Hello everyone and welcome to a massive Round 2 of the 2026 Premier League, featuring our first Free Kick Derby of the year! Darmstadt Dynamos 1-0 (@WillH_VI) vs. Stuttgart Storm 1-0 (@Jono Steven) Our first Free Kick Derby of the year is a local affair, with the all-German battle looking to be a fierce one after both sides triumphed in Round 1. Darmstadt have turned a weakness into a strength in the off-season, boasting a formidable defence with four players scoring 80+ in the opening round. The late withdrawal of Courtney Hodder did little to slow down the Dynamos as skipper Ebony Marinoff continues to score bulk points, so Stuttgart will have their work cut out this week. Several big name Hawks lead the Storm to a comfortable win last week, though some lower scores in both midfields will have the coaches pondering their best line-up for the massive clash. Korean Kickers 0-1 (@Chloe) vs. Quebec Caribou 0-1 (@FreeKickLiam) The Kickers will look to bounce back from a round one loss against a strong opposition, though could be boosted by the return of star defender Emma Kearney and new recruit Nicola Stevens to a backline that struggled against a strong Stuttgart offense. Midfield star Ally Anderson remains on the sidelines, meaning much of the midfield responsibility will fall on Mon Conti again after a starring turn in Round 1. The reigning premiers Quebec meanwhile are licking their wounds after a loss in the Grand Final rematch, though won't be too concerned given the strenght of their list. Powered by the most formidable midfield group in the competition, expect the Caribou to bounce back hard in this match as they seek to avoid a 0-2 start to their threepeat campaign. Lagos Royals 1-0 (@Peter W) vs. Adelaide All-Stars 1-0 (@Corza) Lagos return to their home turf full of confidence after knocking off the Caribou in the Grand FInal rematch. The Royals have built a very strong squad and will be optimistic they can go one better in 2026, buoyed by miidfield recruit Britt Bonnici alongside strong scorers such as Kiara Bowers. Their star forward line is also matched by an underrated defence, providing a balanced scoring capability across all lines. Adelaide head to Lagos after a strong first up win over the Kruisers, thanks to some strong performances from the lesser lights. Ruck Poppy Kelly shone while defensive pillars Charlie Thomas and Erika O'Shea proved decisive in stopping opposition forays, but perhaps most importantly was getting gametime into the legs of midfield star Laura Gardiner as she returns from a pre-season niggle. Expect a highly entertaining clash here! Lima Llamas 1-0 (@hoschke118) vs. Majorca Islanders 0-1 (@TheTassieHawk) A midfield masterclass setup a strong first round win for the Llamas, trumping Vancouver thanks to big scores from returning stars Olivia Purcell and Alyce Parker, while Gab Newton and Lucy Single also chipped in with solid scores as they often do. Lima will be hoping for a little more from their backline however after a few disappointing scores, especially against a formidable opponent in the Islanders. Majorca were unlucky to go down to the Dynamos in a close, high scoring affair in round one and will be looking to capitalise on that form to bank their first win away. Still missing midfield star Zarlie Goldsworthy, the Islanders will be looking to build strongly as the season progresses. Kyoto Kruisers 0-1 (@FreoDockers) vs. Vancouver Vultures 0-1 (@Athos123) Kyoto will be bitterly disappointed with their Round 1 showing, struggling to put points on the board in their firswt match, not helped by several absences in their named match team. Their backline was missing Jess Rentsch and Emily Pease and leaked points as a result, while thier nmidfield failed to fire - it was first gamer Ava Usher who top scored for them with 78 points off the interchange. The Kruisers will need more from their midfield young guns Centra, Ham, and Fleming if they are to compete this week against a Vancouver side also looking to make amends for a difficult first round. The Vultures midfield looked good with Abbie McKay and Maddi Prespakis starring alongside Madison Newman and Anne Hatchard, but too little was left to the midfield group as the forwards failed to fire. A whole squad performance should see the Vultures back on the winners list, though Kyoto will be keen to atone for the errors of their first game. Good luck to all coaches this week!