goals in its previous four matches.
- CLEAN SHEET: Ashley Orkus recorded her third clean sheet of the season.
- QUOTES:
- Carolina Head Coach Philip Poole:
- On creating 13 corners but not scoring… “It’s good to get 13 corners, which is a lot for any team in any game. We need that final touch, that final piece. We were so close on several occasions. We want to create certain matchups in there and we created them, we just didn’t get that one that we were able to put in the back of the net. I just think that final piece, sometimes they go in, sometimes they don’t. “
- Carolina Defender Jill Aguilera:
- On the process of finding wins on the road… “Everyone knows it’s hard to win on the road, but I think we need to continue to trust the game plan and each other’s abilities. I think we need to take the positives out of this game and apply it to how we are going to beat Lexington next weekend.”
- Carolina Head Coach Philip Poole:
WEEK 25 SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 19th
Tampa Bay Sun FC v Spokane Zephyr FC, 7:00 p.m. ET
Brooklyn FC v Dallas Trinity FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, March 22nd
Fort Lauderdale United FC v Spokane Zephyr FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, March 23rd
DC Power FC v Brooklyn FC, 2:00 p.m. ET
Lexington SC v Carolina Ascent FC, 4:00 p.m. ET
WEEK 25 STORYLINES
NO. 1 SPOT
Fort Lauderdale slid into the top spot in the league standings after defeating Brooklyn 2-0 last week. However, Brooklyn has two matches in Week 25 and can move back to first place if it picks up results against Dallas and DC.
ON THE BRINK
Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain is one goal away from reaching 10 goals scored on the season. Not far behind is Dallas’ Allie Thornton with eight goals scored.
TAMPA BAY TRIO
Natasha Flint, Carlee Giammona and Cecilie Fløe have scored 14 of Tampa Bay’s last 15 goals, dating back to early November. Flint assisted on the one goal not scored by them. The trio accounts for 17 of the team’s 23 goals.
BRACING FOR IMPACT
Spokane and Fort Lauderdale recorded the league’s 12th and 13th braces in their last wins. Brooklyn is now the only team to have not recorded a brace; however, it is one of only three teams to have recorded a hat trick.
GOURLEY GOING FOR GOAL
Gianna Gourley has quickly made an impact for DC Power since joining the team over break. She is now tied for first with Katie Duong on the team in goal contributions. Gourley has recorded two goals and one assist; Duong has two assists and one goal.
DISCIPLINE REPORT – WEEK 24
TAMPA, Fla. – There are no new suspensions to report.
LEAGUE LEADERS
GOALS:
- Addie McCain (FTL) – 9 goals
- Allie Thornton (DAL) – 8 goals
- Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 7 goals
- Carlee Giammona (TB) – 6 goals
- Mia Corbin (CAR) – 6 goals
- Cecilie Fløe (TB) – 6 goals
- Madison Parsons (LEX) – 5 goals
- Emina Ekić (SPK) – 5 goals
- Natasha Flint (TB) – 5 goals
ASSISTS:
- Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists
- Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists
- Mackenzie Pluck (BKN) – 4 assists
- Emina Ekić (SPK) – 4 assists
- Shea Moyer (LEX) – 4 assists
- Jillienne Aguilera (CAR) – 4 assists
- Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 4 assists
- Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 4 assists
- Mackenzie George (BKN) – 3 assists
- Rylee Baisden (CAR) – 3 assists
- Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3 assists
- Audrey Harding (CAR) – 3 assists
- Lucy Shepherd (DAL) – 3 assists
CLEAN SHEETS:
- Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets
- Madison White (DAL) – 6 clean sheets
- Sydney Martinez (BKN) – 4 clean sheets
- Morgan Aquino (DC) – 4 clean sheets
- Hope Hisey (SPK) – 4 clean sheets
- Neeku Purcell (BKN) – 4 clean sheets
- Cosette Morche (FTL) – 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)
Super League Power Rankings – Week 24
Two braces highlighted two big wins in Week 24 of the USL Super League. Spokane forward Emina Ekić scored a brace, including the stoppage-time game-winner, in Zephyr’s come-from-behind win over DC Power FC. Fort Lauderdale United FC winger Sh’Nia Gordon also scored twice in the 2-0 win that catapulted the team to the top of the league standings.
