The USL Super League has had early successes and failures, with one disappointment being the amount of empty expansion promises in markets like Chattanooga and Madison. However, one club is looking to make their intentions clear to fans.

The Greenville Liberty, sister club to USL1’s Greenville Triumph, will join the men’s team in their new 6,300 seat stadium currently under construction and set for completion in 2026. After doing so, the current USLW side will aim to go pro and join the Super League.

A Triumph and Liberty executive told Southeast Soccer Report that, “As far as Super League goes, it’s something we have been and continue to evaluate in general and with the USL. We’ve said in public and private circles before that we aspire to take the Liberty professional at some point once the time and league are right, so getting into the stadium is one of the big pieces to solving that puzzle. As you can imagine, date availability being in someone else’s stadium has been one of the biggest barriers for us up to this point (as evidenced by our inability to host any Jäger playoff matches).”

It isn’t a guarantee, but if the Liberty do join the Super League, they will be able to form close rivalries with Southeast teams in Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Lexington, and most importantly, the Carolina Ascent in nearby Charlotte.

The Liberty have pulled a couple thousand fans to games before, so not only would they be a boost to the league perception-wise, but they would continue the rapid growth of women’s soccer in the United States, especially in smaller markets. Let’s hope that they will indeed go pro within the next year or two.

The action at Suncoast Credit Union Field saw Fort Lauderdale on the attack from the opening whistle, but the resilient Tampa Bay defense, backed by an inspired home crowd, held firm. Goalkeeper Bella Hara was a steady presence for United, earning her second clean sheet of the season in the scoreless affair.

The draw marks the fourth time in six meetings that these in-state rivals have split the points, a growing trend since Tampa Bay edged out Fort Lauderdale to win the inaugural 2024-25 Super League Championship. While the Sun’s search for their first win of the new season continues, they successfully snapped Fort Lauderdale’s three-game win streak.

Despite securing a point on the road against their biggest rivals, the mood in the Fort Lauderdale camp was subduded

Head Coach Ali Rogers acknowledged the difficulty of earning a result away from home, but stressed the team’s need for improvement. “We’re only as good as what we produced in our last game, and today wasn’t our best game,” Rogers said. “It’s never easy to get a point on the road, but we obtained the point, and we’re just going to move forward, work harder and learn and grow from this.”

Captain Sh’nia Gordon echoed her coach’s sentiment, admitting the squad expects more from themselves. “I think we’re a little disappointed. I know that we can play better, we know that we can play better,” Gordon stated. “Obviously, we always want to get the three points every time we step on the field, but we’re going to go again next week, work at it and get ready for our next game.”

The match also served as “Kick for the Cure” night honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Sun players wearing pink warm-ups and fans filling out “I Fight For...” cards for loved ones battling cancer.

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Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Sun

In a related move, former Head Coach Tyrone Mears has been elevated to the role of President of Soccer, where he will continue to shape the club's long-term strategic vision. The moves were announced at a press conference earlier today.

This move was no surprise as Rogers has become more visibly vocal on the Fort Lauderdale touchline in recent weeks. The move also allows Mears to begin building along with General Manager Aly Hassan the squad for FTL United’s USL League One launch next season.

“It was always part of our plan for Ali Rogers to take on the head coach role, and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition,” Mears said. “I’ve truly enjoyed my time working directly with this group, and Ali has my full support as she leads the team forward. We’re excited to continue building on our success and to play our part in growing the women’s game.”

At the press conference, I asked Mears specifically about the challenges of building a squad for USL League One and he lauded FC Naples’ build this past off-season as well as discussing a broader vision of integrating the youth talent pool in South Florida into the broader club. Fort Lauderdale United’s USL2 men’s squad reached the national quarterfinals this past season, so the building blocks are already there.

Rogers has been an integral part of Fort Lauderdale United FC since its inception, helping the team achieve a 12-9-9 record and a berth in the Super League Final during its inaugural season. Her promotion is a significant milestone for the league, making her just the third woman currently serving as a head coach, alongside Denise Schilte-Brown of Tampa Bay and Stacey Balaam of Sporting JAX. She is the sixth female head coach in Super League history.

“It’s an incredible honor to be named Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC,” Rogers stated. “Leading this club at such an exciting time is a privilege, and I’m ready to continue building on the progress we’ve already made. To be just the third woman head coach in the league, and the sixth overall, is something I don’t take lightly. I know the importance of representation, and I’m proud to be part of paving the way for more women in leadership roles in professional soccer.”

Hassan expressed confidence in the new appointment. “We’re thrilled to officially name Ali Rogers as our head coach,” Hassan said. “She’s been a very valuable part of our club’s progress — shaping our identity, setting high standards, and building strong relationships within the team. Her impact has been felt in every part of the organization, and this promotion reflects both her leadership and the belief we have in her vision. We’re proud to take this next step with her at the helm.”

Rogers’ coaching career is marked by a history of success at the collegiate and professional levels. Prior to her time with Fort Lauderdale United FC, she served as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Dartmouth College, where she helped the team achieve an unprecedented unbeaten start. She also spent five years at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), guiding the program to multiple ASUN regular-season and tournament championships and NCAA tournament appearances. Her role as ECNL Director and Head Coach for Florida West further highlights her commitment to developing young talent.

In addition to her new head coaching duties, Rogers will continue to play a critical role in the club’s youth development as the Girls Academy Technical Director, College Advisor, and Girls Liaison to Florida West FC.

