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Spokane Zephyr FC’s Emina Ekić voted USL Super League Player of the Year 

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TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Super League announced on Friday that Spokane Zephyr FC’s Emina Ekić had been voted the USL Super League Player of the Year after a historic season that saw the midfielder set multiple club and league records in their inaugural campaigns. 

The 2024/25 USL Super League Awards were voted on by each club’s technical staff following the conclusion of the 2024/25 USL Super League regular season. 

“I’m very honored to be the USL Super League’s very first Player of the Year,” Ekić said. “I’m grateful to my friends and family for their support, my teammates for being instrumental parts of my journey this season, and Spokane for their unconditional commitment to the club.” 

The Bosnian international kicked off Spokane’s season on a high note, scoring the team’s first goal in the 1-1 draw against Fort Lauderdale on opening weekend and recording the team’s first assist in the following match. She ended the season with 10 goals and six assists, leading the team in both categories and leading the league in goal contributions. Her 10 goals tied fourth-most, and her six assists tied second-most in the league. 

Ekić started 23 of her 24 appearances for 1,943 minutes played, recording 72 percent passing accuracy, 144 duels won and 32 tackles won. Her 42 chances created ranked third in the league, while also adding 111 recoveries, 17 interceptions and 35 total shots.  

The midfielder delivered during multiple high-stakes situations throughout the season. She converted all four penalty kicks taken and scored two game-winning goals, both of which came from a direct free kick goal and an Olimpico. Ekić also recorded a brace on three separate occasions, the most in the league. 

Ekić earned the award with 37.5 percent of the votes. Carolina Ascent’s Mia Corbin finished second on 19 percent after leading the Players’ Shield winners with 12 goals and an assist. Overall, six players received votes for Player of the Year. 

Spokane Zephyr FC’s Hope Hisey voted USL Super League Goalkeeper of the Year 

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TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Super League announced on Friday that Spokane Zephyr FC’s Hope Hisey had been voted the USL Super League Goalkeeper of the Year following a stellar first season for Zephyr in which she played a key role in the club’s defensive success. 

The 2024/25 USL Super League Awards were voted on by each club’s technical staff following the conclusion of the 2024/25 USL Super League regular season. 

“I’m very humbled and honored to have been selected for this award,” Hisey said. “I owe my personal success this season to the support, belief and hard work of the entire club, on and off the field. I’m very grateful to be a small part of history for the inaugural USL Super League season.” 

Entering the Super League following an extensive career with the University of Arizona Wildcats and a short stint with the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, Hisey led the league in saves (70) and tied for first with nine clean sheets. Her 1.0 goals-against average ranked second in the league among all Golden Glove-eligible goalkeepers. 

The 23-year-old recorded a 77 percent save percentage, the highest among Golden Glove-eligible goalkeepers, across 21 appearances for 1,890 minutes played. Hisey was especially successful during Spokane’s spring slate, where the team had a league-best record of 9-2-3 and tied for second with the fewest goals conceded (14), and six of Hisey’s nine clean sheets came in the spring. 

Hisey earned the award with the most votes among goalkeepers, followed by Carolina Ascent’s Samantha Leshnak Murphy and finishing third was Dallas Trinity’s Madison White. 

USL Super League announces 2024/25 All-League Teams 

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TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Super League announced the 2024/25 USL Super League All-League Teams on Tuesday, honoring 22 players for their standout regular season performances in the league’s inaugural campaign. 

Players’ Shield winners Carolina Ascent FC led the league with three First Team selections. Golden Playmaker Jill Aguilera, Mia Corbin and Sydney Studer are featured on the First Team, with goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy making the Second Team.  

Dallas Trinity FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC also earned four total selections. Golden Boot winner Allie Thornton earned First Team honors alongside captain Amber Brooks, and Hannah Davison and Chioma Ubogagu round out the Dallas quartet. The Sun is represented by forwards Tash Flint and Cecilie Fløe, midfielder Sydny Nasello and defender Vivianne Bessette. 

The four Tampa Bay honorees are set to feature this Saturday in the 2025 USL Super League Final against Fort Lauderdale United FC. The duo of Addie McCain and Jasmine Hamid represent FTL UTD in this year’s All-League Teams. 

The 2024/25 USL Super League All-League Teams were voted on by each club’s technical staff following the conclusion of the 2024/25 USL Super League regular season. 

2024/25 USL Super League All-League First Team 

GK: Hope Hisey, Spokane Zephyr FC – Spokane’s shot-stopper was a key piece of the team’s success, especially in the second half of the season. Hisey recorded league-highs in saves (70) and clean sheets (9) to record a 1.0 goals-against average and 77% save percentage through 21 matches played. 

D: Sydney Studer, Carolina Ascent FC – The center back anchored the Ascent defense which conceded a league-fewest 24 goals. Studer recorded 123 clearances, 52 of which were headed, along with 106 duels won, 82% passing accuracy, one goal and one assist. 

D: Susanna Fitch, DC Power FC – The wingback is the lone DC Power representative in the inaugural All-League selections. Fitch started all 28 matches this season, tallying one goal and three assists. She also recorded 139 duels won, 62 clearances, 34 interceptions and 24 chances created. 

D: Jill Aguilera, Carolina Ascent FC – The Golden Playmaker makes the First Team following an exceptional season as an outside back for Carolina. Aguilera made an appearance in every game while recording two goals, seven assists, 101 clearances, 45 chances created and 29 interceptions. 

M: Amber Brooks, Dallas Trinity FC – Dallas’ captain was a consistent, veteran presence in the midfield, playing all 2,520 regular season minutes. Brooks’ 77 aerial duels won led the league, and she also created 24 chances with two assists and three goals of her own. 