Ekić equalized in the 65th minute from the penalty spot, where she is now a perfect three-for-three this season. Then, the Bosnian international took a free kick right outside the box and whipped it into the back of the net in the second minute of stoppage time. It was just the second direct free kick goal in the league this season, and the first-ever brace in club history.
Later Saturday night, Gordon scored in both halves of the match against Brooklyn to earn Fort Lauderdale its ninth win of the season. FTL UTD set a record of scoring in eight consecutive matches and is undefeated during that span (6-0-2). Gordon is now tied for third on the team with three goals this season.
On The Move
Rank |
Team |
Change |
Summary |
|
| 1 |  |
Fort Lauderdale United FC (9-5-4) Week 25: vs. SPK |
 Last Week: 1 |
It’s another week on top for the hottest team in the league. Sh’Nia Gordon scored the second brace in club history to pick up the team’s third win in the last four matches. It was also a great performance in goal for Cosette Morché as she earned her fourth clean sheet. |
| 2 |  |
Dallas Trinity FC (7-4-6) Week 25: @ BKN |
Last Week: 2 |
Despite the last-minute rescheduling last week, Dallas Trinity gets extra time off to prep for the midweek match against Brooklyn. After Dallas’ dominant showing against the same team in Week 23, Trinity can carry that momentum into Wednesday and try to win its second match in a row. |
| 3 |  |
Tampa Bay Sun FC (6-4-8) Week 25: vs. SPK |
 1Last Week: 4 |
After recording four consecutive draws, it was imperative for Tampa Bay to earn a win at home to try to move up the standings. Natasha Flint scored her fifth goal of the season by capitalizing on an error right outside the box and the Sun defeated Carolina for the second this season. |
| 4 |  |
Carolina Ascent FC (7-5-7) Week 25: @ LEX |
 1Last Week: 3 |
Just when it seemed like Ascent had re-found its scoring stride, the team was shutout despite recording 13 corners and nine total shots. One error cost the team the game in an otherwise strong defensive effort, but Carolina has a lot of positives to take away from the match before it faces Lexington on Sunday. |
| 5 |  |
Spokane Zephyr FC (4-7-6) Week 25: @ TB; @ FTL |
3 Last Week: 8 |
Spokane lost its first lead but clawed back to earn all three points against DC Power on Saturday. The team lost its defensive shape a few times throughout the match, but the group that had once been struggling to score has now netted five goals in the last three matches. |
| 6 |  |
Lexington SC (4-10-4) Week 25: vs. CAR |
1 Last Week: 5 |
Like Dallas, the week off can do Lexington some good as it prepares for its final test against Carolina this Saturday. When the sides met last month, Lexington held more possession but didn’t make the most of its opportunities until the final 10 minutes of the match. A strong, early start could be the key to Lexington earning back-to-back wins. |
| 7 |  |
DC Power FC (3-9-5) Week 25: vs. BKN |
1 Last Week: 6 |
DC has also found its way out of the scoring slump it was in during the first half of the season. The team has scored nearly as many goals in the last three matches as it did in the entire Fall Schedule. Now, DC needs to improve the defensive end and limit fouls in its defensive third. |
| 8 |  |
Brooklyn FC (9-5-4) Week 25: vs. DAL; @ DC |
1 Last Week: 7 |
The spring woes continue for Brooklyn FC, which suffered its second straight loss last week at its home opener at Maimonides Park. The group is not connecting up top and has been struggling to clear its lines on the defensive end. Fortunately, Brooklyn has two chances this week to regain its spot at the top of the table. |
Week 24 Photo Gallery
Brooklyn, Tampa Bay, DC look for first spring wins | Week 24 Match Previews
Spokane Zephyr FC vs. DC Power FC
Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA
Kickoff: Saturday, March 15; 5:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Showers, 47°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Both teams are coming off 2-1 home losses in Week 23. Spokane fell to Carolina Ascent, and DC lost to Lexington.
- Spokane is 1-0-1 against DC this season. Zephyr picked up its first-ever win on September 22, 2024, when it hosted DC in the 1-0 victory.
- Spokane’s Katie Murray and DC’s Madison Wolfbauer played two seasons together (2017-18) at the University of Illinois.
- DC has scored in back-to-back matches for the first time this season.
Players to Watch
SPK – Haley Thomas: The outside back has been putting in work on both sides of the field lately. In last week’s match, Thomas recorded eight clearances while also talling two crosses and one shot.
