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Will Tampa Bay or Fort Lauderdale take the first Florida Derby crown? | Week 23 Match Previews

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Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC 

Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Davie, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, March 8; 7:30 p.m. ET 

Weather: Clear skies, 67° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Fort Lauderdale is on a six-match unbeaten streak, most recently defeating Carolina Ascent 2-1 last week. Tampa Bay is also unbeaten in its last four and drew 1-1 with Brooklyn in Week 21. 
  • Saturday will be the third edition of the Florida Derby. Neither team has won yet, with the first two matches ending 1-1 and 2-2. 
  • Fort Lauderdale has scored two goals in each of its last six matches. 
  • FTL’s Jasmine Hamid was recently named the February Player of the Month for the second consecutive month. 
  • FTL’s Addie McCain is one goal shy of becoming the first Super League player to score 10 goals. 

Players to Watch

FTL – Jasmine Hamid: The winger has been on fire for Fort Lauderdale lately and has scored in all three matches since the start of the Spring Schedule. She had a banger in the last match against the Sun, so we can likely expect more excitement from the Player of the Month this weekend. 

TB – Jade Moore: Jade Moore was putting in work on both ends of the field in Tampa Bay’s last match against Brooklyn. The goal scorer won all six of her duels, created four chances and had three tackles, two interceptions and one clearance. 

 Fort Lauderdale United FC Tampa Bay Sun FC 
Head Coach Tyrone Mears Denise Schilte-Brown
Club Record 8-5-3 5-4-7 
Standings 2nd 5th 

Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC 

Venue: ONE Spokane Stadium; Spokane, WA 

Kickoff: Saturday, March 8; 9:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy, 35° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Spokane is coming off its first road win after taking down Dallas Trinity 1-0 in Week 21. Carolina is looking to bounce back after losing 2-1 to Fort Lauderdale last week. 
  • Saturday will be Spokane’s first home match since October. The team ended the Fall Schedule on a six-match road trip. 
  • Carolina is 1-0-1 against Spokane this season. The Ascent won the first match at ONE Spokane Stadium 2-0 before the teams split points in a scoreless draw in November. 
  • Spokane’s Jo Johnson was recently named the February Coach of the Month. 

Players to Watch

SPK – Sarah Clark: Clark has been a cornerstone in Zephyr’s backline this season. She was named to the February Team of the Month after recording 11 clearances and two interceptions in the team’s win against Dallas. 

CAR – Taylor Porter: Carolina’s captain has been facilitating play for the team all season long. She recorded two shots, two chances created, two tackles and two clearances in the last match against Fort Lauderdale. 

 Spokane Zephyr FC Carolina Ascent FC 
Head Coach Jo Johnson Philip Poole 
Club Record 3-6-6 6-4-7 
Standings 6th 3rd 

DC Power FC vs. Lexington SC 

Venue: Audi Field; Washington, DC 

Kickoff: Sunday, March 9; 2:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Partly cloudy, 56° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Both teams are coming off draws in their last matches. DC Power played Carolina to a 3-3 draw in Week 21, and Lexington most recently held Brooklyn to a scoreless draw last week. 
  • Both teams took a win against each other in the first half of the season. DC won 2-1 at home in the first meeting before Lexington won 3-0 in the Fall Finale. 
  • DC had five players away on international duty during its last match that will be back in action this weekend. 

Players to Watch

DC – Gianna Gourley: The midfielder scored her first professional goal in her first appearance with her new club. Gourley was also a force on the defensive end during the match, earning four clearances, two interceptions and two tackles. 

LEX – Sarah Cox: In her spring debut, Cox recorded four saves to earn her first clean sheet of the season against Brooklyn, a team that hadn’t been shutout since October. 

 DC Power FC Lexington SC 
Head Coach Phil Nana (Interim Coach) Sam Stockley (Interim Coach) 
Club Record 3-7-5 3-10-4 
Standings 7th 8th 

Dallas Trinity FC vs. Brooklyn FC 

Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX 

Kickoff: Sunday, March 9; 5:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Partly cloudy, 60° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Dallas is still looking for its first spring win after falling 1-0 to Spokane and drawing 1-1 with Tampa Bay last month. Brooklyn drew 0-0 with Lexington last week. 
  • Brooklyn has won both matchups against Dallas this season. 
  • Brooklyn is on an eight-match unbeaten streak (6-0-2). 

Players to Watch

DAL – Amber Brooks: The veteran midfielder earned another Team of the Month honor after her impressive performance in February. Brooks won 15 duels, made four clearances and completed 104 passes playing every minute of both matches.   

BKN – Allison Pantuso: Pantuso continues to shine as one of the best center backs in the league. In Brooklyn’s match at Lexington, she made six clearances and four tackles to help earn the clean sheet. 

