July 3, 2026
WPSL 2026, New York Athletic Club (photo by Hailey Leonard)
By Andrew Mosier, WPSL Communications
New York Athletic Club has a long history in the WPSL.
The New York City-based club first joined the WPSL in 2006—about the time most of its current players were born. The club’s history runs deep in both the annals of the Women’s Premier Soccer League and soccer in New York City.
As 2026 Metropolitan Conference winners, the members of this year’s New York Athletic Club squad made history of its own, winning the club’s first regular season title in a decade.
“This team has already made history, but its ambitions extend far beyond a conference title. NYAC now has the opportunity to continue a season that has already become one of the most memorable in club history,” Brian Simpson, New York Athletic Club head coach, said.
This year’s Metropolitan Conference title is the clubs’ first, having won the Mid-Atlantic Division in 2012, Tri-State Division in 2013 and 2024, and the Mid-Atlantic Conference in 2016.
“Winning the conference represents a significant milestone for New York Athletic Club. It’s a reward for the commitment shown by players, staff, and everyone connected to the program, while also serving as a statement of intent as the club enters the East Region Playoffs,” Simpson said.
NYAC kicked off the historic season with four consecutive wins which included a heart-stopping 3-2 win over defending Metropolitan Conference champions Clarkstown Soccer Club. The NYAC win snapped the longest winning streak in WPSL history at 32 regular season games—four WPSL seasons.
Dylan Jovanovic scored three goals to put NYAC up 3-0 before Clarkstown tallied a pair of goals before its comeback fell short. Jovanovic, a junior at Princeton University, was named National Offensive Player of the Week in Week Six for her effort. She leads the team in scoring and is tied for tops in the conference with nine goals on the season.
“Dylan Jovanovic enjoyed a sensational campaign, consistently delivering in the big moments,” Simpson said.
Simpson also singled out the midfield play of Victoria Vinals, whose presence in the midfield “was instrumental throughout the season, dictating the tempo of matches and providing a consistent presence on both sides of the ball.”
Simpson made a point to acknowledge numerous players whose impact on the team was crucial. He called Nicole Patino one of the most exciting stories of the season for her consistent ability to influence matches, and Rachel Rouse, who played almost every position on the field during the season, setting a standard of commitment, professionalism, and work ethic.
Following the historic win over Clarkstown, NYAC won its next three games without conceding a goal, only allowing three up to its 5-0 road win over SUSA FC to close out Week Seven.
“Defensively, Aofie Turner was a stalwart through the campaign, anchoring a back line that provided the foundation for the team’s success,” Simpson said. “Her consistency, leadership, and ability to organize those around her made us one of the toughest teams in the conference to break down.”
The only blemish on NYAC’s record came in the final week of the regular season, after the conference title was already clinched, in a 2-0 loss at Clarkstown that did little to cool what is becoming one of the most watched rivalries in the WPSL.
After closing out the season with a 3-0 home win over SUSA FC, NYAC turned its attention preparing for the East Region Playoffs July 11 and 12. The league will unveil the official playoff bracket on Tuesday, July 7 at 10am CDT.