M: Emina Ekić, Spokane Zephyr FC – The Bosnian international’s 10 goals and six assists led the league in goal contributions as well as leading the team in both categories. Ekić dominated the midfield this season with 144 duels won, 32 tackles won, 35 shots and 42 chances created. 

M: Addie McCain, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The Texas native represents Fort Lauderdale on the First Team following her impressive performance in the midfield this season. McCain led the league with 187 duels won, while also recording 10 goals, two assists, 38 interceptions, 32 shots and 36 clearances. 

M: Sydny Nasello, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The winger contributed heavily to Tampa Bay’s attack this season, recording four goals, three assists and 29 chances created. She also tallied 37 interceptions and 187 recoveries. 

F: Allie Thornton, Dallas Trinity FC – The Trinity’s striker earned the inaugural Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals in her 27 appearances. Thornton recorded 59% shooting accuracy on 44 total shots while also creating 18 chances and earning three assists. 

F: Tash Flint, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The English forward was a clinical finisher for the Sun after joining a few months into the season. Flint recorded nine goals and two assists on 49 total shots. She also won 86 duels and 17 tackles in her 22 appearances. 

F: Mia Corbin, Carolina Ascent FC – Corbin headlined the top-scoring Carolina Ascent team, finishing second in the league with 12 goals while tying for first with 50 shots. She also recorded 111 duels won, 27 chances created and 17 interceptions. 

2024/25 USL Super League All-League Second Team 

GK: Samantha Leshnak Murphy, Carolina Ascent FC – Leshnak Murphy was nearly unstoppable in goal for the Ascent after joining the team during the Winter Break. The goalkeeper recorded five clean sheets and a 68% save percentage, conceding only seven goals for a league-best 0.67 goals-against average. 

D: Vivianne Bessette, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The outside back was a crucial part of Tampa Bay’s defense this season, while also frequently contributing to the attack. Bessette played in all 28 matches, recording three assists, 25 chances created, 111 clearances and 33 interceptions. 

D: Hannah Davison, Dallas Trinity FC – The veteran center back was a key piece to Dallas’ defensive success this season, playing in 25 matches for over 2,000 minutes. Davison won 67% of her duels and 73% of her tackles while recording 99 clearances, two goals and one assist. 

D: Sarah Clark, Spokane Zephyr FC – Clark enters the All-League Second Team after playing all 2,520 minutes and leading the league with 1,701 passes on 85% accuracy. She made 146 clearances, 35 interceptions and tallied one assist this season. 

D: Laveni Vaka, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The Tongan defender was spearheading Fort Lauderdale’s backline in her first professional season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. She started all 18 matches played and recorded 89% passing accuracy with 65 clearances and 64 recoveries. 

M: Sam Kroeger, Brooklyn FC – The Rutgers alum was one of the most dynamic players on both ends of the field for Brooklyn this season. Kroeger led all field players in the league with 219 recoveries, while also recording 148 duels won, 50 tackles won, 49 interceptions, 48 clearances, one goal and two assists. 

M: Shea Moyer, Lexington SC – Lexington’s captain is the sole representative for the Girls in Green in the All-League Teams this season. Moyer started all 28 matches for 2,455 total minutes played, earning two goals and five assists with 127 duels won and 33 clearances. 

M: Chioma Ubogagu, Dallas Trinity FC – Ubogagu brought years of experience to Dallas’ midfield and contributed everywhere on the field in her 25 appearances. Her fifth goal of the season in the regular season finale sent the team to the postseason, and she led the league with 48 chances created and ranked second with six assists. 

F: Jasmine Hamid, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The 23-year-old winger emerged as one of the top attackers in the league with nine goals and two assists this season. She had 44 shots and 20 chances created in 26 appearances, and she was the only player to earn two Player of the Month honors (December and February). 

F: Mackenzie George, Brooklyn FC – The Tennessee Volunteer started in all 28 matches to become Brooklyn’s top contributor this season with four goals and five assists. George explosive and versatile on the flanks, recording 123 duels won, 39 tackles won and 28 chances created. 

F: Cecilie Fløe, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The Danish striker was the leader of the Sun’s sharp attacking unit this season. She led the team in goals (11) and assists (4) in her 22 appearances, while also recording 145 duels won, 43 shots and 26 chances created. 

Which teams will advance to the inaugural Super League Final? | News & Notes – Semifinals

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REWIND: WEEK 35 NOTES

LEX 3 – 3 DC

  • GOALS:
    • Gianna Gourley (DC) 5’, Susanna Fitch assist. 
    • Nicole Vernis (LEX) 13’, Kate Doyle assist. 
    • Loza Abera (DC) 17’, Katie Duong assist. 
    • Gianna Gourley (DC) 42’, Loza Abera assist. 
    • Madi Parsons (LEX) 50’ 
    • Maddy Perez (LEX) 68’ 
  • STORYLINES:
    • BAGGED A BRACE: Gianna Gourley scored her team-leading sixth and seventh goals of the season. She is the third player to record a brace for DC Power, joining Madison Wolfbauer and Allie Flanagan. 
    • GOALS: Madi Parsons scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season, Loza Abera scored her fifth, Nicole Vernis scored her second and Maddy Perez scored her first. 
    • ASSISTS: Katie Duong recorded her team-leading fourth assist of the season, Susanna Fitch recorded her third, Abera recorded her second and Kate Doyle recorded her first. 
    • FREE KICK GOAL: Maddy Perez became the fifth player in the league and the first for Lexington to score a goal from a direct free kick. 
    • SECOND HALF SURGE: DC Power went into the Winter Break with just seven goals scored but saw increased offensive production in the spring to finish with 24 goals. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Lexington scorer Nicole Vernis: 
      • On scoring her goal… “We had just spoken about being more patient in our attack, and part of me was thinking I should swing it to the other side, because we wanted to move the defense. But I noticed a gap, and I just decided to go for it.” 
    • Lexington scorer Madi Parsons: 
      • On the end of the season… “It’s very emotional. I’m just so proud of our team, through the highs and the lows we’ve stuck through. We’ve worked hard, even tonight. I mean, we were down two goals, and we fought our way back. That sums up our season for us. We’re a group that fights until the 96th minute of the game.” 
    • DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana: 
      • On the team’s play in the first half… “In possession, there was so much space in behind. I was surprised they played that way with some of the players we have. I thought we could have scored a lot more than we did in the first half.” 
    • DC scorer Gianna Gourley: 
      • On building on her brace into next season… “It’s definitely nice to get that first brace, and I hope there will be many more. There’s a lot of mistakes that I made. I’m happy, but I’m also not really satisfied. I think just going into the upcoming season, there’s a lot of things that I need to work on, and I know the coaching staff will help me with those set things. I’m still hungry, It’s my first season. I just want to keep going, keep getting better and keep grinding.” 