Rogers also brings elite playing experience to the role. A standout player and team captain at FGCU, she was a First Team All-Conference selection and conference MVP before a professional career in Poland's Ekstraliga was cut short by injury.

“I have been acting as head coach since the start of preseason, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have already established,” Rogers added. “I will give my full commitment to establishing Fort Lauderdale United FC as a top team in the league and to solidifying our reputation as a prominent and respected club in professional soccer.”

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Midfielder Kelli Van Treeck was the star of the show, scoring her first two professional goals in the dominant win. Forward Kiara Locklear added her third goal of the season, cementing a crucial three points for the team. With the result, Fort Lauderdale United climbs to second place in the Super League standings. Also standing out was Stella Nyamekye, the Ghanaian International on loan from Gotham FC. Her touches and movement were sublime, and at just 19, we can expect continued growth from the player.

The initial breakthrough for Fort Lauderdale came in the 16th minute when Van Treeck capitalized on a deflected ball in the Dallas box, firing home to give Fort Lauderdale a 1-0 lead. The pressure continued, and the team's relentless attack paid off again in the 40th minute when a Darya Rajaee cross deflected off a Dallas defender for an own goal, sending Fort Lauderdale into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half was a showcase of the team's depth and attacking prowess. Just over a minute after midfielder Lily Nabet was substituted out in the 58th minute of her impressive debut, Van Treeck calmly slotted home her second goal of the night, completing a brace and extending the lead to 3-0. Dallas managed to pull one back in the 73rd minute, but the response from Fort Lauderdale was immediate. Locklear broke free of the defense, rounded the keeper, and scored her third goal of the season in the 81st minute, sealing the 4-1 record-breaking win.

On scoring her first two professional goals, Van Treeck said, “Whatever it takes to just get the win, but I'm just excited that we won and that we got our first three points here at home. It doesn't matter if I'm the one that puts in the back of the net, as long as we're putting in the back of the net and we're winning.”

Head coach Tyrone Mears was full of praise for his team's performance. "It was excellent. We would have liked another clean sheet, but you'll take that when you're scoring four goals. But yeah, Dallas have shown they are a tough team to play against. But again, I thought we were excellent." He also commented on how the team has grown after drawing its first two home matches. "I think it's just the team gelling, it always takes time. We've had a lot of changes, a lot of new players, but I think you can see, for instance, Kelli's impact coming into the starting 11. She's settling in really well, and we're still getting to know each other. The first two home games, we should have been coming away with three points in each of them, but tonight showed that the girls are learning."

Van Treeck also spoke about her chemistry on the right side with Sh'nia Gordon. "Sh'nia is just fun to play with. She makes it easy to play in front of her, and she's always making that run high. It's just nice to be able to just interchange — sometimes I'm the one that's flying, sometimes it's her and I'm dropping in a little bit, but ultimately, she just makes it easy to play with.” Mears echoed this sentiment about the team's new additions, particularly Lily Nabet. “Lily is a ball player, a very intelligent soccer player," he said. "I think it was always going to be fitness. I think with her, it's going to take her a little bit of time to get her up to scratch, but she helps a lot on the ball and she is very intelligent. She can play with pressure, can play forward, and she executes with that final ball really well to these attackers.”

Fort Lauderdale United will now have a two-week break before embarking on a three-match road trip, starting with a key clash against Brooklyn FC on Sunday, September 28.

Fort Lauderdale United FC has bolstered its attacking options with the loan signing of 19-year-old forward Princess Ademiluyi from NWSL side Gotham FC for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, the club announced Tuesday. The deal is pending league and federation approval.

Ademiluyi, a rising star in England’s youth system, brings pace, physicality, and finishing ability to a Fort Lauderdale side already boasting one of the league’s most dangerous front lines. She will line up alongside Kiara Locklear, Sophie Harding, and Jasmine Hamid, giving United a versatile strike force capable of unsettling any defense.

“Princess arrives with an impressive pedigree and résumé at such a young age,” said Associate Head Coach Ali Rogers. “Her background with top clubs and international experience has prepared her well, and we expect her to make an immediate impact with our team. She is a dynamic athlete whose presence on the field is both powerful and difficult for opponents to contain.”

A native of Gravesend, Kent, Ademiluyi came through the West Ham United academy and made her Women’s Super League debut at 16 in 2023, one of the youngest players ever to feature in the competition. She became the first player to progress from the West Ham Foundation’s Player Pathway to a senior contract in 2024. Over three seasons with the Hammers, she tallied 19 appearances, while also spending time on loan with Charlton Athletic in 2024/25 before signing with Gotham FC earlier this month.

On the international stage, Ademiluyi has earned 14 caps and scored six goals with England’s U-19 squad since October 2024. She featured prominently in the 2025 UEFA U-19 European Championship, starting all three matches and scoring five goals across her last four appearances for the Three Lionesses.

“Princess is an exciting young talent with the potential to take the league by storm,” said Fort Lauderdale GM Aly Hassan. “Her experience with top clubs and England’s youth national teams adds another layer to our attack, and we can’t wait to see her in action for Fort Lauderdale.”

This time, Defender Ella Simpson was the hero, scoring her second goal in as many matches. The winning goal came in the 62nd minute from a corner kick delivered by midfielder Stella Nyamekye, who was making her first start with the team after arriving on loan from NWSL’s Gotham FC. This marked Nyamekye's first assist of the season.

