DC Power FC begins the 2026 sprint season tonight at Audi Field when they host Carolina Ascent in their home opener. DC Power has some new jerseys and hope that they can get out of the blocks quickly in the short season.

The club fell just short of the playoffs last season and made a bushel of changes to their roster during the offseason, bringing in 10 players to help create what they think is their deepest team yet. They want to start with wins to build up momentum quickly, as the team recognizes the short season means that points will be at a premium. They go up against Carolina Ascent, a team who has made the playoffs each of the first two seasons of the Gainbridge Super League. In year one, they won the Super League’s shield as the best team in the league, and last season they lost to Lexington SC in the USL Super League final. They hope to push through and return to the playoffs with an eye on finally winning the title.

For DC Power, they want to get to the playoffs for the first time after coming up short last season. The key will be finishing chances they have to score, something that has eluded them in their first two seasons. They feel if they’re able to finish chances, that will put more pressure on opponents and create even more open space. However, if they find themselves once again unable to create scoring opportunities or completing them with the ball in the back of the net, the club will struggle in a season where there’s not much room to ramp up to full speed.

Before the match begins, American soccer royalty will be in the building, as Kim Crabbe, the first Black woman to be called into the United States Women’s National Team (and a native of Reston) will have a meet-and-greet before the match.

The season begins tonight. Whether you’re at Audi Field or watching from home, join us for the discussion!

DC Power FC vs. Carolina Ascent

Location: Audi Field

Kickoff time: 7:00pm ET

Available streaming: Peacock