USL Super League returns: Key storylines for spring 2025 | OneFootball

The 2024/25 USL Super League season resumes this Saturday, February 8, following an eight-week winter break. Fort Lauderdale United FC will play Tampa Bay Sun FC in the first game back — a make-up match from October.

After Saturday’s game, the second half of the season will officially kick off on February 15. All clubs will play 14 games during the spring schedule, leading to the USL Super League Playoffs in June.

Naturally, excitement is building as the league’s debut season enters a crucial stretch. Let’s take a look at the current standings and the main storylines to follow as play continues.

USL Super League standings entering February

Heading into the restart, Brooklyn FC lead the USL Super League with 29 points and a six-game win streak. Spokane Zephyr FC and Lexington SC sit at the bottom of the table with 12 points.

Fort Lauderdale United FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC have played one less match due to their postponed fixture. However, just one point separates the two clubs in the middle of the table. If the season ended today, Fort Lauderdale would claim the fourth and final playoff spot, while Tampa Bay would miss out.

Four talking points as the USL Super League returns

The league table only tells half the story. While Dallas is firmly atop the standings, teams at the bottom still have time to climb. With every club set to face each other two more times, the second half of the Super League season offers plenty of opportunities for rankings to change.

As teams work toward the playoffs, here are four key storylines to watch.

Can Brooklyn stay on top?

Brooklyn FC finished the fall schedule as the team to beat, riding a six-game winning streak to secure first place in the league standings. Under head coach Jess Silva, Brooklyn transformed into a well-oiled machine, combining defensive resilience with a clinical attack. The team’s ability to adapt mid-match and capitalize on opportunities has made them a nightmare for opponents.

However, staying at the top will be no easy task. Every club will have Brooklyn in their crosshairs during the spring schedule, and teams like Dallas and Fort Lauderdale are within striking distance. The big question for Brooklyn is whether they can maintain their consistency or if another club will knock them off their perch.

League parity to bring mid-table drama

The middle of the table is where things get interesting. With teams evenly matched, any result can be a tipping point in the race for playoff spots.

Clubs like Fort Lauderdale and Lexington have shown flashes of brilliance but need consistency to confidently reach the playoffs. Meanwhile, Carolina and Tampa Bay must rebound from their slow starts in the fall.

Stars shining bright so far

The league is brimming with talent, and while it’s impossible to spotlight everyone, a few players have undeniably set themselves apart.

Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals, setting the pace for the league’s top scorers. Dallas Trinity FC’s Allie Thornton (6), Tampa Bay Sun FC’s Carlee Giammona (5), and Lexington SC’s Madison Parsons (5) are close behind. Parsons has also showcased her playmaking ability, tying for the league lead in assists (5) with teammate Madison Perez.

Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Carolina Ascent’s Meagan McClelland has been a standout in goal. She leads the league with six clean sheets and 36 saves, cementing her status as one of the league’s top performers heading into the spring schedule.

Player transfers bolster spring rosters

Since December, the winter transfer window opened and allowed Super League clubs to make significant roster changes. Lexington SC was one of the busiest clubs, strengthening their squad with forwards Hannah White and Kate Doyle, defenders Sintia Cabezas and Yunaira Lopez, and midfielder Nicole Vernis.

Several other teams made high-profile additions. Carolina Ascent bolstered its attack with the signing of Riley Parker from Tampa Bay Sun, while Tampa Bay added defender Jordan Zade and forward Parker Goins. Spokane Zephyr enhanced its forward line by bringing in Ally Cook, while Fort Lauderdale United added Julia Grosso, Laurel Ansbrow, and Jorian Baucom.

Baucom made the move from DC Power FC, who signed Wake Forest midfielder Emily Colton last week. Brooklyn FC also made moves by signing goalkeeper Alexa Goldberg, defender Grace Philpotts, and midfielder Lexi Missimo.

With so much movement, the spring season could look much different than the fall campaign.

How to watch the USL Super League

Fans in the US can follow every game live on Peacock, while those in Canada can catch select matches on DAZN. ESPN broadcasts games in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The USL YouTube channel covers all other viewing territories, including Australia and the UK.

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