With the victory, Fort Lauderdale remains undefeated through three matches, building strong momentum as it prepares for a home game against one of the league's top teams, the Dallas Trinty FC who won 1-0 in Jacksonville Saturday night behind a historic goal from 15-year old Rhea Moore.

Match Recap

Fort Lauderdale started the match with confidence, controlling possession and setting the tempo for the first 20 minutes. Coach Tyrone Mears' new-look starting lineup, which included Nyamekye and left-back Julia Grosso, made an immediate impact. Forward Jasmine Hamid created two early chances, and a give-and-go between Kelli Van Treeck and Kiara Locklear nearly resulted in a goal.

The combination of Hamid and Nyamekye proved effective, with Nyamekye dictating play and creating a scoring opportunity in the 33rd minute. Goalkeeper Bella Hara kept the game scoreless at the half with a crucial save in stoppage time.

The second half saw both teams apply pressure, but it was Fort Lauderdale that broke the deadlock. After a corner kick in the 62nd minute, Nyamekye's high-arching ball found Simpson, who powered a header into the net for the match's only goal.

The win was not without drama, as midfielder Taylor Smith received a red card in the 94th minute—the first in the club's history. Despite being down a player, Fort Lauderdale held on for the 1-0 victory.

Scoring Summary:

• Fort Lauderdale: Simpson, 62' (assisted by Nyamekye)

Looking Ahead

Fort Lauderdale United returns home on Saturday, September 13, to host Dallas Trinity FC at Beyond Bancard Field. The two teams have a history of competitive matchups, with Fort Lauderdale winning the season series during the inaugural campaign. Both clubs made it to the Super League Playoffs last season, setting the stage for a high-quality contest before Fort Lauderdale begins a three-match road swing.

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Carolina entered the match looking for their first win of the year after earning a draw in Fort Lauderdale last week, but they faced a tough test in the defending Gainbridge Super League champions, Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay threatened early, nearly scoring in the 3rd minute with a dangerous cross into the box. Goalkeeper Meagan McClelland reacted quickly, making a crucial save to keep the match level.

In the 40th minute, the Ascent broke through. A corner from Emily Moxley created a scramble in front of goal, and after a blocked shot from Taylor Porter, the ball fell to Mia Corbin. Surrounded by defenders, Corbin managed to fire it into the back of the net, putting Carolina ahead 1–0. Just two minutes later, Jill Aguilera nearly doubled the lead, but her strike went just over the bar.

Carolina started the second half strong, creating several chances that missed just wide or were stopped by the Tampa Bay keeper. The visitors responded in the 73rd minute, when Sydney Nasello tapped in a low cross to equalize. Only seven minutes later, Tampa Bay struck again, this time from a corner kick that was headed past McClelland to make it 2–1. The goal shifted the momentum, and the Ascent suddenly found themselves chasing the game.

Deep into stoppage time, Carolina found the breakthrough they needed. Striker Maddie Mercado carried the ball forward and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that soared into the top of the net, bringing the crowd to its feet and leveling the score at 2–2. Moments later, the Ascent nearly snatched all three points when a cross from Moxley connected with Audrey Harding in front, but Tampa Bay’s goalkeeper made a key stop to secure the draw.

Following the match, Carolina’s goal scorers admitted they were slightly disappointed not to take full points but stressed their confidence in the team’s potential this season. Head coach Philip Poole emphasized the significance of the strong fan turnout, noting that the crowd’s energy, even through the storm delay, reflects the excitement surrounding women’s soccer in Charlotte.

The Ascent, now with back-to-back draws to open the season, continue to build chemistry with 10 new additions to the squad. With their depth and talent, they’ll look to turn resilience into results in the weeks ahead.

The Orlando Pride announced the transfer of Mexican international forward Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle from UANL Tigres Femenil this Thurday. The trasfer-$1,500,000- sets a new record for most expensive signing in women’s football, beating the previous record set by Arsenal’s signing of Olivia Smith. The signing also marks the second high profile signing by the Pride who recruited Barbra Banda for $740,000- seventh most expensive all-time- last year.

Ovalle joins Orlando after eight years with Tigres. During that time, she was able to amass an insane 136 goals- a club record. La Maga would also help take her team to lift the Liga MX Femenil championship on six seperate occasions and the Campeon de Campeonas three times. With Mexico, Ovalle won a Pan American Games gold medal and was names in the Women’s Gold Cup Best XI.

“We are deeply committed to building championship-caliber teams year after year and this landmark signing is a reflection of that focus. Jacquie is a world-class talent and a proven winner, and her arrival in Orlando marks another step on our journey to position the Pride among the elite clubs in global women’s soccer. We’re proud to lead the way in investing in the women’s game, not just for today’s success, but to shape the future of the sport for generations to come.”

-Mark Wilf, Orlando Pride Owner and Chairman

Orlando’s attack will need the reinforements with Banda still nursing her hip and the team winless in their past 5 games including the recently 1-0 loss to Angel City. Ovalle will first play in the Liga MX Femenil All-Star game this weekend before joining the Orlando Pride.

This weekend, the Orlando Pride will be traveling to CPKC Stadium to take on current #1 in the NWSL, Kansas City Current. The ladies in purple will be hoping to turn things around having left points on the table in their last 3 matches. The Current, on the other hand, have pulled away from the pack with an 11 point advantage and a game in hand.