DC – Loza Abera: The Ethiopian striker has been a burst of energy off the bench for DC Power. She scored her first goal of the season last week to get the team back in the match against Lexington.
| Spokane Zephyr FC | DC Power FC | |
| Head Coach | Jo Johnson | Phil Nana (Interim Coach) |
| Club Record | 3-7-6 | 3-8-5 |
| Standings | 7th | 8th |
Brooklyn FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC
Venue: Maimonides Park; Brooklyn, NY
Kickoff: Saturday, March 15; 6:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Overcast, 52°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Saturday’s match will be the first at Brooklyn’s new home stadium Maimonides Park in Coney Island.
- Brooklyn is coming off its worst loss of the season, falling 6-0 to Dallas last week. The team is still searching for its first win of the Spring Schedule.
- Fort Lauderdale is undefeated and has scored at least one goal in its last seven matches.
- FTL’s Addie McCain and Jasmine Hamid are first and third in the Golden Boot race. McCain has nine goals, and Hamid has seven and has scored in the last four matches.
- Both teams are 1-1-0 against each other. Fort Lauderdale won the first matchup 1-0, and Brooklyn rebounded with a 3-1 victory in October.
- If Fort Lauderdale wins, it would take over the top spot in the league standings for the first time this season.
Players to Watch
BKN – Luana Grabias: Brooklyn has struggled to find its footing offensively since its return from break. However, Grabias has shown to be a spark up top who can shoot from distance or dribble through traffic for a short-range blast into the back of the net.
FTL – Jasmine Hamid: Every team should have Hamid on their scouting report at this point of the season. The 2x Player of the Month is extremely dangerous down that left flank and can shoot from anywhere or set up her teammates inside the box.
| Brooklyn FC | Fort Lauderdale United FC | |
| Head Coach | Jess Silva | Tyrone Mears |
| Club Record | 9-4-4 | 8-5-4 |
| Standings | 1st | 2nd |
Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
Venue: Riverfront Stadium; Tampa, FL
Kickoff: Saturday, March 15; 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear skies, 71°
Broadcast: Peacocktv.com
Things to Know
- Tampa Bay is coming off a 1-1 draw against Fort Lauderdale last week. Carolina most recently picked up a 2-1 win at Spokane.
- Tampa Bay is 1-0-1 against Carolina this season. The teams ended in a scoreless draw in their first matchup before the Sun ended Carolina’s 11-match unbeaten streak with a 2-1 the last time they played at Riverfront Stadium.
- Tampa Bay has only lost one of its eight home matches. It is 3-1-4 at Riverfront Stadium.
- Carolina Ascent forward Riley Parker will return to the Sunshine State this weekend to face her former team Tampa Bay Sun for the first time since her winter break transfer.
Players to Watch
TB – Cecile Fløe: The Danish forward picked up her team-leading sixth goal of the season last week to earn a point in the Florida Derby. Fløe has that attacking instinct in front of goal and will be the biggest threat for Carolina’s backline.
CAR – Jenna Butler: The NC State alum has fit right into the Ascent’s defense since she joined the team in January. Not only has she been aggressive in protecting the net on her end of the field, but she’s also an aerial threat on the other side, as we saw last week when she headed in her first professional goal.
| Tampa Bay Sun FC | Carolina Ascent FC | |
| Head Coach | Denise Schilte-Brown | Philip Poole |
| Club Record | 5-4-8 | 7-4-7 |
| Standings | 5th | 3rd |
How many records did Dallas’ win set? | Week 24 News & Notes
REWIND: WEEK 23 NOTES
FTL 1 – 1 TB
- GOALS:
- Jasmine Hamid (FTL) 8’, Sh’nia Gordon assist.
- Cecilie Fløe (TB) 32’, Paige Almendariz assist.
- STORYLINES:
- FOUR IN FOUR: Jasmine Hamid continued her scoring streak and has now scored a goal in four consecutive matches, the longest streak in league history.
- SIXTH: Cecilie Fløe scored her sixth goal of the season, tying teammate Carlee Giammona for the most on the team and tied for fourth in the league.
- LUCKY #7: Fort Lauderdale has now scored at least one goal in seven consecutive matches, tying its and the league’s record for the most consecutive matches with a goal.
- FIRST: Paige Almendariz recorded her first assist of the season.
- DERBY DRAWS: Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay have drawn against each other for the third time in a row.
