Week 25 Photo Gallery
Fort Lauderdale FC
Addie vs Allie: Who has the edge in the Golden Boot race?
Two Texas natives are battling for the Golden Boot as we inch closer to the final two months of the regular season.
Fort Lauderdale United’s Addie McCain and Dallas Trinity’s Allie Thornton sit at nine goals each, leading the league and propelling their teams to the top three in the Super League standings.
Which one is most likely to reach double digits goals first and will they end up finishing the season with the most scored? Here’s why the stats give Thornton the edge to claim the award.
STRAIGHT SHOOTER
When it comes to finishing, Thornton might be the most lethal finisher in the Super League. She has led the league nearly all season with her shooting accuracy, which currently stands at 67.9%, the highest among players with minimum 12 shots. She has the most shots on target (19) and the best minutes per goal ratio (153.11).
That said, McCain is not far behind. She has 26 total shots, just two fewer than Thornton, with 13 on target for 50% shooting accuracy. She has also played nearly 200 more minutes than Thornton, so her mins/goal is slightly higher at 171.44, but she has an xG of 5.59 to Thornton’s 5.83.
POSITIONAL ADVANTAGE
Thornton’s role is crucial, even though the type of goals she and McCain have scored are nearly identical. All 18 of the duo’s goals have come from inside the penalty area, both have one headed goal and only one of McCain’s goals has been from the penalty spot.
But their starting positions matter and play a role in why Thornton will likely finish first. She is a true striker and spends nearly the entire match in Dallas’ attacking third. McCain, on the other hand, is frequently dropping back and getting on the defensive end as a center midfielder.
Below are the heat maps from the Dallas vs Fort Lauderdale match on November 2, with Thornton on the left and McCain on the right.
TEAMMATE INFLUENCE
When your team is relying on you to be a finisher, it makes a difference. That’s not always the case for McCain, whose FTL teammates Jasmine Hamid, Sh’Nia Gordon and Kiara Locklear have scored eight goals this spring, helping carry the side to top spot. On top of that, both of McCain’s assists this season have come since the return from the winter break. If the team is finding success through McCain winning possession in the midfield and creating chances for her teammates, there will likely be fewer goal-scoring opportunities for her the rest of the season.
By contrast, while Thornton and the Trinity attack also gained offensive reinforcement through the winter additions of Lexi Missimo and Camryn Lancaster, there’s no question as to her role in the Dallas lineup. Thornton’s years of experience – and already spending the first half of the season creating chemistry with midfielders Amber Brooks and Chioma Ubogagu – still make her Dallas’ first option, and the player they’ll count on to deliver in the opposing penalty area down the stretch.
Both teams have 10 matches to go and are setting themselves up for postseason play. Everyone should be keeping a close eye on these two going forward to see who will earn the inaugural Super League Golden Boot.
Taylor Smith becomes USL Super League’s first Academy player to earn pro contract
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC is excited to announce that it has signed midfielder Taylor Smith to a professional contract. Smith, who had been playing under an Academy contract, is the first player in USL Super League history to make the leap to a professional contract from an Academy contract. Furthermore, at just 17 years old, Smith holds the distinction of being the youngest player to secure a professional contract in the Super League.
Smith has been crucial to the top-seeded FTL UTD club, appearing in 17 of 18 matches while making 12 starts. The midfielder has started every match of the current eight-game unbeaten streak that has propelled the club into the top spot in the standings and has consistently contributed with key performances. Smith has played 1,147 minutes, and ranks 2nd on the team in tackles (36), 3rd in tackles won (18), 5th in aerial duels (20), 7th in duels (102), 8th in passes (361) and 9th in clearances (20).
“Smith’s journey from being on an academy contract to now a professional contract at just 17 is a testament to her dedication, maturity, and talent. From day one, she’s shown a level of composure and work ethic that sets her apart,” said Head Coach Tyrone Mears. “She’s embraced the challenges of the pro environment, and her growth over the past season has been outstanding. She is already making an impact, and there’s still so much more to come from her.”
Smith joined the Fort Lauderdale United FC club on an Academy contract at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign. Academy contracts are a USL initiative designed to provide young athletes with the invaluable opportunity to experience the professional soccer environment and participate in league games while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. Smith’s exceptional on-field performance garnered the attention of Daniel Williams, an agent with Wasserman Media Group, one of the foremost sports and entertainment agencies worldwide.