 Dallas Trinity FC Brooklyn FC 
Head Coach Pauline MacDonald Jess Silva 
Club Record 6-4-6 9-3-4 
Standings 4th 1st 

Can Lexington earn back-to-back clean sheets? | Week 23 News & Notes

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REWIND: WEEK 22 NOTES

LEX 0 – 0 BKN

  • STORYLINES:
    • SCORELESS: This was the first time in eight matches that Brooklyn was held scoreless.  
    • CLEAN SHEET: Sarah Cox recorded her first and Lexington’s second clean sheet of the season. 
  • QUOTES:
    • Lexington Interim Head Coach Sam Stockley: 
      • On becoming the interim head coach.. “It feels fantastic to be back, the group’s been very welcoming. We’ve had three days together now and, credit to all of them, it’s been a real sort of new energy and a new bit of life. It’s such a fantastic group, they’ve completely bought into what they’re trying to do. I think they proved it against a very, very good Brooklyn team.” 
    • Lexington goalkeeper Sarah Cox: 
      • On getting the clean sheet… “I think in general I’m just really proud of our group. I think that we really focused on individual discipline and our shape and everyone holding their correct positions this week, and I think that we were able to execute that for 90 plus minutes. I’m hoping to continue and I’m super excited about that.”  
    • Brooklyn Head Coach Jessica Silva: 
      • On the draw and the team’s performance… “We left this game unsatisfied with our performance. We wanted to get more final third entries and create more threatening attacks. It’s always hard to play against a low block, that being said; we know we can be better. This is an important lesson in our journey and we’ll regroup this week to come out stronger next week.” 
    • Brooklyn center back Kelsey Hill: 
      • Thoughts on the opposition… “I feel like as a team we approached this game as any other game. We know in the USL you cannot underestimate anyone, and any team can beat another on any given day. We wanted to pursue excellence. It was a tough game, and Lexington was hard to break down.” 

CAR 1 – 2 FTL

  • GOALS:
    • Mia Corbin (CAR) 28’, Audrey Harding assist.  
    • Jasmine Hamid (FTL) 47’, Kiara Locklear assist.  
    • Kiara Locklear (FTL) 61’ Addie McCain assist. 
  • STORYLINES:
    • THREE: Both Corbin and Hamid recorded a goal in their third consecutive match.  
    • SCORING STREAK: FTL has scored exactly two goals in its last six matches. 
    • COMEBACK WIN: FTL recorded its first come-from-behind win of the season.  
  • QUOTES:
    • Carolina Head Coach Philip Poole:  
      • On the outcome of the game… “Super disappointed with the result and the outcome, but I think both teams will tell you that we created a lot of chances. We opened Fort Lauderdale up, who are a very good team, many times and we didn’t put the ball away. We’ve been here before, you got to get the second, you got to get the third.” 
    • Carolina goal scorer Mia Corbin:  
      • On the team’s chemistry and her goal… “We are really connecting well as a front line. It’s just working together and not even thinking, just want to finish my chances if I get the opportunity. It is nice that I am able to contribute for the team.” 
    • FTL Head Coach Tyrone Mears: 
      • On the comeback win… “Our team showed incredible character and resilience on the road, fighting back from a goal down to earn the win. Proud of the mentality and togetherness this group displayed.” 
    • FTL goal scorer Kiara Locklear:  
      • On playing in her hometown… “I think this win feels extra special for me because it’s back home in Charlotte, with all my family and friends there to watch. This win helps us keep the momentum we’ve been building on since the break.” 

WEEK 23 SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 8th  
Fort Lauderdale Untied FC v Tampa Bay Sun FC, 7:30 p.m. ET  
Spokane Zephyr FC v Carolina Ascent FC, 9:00 p.m. ET 

Sunday, March 9th 
DC Power FC v Lexington SC, 2:00 p.m. ET 
Dallas Trinity FC v Brooklyn FC, 5:00 p.m. ET 

WEEK 23 STORYLINES

THREE IN THREE 
Both FTL UTD’s Jasmine Hamid and Carolina Ascent’s Mia Corbin have scored in each of their respective club’s last three matches. Additionally, both Hamid and Corbin are tied in second place for the Golden Boot race at six goals apiece – three goals behind Hamid’s South Florida teammate Addie McCain.  

TEAM OF THE MONTH – FEBRUARY 
The USL Super League unveiled its Team of the Month – February.  

Headlining the team is Player of the Month FTL UTD’s Jasmine Hamid and Coach of the Month Spokane’s Jo Johnson. Additionally, DC Power’s Yuuka Kurosaki won the fan vote for the February Goal of the Month and FTL UTD’s Cosette Morche won the fan vote for the February Save of the Month.  

WILL WE GET A WINNER IN THE FLORIDA DERBY? 
The first two Florida Derbies ended in draws, with the inaugural match finishing 1-1 and the most recent encounter ending 2-2, as Tampa Bay equalized from the penalty spot in stoppage time. 

Will the third time be the charm? Let’s break it down with some stats: 

  • FTL UTD owns the possession game. In the first two meetings, FTL had 58.52% and 57.62% of possession, respectively.  
  • Despite the skewed possession, in the last meeting, TB forced the game to be played in FTL’s defense third for 39.2% of the match.   
  • While TB had 12 shots, with four on goal, both of these goals in the last match up came from the penalty spot.  

STREAKS STILL STANDING 
Brooklyn, FTL UTD, and Tampa are all on impressive unbeaten streaks and aim to extend them in their upcoming matches: 

  • If Brooklyn wins or draws, they will have a nine-match unbeaten streak.  
  • If FTL UTD wins, they will record their third consecutive win OR if they draw, they will have a seven-match unbeaten streak. Additionally, FTL is on a six-match scoring streak. 
  • If Tampa wins or draws, they will have a five-match unbeaten streak.  

TAIL OF TWO CAROLINAS 
The first part of the Super League season saw the Carolina Ascent on a tear, opening their account with an 11 straight unbeaten streak. Since then, the club has gone 1-4-1 and have yet to find their footing.  

While they struggled to get back into the win column, the team will also endeavor on a cross-country trip to Spokane which opens their three-match road trip.  

ON THE BRINK 
Fort Lauderdale midfielder Addie McCain has the opportunity this weekend to become the first USL Super League player to reach 10 goals scored. 