We are now in the back half of the National Women’s Soccer League season and the top teams are locked into maintaining their positions in the league table. The Current are on a tremendous run of form at the current moment; they have won every match in their last 8 fixtures. During this run they have beaten the like of Racing Louisville (2 times), NY/NJ Gotham, and even their opponent this Saturday, the Orlando Pride. The Current’s attack is led by the co-Golden Boot leader, Temwa Chawinga, who has 10 goals and 2 assists on the season. This time, the Current will be enjoying their home field advantage and going into this game very confident against the Pride.

Current NWSL Champions Orlando Pride have struggled in recent games. The team lost to Louisville and failed to take all three points in consecutive home matches. This inconsistency has led to the team dropping to third place with San Diego and Portland not far behind. Luckily for the moradas, Marta will likely be returning to the field this weekend after appearing on the bench last game which was a result of needing rest after leading her Brazil to another Copa America title. Their other lead attacker, Barbra Banda, will also be motivated to reestablish her form, having not scored since June 14th.

Outside of the league leaders, the current NWSL table is still open for the taking for most teams. Orlando esprecially will be highly motivated to take points away from this game to prevent a further slide down the rankings, however, the Current are plainly dominant and will have the backing of their loyal fans behind them.

This match is the best pick of the weekend for NWSL so be sure to tune in and follow the Southeast Soccer Report for more Pride coverage.

The defending champions started the game very well in possession. Sixteen minutes in, Julie Doyle ran into space at the back post to meet a cross in the air from the right. About ten yards out, she got her technique all wrong, and her shot went harmlessly wide.

Orlando continued to possess the ball and wanted to push it wide in the attack to cross back in for chances. On the other side of the tactical aisle, Louisville tried to trap Orlando in their own half and play more direct, which slowly helped them grow into the game. Orlando’s possession slipped as they gave the ball away, and in the array of half-chances that dominated the first half, Louisville had more.

It took until the forty-third minute for the half-chances to end. Orlando’s Ally Limos played Barbara Banda down the left channel, and the BBC Women’s Football of the year beat two defenders to drive at goal. One of the defenders, Ellie Jean, panicked pulled Banda’s left arm back, and gave up a penalty.

Julie Doyle walked up to take the spot kick, trying to redeem her early miss, but Racing goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer read her penalty the entire way, dove to her right, and got both hands on the ball to push it away. The ensuing corner saw a shot blocked after an initial clearance, and Banda found herself on the rebound. She hit a pacy shot just inside the 18 but Bloomer came up clutch again, jumping up to punch the ball over the bar. Punching the next corner away capped what was an incredible minute of heroism.

Five minutes into stoppage time, Emma Sears drove centrally into the Orlando attacking third, beat a defender, and played Canadian National Team right back Janine Beckie down the right flank. Marisa DiGrande was wide open after a great back post run, settled the cross from Beckie with her first touch well, and hit it off the half-volley into the right side of the net. It was a lovely team goal after Sear’s central movement opened up the space for Beckie’s run, and DiGrande scored her first goal this year and only her second for the club (sixth in her career) with a great finish.

The second half kicked off with some half chances. Banda received a great through ball about eight minutes into the second half, but her shot was saved near post with not much difficulty. About five minutes later, a Louisville counter attack ends with a shot outside the box from the right going wide past the left post.

It took until the seventy-fourth minute for another major chance to come, as Louisville’s Ella Hase was played through down the left channel. She drove towards goal and created a 1v1 opportunity, but her shot did not really challenge the keeper as Moorhouse dropped to the left for the save.

Just before minute eighty, Simone Charley fought and won the balls off two Louisville players, one being Taylor Flint. She slightly pulled Charley back and she started to go down outside the box, but then Katie O’Kane made a recovery tackle in the box, driving her hip in front of Charley. It was a foul, but the referee initially called the foul outside the box for the pullback by Flint. After VAR review, however, it was recognized that advantage should’ve been played and the second foul was called on O’Kane for another Orlando penalty.

Unless you didn’t read the headline, you know where this is going. Bloomer took a step to her right, baited Angelina to shoot to her left, and she dove to parry the ball for her second penalty save! The follow-up header chance was cleared at the last second by a sprawled Gilliland, and Louisville survived again.

With only one minute remaining in normal time, Banda flicked on a header to Charley, who played it right back. Banda then drove forward and played the ball to her left, where Jackson hit a half-volley over the bar. With that, Orlando’s hopes were fading, but nine whole minutes of stoppage time were added.

They only needed three.

An in-swinging free kick from the right was flicked on by Charley, causing the ball to bounce off Ary Borges’ head and in past Bloomer for an own goal. Louisville had finally been beat, and Orlando got a gracious equalizer with six minutes to play.

Five of the remaining minutes were controlled by Louisville, but they couldn’t create a goal-scoring opportunity. Instead, after losing the ball to Angelina in midfield, Orlando had a 3v2 counter attack. After driving into space, Angelina played Banda through on the right. As the Louisville defender lunged to block her shot, the star striker somehow didn’t even hit the target with the last kick of the game, instead hitting the stands behind. With that, an extremely eventful game finished 1-1, saw the Pride stay second with 27 points, and saw Louisville keep the seventh playoff spot with 21 points.

Racing Louisville’s next match is this Friday, August 15 at 8:00pm EST as they face third place Washington Spirit in DC. Orlando will face off against current leaders KC Current this Saturday at 4:00pm EST away. Kansas City are currently 12 points clear of the Pride.