- QUOTES:
- Fort Lauderdale Head Coach Tyrone Mears:
- On the team’s performance and moving forward… “I think we started the game well, but we lacked that killer instinct in front of goal. At the end of the day, we’ll take the point, learn from this and shift our focus to the game against Brooklyn.”
- Fort Lauderdale goal scorer Jasmine Hamid:
- On her goal and the team’s effort… “I think it was really exciting. We’d been working on crossing and finishing for a long time. So, to get a goal like that was really great.”
- Fort Lauderdale Head Coach Tyrone Mears:
SPK 1 – 2 CAR
- GOALS:
- Eli Beard (CAR) 5’, Audrey Harding assist.
- Jenna Butler (CAR) 30’, Jill Aguilera assist.
- Ally Cook (SPK) 85’, Penalty.
- STORYLINES:
- FIRST TIMERS: Beard, Butler and Cook all recorded their first goals of the season.
- PENALTIES: Spokane is 3/3 from the penalty spot this season. Only Spokane and Tampa Bay have a 100% conversion rate on penalty kicks on more than one attempt.
- GOALKEEPER CHANGE: Carolina had a different goalkeeper for the first time this season. Samantha Leshnak Murphy made two saves in her debut.
- QUOTES:
- Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson:
- On the team’s second half performance… “Proud of the fight in the second half, but we need to play a full 90.”
- Spokane Forward McKenzie Weinert:
- On the team’s fight and performance… “Tough result tonight, we weren’t happy with how we came out in the first half and were punished for it, but we responded well in the second half, and I’m proud of that fight from the team to get one goal back.”
- Carolina Head Coach Phillip Poole:
- On the team’s past few performances and the win… “I think when you combine the trip, quality players, quality opponent, it’s a great win. I think we definitely should’ve picked up more points in the previous two games so all in all, makes for a better win and a better result.”
- Carolina Goal Scorer Eli Beard:
- On her first start and goal… “It meant a lot to get my first start and contribute with a goal. My teammates have been incredibly supportive and gave me a lot of confidence going into the game, which made a big difference. I’m looking forward to building on this performance and continuing to grow with the team.”
- Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson:
DC 1 – 2 LEX
- GOALS:
- Julie Mackin (LEX) 23’
- Hannah White (LEX) 60’
- Loza Abera (SPK) 85’, Gianna Gourley assist.
- STORYLINES:
- FIRST TIMERS: Mackin, White and Abera all recorded their first goals of the season.
- FIRST: Gianna Gourley recorded her first assist of the season.
- OFFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT: DC scored in its second consecutive match for the first time this season.
- LONG RANGE: Mackin’s hit from far marks a league-leading seventh goal from outside of the box for Lexington. Brooklyn and Fort Lauderdale are tied for second with four each.
- QUOTES:
- DC Power Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:
- On the team’s performance… “We had moments of brilliance. We trained well and we prepared well. Sometimes, the best team doesn’t win but we must take the mindset of having a 90-minute performance. That’s the only way we get points.”
- DC Power Forward Loza Abera:
- On her first goal this season… “I’m so happy, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”
- Lexington Interim Head Coach Sam Stockley:
- On the positive effects of the win… “Getting that win continues to help create the trust and helps to create buy-in to the things that we want them to do moving forward. When we review the film, there’s still a lot of areas we want to improve because we want to continue to get better.”
- DC Power Interim Head Coach Phil Nana:
DAL 6 – 0 BKN
- GOALS:
- Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) 6’, Lexi Missimo assist.
- Camryn Lancaster (DAL) 45+2’, Allie Thornton assist.
- Allie Thornton (DAL) 68’, Chioma Ubogagu assist.
- Allie Thornton (DAL) 70’, Chioma Ubogagu assist.
- Lexi Missimo (DAL) 79’, Lucy Shepherd assist.
- Lucy Shepherd (DAL) 88’, Sealey Strawn assist.
- STORYLINES:
- GOAL + ASSIST: Ubogagu, Thornton, Missimo and Shepherd all recorded at least one goal and one assist in this match.
- SNAPPING THE STREAK: Dallas’ win ended Brooklyn’s eight-match unbeaten streak that dated back to October 19.
- DALLAS FIREPOWER: No other team has scored more than three goals in a single match. Dallas has now done it twice, scoring six goals in both matches. Five different scorers in one match is also a league record.
- CLEAN SHEET: Madison White recorded her sixth clean sheet of the season, tying her for first in the league with Carolina’s Meagan McClelland.