DISCIPLINE REPORT – WEEK 23

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

LEAGUE LEADERS

GOALS:

  • Addie McCain (FTL) – 9 goals 
  • Allie Thornton (DAL) – 6 goals 
  • Carlee Giammona (TB) – 6 goals 
  • Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 6 goals  
  • Mia Corbin (CAR) – 6 goals  
  • Cecilie Nielsen (TB) – 5 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 Ekic (SPK) – 4 assists 
  • Shea Moyer (LEX) – 4 assists 
  • Mackenzie George (BKN) – 3 assists 
  • Jillienne Aguilera (CAR) – 3 assists  
  • Rylee Baisden (CAR) – 3 assists 
  • Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3 assists 
  • Kiara Locklear (FTL) – 3 assists  

CLEAN SHEETS:

  • Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets 
  • Madison White (DAL) – 5 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 sheet 
  • Cosette Morche (FTL) – 3 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) 
  • LEX – Hannah Richardson (12.14.24) 
  • TB – Natasha Flint (12.14.24) 
  • FTL – Kiara Pralle (12.14.24) 

Super League Power Rankings – Week 22

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Fort Lauderdale United FC looks unstoppable right now, having won five of its last six matches. The team defeated Carolina Ascent on the road this weekend to move to second place in the league standings. It was FTL UTD’s first come-from-behind win of the season. 

The trio of Jasmine Hamid, Addie McCain and Kiara Locklear has proven to be one of, if not the best, attacking squad, especially in transition. In Sunday’s match, McCain sent a through ball to Locklear, who crossed it into the box to an unmarked Hamid to tap it in for the equalizer in 47th minute. Then, McCain got on the end of a cross from a short corner, heading it back to Locklear, who headed it into the goal for the game-winner. The three have scored or assisted on 11 of the 12 goals scored during this six-match unbeaten run. 

With Fort Lauderdale picking up a win while Brooklyn was held to a scoreless draw against Lexington, only four points separate first and second place. Both teams will face top-five opponents this week before they face off in what could be another No. 1 vs No. 2 showdown in Week 24. 

On The Move

1 LEX, DAL, FTL 2 CAR

Rank

 

Team

Change

Summary
1 Fort Lauderdale United FC
(8-5-3)
Week 23: vs TB 		1
Last Week:
2		 FTL continued its scoring streak of two goals in its last six matches, leading the league with 23 goals scored. The team never looked frazzled, even after going down a goal in the first half and battled back offensively and defensively to earn the win.
2 Brooklyn FC
(9-3-4)
Week 23: @ DAL 		1
Last Week:
1		 Brooklyn is also on an undefeated run and picked up its second consecutive draw last week against Lexington. The group dominated possession and created chances, but Lexington really limited Brooklyn’s offense, which had only been shut out three previous times this season.
3 Tampa Bay Sun FC
(5-4-7)
Week 23: @ FTL
Last Week:
3		 Tampa Bay will look to take the first crown in the Florida Derby this weekend when it travels to Fort Lauderdale. The Sun has drawn its last three matches, including the 2-2 contest against FTL UTD last month, so the team needs to lock down on the backline to maintain all three points.
4 Spokane Zephyr FC
(3-6-6)
Week 23: vs. CAR

Last Week:
4		 Spokane returns home for the first time since October as it hosts Carolina Ascent this Saturday. Zephyr needs to come out with the same energy it brought against Dallas in Week 20 and get out to another early lead to string to wins together for the first time this season.
5 DC Power FC
(3-7-5)
Week 23: vs. LEX
Last Week:
5		 DC got some goal-scoring momentum after the 3-3 draw in its last showing against Carolina Ascent. If the team can keep that same energy and capitalize off defensive mistakes, Power FC has a chance to get revenge against Lexington this weekend and earn its first win of the spring.
6 Dallas Trinity FC
(6-4-6)
Week 23: vs BKN		 1
Last Week:
7		 Dallas is also looking to pick up its first win since the break, especially while it’s still at the Cotton Bowl. The team didn’t show its usual offensive spark in the loss against Spokane, and it will need to be extra creative this weekend to break through Brooklyn’s defensive unit.
7 Lexington SC
(3-10-4)
Week 23: @ DC		 1
Last Week:
8		 Lexington held the No. 1 team in the league scoreless and picked up a point against Brooklyn, which had beaten them the last two times. If the Girls in Green can maintain the same defensive composure and create more chances in front of goal, they can get a win over DC and skip over them in the standings.
8 Carolina Ascent FC
(6-4-7)
Week 23: @ SPK 		2
Last Week:
6		 For the third week in a row, the Ascent have been unable to put their chances away and create multiple-goal leads to earn a more comfortable hold on the game. Out of 18 shots, only one went in, which wasn’t enough to get the win over FTL UTD.

USL Super League Team of the Month – February

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The USL Super League announced the Team of the Month for February on Thursday, with Fort Lauderdale United FC forward Jasmine Hamid earning Player of the Month. 

Hamid netted two goals in February, helping Fort Lauderdale secure an undefeated 1-0-1 record in its first month of the Spring Schedule. Along with both goals, she recorded five shots, created four chances and maintained 87.5% passing accuracy. This marks her third Team of the Month honor and second consecutive Player of the Month distinction. 

GK: Hope Hisey, Spokane Zephyr FC – Hisey earns her second Team of the Month merit after recording four saves and a clean sheet is Spokane’s big win over Dallas.   

D: Jenna Butler, Carolina Ascent FC – Butler played all 180 minutes of Carolina’s two matches this month. She logged 109 completed passes and an impressive 82.97% passing accuracy, while also contributing 12 clearances and a strong 60% duel success rate to help Carolina earn four points this month. 