We’re looking for help covering clubs in the NWSL, so if you or someone you know are interested, click here for the website application. We would love your help growing our women’s pro coverage!

Written by James Knowles

Date: Saturday May 24, 2025

Result: Tampa Bay 2-0 DC

Records: Tampa Bay Sun (46 pts 12W-10D-6L); DC Power FC (23 pts 5W-8D-14L)

Standings: The Sun stayed 2nd in the table.

With one game left in the season, the Sun knew what they needed to do. Get the win, secure the three points, and you’re almost a shoo-in for a home playoff game. So what did they do? Exactly that. With results around the league, that home semifinal fixture is now guaranteed. It was an incredible way to make the end of the season!

Are we the most in-form side in the Super League?!

It would of course be a big pronouncement to make. However, there are arguments in Tampa Bay’s favor. Going away to Carolina and getting a draw is important. (To be fair, it was all they needed that night.) Other than the blip away to Spokane, it’s just been coming up roses for the Sunnies. We’ll just blame that loss on the travel delays anyway - fair?

Coming into this one, DC didn’t have much hope. With their season effectively over and no chance of playoffs on the horizon, there likely wasn’t much to play for, either. Tampa Bay are scoring left and right lately, and beat the Power in their last two meetings - both away games. Not only that, it was a night of some celebration for the Floridians.

Before the match, it was announced that Erika Tymrak would be retiring from professional soccer. A Tampa Bay native, she was set to be honored by her last club. The team showed up for their water taxi ride to the stadium in shirts with her name as well as that of her teammate Jade Moore. This could mean the same thing for the English veteran at season’s end.

Although the game didn’t start well for the Sun, with keeper Sydney Schneider being forced into a substitution within ten minutes, it would end exactly as fans and players would’ve wanted. Roughly ten minutes after that, Sydny Nasello had a shot hit the woodwork. She didn’t sit with the disappointment, though, beating two players and then roofing it past DC’s keeper.

Nasello’s positive play lately has been augmented by her more direct actions in the box. She isn’t afraid to shoot it herself when the opportunity arises. It has made her significantly more dangerous. She was always able to wriggle past defenders. But now, she can finish off the play on her own. It has been a true turning point for the Sun among many others this season.

Defensively sound for most of the game, Tampa Bay just needed to ride out the play of their visitors and keep looking for chances as they came. In the second half, Cecilie Floe was the beneficiary when Tash Flint received the ball from Jade Moore, turning and seeing a ball over the top of the Power back line. It was a relatively easy finish from there for the Dane.

Maintaining a shut out despite the change in keeper was important for the home side. Ashley Orkus did just that and they closed out the game 2-0. Confidence boost? Check. Three points? Check. Home playoff game?! Check, check, check. Then, it was time to celebrate. And there was much to celebrate, too. Their position in the table was only one facet.

Tymrak and Moore got their flowers. No matter what happens with them both this summer or thereafter, their careers have been exemplary. Moore competed in World Cups. She overcame a real dearth in professional setups in England during her youth to see the women’s game transform from an afterthought to a real competition with real investment. Her future biography will be incredible.

Tymrak deserves more space from the RBLR writing crew. Before the season, a piece on Moore described her career until joining the Sun. The former of these, though, grew up in Lakewood Ranch. She’s a Floridian who played for the University of Florida, played for multiple NWSL clubs, and appeared for the US women’s national team. She should serve as inspiration to every youth player in the area. Wherever she winds up, here’s to hoping it’s somewhere around her hometown.

Written by James Knowles

Date: Saturday May 10, 2025

Kickoff Time: 7:00 pm EST at Lexington SC Stadium in Lexington, KY

Records: Tampa Bay Sun (39 pts 10W-9D-6L); Lexington SC (17 pts 4W-5D-16L)

Standings: The Sun are 3rd in the Super League and Lexington are 8th.

After taking a massive step forward in the playoff race, the Sun have what should be a comparatively easy assignment. But, therein lies the issue: one cannot get complacent this close to the end of the season. Lexington’s record is poor. This makes them the perfect banana peel team in the final month of Super League regular season games. Tune in this weekend on Peacock to take in the action from Kentucky!

Are you sure we can’t just be awarded the three points?

Much like was the case in prior games against Lexington, or the 1-0 win over DC, Tampa Bay does indeed have to complete the full 90 minutes of action before any points can be awarded. We at RBLR have consulted the rulebook, and it does enforce that a game will be played. Unfortunately, this banana peel match will go on.

The good news is the Sun know exactly what they need to do: win. Three points will put them in good stead with only two games to follow, one of which is away in North Carolina. If the Ascent as league leaders present the biggest challenge for Tampa Bay, this Saturday is the most direct route to three points beforehand. Lexington’s record speaks for itself.

With just 17 points all season, the Kentuckians have lost 16 games - ten more than the Sun. In fact, only DC also has losses in the double digits. Lexington hasn’t won a game since early March; although, for the sake of avoiding that slip, it should be noted they drew 1-1 away from home to Brooklyn FC in April. They’re not completely incapable of competing.

The added factor of intrigue will be Tampa Bay’s available players. Largely able to draw from her full roster, manager Denise Schilte-Brown will be without her captain Jordyn Listro. Jordy, as the team calls her, was sent off in the last game for a reckless challenge. Regardless of any argument about the red, the suspension will be served. Who takes her place?

