{"id":321928,"date":"2026-08-15T06:26:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T06:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/321928\/"},"modified":"2026-08-15T06:26:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T06:26:36","slug":"a-new-era-kicks-off-for-brooklyn-fc-women-in-2026-the-womens-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/321928\/","title":{"rendered":"A new era kicks off for Brooklyn FC Women in 2026 | The Women’s Game"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Women\u2019s Game is a new editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington<\/a> for BrooklynFootballClub.com<\/a>. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After a summer of change, a condensed preseason, and weeks of preparation, the Brooklyn FC Women\u2019s soccer team is ready for the real thing.<\/p>\n

On Saturday night, the Women will be in Kentucky to open the 2026 Fall Season against the reigning Gainbridge Super League<\/a> champions, Lexington SC<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This is not the same Brooklyn squad that finished in 7th place and out of the playoffs. There\u2019s new leadership, a new head coach, new players, and a new captain.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And a new attitude.<\/p>\n

How will it all play out? Let\u2019s dig deeper.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn\u2019s New Way<\/p>\n

Even with all the changes, BKFC Women aren\u2019t starting from scratch. According to new General Manager Samantha Johnson and Head Coach Alex Smith, they are building on the foundation built through the first two seasons and establishing what the next version of the team will look like \u2014 and what it will stand for.<\/p>\n

Johnson, a former NWSL player, took over as General Manager<\/a> this summer. One of her first priorities was creating a different environment than what existed in the past, then finding the right people to help build it.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy biggest priority was establishing a clear standard and building a roster that could compete consistently,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cWe focused on bringing in players who were hungry, adaptable, and aligned with the culture we want to create in Brooklyn. Just as importantly, we wanted the right people in the environment, players and staff who understand its standards first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her first big move was to hire a new head coach. Former manager Tom\u00e1s Tengarrinha was let go at the end of the 2025\/26 season following the club\u2019s second straight campaign without a playoff appearance.<\/p>\n

Johnson wanted someone with experience, understanding of the global women\u2019s soccer landscape, and a similar vision to hers. She landed on Smith,<\/a> an Englishman who had played collegiately in the US and professionally around the world. After retiring, he made his name as manager of Brisbane Roar FC\u2019s women\u2019s team in Australia. \u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Together in Brooklyn, Johnson and Smith spent the summer revamping the squad, blending familiar faces with rising talent, new additions and players eager for their next opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlex and I were intentional about rebuilding a team that is competitive, connected, and willing to work for one another,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cWe wanted a balance of experience, emerging talent, and players with something to prove. The goal is to create an environment where players can develop and perform at a high level.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now comes the reality check: Seeing how all of those pieces fit together in real matches. Smith has already seen signs of what this group can become.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a great preseason, and the group has been fantastic,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThe thing that has struck me most is just how resilient they are, they have an ability to push through the tough moments and work extremely hard. They are adapting well to the style of football we want to play and I am looking forward to seeing how far they can take it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s charge to his players is to be consistent and aggressive.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like my teams to consistently be on the front foot and control large portions of the game, both with and without the ball,\u201d he said. \u201cWe will aim to entertain with goals, take calculated risks to get the ball back [when we lose it], and hopefully allow our players to showcase what they are capable of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every Minute Matters<\/p>\n

The 2026 Fall Season will provide a new platform for Smith\u2019s players to showcase their talent.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As the Gainbridge Super League prepares to transition to a spring-to-fall calendar in 2027, the Fall Season features a condensed 14-match schedule \u2014 seven matches at home, seven away.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This means every match, every point, every minute matters more. There is no time to play catch up if a team falls off the pace early.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith only 14 games, every point carries significant weight, so there\u2019s very little room to ease into the season,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cWe have to approach every match with urgency while still trusting the process Alex and the staff are building. Preparation, consistency, and our ability to respond to adversity will be critical.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith sees the shortened season as both a challenge and an opportunity.<\/p>\n

\u201cA condensed season certainly presents a different type of challenge and getting off to a good start is crucial,\u201d he said. \u201cAn extremely short preseason adds another battle but one thing I know about our program is that it\u2019s full of resilient people, and the challenge is one we are relishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

That word \u2014 resilience \u2014 keeps coming up. For Johnson, it\u2019s at the heart of what she wants Brooklyn FC to represent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want our identity to be rooted in resilience, accountability, and an unmistakable competitive edge,\u201d she said. \u201cBrooklyn is a place with incredible energy and character, and I want our team to reflect that every time we step onto the field. Regardless of the opponent or circumstances, people should know exactly what Brooklyn FC stands for.\u201d<\/p>\n

The team has only 14 matches to show that.<\/p>\n

It starts on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Catch the BKFC Women\u2019s Season Opener on Saturday, August 15, at 7:30 PM on Peacock.<\/p>\n