D: Laurel Ansbrow, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The 5’11 defender contributed greatly to Fort Lauderdale’s backline the past two games, providing an assist in her debut along with eight clearances while keeping 93.3% passing accuracy. 

D: Sarah Clark, Spokane Zephyr FC – Clark held down the back line in Zephyrs win at the Cotton Bowl, recording 11 clearances and two interceptions in the full 90 minutes. 

M: Sam Kroeger, Brooklyn FC – The three-time Team of the Month honoree makes the list for February after a solid performance in Brooklyn’s 1-1 draw with Tampa Bay. The midfielder won 10 duels and three tackles, created two chances and made two clearances. 

M: Amber Brooks, Dallas Trinity FC – The UNC alum played every minute of Dallas’ two matches this month. Brooks won 15 duels, made four clearances and completed 104 passes. 

M: Emily Colton, DC Power FC – The 21-year-old played all 90 minutes of her professional debut in DC’s 3-3 draw against Carolina. She recorded 10 duels won and a 66.67% tackle success rate. 

M: Addie McCain, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The current Golden Boot race leader added another goal and her first assist of the season this month. She also had a great performance on the defensive end, recording 20 duels won and an 88.89% tackle success rate.  

F: Mia Corbin, Carolina Ascent FC – Carolina’s top scorer bagged an additional two goals in Carolina’s February matches. She also recorded seven shots attempted and five chances created.  

F: Carlee Giammona, Tampa Bay Sun FC – Giammona earned her second straight Team of the Month honor, adding another goal and assist to her account in February. She also led the league with eight shots and won all five of her tackles. 

F: Jasmine Hamid, Fort Lauderdale United FC – The back-to-back Player of the Month added two more goals to help FTL UTD to an undefeated February. In 161 total minutes played, she won nine duels and four tackles along with five shots and four chances created. 

Coach: Jo Johnson, Spokane Zephyr FC – Johnson led Spokane Zephyr to an impressive 1-0 win over No. 2 Dallas Trinity for the team’s first road victory of the season and its first win since October. 

Bench: Kelsey Hill (BKN), Brooke Hendrix (TB), Nicole Vernis (LEX), Sydny Nasello (TB), Lexi Missimo (DAL)  

Super League Power Rankings – Week 21

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Week 21 was full of firsts from first goals and assists to first road wins. Katie Murray, Jade Moore, Mackenzie Pluck, Sarah Troccoli, Katie Duong, Yuuka Kurosaki and Gianna Gourley all recorded their first goals of the season. Emma Jaskaniec, Natasha Flint, Riley Parker and Kiara Locklear all earned their first assists of the season. 

Spokane Zephyr and DC Power were the biggest surprises of the weekend as they both picked up road results. Zephyr were at the bottom of the table heading into Saturday’s match, but they pulled off the win against then-second place Dallas, becoming only the second team to steal all three points at the Cotton Bowl. 

DC had lost 1-0 twice to Carolina in the first half of the season, but last week’s match couldn’t have been more different. Power FC took the lead twice in the match and then battled back to earn the equalizer in the 83rd minute of the 3-3 draw. The three goals marked the most scored by either team in a single match. 

On The Move

3 SPK, DC 3 CAR

Rank

 

Team

Change

Summary
1 Brooklyn FC
(9-3-3)
Week 22: @ LEX
Last Week:
1		 Despite not being able to extend its streak to seven straight wins, picking up a point on the road after not playing for over two months proves why Brooklyn is at the top of the table. The group remained composed after going down a goal for the first time since October 23, and Mackenzie Pluck was rewarded with her first goal of the season.
2 Fort Lauderdale United FC
(7-5-3)
Week 22: @ CAR
Last Week:
2		 FTL UTD picked up its fourth win in five matches, scoring two goals in all of them. Jasmine Hamid, Kiara Locklear and Addie McCain continue to create chances in front of goal, and the winter break additions of Laurel Ansbrow and Julia Grosso have been great for Fort Lauderdale’s defense.
3 Tampa Bay Sun FC
(5-4-7)
Week 23: @ FTL		 1
Last Week:
4		 Tampa Bay Sun became the first team to earn a point and score a goal against top-seeded Brooklyn since October. The Sun is undefeated in its last five home matches and continues to get different players involved, as Jade Moore scored her first goal of the season.
4 Spokane Zephyr FC
(3-6-6)
Week 23: vs. CAR
3
Last Week:
7		 Spokane Zephyr returned from winter break with a much-needed and impressive win over Dallas Trinity for its first road victory of the season. Katie Murray gave the visitors an early lead and Zephyr’s high pressure and organized defending was great to see for a team that had been struggling to earn results.
5 DC Power FC
(3-7-5)
Week 23: vs. LEX		 3
Last Week:
8		 DC Power had scored just seven goals in the entire first half of the season, but the team ended Sunday’s match with three goals and one point in the 3-3 draw against Carolina. While a few errors prevented DC from earning the win, the match was still a morale booster for the team in its spring opener.
6 Carolina Ascent FC
(6-3-7)
Week 22: vs. FTL 		3
Last Week:
3		 The Ascent has recorded 34 shots over the last two weeks, but only three goals have come from their own players. The team has the potential to blow out their opponents if they were able to finish chances, but then one or two defensive lapses lets the opposition get back into the match.
7 Dallas Trinity FC
(6-4-6)
Week 23: @ BKN		 2
Last Week:
5		 Dallas dropped points at home for the second week in a row and dropped in the standings to tie for third place. The group is struggling on both sides of the ball; it looks disorganized defensively and not clinical enough offensively. Having next week off will be good for them to regroup before facing Brooklyn on March 9.
8 Lexington SC
(3-10-3)
Week 22: vs. BKN		 2
Last Week:
6		 The defensive struggles continue for Lexington as it fell 2-0 to Fort Lauderdale last week. The new signings haven’t quite connected as well as other teams and they haven’t been able to find their star Madi Parsons and get her more involved in the attack.