Most likely in midfield will be Jade Moore and Carlee Giammona. The latter of these also left the last match before full time, in her case with a potential head injury that forced a concussion substitution. Assuming she is back and available, Giammona is perfectly capable of playing as a midfield partner to Moore against the upcoming opposition.

Tash Flint has taken up the mantle of a deeper, attack-minded midfielder lately after starting life with the Sun as the target forward. Last week, it was Hannah Keane who played that role - to incredible effect - and Flint’s ability to interchange with Moore and Listro has become more evident with each passing game. The midfield should already be sorted out, then.

Scoring goals has not been a problem for Tampa Bay of late. Assuming nothing outrageous happens, Lexington’s inability to keep a clean sheet should live on. At the back, the Sun will want to maintain focus and get a shutout of their own. It would be the second in two weeks and the third in four games if they did so. One more example of peaking before the playoffs.

DSB has her team firing on all cylinders. This is not the time to take your foot off the gas pedal. While some rotation for the sake of avoiding injuries is to be expected (probably another appearance for new signing Gabby Provenzano), an early goal or two would go a long way to putting this game to bed. Then, when Lexington knows they’re beat, bring on the subs.

Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos, right, chases Portland Thorns forward Reilyn Turner, 66, during the Thorns’ 1-0 NWSL victory Saturday in Portland. PHOTO: Orlando Pride Communications

Pride suffers ‘disappointing’ 1-0 loss

Reyna Reyes’ goal in the 16th minute was all Portland (3-2-3, 12 points) needed against the defending NWSL champion Orlando Pride. The loss at Portland’s Providence Park was Orlando’s first on the road and its second in three matches. The Pride (5-2-0, 15 points) remain tied for first with the KC Current, which lost 1-0 to Seattle Reign FC.

There weren’t many Orlando highlights Saturday in the Pride’s 1-0 loss to the Portland Thorns, but three players did celebrate individual accomplishments.

Abello plays 50th straight match

Defender Kerry Abello became the first player in club history to play in 50 consecutive matches, while defender Zara Chavoshi made her first start and goalkeeper McKinley Crone made her first appearance when she relieved an injured Anna Moorhouse in the second half.

Defender Kerry Abello, 25, is the first player to appear in 50 straight games for the Orlando Pride. PHOTO: Orlando Pride Communications

Pride can’t solve Thorn’s defense

Orlando Coach Seb Hines said he was “disappointed with the result.”

“When you give Portland an opportunity to take the lead it is very difficult to get back into the game,” he told reporters according to a media release from the club. “We tried, but it wasn’t enough to get anything out of the game.”

Hines said the Thorns “were one step ahead of us in their defensive structure. We didn’t create too many opportunities. They were well organized. ”

“You have got to try and create the space,” he said. “You have got to move, make unselfish runs and you have got to be proactive rather than reactive….You have got to find different ways and we had different solutions during the run of game and changed different build up shapes, but it wasn’t enough to get that equalizer.”

Lineup changes

Hines made five changes to his lineup after his side’s dramatic 3-2 come-from-behind win April 25 against Angel City FC, with Chavoshi, Carson Pickett, Oihane, Haley McCutcheon and Ally Watt all starting.

Moorhouse, Emily Sams, Abello, Ally Lemos, Marta and Barbra Banda were the other starters against Portland.

Moorhouse injury

Moorhouse has started all seven matches for Orlando this season, conceding just five goals and saving 19 shots while keeping three clean sheets. The English keeper was injured when the Thorns’ Mimi Alidou inadvertently kicked her in the head while the players scrambled for a loose ball in the 47th minute. Medical staff attended Moorhouse for several minutes before she left the field. As of Monday afternoon, the club hadn’t released information about the English goalkeeper’s condition.

Orlando will play the North Carolina Courage at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday. The match will be televised on ION.

Charlotte FC isn’t the only professional soccer team in the 704. The Carolina Ascent are making noise during their first season in the USL Super League. The Ascent are currently in first place with 43 points. To earn those 43 points, the club has a record of 12-5-7, including a five game winning streak. The club was announced in May 2023 and the second professional women's sports franchise to play in Charlotte and the first since the Charlotte Sting took over the hardwood in the WNBA.

Not only is the Fortress a stronghold for Charlotte FC, American Legion Memorial Stadium is a stronghold for the ladies representing Carolina Ascent FC. If you can’t make it to see a game in person, you can watch on TV64 or Telemundo if you’re in the Charlotte area.

The team is lead by Philip Pool on the pitch and in the front office. Coach Pool brings experience within his first season on the job. Not only does he have expirence withe the USWNT, he has also been on the staff of the Charlotte Independence. College soccer fans in the Carolinas may be familiar with him as he spent time with Wake Forest, UNCC, and Wingate University. A strong resume indeed.

This season, there is one more chance to cheer the ladies on in person. They welcome Tampa Bay Sun FC for a 7:00 pm kickoff on Saturday, May 17th.

Stay locked in with The Southeast Soccer Report for your coverage of Carolina Ascent and it will be worth the climb.

Written by James Knowles

Date: Saturday April 26, 2025

Kickoff Time: 5:00 pm EST at Audi Field in Washington, DC

Records: Tampa Bay Sun (36 pts 9W-9D-5L); Spokane Zephyr FC (31 pts 8W-7D-8L)

Standings: The Sun are 3rd in the Super League and the Zephyr are 6th.