Smith’s achievements exemplify Fort Lauderdale United’s unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent and supporting them in actualizing their dreams. By investing in the USL W League and supporting academy players, the club demonstrates that dedication and perseverance can forge a path for the next generation to reach professional heights. Smith’s influence, coupled with the USL W League’s implementation, underscores the club’s commitment to empowering youth in their pursuit of professional soccer aspirations, proving that hard work can indeed make dreams a reality.
Why Fort Lauderdale United FC is peaking at the right time | Super League Game Week
On the latest edition of USL Super League Game Week, hosts Anna Witte and Marion Crowder give their picks on the sleeper players from around the league and preview the implications of the match between Lexington SC and Carolina Ascent FC this Saturday.
Fort Lauderdale United FC winger and reigning 2x Super League Player of the Month Jasmine Hamid later joins the show to discuss what she worked on over the winter break that has translated to the spring, how the team dynamic has led to success on the pitch, what she learned from her first professional experience playing in Sweden, and how the club is helping her perform at a high level while she is observing Ramadan.
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. |
Which players are moving up in the Golden Boot race? | News & Notes Week 15
WEEK 15 SCHEDULE
Wednesday, November 20
Dallas Trinity FC v Spokane Zephyr FC, 8 p.m. ET
Saturday, November 23
Carolina Ascent FC v Dallas Trinity FC, 7 p.m. ET
Fort Lauderdale United FC v DC Power FC, 7 p.m. ET
- Sign up for the Super Newsletter
REWIND: WEEK 14 NOTES
DC 0 – 3 BKN
GOALS:
Luana Grabias (BKN) 31’, Mackenzie Pluck assist.
Luana Grabias (BKN) 33’, Mackenzie Pluck assist.
Luana Grabias (BKN) 44’.
STORYLINES:
Fastest Hat Trick: Luana Grabias’ first half hat trick was the fastest in league history in under 13 minutes.
Fourth Clean Sheet: Brooklyn’s Sydney Martinez recorded her fourth clean sheet of the season and recorded five saves in a shutout.
Longest Win Streak: With Brooklyn’s victory, the club is now riding a four-match win streak – the longest win streak in league history.
LEX 1 – 1 SPK
GOALS:
Emina Ekić (SPK) 31’, (PEN).
Marykate McGuire (LEX) 86’, Kailey Utley assist.
STORYLINES:
Emina’s Third: The Bosnian international recorded her third goal in the match which leads Spokane in goals scored.
100 Goals: Marykate McGuires game-tying goal was her fourth on the season and the 100th in league history.
Game Changers: Goalscorer McGuire and Kailey Utley, who provided the assist, both came off the bench in the fixture and provided the game-tying play of the match.
QUOTES:
Lexington forward Marykate McGuire:
On scoring the 100th goal in league history… “It’s an incredible opportunity and experience. I just feel so grateful to have the moment to be in that position to be able to score that goal, especially having Kailey (Utley) be able to assist me and having our whole team work together to get that point tonight. It was a battle, I’m very grateful.”
Spokane Zephyr Head Coach Jo Johnson:
Overall thoughts on the match… “We’re obviously disappointed not to come away with all three points today, especially since we controlled a lot of the match. It’s a game I feel we could have managed better toward the end.”
TB 2 – 1 CAR
GOALS:
Natasha Flint (TB) 22’, Vivianne Bessette assist.
Rylee Baisden (CAR) 35’, Vicky Bruce assist.
Carlee Giammona (TB) 44’, Sydny Nasello assist.
STORYLINES:
Undefeated Streak No More: Tampa Bay Sun handed Carolina Ascent its first loss of the season after going 5-0-6 through 11 matches. It was also only the second time Carolina had trailed its opponent all season.
First Assists: Tampa Bay’s Vivianne Bessette and Carolina’s Vicky Bruce both recorded their first assists of the season.
QUOTES:
Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole:
On the message to the team after the loss… “To give a boxing analogy, we took a punch to the mouth tonight and it hurt. It doesn’t taste very good. Any boxer that’s a contender wants to be a champion. Sometimes, you have to learn from a bad round or a bad fight and bring it next time. We weren’t at our best tonight, but it’s about stepping up and going again.”
WEEK 15 STORYLINES
FASTEST HAT TRICK
Luana Grabias’ hat trick was Brooklyn’s first hat trick ever and also the fastest in league history in just 13 minutes.
