Week 5 already in the books, so it’s well past time for a quick check in on your favorite Division One women’s league as well as a recap on the results from the most recent week.

Ties Are Gross and We Don’t Like Them

To quote John Howard-Fusco, “Did someone at the front office miss our memo? We don’t want ties.” Week 5 was a bunch of single points for all parties involved, but it certainly left the fans disappointed. Brooklyn FC battled back after going down 2 goals in their match against DC Power. Second half goals from former Angel City FC player Kelsey Hill and Penn State standout Rebecca Cooke were enough for to split the points for Brooklyn.

Dallas Trinity has to be the most disappointed of the bunch, given that it went into Tampa and only got a single point against a Sun squad that just hasn’t found its legs yet. The Championship hangover has been brutal, but getting a point has to feel like a win for the team. Goals from reliable Allie Thornton (Dallas) and Carlee Giammona (Tampa) meant both sides would leave with something.

Lexington SC and Spokane Zephyr couldn’t even muster a goal in a matchup that everyone expected to be epic. Lexington raided Zephyr’s pantry over the offseason, signing multiple key players, including league MVP Emina Ekić (pictured above), but none were able to find the back of the net.

While it’s still early to worry too much, it has to be a little troubling that a stacked Lexington lineup continues to struggle offensively. Five matches in and the Horses (is that the nickname?) are tied for last-place in goal production. Two silver linings is that the team has been excellent on defense (Lex is on a three clean sheet streak currently) and continues to be competitive regardless of the lack of scoring, currently fourth in the league standings.

USMNT Investment Incoming

If you didn’t see the news on ESPN.com, USMNT off-and-on-again star and current Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Gio Reyna was announced as a new investor in Ft. Lauderdale United. In the press release, he’s quoted as saying, “What truly sold me on Fort Lauderdale United was the ownership group's comprehensive vision. They're not just creating two professional teams; they're building a complete ecosystem for player development, from the youth level all the way to the pros.”

With women’s soccer continuing to explode in growth, we’re sure to see more moves like this in the future.

Looking Forward

This week gives us four matches to enjoy, including tonight, when Carolina Ascent hosts Spokane. But my favorite match of the week will be Brooklyn FC hosting Ft. Lauderdale United. FTL has really been humming this season and there’s every reason to believe that last year’s runner-ups are now the favorites for end-of-year hardware. Still early days, of course, but they certainly look the part five weeks in.

- Dan Vaughn

For more USL Super League content, check out the newest episode of The Super Show, on our Protagonist podcast feed.