- SHEPHERD’S STATS: Lucy Shepherd scored her first goal and recorded her third assist. She became Dallas’ league-leading fifth player to enter as a substitute and score a goal. Cyera Hintzen, Gracie Brian, Thornton and Strawn all previously scored as substitutes.
- QUOTES:
- Dallas Head Coach Pauline MacDonald:
- On the team and the result… “Today we definitely found our way, we found our togetherness again which is key. I think that from our perspective, the players got everything they deserved today.”
- Dallas Goal Scorer Allie Thornton:
- On the momentous win… “I think it gives us a lot of confidence. Today there was a really great flow to the game which is something we missed out on in the last couple of games. I think this only gives us more confidence to keep doing what we’re doing and keep striving to score more goals.”
- Brooklyn Head Coach Jessica Silva:
- On the loss… “This is a competitive league, and the second half of the year is almost like a new season. Every team will be better, hungrier, and smarter. It’s up to us to rise to that challenge. We know what we are capable of.”
- Brooklyn Midfielder Mackenzie Pluck:
- On what went wrong… “We obviously weren’t good enough on all fronts. Small errors lead to big costs. I think a lot of it comes from playing smarter, not harder. So, in moments of chaos, we need to regain control and remember our strengths. It’s a wake-up call for us, for sure. We need to unite as a group and never let that happen again.”
- Dallas Head Coach Pauline MacDonald:
WEEK 24 SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 15th
Spokane Zephyr FC v DC Power FC, 5:00 p.m. ET
Brooklyn FC v Fort Lauderdale United FC, 6:00 p.m. ET
Lexington SC v Dallas Trinity FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Sun FC v Carolina Ascent FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
WEEK 24 STORYLINES
FOUR IN FOUR
Jasmine Hamid scored in her fourth straight match last week, the longest scoring run of the season thus far.
YOUNG STARS
Dallas’ Sealey Strawn recorded her third goal contribution in last week’s match. Here are some of the young standouts from across the league:
- DAL – Sealey Strawn (17 years old); 470 minutes, 4 starts, 1 goal, 2 assists
- FTL – Taylor Smith (17 years old); 1,064 minutes, 11 starts
- LEX – Emma Johnson (17 years old); 429 minutes, 4 starts
- CAR – B Hylton (17 years old); 129 minutes, 1 start
IN THE RECORD BOOKS
Dallas’ 6-0 win against Brooklyn set multiple new league and club highs:
- The six-goal differential was the most since Dallas won by four goals in the 6-2 match against Lexington on September 13, 2024.
- Six goals is the most scored while also keeping a clean sheet. Tampa Bay, Brooklyn and Lexington previously held the record, each recording 3-0 wins.
- Brooklyn had previously only conceded multiple goals in a single match once, falling 2-0 to Carolina Ascent on October 19, 2024.
- Five different scorers is the most for one team in a single match. Only three players scored for Dallas in the 6-2 win.
- Allie Thornton is the first player in league history to record 2 goals/1 assist in a single match.
- Chioma Ubogagu became just the second player to record 1 goal/2 assists in a single match. Her teammate Amber Brooks did it first in the 6-2 win.
ON THE BRINK
Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain is one goal away from reaching 10 goals scored on the season. Not far behind is Dallas’ Allie Thornton with eight goals scored.
NO. 1 SPOT
If FTL UTD wins this weekend against Brooklyn, the team will move into the top spot in the standings for the first time this season. Brooklyn has been No. 1 since Week 14.
ABOVE THE PLAYOFF LINE
Four points separate the top four teams in the league standings. With all eight teams in action and a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup, the top of the table might look different by the end of the week.
RILEY’S RETURN
Carolina Ascent forward Riley Parker will return to the Sunshine State this weekend to face her former team Tampa Bay Sun for the first time since her winter break transfer.
COLLEGE CONNECTIONS
Spokane’s Katie Murray and DC’s Madison Wolfbauer played two seasons together (2017-18) at the University of Illinois and will face off against each other this weekend at ONE Spokane Stadium.
DISCIPLINE REPORT – WEEK 24
TAMPA, Fla. – There are no new suspensions to report.
