Five Observations from Week 1 of the Super League

The Big Three Are Still The Big Three
Let’s take a look at the table after the first weekend of games and…well well, if it isn’t Lexington, Carolina, and Sporting JAX. It’s as if last season never ended. Yes, Ascent and Sporting had to work hard for their opening night wins against DC Power and Ft. Lauderdale United, respectively, but in the end they got the job done. That’s what good teams do. Mia Corbin’s first half header for Carolina needed to stand up the rest of the way, and it did. Meanwhile, Sporting JAX needed a late game set piece from Baylee DeSmit (with a little help from a deflection) to pull out the three points on the road. As for the champs, it took a half but once things got rolling Lexington looked like the same team that won it all last season. The rest of the league has been put on notice: The Big Three have no immediate plans to vacate the top spots in the table.

Trinity May Produce An Exciting Offense…and Exhaust Their Defense
Watching the Dallas Trinity roster build for the fall season has been fascinating. Was genuinely excited to see Seven Castain coming over on a loan deal, and the idea of pairing her with Jasmin Hamid was more than a little intriguing. And then, right before the start of the season, Trinity announced another loan deal for forward Onyeko Gamero. Gamero, who has played for the US U17 and U20 squads, had signed a multiyear deal with Bay FC in the NWSL Hmm, well ok then - you circle that player as one to watch. And sure enough, in their opening match against Tampa Bay Sun, it was Gamero, Hamid and Castain up front together. And they did not disappoint. Hamid was her slashing, attacking presence. Gamero forced multiple saves from Amanda Beardsley in the first half. And Castain scored early in the second half off of a brilliant pass from Carissa Boeckmann. This may very well be a one and done season for this trio to be together, but they will be must watch viewing.

On the flip side, Trinity find themselves with only four players listed as defenders on the roster. Sophia Braun is capable of playing the midfield and defense, and was needed on the back line in the Tampa Bay match as Lauren Flynn was not available. This also meant rookie Drew Coomans would get the start. The quartet of Braun, Coomans, Cyera Hintzen and Sydney Cheesman went the full 90, giving up a late goal as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Now, I’m not saying the goal happened because the defense was tired, but I think you and I should keep an eye on this and see if late goals against Trinity become a trend, OK?

Maybe There’s Something to Tyrone Mears After AllFor 70 minutes, Ft. Lauderdale made Sporting JAX look slow and ineffective. Just let that statement sink in for a moment. Granted, there were some new players out there for United, but essentially it was the same group that had struggled last season. What changed? Tyrone Mears, back in charge, had his players ready. They attacked with a directness, moving the ball quickly and not letting Sporting press. Kiara Locklear was getting the ball in space and running at defenders. Sh’Nia Gordon was back on the wing, where she can be best used. And FTL made it difficult for JAX to move through the midfield. In short, the team looked more like the Season One version which made it to the finals. They did not come away with points, but you have to be encouraged by United’s effort.

The Rookies Are Going to Play
By my count, there are 14 players in the league who are on their first professional contract. It’s not a large number by any means. But based on the opening weekend, the kids are going to be making an impact. Besides the aforementioned Drew Coomans, Laila Booker went the distance on defense for Brooklyn FC in their match against Lexington SC, while defender Gracie Falla did the same for the home side. With no Gianna Gourley available, DC Power started Tatum Thomason up top and she looked the part, creating several chances in her 64-minute debut. Erika Zschuppe came off the bench for Tampa Bay Sun and made her presence felt, creating a number of chances on goal. Also seeing game action as subs were Mya Swinton and Melina Descary for Sporting JAX and Juliet Moore for Dallas Trinity.

We See You, Katie Cappalletti
Down a goal but playing well against Carolina, DC Power decided to make things interesting around the 70th minute by forgetting how to play defense. Ascent forwards were suddenly finding themselves with acres of space and unimpeded on their way to goal. That’s when Katie Cappalletti went to work, making big saves against Emily Morris and Mackenzie George. Cappalletti had already made her presence known in the first half with a fine save off of a header by Shea Groom. DC could not find an equalizer and ended the night on the short end of a 1-0 defeat, but Katie Cappalletti made a big impression in goal for the home side.

by John Howard-Fusco

Be sure to listen to the Super Show Season Preview with John HF & Dan Vaughn