Here are how the other hat tricks stack up:
- DAL – Allie Thornton (9.13.24): 61 minutes
- FTL – Addie McCain (9.22.24): 68 minutes
- BKN – Luana Grabias (11.13.24): 13 minutes
CALLED UP
DC Power’s goalkeeper Morgan Aquino received her first-ever call-up to the Australian Senior Women’s National Team and will return to her home nation to face Brazil and Chinese Taipei in four international friendlies between November 28 and December 7.
IRON WOMEN
10 players have played every minute of the USL Super League season so far:
- Sam Kroeger (BKN) – 1080 minutes
- Allison Pantuso (BKN) – 1080 minutes
- Kelsey Hill (BKN) – 1080 minutes
- Taylor Porter (CAR) – 1080 minutes
- Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 1080 minutes
- Sarah Clark (SPK) – 990 minutes
- Amber Brooks (DAL) – 810 minutes
- Julia Dorsey (DAL) – 810 minutes
- Hannah Davison (DAL) – 810 minutes
- Celia Gaynor (FTL) – 810 minutes
1000 MINUTE MARK
11 players surpassed the 1,000 minutes played mark in Week 14 with another handful in the wings to surpass the milestone in Week 15.
- Sam Kroeger (BKN) – 1080 minutes
- Allison Pantuso (BKN) – 1080 minutes
- Kelsey Hill (BKN) – 1080 minutes
- Taylor Porter (CAR) – 1080 minutes
- Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 1080 minutes
- Vicky Bruce (CAR) – 1071 minutes
- Susanna Friedrichs (DC) – 1067 minutes
- Sydney Studer (CAR) – 1061 minutes
- Shea Moyer (LEX) – 1044 minutes
- Madi Parsons (LEX) – 1040 minutes
- Mackenzie Pluck (BKN) – 1034 minutes
UNDEFEATED NO MORE
Carolina Ascent went the first 11 matches of the season without a loss, going 5-0-6 in that stretch. Tampa Bay Sun FC was the first team to defeat Carolina after winning 2-1 last week at Riverfront Stadium.
100 GOALS
Lexington’s Marykate McGuire scored the 100th Super League goal in league history in Week 14.
WEST VIRGINIA CONNECTION
Dallas’ Enzi Broussard and Spokane’s Julianne Vallerand played together for West Virginia University’s women’s soccer team in 2019, and both were named to the Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team.
TARHEEL TEAMMATES
Defenders Amber Brooks (DAL) and Vicky Bruce (CAR) were teammates in 2012 at one of the top collegiate programs in the country – the University of North Carolina Tarheels. The pair won the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship in 2012, which is the last time the university won the title.
TEAMMATES TURNED FOES
Other Dallas and Carolina former teammate connections include:
- Audrey Harding (CAR) was teammates with Jenny Danielsson and Hannah Davison (DAL) at KIF Örebro. Harding also played with Amber Brooks at the Washington Spirit.
- Mia Corbin (CAR) and Gabby Guillen (DAL) played in Costa Rica for Alajuela.
- Rylee Baisden (CAR) was teammates with Cyera Hintzen (DAL) at Perth Glory in Australia.
AWARDS GALORE
In this week’s matchup between Carolina and Dallas, league-highlighted award winners will be on full display. Dallas and Carolina are the only two teams to have had two players on each Team of the Month in August, September and October.
Additionally, both head coaches, Carolina’s Philip Poole and Dallas’ Pauline MacDonald, have be awarded the Coach of the Month this season.
DISCIPLINE REPORT – WEEK 15
TAMPA, Fla. – There are no new suspensions to report.
LEAGUE LEADERS
GOALS:
- Addie McCain (FTL) – 6 goals
- Madison Parsons (LEX) – 5 goals
- Allie Thornton (DAL) – 4 goals
- Sydney Shepherd (LEX) – 4 goals
- Cecilie Nielsen (TB) – 4 goals
- Marykate McGuire (LEX) – 4 goals
- Luana Grabias (BKN) – 4 goals
- Carlee Giammona (TB) – 4 goals
- Jessica Garziano (BKN) – 3 goals
- Mia Corbin (CAR) – 3 goals
- Emina Ekic (SPK) – 3 goals
- 16 players – 2 goals
- 24 players – 1 goal
ASSISTS:
- Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists
- Madi Parsons (LEX) – 4 assists
- Mackenzie Pluck (BKN) – 4 assists
- Jillienne Aguilera (CAR) – 3 assists
- Rylee Baisden (CAR) – 3 assists
- Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3 assists
- 9 players – 2 assists
- 24 players – 1 assist
CLEAN SHEETS:
- Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets
- Sydney Martinez (BKN) – 4 clean sheets
- Morgan Aquino (DC) – 3 clean sheets
- Hope Hisey (SPK) – 2 clean sheets
- Ashley Orkus (TB) – 2 clean sheets
- Madison White (DAL) – 2 clean sheets
- 4 players – 1 clean sheet
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)
Super League Power Rankings – Week 13
Dallas moves to No. 1 after incredible comeback win
Lexington SC was 10+ minutes away from not only earning its first home win, but its first shutout of the season last weekend as it held on to a 2-0 lead against Dallas Trinity FC. Considering the 6-2 loss it took to Dallas in September, it looked like a remarkable response for Lexington.