DAL 2 – 1 CAR

  • GOALS:
    • Allie Thornton (DAL) 20’, Tamara assist. 
    • Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) 54’, Cyera Hintzen assist. 
    • Jaydah Bedoya (CAR) 90+3’ 
  • STORYLINES:
    • CLINCHED: With the result, Dallas clinched a spot in the playoffs. 
    • SNAPPED THE STREAK: The loss ended Carolina’s eight-match unbeaten streak. The team has previously not lost since March 15. 
    • GOLDEN BOOT: After scoring her 13th goal of the season, Allie Thornton won the inaugural Golden Boot award. 
    • GOALS + ASSISTS: Chioma Ubogagu scored her fifth goal of the season, and Jaydah Bedoya scored her third. Tamara recorded her first assist, and Cyera Hintzen recorded her third. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Dallas Head Coach Pauline MacDonald: 
      • On the match… “I couldn’t be prouder of the players. Making the playoffs was our goal, and we want to continue to progress. We made history, and that is a huge part of the legacy.” 
    • Dallas scorer Allie Thornton: 
      • On her goal and the win… “Tamara played a perfect ball (on the goal). We were pumped up. Everyone was really excited to play well with what was on the line for the game. If this was going to be the last one, might as well make it the best one. We’re excited to make the playoffs.” 
    • Carolina Head Coach Philip Poole: 
      • On the match… “I think tonight we saw the best of Dallas. For the third time this season, Dallas changed formation against us, and it took a few minutes in the first half to adjust. It was a good performance by Dallas that needed a result, and they got one tonight.” 
      • On the team’s mindset heading into playoffs… “We created a lot of chances, we know we have some things that we need to do better, but we created some great chances during the game. A little uncharacteristic with some aspects of our defending, but overall, we’re healthy, we’re fit, and we’re ready to go to the playoffs.” 
    • Carolina defender Jenna Butler: 
      • On entering playoffs… “Tonight didn’t go how we wanted it to, but there’s a lot to learn from and improve on after this game. As we enter postseason, our confidence levels are high going into this next week of training and first round of playoffs.” 

SPK 1 – 1 FTL

  • GOALS:
    • Sh’Nia Gordon (FTL) 8’, Cameron Brooks assist. 
    • Ally Cook (SPK) 10’, Emma Jaskaniec assist. 
  • STORYLINES:
    • PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS: With the result, Fort Lauderdale clinched the final playoff spot, and Spokane was eliminated. 
    • DEJA VU: In the opening weekend back in August, Spokane and Fort Lauderdale also played each other to a 1-1 draw at ONE Spokane Stadium. 
    • GOALS + ASSISTS: Sh’Nia Gordon scored her fifth goal of the season, and Ally Cook scored her sixth. Cameron Brooks recorded her second assist of the season, and Emma Jaskaniec recorded her third. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson: 
      • On her season with the team… “I know it’s just year one, and I just can’t wait to see what happens after that. But the city has embraced us. You saw the buzz of the crowd, the Syndicate, everyone who’s been there through the highs and lows of the season. I can’t thank the community enough. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start a team.” 
    • Spokane midfielder Emina Ekić: 
      • On the energy from the fans… “The energy of the city is amazing, and it’s truly awesome to see—rain, shine, hail—there are always seats filled in the stadium. So big shoutout and thank you to them, because without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.”   

SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 7th 
Tampa Bay Sun FC v Dallas Trinity FC, 7:30 p.m. ET 
Sunday, June 8th 
Carolina Ascent FC v Fort Lauderdale United FC, 7 p.m. ET

SEMIFINALS STORYLINES

PLAYOFF PICTURE 
Dallas earned a playoff berth after winning 2-1 against Carolina last week, and Fort Lauderdale clinched the final postseason spot with a 1-1 draw against Spokane Zephyr. 

GOLDEN AWARDS 
The Golden Boot, Golden Playmaker and Golden Glove awards were announced on Sunday following the conclusion of the regular season. The awards were given to the players with the most goals, most assists and best goals-against average in the league. 

Boot: Allie Thornton (DAL) – 13 goals 

Playmaker: Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7 assists 

Glove: Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 0.97 GAA 

MAY TEAM OF THE MONTH 
The USL Super League announced the Team of the Month for May on Wednesday, with Tampa Bay Sun FC forward Cecilie Fløe earning Player of the Month and Tampa Bay Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown named Coach of the Month. 

View the full team here.  

IRON WOMEN 
Four players played every minute (2,520) of the regular season: 

  • BKN: Allison Pantuso 
  • CAR: Taylor Porter 
  • DAL: Amber Brooks 
  • SPK: Sarah Clark 

EVEN MATCHUPS 
In both semifinal matches, the teams have even records against each other. Carolina and Fort Lauderdale are both 2-2-0, with both teams earning one win at home and one on the road. Dallas and Tampa Bay are 1-1-2, drawing twice and each home team winning once. 

