Carolina on the ascent: Way too early USL Super League Power Rankings

Ahead of the USL Super League's inaugural season, INDIVISA ranks the eight teams

• 8. Lexington SC

  Lexington SC is entering uncharted territory in the division 1 soccer market. While there's enthusiasm for the team, building a competitive roster and generating significant local support will be essential for the club's success. Likely to be led by Grace Wisnewski, New Zealand's national team player who debuted against the USWNT last summer, Lexington SC has the potential to surprise, but early challenges are to be expected.

• 7. DC Power

  The nation’s capital boasts a rich sports history, but the DC Power will need to capitalize on experience to build a strong foundation. DC Power Football Club is making their mark with a roster that includes experienced players such as Jorian Baucom and Adelaide Gay. The team’s mix of veteran presence and emerging talent like Katie Duong – Pac 12 champion at Stanford in 2023, 2024 NWSL Draft pick, U.S. Youth National Team Player, and USL W League Player of the Month – suggests a solid start. With a balanced roster and strong potential, DC Power might need a few games to hit their stride and fully realize their potential in the league, putting them in seventh.

• 6. Dallas Trinity

  With Madison White, a Big 12 Keeper of the Year, anchoring the defense, Dallas Trinity is set to have a formidable last line of protection. White's exceptional shot-stopping ability and commanding presence will be crucial in solidifying the team's defensive stability. Just in front of her, veteran defender Amber Brooks, who won an NWSL title with Washington Spirit in 2021, and will help White keep some clean sheets..

• 5. Brooklyn FC

  New York City is a soccer hotbed, but breaking through in the crowded sports landscape will be a test for Brooklyn FC. Yet when the fans are in it, they are in it. The energy is there, and Brooklyn has a winning atmosphere bigger than most. With so much uncertainty with the new league, knowing how to win will be half the battle. Plus, this team is shaping up to be an exciting one to watch.

  Their roster includes standout Tori Hanson, an All-American at UNC, Orlando Pride signee and Australian A-League player for the 2023–24 season. And, can’t forget Taylor Smith, off the championship win with Gotham FC. Brooklyn FC’s challenge will be in finding the right tactical balance and integrating their new signings. While their squad has potential, the early stages of the season will be crucial for them to build chemistry and establish their playing style.

• 4. Fort Lauderdale United FC

  Fort Lauderdale United FC is the second Florida team to represent the USL Super League. This is expected to be a strong team with some major signings representing some of the top players in the collegiate game, NWSL, and overseas. One of the biggest names buzzing in Fort Lauderdale is 17-year-old U.S. Women’s Youth National Team member Reese Klein.

  Klein, from Fort Lauderdale will bring not only experience to the roster, but also a hometown fight. Another name to be on the lookout for is Sh’Nia Gordo. Gordon is an attacking weapon who even scored in her first shot as a rookie at West Virginia University (2015).

• 3. Tampa Bay Sun FC

  Tampa Bay Sun FC made history with the league’s first-ever player signings. In April, the club announced three players with international and NWSL experience. Erika Tymrak, a native of Florida, joins the team after winning two NWSL Championships and also spending time on the USWNT. Tymrak’s leadership on the team will be obvious, as the former SEC Offensive Player of the Year has years of professional experience at the highest level.

  Joining Tymrak in the middle is Jordyn Listro, who played with the Canadian national team and also spent time with NWSL clubs the Orlando Pride, NC Courage and FC Kansas City. It’s another homecoming season for Listro, who played collegiately at South Florida. The third major signing is midfielder Dominique Richardson. Richardson has played in the NWSL for clubs Houston Dash, Kansas City and Gotham FC.

  She is another relentless and dynamic midfielder who will make the middle of the pitch hard to get through. One of the other reasons Tampa Bay Sun is third on our power rankings list is because the team is in good hands with Denise Schilte-Brown, who has led USF to 6 AAC Conference championships.

• 2. Spokane Zephyr FC

  Spokane is a sports town, from Hoopfest to successful collegiate programs like Gonzaga, but what was missing is a first-division professional sports team. Spokane Zephyr FC presents not only the opportunity for new fans to emerge, but also for players and coaches that have been long rooted in the community an opportunity to play.

  Grabbing the two spot in the power rankings in Zephyr FC because of its top player signings and head coach Jo Johnson’s ability to coach a team that plays with tenacity and an “aggressive possession” style. Currently the roster stands at 22, bolstered with professional, collegiate and international experience. Midfielder Katie Murray is someone who is expected to make an immediate impact, after playing for the University of Illinois, the Washington Spirit and Dutch club PEC Zwolle.

  Another player to be on the look out for is Jodi Ülkekul, who has returned to Spokane to join Zephyr FC after playing for the Gonzaga women’s soccer team from 2015 to 2018. Ülkekul led Gonzaga’s backline starting in 69 of her 74 matches and recording seven goals and eight assists. Ülkekul also spent time playing overseas with CD Castellón in Spain and AS Roma in Italy, prior to her stint with the NWSL’s Seattle Reign FC.

• 1. Carolina Ascent FC

  Earning the top spot to kick off our power rankings is Carolina Ascent FC. The squad has quickly positioned itself as a major player in the USL Super League. The team's aggressive approach to roster building, coupled with a strong market and passionate fanbase, sets them apart. With a talented coaching staff and a core group of experienced players, the Ascent has the potential to dominate the league from the outset.

  Among the standout player signings are Taylor Porter and Audrey Harding, both bringing valuable NWSL experience to the team. Carolina Ascent is also home to undeniable talents such as Ashlynn Serepca and Mia Corbin, a Golden Boot winner in the Liga de Fútbol de Primera División with a knack for scoring crucial goals. These additions, combined with the team's strong community support, make them the early favorites to lift the USL Super League trophy.