For the second week in a row, it was Cyera Hintzen coming off the bench and changing the game for Dallas. In the Trinity’s last win against Fort Lauderdale, it was Hintzen’s shot that led to Sealey Strawn following up the rebound for the game-winner. On Saturday, she scored three minutes after coming on the field and assisted on the final goal of the match. She became just the seventh player to record a goal and an assist in the same match and the first to do so as a substitute.
Fort Lauderdale also rescued a point by the hands of a second-half substitute. Anna Henderson entered the match in the 88th minute and scored the equalizer three minutes into stoppage time. She joined Felicia Knox and Reese Klein as the only FTL players to score goals after coming off the bench.
Both Dallas and Fort Lauderdale have strong attacking units and versatile strikers in their starting lineups. To have equally as clinical players coming in as substitutes shows the depth of both teams and is proving to be the difference maker in matches.
On The Move
Rank |
Team |
Change |
Summary |
|
| 1 | |
Dallas Trinity FC (4-1-4) Week 13: — |
 2Last Week: 3 |
Dallas completed the comeback of the season on Saturday in the 3-2 win over Lexington. The substitutes changed the game and provided the spark for all three goals in the final 10 minutes. |
| 2 | |
Carolina Ascent FC (5-0-6) Week 13: @ TB |
Last Week: 2 |
Carolina did just enough defensively to record another shutout, led by Meagan McClelland with four saves. If Jaydah Bedoya’s goal wasn’t narrowly offside, the Ascent likely would have come away with their sixth win of the season. |
| 3 | |
Brooklyn FC (6-3-2) Week 13: @ DC |
 2Last Week: 1 |
After a jam-packed October, Brooklyn will have had nearly two weeks off before it travels to DC this week. With the recent form of Brooklyn over the last few matches, the team could earn redemption from the last meeting with DC and earn its fourth win in a row. |
| 4 | |
Tampa Bay Sun FC (3-3-4) Week 13: vs CAR |
 Last Week: 4 |
The attacking unit of Sydny Nasello, Cecilie Nielsen and Carlee Giammona has looked more and more cohesive over the last few weeks. Tampa Bay now needs to stay more defensively organized for all 90 minutes to get all the results it deserves. |
| 5 | |
Spokane Zephyr FC (2-4-4) Week 13: @ LEX |
 1Last Week: 6 |
Hitting the woodwork three times against Carolina is the epitome of Spokane’s season thus far. The group continues to create opportunities even against the toughest defenses, but the composure in the final third is the thing holding the Zephyr back from earning all three points. |
| 6 | |
Fort Lauderdale United FC (3-4-2) Week 13: — |
2 Last Week: 8 |
Fort Lauderdale deserves the credit for playing all the way till the end, but there is a definite disconnect between the players during the build-up that the team used to have at the start of the season. Addie McCain needs some support up top, and someone needs to get on the end of the great balls that Cameron Brooks sends forward. |
| 7 | |
DC Power FC (2-5-4) Week 13: vs BKN |
2 Last Week: 5 |
If DC learned anything from its last match against Carolina and it’s first matchup against Brooklyn, it’s that the group can still go toe-to-toe with the top teams in the league. After the week off, DC needs to come out immediately with energy and composure if it wants to earn another win against Brooklyn. |
| 8 | |
Lexington SC (2-7-2) Week 13: vs SPK |
1 Last Week: 7 |
Just when Lexington looks like it might be turning a corner defensively, it has a complete breakdown and concedes three goals in the final moments of the match. It’s especially tough considering Sarah Cox recorded seven huge saves in what should have been the team’s first shutout. |