What we learned from Week 21 in the USL Super League

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Week 21 of the USL Super League season saw 11 goals scored, seven new goal scorers and a huge upset. 

Here are the three biggest takeaways from last weekend: 

The winter break did some teams better than others 

Going into Saturday, Spokane Zephyr FC was dead last in the standings and hadn’t won a match since late October. DC Power FC had scored only seven goals all season and really struggled to earn results. Both teams looked like entirely different squads in their Spring Schedule debuts. 

Spokane dominated Dallas Trinity FC at the Cotton Bowl, a stadium that so far this season has been a fortress for the home team. Zephyr have always been able to create quality looks in the final third but taking an early lead on the road while also defending the best we’ve seen all season with two of their stars away on international duty must be a huge confidence boost. Meanwhile, Dallas has dropped five points at home in its first two matches back and looks a little disorganized on both sides of the ball. 

DC headed to Charlotte with five of their players away on international duty, most notably captain and defender Claire Constant. While the team did make some defensive mistakes that resulted in three conceded goals, it has to still get credit for taking advantage of opportunities on the other end of the field. Three shots converted to three goals against arguably the best goalkeeper and one of the most experienced defensive units in the league. It was exactly what DC needed before its next match against Lexington at home. 

Draws are killing Carolina and Tampa Bay 

Tampa Bay Sun FC recorded a draw for the third match in a row, and while getting a point against the No. 1 team is respectable, the Sun didn’t capitalize on an important home opportunity. Tampa Bay had two matches under its belt against a Brooklyn team that hadn’t played a league match in over two months, which showed as Brooklyn took a while to get into the match. The Sun has to turn these draws into wins if it wants to finish in the top four. 

Carolina Ascent FC also squeaked by with a draw against DC in a match up that should have been an easy win. The Ascent missed multiple shots from point-blank range, gave up a penalty and conceded the tying goal through a defensive error, and a DC own goal gave Carolina its only lead of the match. After just narrowly beating Lexington 2-1 in Week 20, Carolina has to clean things up if it hopes to hold on to a spot above the playoff line. 

Fort Lauderdale looks the best it has all season 

Fort Lauderdale United FC has earned 13 of 15 points in its last five matches, a feat that only Brooklyn has accomplished this season. The team crushed Lexington on Saturday in every statistic, recording 62% of possession on nearly 500 passes and outshooting Lexington 17-10.  

Before the break, FTL UTD already looked to be on the rise as Jasmine Hamid and Kiara Locklear (Pralle) started to get going in front of goal, then the spring additions bolstered the team’s defense and the depth coming off the bench. Julia Grosso was creating chances and shutting down Lexington’s attack in her debut. The duo of Laurel Ansbrow and Laveni Vaka could become the most dominant center back pairing in the league. Jorian Baucom has the potential to be a game-changer as a sub. Every other team needs to be wary when matching up against Fort Lauderdale for the rest of the season. 

Spokane, Brooklyn, DC make Spring Schedule debuts | Week 21 Match Previews

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Dallas Trinity FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC 

Venue: Cotton Bowl; Dallas, TX 

Kickoff: Saturday, February 22; 5:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Partly cloudy, 51° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Saturday will be Spokane’s first match of the spring. Dallas returned to action last week with a 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay. 
  • Dallas is 1-0-1 against Spokane this season. The last time the two sides met at the Cotton Bowl, it ended in a scoreless draw. 
  • Spokane is looking for its first win since October 27. 
  • Dallas’ Gabriela Guillén and Spokane’s Emina Ekić and Sophia Braun will be away on international duty. 

Players to Watch

DAL – Madison White: The goalkeeper currently ranks second in clean sheets (5) and third in saves (32) in the league. The Texas Tech alum made a few huge saves in the team’s last match against Tampa Bay to preserve the draw. 

SPK – Ally Cook: The forward joined Spokane during the winter window, aiming to inject fresh energy into the team’s offense. Cook was a powerhouse at Oregon and UCLA and will be a huge asset for Zephyr as it looks to climb up the standings. 

 Dallas Trinity FC Spokane Zephyr FC 
Head Coach Pauline MacDonald Jo Johnson 
Club Record 6-3-6 2-6-6 
Standings 2nd 8th 

Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Brooklyn FC 

Venue: Riverfront Stadium; Tampa, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, February 22; 7:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy, 63° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Saturday will be Brooklyn’s first match of the spring. Tampa Bay played Dallas Trinity last week to a 1-1 draw. 
  • Brooklyn is 2-0-0 against Tampa Bay this season. The last time the teams met at Riverfront Stadium ended in a 1-0 victory for Brooklyn. 
  • Tampa Bay’s Andrea Hauksdottir and Cecilie Fløe Nielsen and Brooklyn’s Sydney Martinez will be away on international duty. 
  • Brooklyn’s Kelsey Hill and Tampa Bay’s Carlee Giammona played together at Pepperdine University from 2020-2022. 

Players to Watch

BKN – Mackenzie Pluck: Pluck has been crucial to Brooklyn’s success this season, leading her team in assists (4) and chances created (25). Her consistency and creativity have been key to Brooklyn’s unstoppable offense, as they currently sit at the top of the league. 