LEAGUE LEADERS
GOALS:
- Addie McCain (FTL) – 9 goals
- Allie Thornton (DAL) – 8 goals
- Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 7 goals
- Carlee Giammona (TB) – 6 goals
- Mia Corbin (CAR) – 6 goals
- Cecilie Nielsen (TB) – 6 goals
- Madison Parsons (LEX) – 5 goals
- Sydney Shepherd (LEX) – 4 goals
- Natasha Flint (TB) – 4 goals
- Marykate McGuire (LEX) – 4 goals
- Luana Grabias (BKN) – 4 goals
- Jessica Garziano (BKN) – 4 goals
ASSISTS:
- Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists
- Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists
- Mackenzie Pluck (BKN) – 4 assists
- Emina Ekić (SPK) – 4 assists
- Shea Moyer (LEX) – 4 assists
- Jillienne Aguilera (CAR) – 4 assists
- Mackenzie George (BKN) – 3 assists
- Rylee Baisden (CAR) – 3 assists
- Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3 assists
- Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 3 assists
- Audrey Harding (CAR) – 3 assists
CLEAN SHEETS:
- Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets
- Madison White (DAL) – 6 clean sheets
- Sydney Martinez (BKN) – 4 clean sheets
- Morgan Aquino (DC) – 4 clean sheets
- Hope Hisey (SPK) – 4 clean sheets
- Neeku Purcell (BKN) – 4 clean sheets
- Cosette Morche (FTL) – 3 clean sheets
MILESTONES
HAT TRICKS:
- DAL – Allie Thornton (9.13.24)
- FTL – Addie McCain (9.22.24)
- BKN – Luana Grabias (11.13.24)
BRACES:
- DAL – Chimoa Ubogagu (9.13.24)
- DC – Madison Wolfbauer (9.29.24)
- TB – Cecilie Fløe Nielsen (10.2.24)
- CAR – Ashlynn Serepca (10.19.24)
- LEX – Madison Parsons (10.19.24)
- DC – Allie Flanagan (10.25.24)
- TB – Cecilie Fløe Nielsen (11.2.24)
- LEX – Hannah Richardson (12.14.24)
- TB – Natasha Flint (12.14.24)
- FTL – Kiara Pralle (12.14.24)
- DAL – Allie Thornton (03.09.25)
Super League Power Rankings – Week 23
Dallas, Carolina move to top three, Brooklyn falls after tough loss
Another week, another set of Super League players getting on the scoresheet for the first time this season. Eight players recorded their inaugural goals, and three more bagged their first assists, many of which contributed to earning a result for their teams.
All six scorers in the second and third matches of Week 23 were first timers. Eli Hutchinson and Jenna Butler gave Carolina Ascent a two-goal lead going into halftime. Spokane’s Ally Cook converted on a penalty kick in her first start with Zephyr. Meanwhile, Lexington’s Julie Mackin hit a banger from outside the box, and Hannah White cleaned up a rebound for what would be the game winner. DC Power’s Loza Abera, the team’s leader in shots, finally found the back of the net to prevent the shutout.
In Dallas’ goal-filled win, two new players netted their firsts. Camryn Lancaster headed the ball past Brooklyn’s backline and slotted it home right before halftime. Lucy Shepherd earned her first goal and third assist after entering the match in the 76th minute. The league has reached 76 different scorers for 158 total goals.
