Playoff Pushing

The playoff push is in full swing, with super team Carolina Ascent already locking up one of the four available slots. Carolina has been an absolute juggernaut in the second half, cutting through opponents like a buzzsaw. Another 5-goal performance last weekend was just more of the same for the newly-empowered Ascent offense. Mia Corbin scored twice to jump to the top of the golden boot race and, if the offense continues to roll the way it has, it wouldn’t be surprising if she holds onto it the rest of the way.

With four matches left to play and 40 points in hand, Dallas Trinity is on the cusp of their own playoff spot, which would narrow the opportunities down to two for the rest of the field. 3-6 on the table are all within two points of each other and it’s going to be a bar fight to figure out who makes it in. One would correctly assume that Brooklyn FC is done, given the shocking slump the team is in. No wins since December of last year, listless and unable to finish out matches, it’s ugly ugly. Even the firing of coach Jessica Silva didn’t change course for the team, so giving up now might be the best option.

Most Valuable Ekić

Of all people, I’m the biggest golden boot watcher, but it Emina Ekić deserves recognition for what she’s doing for Spokane Zephyr. Ekić is a dynamic force on the wing, slicing and dicing defenders, showing the quality that made her NWSL draft darling and a massive signing for the Super League. She’s now got seven goals and six assists. Her star is shining bright and leading her team to the playoffs. While there’s plenty of good teams in the Super League, Spokane has become a force in the second half. No one wants to play them right now and I can’t blame them. Ekić is a big part of Spokane’s success.

Better to Have a Plan, Than Not

Famously, the head coach of Lexington SC apparently said (it was mentioned on a broadcast) the team didn’t have a plan or approach, but was leaving it to the players. That is certainly showing in Lexington SC’s rapid slope into last place on the table. Lexington is now eliminated from the playoffs, but DC Power, who are also eliminated, are looking much more interesting at this point of the season. The Power lineup has been totally reformatted and the team even got a win against Brooklyn FC over the weekend. Better to have a plan than not.

- Dan Vaughn