TB – Parker Goins: The Arkansas alum will look to build off her debut performance last week where she scored the equalizer minutes after entering the match. With Nielsen away on international duty, Goins makes for another strong option for the Sun up top. 

 Brooklyn FC Tampa Bay Sun FC 
Head Coach Jess Silva Denise Schilte-Brown 
Club Record 9-3-2 5-4-6 
Standings 1st 4th 

Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Lexington SC 

Venue: Beyond Bancard Field; Fort Lauderdale, FL 

Kickoff: Saturday, February 22; 7:30 p.m. ET 

Weather: Cloudy, 63° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Fort Lauderdale is coming off a 2-2 draw against Tampa Bay in Week 19, and Lexington is looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss last week to Carolina Ascent. 
  • The two teams have split wins against each other earlier this season. Fort Lauderdale won the first matchup 3-1, and Lexington won the second meeting 2-1. 
  • FTL’s Addie McCain remains the Golden Boot race leader with eight goals. 
  • Lexington’s Nayeong Shin will be away on international duty. 

Players to Watch

FTL – Laurel Ansbrow: The new signing made her mark in her professional debut with the team against the Sun. Ansbrow provided the assist on Jasmine Hamid’s opening goal while also maintaining a 95% passing accuracy rate and recording five clearances.   

LEX – Madi Parsons: While Parsons leads the league in goal contributions (5g/5a), her last goal came in early November. With all the new additions to Lexington’s squad, it will be interesting to see how they get her involved in the attack the rest of the season. 

 Fort Lauderdale United FC Lexington SC 
Head Coach Tyrone Mears Mike Dickey
Club Record 6-5-3 3-9-3 
Standings 5th 7th 

Carolina Ascent FC vs. DC Power FC 

Venue: American Legion Memorial Stadium; Charlotte, NC 

Kickoff: Sunday, February 23; 3:00 p.m. ET 

Weather: Sunny, 57° 

Broadcast: Peacocktv.com 

Things to Know

  • Sunday will be DC’s first match of the spring. Carolina is coming off a 2-1 win against Lexington last week. 
  • Carolina holds a 2-0-0 record against DC this season, defeating them 1-0 both times. 
  • Carolina’s Eli Hutchinson and DC Power’s Loza Abera, Claire Constant, Jennifer Cudjoe, Charlie Estcourt and Katrina Guillou will be away on international duty. 
  • Carolina’s goalkeeper Megan McClelland leads the league in saves (39) and clean sheets (6). 

Players to Watch

CAR – Jenna Butler: The NC State alum made her debut with the Ascent last week in their spring opener. She played every minute in the win over Lexington and recorded 10 clearances to preserve the victory. 

DC – Anna Bagley: Bagley netted DC’s last goal in its 1-0 victory over Fort Lauderdale back in November. With so many players away on international duty, Bagley will have to step up and lead the team offensively to combat Carolina’s strong defense. 

 Carolina Ascent FC DC Power FC 
Head Coach Philip Poole Phil Nana (Interim Coach) 
Club Record 6-3-6 3-7-4 
Standings 3rd 6th 

New signings make immediate impact in start of Super League Spring Schedule 

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The USL Super League’s spring season has begun with a bang for many of the league’s new signings, each of which is already making a name for themselves and impacting their team’s fortunes. 

Here are the top four players that we’ll have our eyes on for the rest of the season: 

Lexi Missimo – Dallas Trinity FC 

The University of Texas alum wasted no time showing Dallas fans why she was one of the most anticipated new additions to watch for the second half of the season. Just four minutes into Trinity’s spring opener at the Cotton Bowl last week, she found the back of the net for her first professional goal. 

“You could not have wrote that script any better, could you?” said Dallas Trinity Head Coach Pauline MacDonald. “I think that Lexi just has a lot of composure. She’s a young player, she’s been a top player in the college game, but her composure in the goal is second to none. I think she is gonna bring something really different.” 

Missimo finished the match with an 83% passing accuracy, two duels won, two clearances and one tackle. 

Parker Goins – Tampa Bay Sun FC 

Goins was one of the most experienced signings that Tampa Bay added to its roster over the break. The Arkansas Razorback spent the last three seasons with the NWSL’s Racing Louisville FC where she made 31 appearances and recorded four goals. 

Her skills in front of goal have translated immediately since joining the Sun. After subbing in at halftime in the match against Dallas, she netted her first goal in her debut with her new club in the 50th minute to earn the side a valuable road point. 

Laurel Ansbrow – Fort Lauderdale United FC 

The North Carolina native made her way down to the Sunshine State last month after signing with Fort Lauderdale United. Ansbrow was coming off an NCAA College Cup appearance with Wake Forest, where she led the backline to a historic season conceding the fewest number of goals in program history (11). 

The center back made her professional debut and played every minute of the Florida Derby early this month. Ansbrow provided the assist on Jasmine Hamid’s opening goal while also maintaining a 95% passing accuracy rate and recording five clearances. 

Jenna Butler – Carolina Ascent FC 

Entering the spring as one of the best defenses in the league, Carolina Ascent boosted its backline further with the addition of NC State alum Jenna Butler. The defender reunited with her fellow Wolf Taylor Porter and other teammates from Carolina Ascent’s USL W League team from last summer. 

Butler also played all 90 minutes in the Ascent’s victory against Lexington, contributing to the team’s first win since November 3. She also recorded 10 clearances on Saturday, tied for fourth-most made by a defender in a single match this season. 