An incredible run for the Sun is on the line as they travel out west in search of three points. Their opposition will be desperate to win so they can boost their own playoff hopes. Suffice it to say, a lot is on the line in Washington state. Tune into Peacock this Saturday to cheer the team on from afar as they start their final push for the best possible spot in the table!

How do we make it four for four?

While the Sun may be the best club on form in the league right now, the team they’ll be facing this weekend is not far behind. Since returning from the winter break, Spokane have only lost two games, once at the beginning of March and again last week. That match was a 3-0 loss away to league leaders Carolina, so it shouldn’t take much away from their recent record.

Up until that loss to the Ascent, the Zephyr have been generally sticking with the same lineup. Two experienced center backs in Sarah Clark and Guyana international Sydney Cummings have had Alyssa Bourgeois and Haley Thomas on their flanks. Along with keeper Hope Hisey, they had managed four shutouts in a row until last Saturday.

Their midfield has been changed at times; but, the most frequent alignment includes Taylor Aylmer and Emma Jaskaniec with another more attacking player in the middle. The former of those was missing for the Carolina game, suggesting they were at least partly shorthanded. Neither the Zephyr’s website nor social media listed why she was out or for how long.

Their attacking unit has been extremely consistent of late. Emina Ekic has started on the left side, opposite McKenzie Weinert. Ally Cook is the go to striker for Spokane. Between them, they have eleven goals and six assists. This is a potent threat to say the least. All of them have NWSL experience, while Ekic also stands out for her international play with Bosnia.

The good news for the Sun is that they, too, have an incredibly potent attack. Tash Flint’s current role as anything and everything on the field is paying real dividends, opening up room for Cecilie Floe - when she’s not putting them in herself, that is. Sydny Nasello’s attacking verve has turned into more shots and even goals recently, and Hannah Keane’s return from injury provides yet another option up top.

The bad news is that the last time Tampa Bay lost a game, it was at home vs. Spokane. The influential Aylmer scored first. In their attempt to come back and at least draw, Flint found the back of the net right before stoppage time. Somehow, that would not be enough, as Cook scored three minutes into that period. Wouldn’t it be nice to have gotten that one point?

The first goal the Sun conceded came from an Ashley Orkus mistake. She has told RBLR already she’s getting used to playing out of the back as she goes. That being said, the goal they scored off her bad pass is still unlikely to occur again. The second was a more replicable attempt. But, Tampa Bay have been a lot more dialed in at the back recently.

If they can keep that up against the Zephyr, the Sun have a real chance of leaving the west coast with three more points. Ultimately, this is neither a game against a pushover, nor one that is completely out of the ladies’ hands. Following their away win vs. cellar dweller DC, it is the perfect test on the road for a newly high-functioning Blue and Gold side.

(Originally from Soccer Sheet)

It’s so cliche it could be a line from Shakespeare: whenever a coach is asked about the playoffs, or the team’s standing on the table, the response is inevitable.

“We’re only focused on the game ahead of us.”

Carolina Ascent FC head coach Philip Poole is no different, despite his team leading the USL Super League with just four matches to go until the league’s playoffs begin.

He should be forgiven, however, if the playoffs are on his mind, cliches not withstanding. When Poole spoke to Soccer Sheet at length for an exclusive interview, his squad had just won a 5-0 victory over Brooklyn FC, and many of his players had taken out a boat to enjoy some rest and relaxation on nearby Lake Norman.

In search of a better answer about the playoffs from Poole - or Pooley, as his players call him - Soccer Sheet phrased the question differently, asking, “What is more important? The regular season title, or the playoffs?”

“I think my answer would probably be similar to a lot of folks from around the world that have been fortunate and privileged enough to come this country,” said Poole.

While he expressed his admiration for the “romantic” notion of American playoffs and the idea of a bottom seed winning it all, Poole was unambiguous: “We’re set in our ways and it's all about winning the league … I do believe there should be a notable prize for winning the league.”

The team would go on to host the Spokane Zephyr on Saturday, April 19, winning 3-0 and extending their first place lead to six points. It would be his squad’s fifth win in a row, an unmatched run of form in the league.

The Carolina Ascent (12-5-7, 43 Points) are now 6 points ahead of second-place Dallas Trinity FC, and 9 points above the current playoff cutoff. If the Ascent win their Saturday, April 26 match in Fort Lauderdale - and Brooklyn FC and Spokane Zephyr both lose or draw - the Ascent will become the first team in the Super League to clinch a playoff spot.

“I think the form that we’re currently in, to an extent, has always been there,” said Poole. “I think now we’re just starting to find that final pass … I think now, just through the players’ hard work and them staying together, they’ve just started hitting the back of the net more and converting more.”

Ascent fans might not have agreed with that assessment when the team took its winter break. Despite an undefeated streak to open the season and months atop the table, the Ascent fumbled as the first 14 games of the USL Super League’s inaugural season came to a close. The club only recorded 1 point of a possible 12 in its final four matches.

Even when they were ahead, there were cracks in the armor. The Ascent were strong defensively, racking up the most clean sheets in the league before the break (6) thanks to goalkeeper Meagan McClelland and a strong back line, but lacked an offensive spark. The team recorded an average of one goal per match in the Fall, and injuries plagued the front line and the midfield.

When the club came back from the break, they opened the Spring season with a win - and have only conceded points in three matches since. Poole attributed the surprising reversal to many factors, including the players coming back from injury and “the ebb and flow of football.”