CAROLINA’S COMPETITION 
No. 1 Carolina has lost just six matches all season; twice to Tampa Bay, twice to Dallas, and twice to Fort Lauderdale, the three other teams in the playoffs. 

SEMIFINALS DISCIPLINE REPORT

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

LEAGUE LEADERS – REGULAR SEASON

GOALS:

  • Allie Thornton (DAL) – 13 goals 
  • Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12 goals 
  • Cecilie Fløe (TB) – 11 goals 
  • Addie McCain (FTL) – 10 goals 
  • Emina Ekić (SPK) – 10 goals 
  • Natasha Flint (TB) – 9 goals 
  • Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 9 goals  

ASSISTS:

  • Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7 assists 
  • Emina Ekić (SPK) – 6 assists 
  • Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 6 assists 
  • Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists  
  • Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists 
  • Shea Moyer (LEX) – 5 assists 
  • Audrey Harding (CAR) – 5 assists 
  • Mackenzie George (BKN) – 5 assists 

CLEAN SHEETS:

  • Madison White (DAL) – 9 clean sheets  
  • Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9 clean sheets 
  • Cosette Morché (FTL) – 7 clean sheets 
  • Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets 
  • Samantha Leshnak Murphy (CAR) – 5 clean sheets 
  • Ashley Orkus (TB) – 5 clean sheets 
  • Morgan Aquino (DC) – 5 clean sheets 

USL Super League Team of the Month – May

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The USL Super League announced the Team of the Month for May on Wednesday, with Tampa Bay Sun FC forward Cecilie Fløe earning Player of the Month.   

Fløe scored three goals and recorded two assists in 315 minutes to lead the Sun to a 3-0-1 record last month. The Danish international tallied two assists and a goal to contribute to all three goals in the 3-0 win against Lexington SC on May 10. Fløe finished the regular season ranked third in the league with 11 goals. The honor is Fløe’s first Team of the Month recognition. 

GK: Sydney Schneider, Tampa Bay Sun FC – The Jamaican goalkeeper earned her first Team of the Month honor after recording two clean sheets, 13 saves and just one goal conceded in her four matches played in May. 

D: Sabrina McNeill, Fort Lauderdale United FC – McNeill put in work on the back line for FTL UTD last month. She won 31 duels and 16 tackles, made 23 clearances and 10 interceptions along with scoring her first goal of the season to rescue a point on the road. 

D: Jenna Butler, Carolina Ascent FC – The NC State alum remains consistent in the center back role for the Ascent. Butler made 13 clearances and seven interceptions while maintaining 83% passing accuracy in 270 minutes. 

D: Sarah Clark, Spokane Zephyr FC – One of four players to compete every minute this season, Clark had another spectacular month on Spokane’s backline. She held 87% passing accuracy and 75% duel success rate along with 18 clearances. 

M: Hope Breslin, Brooklyn FC – Breslin makes her first Team of the Month appearance after recording a goal and assist in Brooklyn’s final month. She also made five interceptions, won five tackles and won 10 duels. 

M: Katie Duong, DC Power FC – Duong dominated the midfield for DC Power in May, recording 82% passing accuracy on 218 passes. She also had two assists, 13 clearances and four chances created. 

M: Emina Ekić, Spokane Zephyr FC – The Bosnian midfielder had another incredible month, scoring three goals to lead Spokane to an undefeated 2-0-2 record. She also recorded 23 duels won, 10 shots and 12 chances created. 

M: Sh’Nia Gordon, Fort Lauderdale United FC – Gordon was a key piece in Fort Lauderdale clinching the final playoff spot last month. She recorded two goals, one assist, 18 duels won and eight clearances. 

F: Cecilie Fløe, Tampa Bay Sun FC – Tampa Bay’s leading scorer had five goal contributions, 27 duels won, 10 shots and eight chances created to help the Sun to an undefeated month and a playoff berth. 

F: Loza Abera, DC Power FC – The Ethiopian striker led the league with four goals in May to make her first Team of the Month appearance. She also tallied an assist and 11 chances created to contribute to over half of DC’s eight goals. 

F: Allie Thornton, Dallas Trinity FC – The Golden Boot winner caps the regular season with her fifth Team of the Month recognition. Thornton recorded two goals on seven shots to help Dallas clinch the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. 

Coach: Denise Schilte-Brown, Tampa Bay Sun FC – Schilte-Brown earns her second Coach of the Month honor after leading the Sun to the postseason. Tampa Bay went 3-0-1 in May and outscored its opponents seven goals to one. 

Bench: Brooke Hendrix (TB), Chioma Ubogagu (DAL), Kiara Locklear (FTL), Ally Cook (SPK)

Three clubs set to compete for playoff berths in regular season finale | Week 35 Match Previews

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Lexington SC vs. DC Power FC 

Venue: Lexington SC Stadium; Lexington, KY 

Kickoff: Saturday, May 31st; 7:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Partly cloudy, 52° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention. 
  • Lexington last played on May 19 in a 1-0 loss to Fort Lauderdale. DC is coming off a 2-0 loss to Tampa Bay last weekend. 
  • Lexington is 2-1-0 against DC this season. Lexington’s last two wins have been against DC. 
  • Lexington is on a nine-match winless streak, while DC is winless in its last three matches. 
  • Lexington’s Grace Wisnewski, NaYeong Shin and Emma Johnson and DC’s Morgan Aquino, Claire Constant, Jennifer Cudjoe, Amber DiOrio and Charlie Estcourt have all been called up for international duty. 

Players to Watch

LEX – Shea Moyer: Moyer continues to be the driving force in Lexington’s midfield, leading the team in tackles won, duels won and assists. She contributes to both the defensive and offensive sides to keep the Girls in Green in each match. 

