May 27, 2026
By Love City FC Staff
PHILADELPHIA—Rainy weather did not stop Love City FC and Kensington SC from opening the first WPSL season for both clubs with a 1-1 draw at Vidas Field.
The rain provided opportunities for both teams throughout the first half, but Kensington SC forward Nora Eberman capitalized in the 18th minute with a ball struck on the ground from outside the box, skipping past Love City goalkeeper Kaeyla Noble.
Love City FC was inches away from tying the game with a header from defender Reese Power before Kensington SC defense cleared it off the line before the half concluded.
The rain continued to persist heading into the second half with Kensington SC holding a 1-0 lead. As both teams settled into the heavier conditions, Love City SC found its first goal in WPSL history.
Serving a stellar ball behind Kensington SC backline in the 65th minute was player of the match, Jailyn Parrotte, who found forward Nicole Sweeney. Sweeney dribbled into the 18-yard box, and with pressure on her back placed the ball past goalkeeper Araba Abanyie.
Minutes later, Love City SC was rewarded a free kick outside the box minutes that brushed the back post, putting the crowd on the edge of their seats.
In the final minutes of the match, goalkeeper Kaeyla Noble connected with forward Juelle Love to start the attack. Love laid it off to Jailyn Parrotte who found midfielder Claire Ballinger with time and space to turn and find Nicole Sweeney in a dangerous position. Nicole Sweeney took her first touch with a chance to secure Love City FC its first win in club history when the assistant referee raised his flag signaling Sweeney to be offside.
The Philly Derby concluded 1-1 with both teams starting the season off with one point. Love City SC will return home on Thursday, May 28th, 2026 to face SJEB FC.
Match summaries are submitted by participating clubs and edited by WPSL Communications staff for publication.