Brooklyn set to make its return against Tampa Bay | News & Notes Week 21

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WEEK 21 SCHEDULE

Saturday, February 22nd 
Dallas Trinity FC v Spokane Zephyr FC, 5:00 p.m. ET 
Tampa Bay Sun FC v Brooklyn FC, 7:00 p.m. ET
Fort Lauderdale United FC vs Lexington SC, 7:30 p.m. ET 
Sunday, February 23rd 
Carolina Ascent FC v DC Power FC, 3:00 p.m. ET 

REWIND: WEEK 20 NOTES

DAL 1 – 1 TB

GOALS:
Lexi Missimo (DAL) 4’, Allie Thornton assist.  
Parker Goins (TB) 50’, Carlee Giammona assist.  
STORYLINES:
Pro Debut & Goal: Lexi Missimo had a picture-perfect professional debut, scoring just four minutes into the match.  
First: Parker Goins scored her first goal in just her second match for Tampa Bay after joining the club over the winter break.  
Scorers to Assisters: Both Thornton and Giammona are tied at six goals on the season, but this week they took a break from scoring to dish out the ball. The assists were Giammona’s second and Thornton’s first.  
Second-Half Comebacks: For the second match in a row, Tampa Bay scored the equalizer in the second half to earn a point. 
QUOTES:
Dallas Trinity Head Coach Pauline MacDonald: 
On Missimo scoring in her debut… “You could not have wrote that script any better, could you? I think that Lexi just has a lot of composure. She’s a young player, she’s been a top player in the college game, but her composure in the goal is second to none. I think she is gonna bring something really different.” 
Goal Scorer Lexi Missimo:
On scoring in her debut… “I think that was my first touch. I was really nervous before this game. I’ve been through the national team and college; I’ve been through all the high levels where the nerves get you, but this one meant more in a way. I’m just glad that I did my job.” 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown:
On the result… “Our league continues to grow stronger. Going on the road against a tough opponent and earning a tie wasn’t the result we wanted, but I’m proud of the squad for once again showing the resilience to battle back. We’ll take this point and build on it as we move forward.” 

CAR 2 – 1 LEX

GOALS:
Madison Perez (LEX) 3’, Own Goal. 
Mia Corbin (CAR) 35’, Addisyn Merrick assist.
Hannah Richardson (LEX) 82’, Shea Moyer assist. 
STORYLINES:
Snapped the Streak: Carolina Ascent ended its four-match winless streak with the victory over Lexington. The Ascent last earned a win on November 3 when it defeated DC Power 1-0. 
First: Addisyn Merrick recorded her first assist of the season. 
4 for 4: Mia Corbin recorded her fourth goal of the season, and Shea Moyer recorded her fourth assist of the season. 
QUOTES:
Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole: 
On the message to the team coming in… “Let’s get back to business. Let’s get back on the front foot. To lose your last game of the Fall, you want to get back to business the next day and when you have a break like that, it’s frustrating. I’m glad we were the aggressor in the game.” 
On not finishing more chances… “We need to put the third and the fourth and the fifth away and, you know, you’ve seen too many of these games where they get one and then the last 10 minutes is a little bit different than it should have been.” 
Goal scorer Mia Corbin: 
On the fluidity in the attack… “I feel like we had a lot to work on when we left in December. We really worked on transitional moments. That’s part of why we brought (Riley) Parker in, to mix it up. It’s still new, it wasn’t perfect tonight, but that’s also a good positive.” 
Carolina Ascent forward Riley Parker: 
On making her debut with her new team… “It’s easy to get lost in the moment. Before the first whistle, I was just taking in my new uniform and new teammates and the hard work we put in this past month and a half. It’s a really special moment and I am lucky to have joined a club that has welcomed me with open arms.” 

WEEK 21 STORYLINES

BROOKLYN’S RETURN
First-place Brooklyn strung together a historic six victories and four clean sheets prior to the break and will be looking to add to that when the team returns to action this weekend against the Sun.

Over the break, Brooklyn took a two-week trip to Italy where they trained in Campobasso, played a friendly against Napoli Femminile and learned how to make pasta from scratch. We will see if that Italian trip leads to their seventh consecutive win.

FASTEST AND LATEST GOALS 
Dallas’ Lexi Missimo not only scored her first professional goal in her debut, but her goal was also the third fastest goal in Super League history. Here are the five fastest goals: 

  • FTL – Jasmine Hamid (2’; 12.1.24) 
  • DAL – Sam Meza (3’; 11.23.24) 
  • DAL – Lexi Missimo (4’; 02.15.2025) 
  • TB – Sydny Nasello (5’; 10.23.24)  
  • DC – Madison Wolfbauer (6’; 9.29.24) 

Additionally, Tampa Bay’s two come-from-behind draws to kick off the Spring Schedule saw the second-latest goal scored in the league. Here are the five latest goals: 

  • LEX – Kimberly Mendez (90+10; 10.06.24) 
  • TB – Cecilie Fløe Nielsen (90+5; 2.8.25) 
  • LEX – Sydney Shepherd (90+4; 10.13.24) 
  • DAL – Allie Thornton (90+4; 9.13.24) 
  • FTL – Anna Henderson (90+3; 11.10.24) 

COMEBACK QUEENS 
Tampa Bay Sun has come back from a deficit and scored the equalizer in its last two matches to earn draws. Dallas Trinity is the only other team to earn results in consecutive matches after conceding first. 

