The USL Super League is back for its second season, bringing more excitement to women’s football. In a sign of stability, all eight of the original teams have returned, and they are joined by a new expansion team, Sporting Jacksonville. With teams making big changes and signing new talent during the off-season, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be highly competitive.
Here’s a look at each club, their key player movements, and what to expect in the season ahead.
🔄 Brooklyn FC: A Fresh Start
Brooklyn is making major changes after a season of two halves. They started strong but ultimately missed the playoffs. The team has hired a new head coach, Tomás Tengarrinha from Portugal, to bring a modern, attack-minded style of play. To support this new vision, they’ve signed several experienced players, including American goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty from Scotland’s Celtic and midfielder Emma Loving from France. The team also added defender Jordan Thompson from Australia’s Sydney FC and the talented Croatian forward sisters, Kiki and Ana Markovic. While some key players have departed, the new squad looks solid. The challenge for Brooklyn will be to find consistency on and off the field and build a strong connection with their fans.
Prediction: With a new coach and a refreshed roster, Brooklyn has the potential to be a playoff contender if they can maintain their form throughout the long season. Expect them to finish around fourth or fifth.
🏆 Carolina Ascent: Building on Success
As last season’s regular-season champions, Carolina Ascent will be looking to defend their title. Under the guidance of head coach Philip Poole, the team continues to build a strong squad. A major new signing is American forward Catherine Zimmerman, who has years of experience playing in Australia. The team has also strengthened its defense by adding Meaghan Nally, who previously played in Denmark. A smart move was acquiring talented Puerto Rican international goalkeeper Sydney Martinez from Brooklyn. The club is also investing in the future, signing young academy players like Stella Spitzer and Chloe “B” Hylton to professional contracts.
Prediction: Carolina should be a strong contender for the playoffs again. With a skilled coach and key new players, they have what it takes to challenge for the title.
✨ Dallas Trinity: Aiming Higher
Dallas Trinity had a strong first season, building an internationally experienced team that made it to the playoffs. This year, they are looking to go even further. A key signing is former Canadian youth international goalkeeper Rylee Foster, who will replace Madison White. The team also boasts talented players like Deb Abiodun, who recently helped Nigeria win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Playing in the historic Cotton Bowl, Dallas has a solid foundation and will likely be one of the top teams in the league once again.
Prediction: Dallas has the quality to challenge for the regular season title and could finish even higher than their third-place spot last year.
💪 D.C. Power: Seeking Improvement
After finishing seventh and struggling to score goals last season, D.C. Power is focused on a comeback. They’ve hired a highly experienced coach, Omid Namazi, to lead the team. To solve their goal-scoring problems, they’ve added forward Margie Detrizio from the Washington Spirit. She is expected to team up with Ethiopian international Loza Abera and American forward Gianna Gourley to create a more dangerous attack. With a strong goalkeeper in Morgan Aquino, D.C. Power looks much more competitive this year.
Prediction: While they may still finish just outside the playoffs, expect D.C. Power to be a much tougher opponent and remain in the playoff race until the end of the season.
🚀 Ft. Lauderdale United FC: Can They Repeat the Magic?
Ft. Lauderdale was the surprise of last season, making a thrilling run to the championship final. This season, they will have to do it without star goalkeeper Cosette Morché, who has moved to the NWSL. To fill her shoes, they’ve brought in Bella Hara, a full international goalkeeper from Guam. The team has also added Dominican Republic international Kathrynn González and veteran midfielder Carlyn Baldwin. A very exciting signing is Australian international Sophie Harding, who was the best player in Australia’s A-League last season and could be a top scorer in the USL.
Prediction: Don’t underestimate this team. With strong new signings, Ft. Lauderdale should be in the playoff picture once again, likely finishing between third and fifth.
🌟 Lexington SC: The Team to Watch
After finishing in last place, Lexington SC has completely transformed its roster and is poised for a dramatic turnaround. They made a huge statement by signing Emina Ekić, the 2024-25 USL Super League Player of the Year, from Spokane. Three of her Spokane teammates have joined her, including Taylor Aylmer and McKenzie Weinert. The club has also brought in standout midfielder Addie McCain from Ft. Lauderdale and goalkeeper Kat Asman on loan. With a new head coach in Masaki Hemmi, Lexington has assembled a very impressive squad.
Prediction: Lexington is expected to be one of the most improved teams in the league. They should not only make the playoffs but could even challenge for the top spot. A second-place finish is a strong possibility.
rebuilding Spokane Zephyr FC
Spokane Zephyr FC had a great second half last season but just missed the playoffs. This year, they face a rebuilding phase after losing their best player, Emina Ekić, and three other key players to Lexington. However, the team has brought in new talent to fill the gaps, including forward Lena Silano, who has experience in the NWSL and Spain’s Liga F. They’ve also added young players on loan from NWSL clubs. Under interim head coach Josh McAllister, the team will look to build new chemistry.
Prediction: Spokane has a young roster and a new coaching staff, so it may be a challenging season. However, if they can find their rhythm, they could still make a run for the playoffs.
🆕 Sporting Jacksonville: The Newcomers
As the new expansion team, Sporting Jacksonville is ready to make its mark. The club is led by head coach Stacey Balaam, who has brought in English forward Jade Pennock, a player she previously coached in college. Pennock recently helped guide a team to a title in Australia. Other key signings include New Zealand youth international Helena Errington and Tongan international defender Davi Vaka. The team captain will be Sophie Jones, who has represented the U.S. at youth levels.
Prediction: It’s always tough for a new team. Jacksonville will likely face some struggles in their first season and finish near the bottom of the standings. Patience will be key as they build for the future.
☀️ Tampa Bay Sun: The Champions Return
The reigning champions, Tampa Bay Sun, are looking as strong as ever. They’ve added more international talent to their already powerful squad, including Swiss international midfielder Sandrine Mauron, who brings a wealth of experience from playing in Germany and for her national team. They also acquired Australian defender Charlotte McLean on loan. With a solid core and smart additions, Tampa Bay is well-equipped to defend its title.
Prediction: Tampa Bay is the team to beat. They are favorites to make the playoffs again and are a strong pick to win the regular season title.
Final Season Predictions
- Tampa Bay Sun
- Lexington SC (Tie)
- Carolina Ascent (Tie)
- Dallas Trinity (Tie)
- Fort Lauderdale United (Tie)
- Brooklyn FC (Tie)
- Spokane Zephyr
- D.C. Power
- Sporting Jacksonville