On The Move
Rank |
Team |
Change |
Summary |
|
| 1 | |
Fort Lauderdale United FC (8-5-4) Week 24: @ BKN |
Last Week: 1 |
FTL stays at the top after extending its unbeaten streak to seven matches. Jasmine Hamid continues to find the back of the net, and Cosette Morché made a couple big saves to help the team earn the 1-1 draw. With Brooklyn up next, another win could move Fort Lauderdale to not just the top of the Power Rankings but the league standings. |
| 2 | |
Dallas Trinity FC (7-4-6) Week 24: @ LEX |
4 Last Week: 6 |
Just when it looked like Dallas had fallen into a little bit of a slump after dropping points in its last two matches, the team came out and bagged six goals against No. 1 Brooklyn. Trinity looked like they wanted it more and were rewarded with a big win in front of their home crowd. |
| 3 | |
Carolina Ascent FC (7-4-7) Week 24: @ TB |
5 Last Week: 8 |
The Ascent grabbed a much-needed win on the road against Spokane to bounce back from last week’s loss to Fort Lauderdale. Eli Hutchinson and Jenna Butler scored their first goals of the season, and Carolina looked like the 11-match unbeaten team they did at the start of the season. |
| 4 | |
Tampa Bay Sun FC (5-4-8) Week 24: vs. CAR |
1 Last Week: 3 |
For the third time this spring, Tampa Bay Sun fought back from a deficit to earn a point, all against top-four ranked teams. While the team would likely want to avoid conceding early and getting just one instead of all three points, the fight in this team is undeniable. |
| 5 | |
Lexington SC (4-10-4) Week 24: vs. DAL |
1 Last Week: 7 |
Lexington’s last draw against Brooklyn might have given the team some confidence, as it battled for the win against DC Power on Sunday. Julie Mackin and Hannah White were the latest Girls in Green to score their first goals, and they will need to keep up the high offensive production for next week when they face Dallas. |
| 6 | |
DC Power FC (3-8-5) Week 24: @ SPK |
1 Last Week: 5 |
DC looked like the stronger team in the first and last 20 minutes of the match, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Lexington. Conceding first seems to take the wind out of DC’s sails, and if the team would put chances away early and avoid playing from behind, a lot of its results might look different. |
| 7 | |
Brooklyn FC (9-4-4) Week 24: vs. FTL |
5 Last Week: 2 |
Brooklyn took a hard hit on Sunday, suffering its worst loss of the season. The team didn’t look like its usual self, and it has yet to earn a win since the return from break. Despite still clinging on to the top spot on the table, Brooklyn’s position is increasingly under threat and needs a win against Fort Lauderdale this weekend. |
| 8 | |
Spokane Zephyr FC (3-8-5) Week 24: vs. DC |
4 Last Week: 4 |
Spokane reverted to its form from the first half of the season and lost 2-1 to Carolina Ascent on Saturday. Zephyr controlled possession and created chances on goal but didn’t capitalize, which has often been the case all year. |
What we learned from Week 23 in the USL Super League
Fortunes in the USL Super League seem to change every week, and this one was no different. Last weekend’s results showed how tight the competition is across the league and that all unbeaten streaks eventually come to an end.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from Week 23:
Tampa Bay is Fort Lauderdale’s kryptonite
Heading into Saturday, Fort Lauderdale United FC looked like it might be able to pull out the win against its interstate rival. United was at home, won its last two and four of its last five matches, and Jasmine Hamid was on a heater.
But just like when it met Tampa Bay Sun FC a few weeks ago, Fort Lauderdale couldn’t hold on for all three points. The hosts won the possession battle with 55 percent of the ball, but only one of its eight shots were on target. Meanwhile, the Sun had three shots on frame, with its goal coming from FTL’s backline being a step too slow and Hamid keeping Cecilie Fløe onside. Cosette Morché made a huge save in the 14th minute after Fort Lauderdale had a defensive breakdown, otherwise Tampa Bay could have come away with the win.
Against the other two teams Fort Lauderdale has faced this spring, its defense looked organized and has conceded just once to Carolina Ascent’s Mia Corbin. But Tampa Bay completely exposed FTL’s defensive weaknesses, and the sides split points once again.
Spokane and DC need to play with urgency sooner
Both Spokane Zephyr FC and DC Power FC opened their spring accounts with impressive performances that could’ve given them momentum to build off of in Week 23, especially being back at home. However, Carolina Ascent FC and Lexington SC spoiled their returns with both matches ending 2-1.
Ironically, DC and Spokane both prevented the shutout with goals in the 85th minute. It wasn’t until late in the second half that both teams picked up the pace and put their opponents on their heels with quality looks on goal. The fact remains eighth-placed DC is last in the league with 13 goals conceded in the first half, and seventh-placed Spokane isn’t far behind on 11 goals against. It’s a big reason why they’re in the spots they sit in.
What is happening to Brooklyn?
Nobody could’ve predicted the 6-0 smackdown that Brooklyn FC suffered against Dallas Trinity FC on Sunday. Not only had Dallas not scored against Brooklyn in either of their last two matches against each other, Brooklyn had conceded just nine goals all season, the only single-digit figure in the league. And to be shutout for the second week in a row is extremely unlike Brooklyn.
But since the group’s return to play last month, they’ve just looked a little off. They conceded early against Tampa Bay but battled back to earn a point. They looked slow and blunt in attack in the scoreless draw against Lexington. Against Dallas, they could barely get out of their own half, let alone connect two passes together. Brooklyn plays second-place Fort Lauderdale next week, and if it shows up how it has all spring, it can kiss that No. 1 spot goodbye.