GOAL CONTRIBUTIONS 
While Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain leads the Golden Boot race, it’s Lexington’s Madi Parsons that leads the league in goal contributions. Here’s who falls in the top 5: 

  1. LEX – Madi Parsons: 5 goals/5 assists (10 goal contributions) 
  2. FTL – Addie McCain: 8 goals/1 assist (9 goal contributions) 
  3. TB – Carlee Giammona: 6 goals/2 assists (8 goal contributions) 
  4. DAL – Allie Thornton: 6 goals/1 assist (7 goal contributions)  
  5. SPK – Emina Ekić: 3 goals/4 assists (7 goal contributions) 

WINTER WEDDING BELLS 
Five players will compete under married names: 

  • Carolina Ascent FC: Eli Hutchinson (Beard) 
  • Dallas Trinity FC: Rachel Pace (McCarthy) 
  • Dallas Trinity FC: Jenna Walker (Winebrenner)  
  • DC Power FC: Susanna Fitch (Friedrichs)  
  • Fort Lauderdale United FC: Kiara Locklear (Pralle)

INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS 
Multiple Super League players have been called up to their home countries’ national team for the first FIFA international window of the 2025 calendar year running from February 17-26.

  • Loza Abera, DC Power FC, Ethiopia 
  • Sophia Braun, Spokane Zephyr FC, Argentina 
  • Claire Constant, DC Power FC, Haiti 
  • Jennifer Cudjoe, DC Power FC, Ghana 
  • Emina Ekić, Spokane Zephyr FC, Bosnia and Herzegovina 
  • Charlie Estcourt, DC Power FC, Wales 
  • Cecilie Fløe Nielsen, Tampa Bay Sun FC, Denmark U23 
  • Gabriela Guillén, Dallas Trinity FC, Costa Rica 
  • Katrina Guillou, DC Power FC, Philippines 
  • Andrea Hauksdottir, Tampa Bay Sun FC, Iceland 
  • Eli Hutchinson, Carolina Ascent FC, Israel 
  • Sydney Martinez, Brooklyn FC, Puerto Rico 
  • NaYeong Shin, Lexington SC, South Korea 

WINTER BREAK MOVEMENT 
While the action on field paused, the action off the field kept us going the entirety of the Winter Break. Read about the biggest moves and their possible impacts here.  

Additionally, here is a list of every player movement announced to this point: 

Brooklyn FC Isabel Cox Retired 
Brooklyn FC Taylor Smith Released 
Brooklyn FC Grace Philpotts Signed 
Brooklyn FC Alexa Goldberg Signed 
Carolina Ascent FC Riley Parker Signed 
Carolina Ascent FC Jenna Butler Signed 
Dallas Trinity FC Lexi Missimo Signed 
Dallas Trinity FC Sam Meza Released 
Dallas Trinity FC Waniya Hudson Released 
Dallas Trinity FCTamara BoltSigned
Dallas Trinity FCDeborah Abuodun Signed
Dallas Trinity FCCamryn LancasterSigned
DC Power FC Emily Colton Signed 
FTL UTD Laurel Ansbrow Signed 
FTL UTD Julia Grosso Signed 
FTL UTD Jorian Baucom Signed 
FTL UTD Heather Hinz Released 
Lexington SC Yunaira Lopez Signed 
Lexington SC Nicole Vernis Signed 
Lexington SC Hannah White Signed 
Lexington SC Sintia Cabezas Signed 
Lexington SC Kate Doyle Signed 
Lexington SC  Kimberley Mendez Released 
Lexington SC Madelen Holme Released 
Spokane Zephyr FC Ally Cook Signed 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Jordan Zade Signed 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Parker Goins Signed 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Jackie Simpson Signed 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Victoria Haugen Signed 
Tampa Bay Sun FCAva TankersleySigned
Tampa Bay Sun FC Kristen Edmonds Released 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Lauren Kozal Released 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Natalia Staude Released 
Tampa Bay Sun FC Jazmin Abundis Released 

DISCIPLINE REPORT – WEEK 21

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

LEAGUE LEADERS

GOALS:

  • Addie McCain (FTL) – 8 goals 
  • Allie Thornton (DAL) – 6 goals 
  • Carlee Giammona (TB) – 6 goals 
  • Cecilie Nielsen (TB) – 5 goals 
  • Madison Parsons (LEX) – 5 goals 
  • Sydney Shepherd (LEX) – 4 goals 
  • Natasha Flint (TB) – 4 goals 
  • Jasmine Hamid (FTL) – 4 goals 
  • Marykate McGuire (LEX) – 4 goals 
  • Luana Grabias (BKN) – 4 goals 
  • Jessica Garziano (BKN) – 4 goals 
  • Mia Corbin (CAR) – 4 goals 

ASSISTS:

  • Madison Perez (LEX) – 5 assists  
  • Madi Parsons (LEX) – 5 assists 
  • Mackenzie Pluck (BKN) – 4 assists 
  • Emina Ekic (SPK) – 4 assists 
  • Shea Moyer (LEX) – 4 assists 
  • Jillienne Aguilera (CAR) – 3 assists  
  • Rylee Baisden (CAR) – 3 assists 
  • Sydny Nasello (TB) – 3 assists 

CLEAN SHEETS:

  • Meagan McClelland (CAR) – 6 clean sheets 
  • Madison White (DAL) – 5 clean sheets  
  • Sydney Martinez (BKN) – 4 clean sheets 
  • Morgan Aquino (DC) – 4 clean sheets 
  • Hope Hisey (SPK) – 3 clean sheets 
  • Neeku Purcell (BKN) – 3 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) 
  • LEX – Hannah Richardson (12.14.24) 
  • TB – Natasha Flint (12.14.24) 
  • FTL – Kiara Pralle (12.14.24)