The Women’s Game is a new editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. 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.
After a summer of change, a condensed preseason, and weeks of preparation, the Brooklyn FC Women’s soccer team is ready for the real thing.
On Saturday night, the Women will be in Kentucky to open the 2026 Fall Season against the reigning Gainbridge Super League champions, Lexington SC.
This is not the same Brooklyn squad that finished in 7th place and out of the playoffs. There’s new leadership, a new head coach, new players, and a new captain.
And a new attitude.
How will it all play out? Let’s dig deeper.
Brooklyn’s New Way
Even with all the changes, BKFC Women aren’t 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 — and what it will stand for.
Johnson, a former NWSL player, took over as General Manager 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.
“My biggest priority was establishing a clear standard and building a roster that could compete consistently,” Johnson said. “We 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.”
Her first big move was to hire a new head coach. Former manager Tomás Tengarrinha was let go at the end of the 2025/26 season following the club’s second straight campaign without a playoff appearance.
Johnson wanted someone with experience, understanding of the global women’s soccer landscape, and a similar vision to hers. She landed on Smith, 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’s women’s team in Australia.
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.
“Alex and I were intentional about rebuilding a team that is competitive, connected, and willing to work for one another,” Johnson said. “We 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.”
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.
“It’s been a great preseason, and the group has been fantastic,” Smith said. “The 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.”
Smith’s charge to his players is to be consistent and aggressive.
“I like my teams to consistently be on the front foot and control large portions of the game, both with and without the ball,” he said. “We 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.”
Every Minute Matters
The 2026 Fall Season will provide a new platform for Smith’s players to showcase their talent.
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 — seven matches at home, seven away.
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.
“With only 14 games, every point carries significant weight, so there’s very little room to ease into the season,” Johnson said. “We 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.”
Smith sees the shortened season as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“A condensed season certainly presents a different type of challenge and getting off to a good start is crucial,” he said. “An extremely short preseason adds another battle but one thing I know about our program is that it’s full of resilient people, and the challenge is one we are relishing.”
That word — resilience — keeps coming up. For Johnson, it’s at the heart of what she wants Brooklyn FC to represent.
“I want our identity to be rooted in resilience, accountability, and an unmistakable competitive edge,” she said. “Brooklyn 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.”
The team has only 14 matches to show that.
It starts on Saturday.
Catch the BKFC Women’s Season Opener on Saturday, August 15, at 7:30 PM on Peacock.