DC – Gianna Gourley: Gourley has been one of the most successful forwards in the league this spring. She has incredible versatility in her shot selection and will be the one her teammates look for to get DC on the board on Saturday. 

 Lexington SC DC Power FC 
Head Coach Ben Willis (Interim Coach) Phil Nana (Interim Coach) 
Club Record 4-18-5 5-14-7 
Standings 8th 7th 

Dallas Trinity FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC 

Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX 

Kickoff: Saturday, May 31st; 8:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Partly cloudy, 70° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Dallas needs a win to clinch a playoff berth. A loss or draw would eliminate it from playoff contention. Carolina has already secured the No. 1 seed. 
  • Dallas is coming off a 1-0 loss to Fort Lauderdale, while Carolina most recently drew 0-0 against Brooklyn. 
  • Both teams are 1-1-1 against each other this season. Carolina won 3-0 in their most recent matchup in March. 
  • Dallas is on a three-match losing streak, while Carolina is on an eight-match unbeaten streak and hasn’t lost a match since March 15. 
  • Dallas has not lost at home since its 1-0 loss to Spokane in its spring opener on February 22. 
  • Dallas’ Sealey Strawn and Deborah Abiodun and Carolina’s Kathrynn González have all been called up for international duty. 

Players to Watch

DAL – Allie Thornton: Thornton is tied with Corbin for first place in the Golden Boot race with 12 goals. The striker scored the equalizer in the 2-2 draw the last time Dallas faced Carolina at the Cotton Bowl. 

CAR – Mia Corbin: Corbin will be battling for the Golden Boot on the other end of the pitch. A quarter of Corbin’s goals have come against Dallas, including a brace in their March meeting. 

 Dallas Trinity FC Carolina Ascent FC 
Head Coach Pauline MacDonald Philip Poole 
Club Record 11-9-7 13-5-9 
Standings 5th 1st 

Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC 

Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA 

Kickoff: Saturday, May 31st; 9:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Clear skies, 55° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Fort Lauderdale needs at least a draw to clinch a playoff berth. Spokane needs a win or a Dallas loss/draw vs. Carolina to earn a playoff berth. 
  • Spokane last played on May 13 in a 2-1 win over DC Power. Fort Lauderdale is coming off a 1-0 win against Dallas last weekend. 
  • Fort Lauderdale has a 1-0-2 record against Spokane this season. The sides most recently played to a scoreless draw in March. 
  • This game will be a rematch of the teams’ inaugural match back on August 17. 
  • Spokane is 3-0-1 in its last four matches, while Fort Lauderdale is 2-1-1. 
  • Spokane’s Riley Tanner and Sophia Braun have been called up for international duty. 

Players to Watch

SPK – Emina Ekić: The Bosnian international helped Spokane to earn results all season long, and they will need her talents to secure the win Saturday. She recorded the game-winning brace in their last match to earn a critical three points. 

FTL – Sh’Nia Gordon: Gordon recently moved from the backline to back up top and contributed the assist to the game-winner last weekend against Dallas. Her speed and finesse in the final third will be a key factor in FTL’s attack this weekend. 

 Spokane Zephyr FC Fort Lauderdale United FC 
Head Coach Jo Johnson Tyrone Mears 
Club Record 11-8-8 11-8-8 
Standings 4th 3rd 

USL Super League Race to the Playoffs – Week 35 

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Welcome to the latest edition of the USL Super League Race to the Playoffs, where we provide weekly information on where teams stand in their bid to reach the 2024/25 USL Super League Playoffs.   

Three teams still in the hunt. Two playoff spots left. One final night to decide it all.  

Fort Lauderdale United FC, Dallas Trinity FC and Spokane Zephyr FC are all looking for a win to secure their spot in the playoffs this weekend. Dallas will play No. 1-seed Carolina Ascent, while Fort Lauderdale and Spokane will compete in a rematch of their inaugural game in August. 

Let’s look at the key players to watch on Saturday from those three teams. 

Saturday, May 31
Dallas Trinity FC
Carolina Ascent FC
8:00 PM
Stadium IconCotton Bowl
Match Center
Tickets

DAL: Tamara & Chioma Ubogagu 

The addition of Tamara has undoubtedly improved Dallas’ attack since she joined the team during the Winter Break. The Brazilian is aggressive in the midfield, winning 55% of her duels and 47% of her aerial duels, and she’s a threat in front of goal, logging a 46% shooting accuracy rate. Her speed allows her to get past defenders one-v-one, but she also makes well-timed runs to provide options inside the box for crosses. 

Tamara’s chemistry with winger Chioma Ubogagu has been key. A former England international, Ubogagu is the ultimate playmaker, leading not only the team but the league in crosses (143) and chances created (45), while ranking second in assists (6). Dallas has so many attacking threats (Tamara, Allie Thornton, Sealey Strawn, Camryn Lancaster), they often just need to finish the chances Ubogagu creates for them. Not to mention, Ubogagu has no problem finding the back of the net herself, as she ranks second on the team with four goals. 

If these two bring their best game on Saturday, even the most composed and consistent defense Carolina possesses will have a hard time stopping them.

Saturday, May 31
Spokane Zephyr FC
Fort Lauderdale United FC
9:00 PM
Stadium IconONE Spokane Stadium
Match Center
Tickets

SPK: Ally Cook & Hope Hisey 

It’s up for debate if Spokane would have had the success it’s seen this spring and be in the position to clinch a playoff spot if not for Ally Cook. The team was missing a true No. 9 in the fall, and Cook has stepped in and excelled in that role. It’s not just the fact that she has five goals, but most have altered the outcomes of Zephyr’s contests, serving as game-winners or equalizers to get critical points for the team. She’s always calm under pressure and composed in front of goal, shooting at a 53% accuracy rate. Her positioning has also allowed her teammates to play their roles better, as we’ve seen in the increase in production from Emina Ekić, McKenzie Weinert and Katie Murray this spring. 