A couple consistent contributors on the squad have shone brightly through the ups and downs. Forward Mia Corbin has been versatile at striker and as a center attacking midfielder, leading the Super League in goals and leading the Ascent in overall goal contributions.

“Mia’s a good player,” said Poole. “She’s actually much more than a goal scorer … she’s the type of player who makes all of the players around her better. You know when Mia is confident and feeling herself, she shines.”

Though Corbin is tied for the inaugural USL Super League Golden Boot as of this writing, Poole emphasized how many different players have made contributions to the team’s success. Starting with co-captain Vicky Bruce in the Ascent’s inaugural match, the Ascent lead the league with 15 different players having scored goals this season, while 11 players have assists. It’s a testament to how both Poole and the players have adapted to multiple injuries.

Poole believes one outfield player who hasn’t found the back of the net deserves more attention as well: co-captain Taylor Porter, who currently has 4 assists for the club and leads the Ascent in minutes played, interceptions and tackles won.

“[Porter] has played every minute of every game of the season,” said Poole. “Taylor’s been big for us. Very unsung, very under-the-radar, but she puts a shift in and puts the work in [that] sometimes, you don’t even see.”

Porter’s consistency has been a bedrock for the team, and she’s currently tied for most minutes played in the league with 2,160 - though not every team has played as many matches as Charlotte.

A Mid-Season Switch

Along with Porter, goalkeeper Meagan McClelland had played every minute of every match going into the Spring season. The goalkeeper was a major factor in the team’s early success.

“I think we're really fortunate,” said Poole. “I think Meghan McClelland is a top, top goalkeeper; really experienced, and was a top performer for us in the Fall part of this season for sure, leading the league in many categories.”

Her 6 shutouts came in the team’s first 11 matches, and despite the addition of former North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy, McClelland seemed likely to stay between the posts.

Poole told Soccer Sheet he brought Leshnak Murphy in due to her experience.

“We needed to make sure that Meagan had a true competitor and challenge,” said Poole. “Sam coming along was something we discussed with Meagan before we even identified [Leshnak Murphy], but at some point we would look to sign someone that’s gonna push [McClelland] and compete on a daily basis, and that’s what Sam did.”

After McClelland went six matches without a clean sheet, Leshnak Murphy started on March 8 in Spokane, helping the team earn a 1-2 away win in her first appearance.

Though she has played every minute since, Leshnak Murphy would stumble in her second week, conceding a goal early against the Tampa Bay Sun in a 1-0 loss. The goalkeeper failed to stop a pass from a teammate effectively, giving the Sun an easy goal.

However, in her next outing - a dominant 0-4 Ascent win in Lexington - Leshnak Murphy would solidify her place as the starting goalkeeper.

Poole made it clear to Soccer Sheet that instead of McClelland losing her place in the starting lineup, Leshnak Murphy earned it.

“Sam’s debut was really good, and we thought, ‘well, let’s give her a couple of games and assess after that,’” said Poole. “Sam’s really hit her stride, so really not even a reflection on Meagan, more a reflection on Sam. She’s done well, but I’m very happy that we’ve got some real competition for minutes in goal.”

Hutchinson and Parker Add Firepower to the Offense

In addition to Leshnak Murphy, Carolina Ascent FC also added forward Riley Parker during the winter transfer window - and along with Corbin and Israeli international Eli Hutchinson, she’s helped ignite Carolina’s offense in the second half of the season.

“Riley's been a great addition,” said Poole. “You know that we got great [attacking] options and we just thought Riley was a different type of player. I've said this in a few interviews, I knew Riley is good, but I actually didn't give her enough credit for how good in possession she can be and how good on the ball she can be.

Parker joined the Ascent from the Tampa Bay Sun, where she played 10 matches during the Fall season.

“She's really comfortable on the ball. Great movement, good defender,” said Poole. “So it's kind of the same thing as the goalkeeper situation in that Riley was brought in to give some diversity to what we have.”

Hutchinson was unable to make an impact in the first half of Carolina’s season due to injuries, but perhaps more than any other player she’s brought new energy to the team this spring.

“Eli got off to a slow start with us. Had a tricky time with a couple of little injuries,” said Poole. “Nothing too serious, but just one after the other.”

After getting married to former Trinidad and Tobago player Lauryn Hutchinson over the winter break, Hutchinson returned to fitness, scoring one goal for her national team and four goals for the Ascent as of this writing, including a brace in her most recent match.

“I think she’s got more to give,” said Poole. “I think Eli’s got even more in her and I hope that we see even more from [Hutchinson] in the coming weeks.”

Charlotte’s First Top-Tier Pro Championship?

Should the Ascent maintain their current form, they will make the USL Super League playoffs: a three-match, single-elimination tournament where the highest seed hosts.

If Carolina wins the regular season, they’ll host a semifinal against the fourth seed on June 7 at American Legion Memorial Stadium, and if they advance, they’ll host the final on June 14.

Given the short path to the USL Super League final, we asked Poole - a longtime Charlotte resident - what it would mean to bring the first top-tier professional championship to the Queen City.

You already know the answer we got.

“We said from day one that we wanna make sure that we represent our community and our city well,” said Poole. “In terms of a championship, again same answer, boring answer for you: It's not something we're talking about. It's not something that we are even looking at, but we are excited about what we're currently doing.”

The Ascent travel to Florida to take on Fort Lauderdale United FC on Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 PM. After that, the team takes a three week break before returning home to host the Tampa Bay Sun on May 17 - a game that could kick off a five week sprint to the final.