June 28, 2026
WPSL 2026, FC Dayton (photo by JJ Morgan)
By Nichole Singleton, WPSL Communications
Belief.
That’s what fueled FC Dayton’s success and shaped its identity this season as one of the most dangerous sides in the WPSL.
Accolades for FC Dayton this season did not run short. After entering 2026 at No. 14 in the East Region’s preseason rankings, Dayton’s belief propelled it to No. 1 and No. 2 in the rankings for three weeks, downed defending division champions Columbus Eagles FC twice, earned Team of the Week and National Goalkeeper of the Week (Taylor Thomas) honors, all before securing the Great River Division title.
This was a stark difference to the team from 2025. Not only did FC Dayton find itself in a new conference and region after its previous three seasons, its roster also experienced turnover.
“With any change, there’s always an adjustment period,” Bradley Schluter, FC Dayton founder and head coach, said. “We had just graduated a core group of players who had been together for several seasons and entered 2025 with a younger, but very talented, roster.”
Prior to 2025, FC Dayton accumulated a 22-2-2 record over three seasons while earning two division titles in the Central Region. A new division and new roster met the Dayton side with unaccustomed adversity that resulted in a 4-3-1 record and a third-place finish in standings. Even as the first blemish in their WPSL tenure, 2025 gave Dayton valuable experience entering its fifth season.
“The players learned what it takes to compete consistently at this level and having so many of them return this summer [2026] meant we started with a much clearer identity,” Schluter said. “They’re simply a more mature group now, both on and off the field, and that’s allowed us to handle the challenges of a WPSL season much better.”
FC Dayton met a big challenge right out of the gate. Its ability to “better” handle the challenges of one of the most competitive divisions in the WPSL is an understatement.
Opening its season on the road is tough. Having to do it against preseason No. 3, two-time division champions, and 11-season WPSL veterans Columbus Eagles FC was a significant test to open with. Columbus won both meetings in 2025, outscoring Dayton five to one.
“Opening the season with a road win against Columbus gave the players genuine belief,” Schluter said. “It reinforced that the work they put in during the offseason was paying off, and that we could compete with anyone in our division. Confidence is earned, and I think that result established it early.”
After defeating Columbus, Dayton returned home for its next four matches, winning all four while outscoring opponents 11 to two, and recording two shutouts. During its four-game home stretch, Dayton defeated Columbus again 2-1.
On the highs of a five-game win streak, clear control of the division table, and heading into its final week of regular season packed with three road games, what stood out to Schluter most this season was his team’s collective buy-in.
“They [the players] understood our expectations and that continuity has been huge,” Schluter said. “Whether someone has started every match or contributed in a smaller role, every player has embraced doing whatever the team needs to earn results. That kind of selflessness has created a really competitive, connected environment.”
FC Dayton capped off its successful 2026 campaign with 19 points at the top of the table with six wins, scoring 17 to seven, and three shutouts to earn its third division title in five WPSL seasons. But it wasn’t the win column or recognition that defined success for Schluter and this Dayton side — it was creating the right environment for his players that continued to develop them individually, encouraged growth as a team, and made them want to return each season.
“To me, one of the biggest indicators of success is that so many of our players chose to return after 2025,” Schluter said. “If we continue creating an environment where players want to come back year after year, I believe the wins and championships will continue to take care of themselves.”