On the other end, goalkeeper Hope Hisey will be the key to holding Fort Lauderdale at bay. Hisey’s league-leading nine clean sheets are even more impressive considering she’s also the leader in saves (69), showing how often she’s been tested only to come up big for Zephyr. Her 77.5% save percentage is also the highest among goalkeepers that have played at least half of the team’s minutes. Hisey made four stops to earn a shutout the last time Spokane played Fort Lauderdale. With another on Saturday, she could help her side clinch a playoff place and remain in contention for the Golden Glove. 

FTL: Sabrina McNeill & Kiara Locklear 

A lot will be asked out of Sabrina McNeill on Saturday at left back going up against Spokane’s Weinert and Alyssa Bourgeois. Zephyr has scored multiple goals this spring through those two making runs down the flank to deliver crosses into the box. McNeill has the speed and skill to keep up with them and often wins the ball back deep into FTL’s defensive third. Scoring her first goal of the season last week might also spark some confidence for her to get more involved on the offensive end. 

Leading that attack recently has been striker Kiara Locklear. Like Cook, Locklear has become the star in the No. 9 position since she joined the team in the late fall. She times her runs well, directs her teammates to play to feet or space, follows up and pounces on rebounds, and her left foot is just as threatening as her right. On top of that, she has four assists to go with her five goals because she recognizes when the better play is a square cross on the ground to her teammates like Jasmine Hamid and Sh’Nia Gordon. Those kinds of decisions will be the key to beating Spokane. 

Which teams will clinch the final playoff spots? | News & Notes Week 35

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REWIND: WEEK 34 NOTES

DC 1 – 1 FTL

  • GOALS:
    • Loza Abera (DC) 45’ 
    • Sabrina McNeill (FTL) 83’ 
  • STORYLINES:
    • GOALS: Loza Abera scored her fourth goal of the season, all of which were at home, while Sabrina McNeill scored her first. 
    • SCORING STREAK: DC Power has scored in four consecutive games, tying its record for the season. Fort Lauderdale has scored in six straight. 
    • HOME & AWAY: Following this match, FTL UTD had a 5-4-4 record at home and 5-4-4 record on the road. 
  • QUOTES:
    • DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana: 
      • Overall thoughts following the team’s last home match of the season… “Of course, a win for the last home game would’ve been great for us. It’s disappointing not to have that, but very proud of how the players performed and how our staff prepared. Once again, we got our tactics right and got our execution just about right. We limit the mistakes and maybe we see three points.” 
    • DC scorer Loza Abera: 
      • On what led to her goal… “We kept the ball and played side-to-side. We created some chances and that helped us to score the goal.” 
    • Fort Lauderdale Head Coach Tyrone Mears: 
      • On the draw and moving forward… “Very good reaction from the team to come away with 4 points on the road. Very challenging with the travel, and DC fully rested for over a week, but it now sets up our last home game against Dallas on Saturday as a huge game, as Dallas is one of the teams we’re battling for a playoff spot. They’re a team that won’t have played for two weeks, and it’s a relatively quick turnaround for us. We know 3 points keeps us in control going into the last game, so the players will be full of energy.” 
    • Fort Lauderdale scorer Sabrina McNeill: 
      • On scoring her first goal… “I honestly just felt an overwhelming amount of joy, and it was kind of like a ‘hard work paid off’ type of moment, and it was surreal. I almost cried, but it was a really good feeling. I was just happy, honestly, to get a result for the team because we deserved it. I know we’ve missed our chances, but I just wanted to put one in the back of net because we’ve worked too hard for, again, the results not to be showing on the scoreboard.” 

BKN 0 – 0 CAR

  • GOALS:
    • N/A
  • STORYLINES:
    • ELIMINATED: With the result, Brooklyn was eliminated from playoff contention. 
    • SCORELESS: Brooklyn became the first team to hold Carolina scoreless since March 15. Carolina averaged over 3 goals per game in the seven matches since then. 
    • NIL-NIL: Saturday’s match was the first scoreless draw since March 22 (FTL v SPK). All of the 32 matches between them had at least one goal. 
    • CLEAN SHEET: Brooklyn goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg recorded her first clean sheet in her debut with the team. She made three saves in the match. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Brooklyn goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg: 
      • On the team’s performance in the second half… “We had a lot of great opportunities on set plays, which got a little bit unlucky. And I think our defense did a great job of working out of the back and taking advantage of the space and the flanks in the second half, we just took better advantage of just where the spaces were to play, and we made some adjustments at halftime that helped.” 
    • Brooklyn defender Leah Scarpelli: 
      • On playing against the top team in the league… “Honestly, just being confident, confident in what we can do as a team. I think, yes, Carolina is on top of the table, but individually, I think we all know that we are just as good as them in every position. Just matters who shows up that day. And I think we did show up, didn’t get the result that we really needed or wanted, but I think we showed up and we were the better team today, for sure.” 
    • Carolina Head Coach Philip Poole: 
      • On neutralizing Brooklyn… “I think, in particular in the first half, we were very dominant in possession. And Brooklyn is a good team, got some good individual defenders. So, we knew we were going to have to possess the ball and create opportunities. I think overall 60/40 in possession is a positive number…We knew that Brooklyn would have to gamble, they’d have to roll the dice a little bit, and we knew would have to stand up and we did.” 
    • Carolina forward Riley Parker: 
      • On overall thoughts on the match… “We knew it was going to be a battle with playoffs on the line for Brooklyn. Getting a shutout is always nice, but the tie also highlighted a few areas we can sharpen up heading into our final regular season game and playoffs.” 

FTL 1 – 0 DAL

  • GOALS:
    • Kiara Locklear (FTL) 26’, Sh’Nia Gordon assist. 
  • STORYLINES:
    • GOAL + ASSIST: Kiara Locklear scored her fifth goal of the season, and Sh’Nia Gordon recorded her third assist. 
    • CLEAN SHEET: Goalkeeper Cosette Morché recorded her seventh clean sheet of the season. 
    • SCORING STREAK: FTL UTD has now scored in seven consecutive matches for the third time this season. 
    • LOSING STREAK: Dallas has lost three matches in a row for the first time this season. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Fort Lauderdale Head Coach Tyrone Mears: 
      • On the result… “It was all about the energy today. It was all about the togetherness, that’s what we spoke about, and they gave everything today. There was one clear winner. And we need that for the last game.” 
    • Fort Lauderdale scorer Kiara Locklear: 
      • On her game-winning goal… “It’s a team effort. Comes from Sh’Nia making a selfless ball, and us, honestly, more than two people, it’s a team effort. And I think today, we came out with a different attitude. We weren’t just fighting to win; we were fighting for a playoff position, and that’s what helped secure the win.” 
    • Dallas Head Coach Pauline MacDonald: 
      • On overall thoughts on the match… “I’m proud of the fight shown tonight by the team. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but we still control our own destiny. A win next week gets us into the postseason, and we’ll be ready.” 
    • Dallas forward Allie Thornton: 
      • On the team’s mindset moving forward… “It’s a tough result, but we’re not out. This week will be all about focus, hard work, and leaving everything out on the training pitch. We know what’s at stake, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got to make our way into the playoffs.” 

TB 2 – 0 DC

  • GOALS:
    • Sydny Nasello (TB) 22’ 
    • Cecilie Fløe (TB) 53’, Tash Flint assist. 
  • STORYLINES:
    • GOALS + ASSIST: Sydny Nasello scored her fourth goal of the season, and Cecilie Fløe scored her team-leading eleventh goal. Tash Flint recorded her second assist. 
    • SERIES RECORD: Tampa Bay finished undefeated (3-0-1) against DC Power this season. 
    • HOME RECORD: Tampa Bay finished with the best regular season record at home (8-2-4). 
  • QUOTES:
    • Tampa Bay Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown: 
      • On the team environment… “For us, it’s peaking at the right time. And the women are really coming together and doing what we’re asking them to do. And I think they’re enjoying one another. And I think that means a lot to the environment. I mean, it’s a long season, and if you still like each other and you want to be together, it’s going to really help us in these last couple weeks.” 
    • Tampa Bay midfielder Jade Moore: 
      • On clinching home field advantage… “We’ve hit playoffs, and now we’ve got home field advantage, so we need to celebrate that. I think, obviously, football moves on very quickly, so sometimes it is about staying in the moment, and actually enjoying our successes—but then, as the week turns over, we have a new focus. And the new focus is: let’s go one game at a time, one training session at a time, and build on that.” 
    • DC Interim Head Coach Phil Nana: 
      • On overall thoughts on the match… “It was a tough game. The players tried their best, we just came up second best tonight. We seemed a bit tired, and they seemed more fresh and more energetic than us. Sometimes that’s part of the game.” 
    • DC goalkeeper Morgan Aquino: 
      • On the team’s progress since the start of the season… “It’s just about controlling what we can control. Also knowing that we have to forget about the things we can’t control and put on a performance each week for each other that we’re proud of.” 

WEEK 35 SCHEDULE

Saturday, May 31st 
Lexington SC v DC Power FC, 7 p.m. ET 
Dallas Trinity FC v Carolina Ascent FC, 8 p.m. ET 
Spokane Zephyr FC v Fort Lauderdale United FC, 9 p.m. ET

WEEK 35 STORYLINES

SEMIFINAL HOSTING 
With the win against DC Power last week, Tampa Bay Sun FC clinched the No. 2 seed and will host the first semifinal match on Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Riverfront Stadium. Tampa Bay had the best home record (8-2-4) in the league this season. 

PLAYOFF PICTURE 
Brooklyn FC was eliminated from playoff contention last week, leaving Spokane Zephyr FC, Dallas Trinity FC and Fort Lauderdale United FC in the running for the final two playoff spots.  

Dallas needs a win to clinch a playoff berth. Fort Lauderdale needs just a draw to clinch a playoff berth. Spokane is guaranteed a berth with a win vs. Fort Lauderdale or a Dallas draw/loss. 

GOLDEN RACE UPDATES 
The Golden Boot, Golden Playmaker and Golden Glove races are tight between three players for each that will be determined this Saturday. 

Boot: Allie Thornton (DAL) – 12 goals; Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12 goals; Emina Ekić (SPK) – 10 goals 

Playmaker: Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7 assists; Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 6 assists; Emina Ekić (SPK) – 6 assists 

Glove: Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 0.97 GAA; Hope Hisey (SPK) – 1.0 GAA; Madison White (DAL) – 1.04 GAA 

EVERY MINUTE 
Four players have played every minute of the regular season so far: 

  • BKN: Allison Pantuso – 2520 minutes (played every minute) 
  • CAR: Taylor Porter – 2430 minutes 
  • DAL: Amber Brooks – 2430 minutes  
  • SPK: Sarah Clark – 2430 minutes  

INTERNATIONAL CALL UPS 
14 Super League players were called up to their respective national teams to represent their countries for the May FIFA international window: 

  • CAR: Kathrynn González, Dominican Republic  
  • DAL: Sealey Strawn, USYNT 
  • DAL: Deb Abiodun, Nigeria  
  • DC: Morgan Aquino, Australia  
  • DC: Claire Constant, Haiti 
  • DC: Charlie Estcourt, Wales 
  • DC: Jennifer Cudjoe, Ghana 
  • DC: Amber DiOrio, Puerto Rico  
  • LEX: Emma Johnson, USYNT 
  • LEX: NaYeong Shin, South Korea 
  • LEX: Grace Wisnewski, New Zealand  
  • SPK: Riley Tanner, Panama 
  • SPK: Sophia Braun, Argentina  
  • TB: Sydney Schneider, Jamaica  

WEEK 35 DISCIPLINE REPORT

TAMPA, Fla. – The following is the USL Super League’s discipline report for Week 35 of the 2024/25 USL Super League season: 

The following players enter their upcoming matches one caution away from their eighth yellow card of the season, resulting in a fine. 
 
– DC Power FC (1): Claire Constant 
– Fort Lauderdale United FC (1): Kiara Locklear 

LEAGUE LEADERS – WEEK 35

GOALS:

  • Mia Corbin (CAR) – 12 goals 
  • Allie Thornton (DAL) – 12 goals 
  • Cecilie Fløe (TB) – 11 goals 
  • Addie McCain (FTL) – 10 goals 
  • Emina Ekić (SPK) – 10 goals 
  • Natasha Flint (TB) – 9 goals 
  • Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 9 goals  

ASSISTS:

  • Jill Aguilera (CAR) – 7 assists 
  • Emina Ekić (SPK) – 6 assists 
  • Chioma Ubogagu (DAL) – 6 assists 
  • Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists  
  • Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists 
  • Shea Moyer (LEX) – 5 assists 
  • Audrey Harding (CAR) – 5 assists 
  • Mackenzie George (BKN) – 5 assists 

CLEAN SHEETS:

  • Madison White (DAL) – 9 clean sheets  
  • Hope Hisey (SPK) – 9 clean sheets 
  • Cosette Morché (FTL) – 7 clean sheets 
  • Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets 
  • Samantha Leshnak Murphy (CAR) – 5 clean sheets 
  • Ashley Orkus (TB) – 5 clean sheets 
  • Morgan Aquino (DC) – 5 clean sheets 

Super League Power Rankings – Week 34

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We’re down to the final week of the regular season, and things couldn’t get any closer. Tampa Bay Sun FC locked in the No. 2 spot, while Brooklyn’s draw against Carolina eliminated it from playoff contention. Now, the final two spots will come down to Spokane Zephyr FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC and Dallas Trinity FC. 

Having home-field advantage for the semifinal match is huge for Tampa Bay, which finished the regular season with a 7-2-4 home record. The best-case scenario for the Sun would be Dallas or Fort Lauderdale finishing third, as Tampa Bay is undefeated against those two at home. On the other hand, a third-place finish for Spokane would be the toughest opponent for Tampa Bay, as Zephyr was the last visiting team to win at Riverfront Stadium and has scored the most goals (4) there as well. 

From the outside looking in is Dallas, which has now lost three games in a row and is sitting in fifth place. The team needs a result this weekend against Carolina to have a shot at the postseason, meanwhile the Ascent will be No. 1 no matter what. The teams are 1-1-1 against each other, so Saturday’s result could go either way. 

On The Move

1 TB, FTL, BKN 2 SPK

Rank

 

Team

Change

Summary
1 Carolina Ascent FC
(13-5-9)
Week 35: @ DAL
Last Week:
1		 The Ascent extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches after playing Brooklyn to a scoreless draw last weekend. Carolina continues to have one of the most dominant defenses in the league, conceding only three goals during this undefeated stretch.
2 Tampa Bay Sun FC
(12-6-10)
Week 35: —		 1
Last Week:
3		 Tampa Bay closed out its regular season with a 3-0-1 run to secure second place in the standings. Cecilie Fløe scored her eleventh goal of the season in the win against DC, and she will be one of the biggest factors for the team in the semifinal match on June 7.
3 Fort Lauderdale United FC
(11-8-8)
Week 35: @ SPK		 1
Last Week:
4		 A combination play between Sh’Nia Gordon and Kiara Locklear resulted in Fort Lauderdale earning a much-needed win over Dallas on Saturday. FTL UTD has not been able to convert a lot of its chances in front of goal, but its strong defense has made up for the offensive struggles over the last few games.
4 Spokane Zephyr FC
(11-8-8)
Week 35: vs. FTL
 2
Last Week:
2		 Zephyr will have had over two weeks off since its last match by the time it plays Fort Lauderdale this Saturday. However, being back at home and knowing a win guarantees a place in the playoffs might be the edge Spokane needs to put on another strong performance.
5 Brooklyn FC
(10-9-9)
Week 35: —		 1
Last Week:
6		 Although the draw was not enough to keep Brooklyn in the playoff hunt, it still has a lot to be proud of from the performance. Brooklyn was the first team to hold Carolina scoreless in over two months, putting up a battle against the first-place club.
6 DC Power FC
(5-14-8)
Week 35: @ LEX		 1
Last Week:
5		 DC’s four-match scoring streak came to an end last weekend in the 2-0 loss to Tampa Bay. Power FC had a couple of good looks early on in the match, but once Tampa Bay got a hold on the tempo, it was too much of a challenge for DC to overcome.
7 Dallas Trinity FC
(11-9-7)
Week 35: vs. CAR
Last Week:
7		 The Trinity have started to crumble over the last few weeks and have lost three consecutive matches for the first time this season. Now, the team needs a win over first-place Carolina Ascent to have a shot at potentially playing them again in the semifinal.
8 Lexington SC
(4-18-5)
Week 35: vs. DC
Last Week:
8		 After taking Week 34 off, Lexington has a chance to close out the season at home this weekend against DC Power, which the Girls in Green have defeated in their last two meetings.