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Goals by Corbin (8’) and Bedoya (31’)

DALLAS (October 25, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club played to a 2-2 draw on the road against Dallas Trinity FC on Friday evening at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Carolina Ascent FC face DC Power FC on Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 p.m. The match can be streamed on Peacock.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The first shot of the game for Carolina Ascent resulted in #9 Mia Corbin’s third goal of the season in the eighth minute. It was a team effort as the play started deep in Carolina’s end with #10 Rylee Basiden. She was one of five players to touch the ball before #5 Jaydah Bedoya received the ball along the left sideline from #7 Jill Aguilera and sent a cross centrally for Corbin.

On a similar play to Carolina Ascent’s goal, #1 Meagan McClelland secured a shot from Dallas in the 15th minute for her first save of the night. 

Dallas Trinity leveled the score in the 24th minute with a goal line finish in a crowded penalty area on a direct free kick. 

Bedoya put the visitors back in front in the 31st minute with a well-placed strike from distance. Once again, Aguilera sent a long ball forward to Bedoya. She trapped the ball cleanly, took two touches, and scored with her left foot.

In the 41st minute, Corbin unleashed a powerful shot that rattled off the crossbar after collecting the ball in open space.

The Trinity tied it up again just before halftime. McClelland made a quick reaction save on the first shot by Dallas, but a follow-up attempt snuck in the back of the net.

Halftime: Dallas Trinity FC 2, Carolina Ascent FC 2.

Carolina Ascent faced heavy pressure from Dallas Trinity in the second half. #14 Taylor Porter had two important blocks on defense, plus the crossbar saved the day on a dangerous chance in the 80th minute.

The visitors struggled to create chances on offense in the second half. #12 Sydney Studer had the first shot of the second half for Carolina in the 89th minute off a corner kick. The Dallas goalkeeper narrowly saved it out of bounds for another corner kick.

Fulltime: Dallas Trinity FC 2, Carolina Ascent FC 2.

NOTABLES:

• Carolina Ascent FC remain unbeaten through the first nine games of the season.
• #22 B Hylton, who is on a USL Academy Contract, made her first USL Super League start.
• #9 Mia Corbin’s goal was the first inside the opening 10 minutes of the match for Carolina Ascent FC this season.
• #5 Jaydah Bedoya scored her second goal of the season and recorded her first professional assist.
• For the first time, Carolina Ascent allowed multiple goals in a single game.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

On giving up the lead twice
“We have to be a little bit more thoughtful on the road, coming into other teams’ stadiums and dealing with the pressure, making smarter decisions at certain times in the game. Conceding just before half was disappointing, and we really should have gone up 3-1 just two minutes before that. Disappointing in the manner the goals were allowed, but let’s not kid ourselves; Dallas is a good team, and to come here and get a point and keep moving forward is important.”

On the lack of offensive production in the second half
“The mentality in the second half was trying to find our feet, get ourselves back in the game, and find a foundation, but I don’t think it ever came. We were very resolute and determined in our defending, but we never really got ourselves back in the game in the second half.”

On making substitutions earlier in the game than in previous matches
“A couple of little tweaks and changes as they went in. It’s a tough place to play. It was a really good crowd and good team. We needed a reaction from those subs.”

#22 B Hylton

On making her first USL Super League start
“It felt really awesome. I was a little nervous, but I was just really excited to get an opportunity to get out on the field and help out the team in any way I could. Overall, it was a great experience!” 

#17 Eli Beard

On returning from injury
“It felt great getting some minutes under my belt. I’ve been working hard to get healthy and get back onto the field, and I’m grateful I was able to contribute.” 

On the result
“Of course, we wanted three points, but securing a point on the road is still crucial for us. Every point we earn away from home helps build our momentum. Now, it’s about going back, evaluating where we stand, and focusing on adjustments to be even stronger for the next game.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

Carolina Ascent FC faces DC Power FC at Audi Field on Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 p.m. The match can be streamed on Peacock.

Cornelius, NC native is an All-State honoree and Conference Goalkeeper of the Year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 24, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of goalkeeper Riley Pickels on a USL Academy Contract, pending league and federation approval. Pickels joins a growing group of young players on Head Coach Philip Poole’s squad.

“We are delighted to be able to give Riley this opportunity,” Poole said. “We have one goalkeeper at the U17 World Cup and another with the U19 U.S. National Team, so it was important for us to bring in a local high-level goalkeeper that we know well and have seen play multiple times.” 

Pickels plays club soccer with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club where she is the captain of the Girls 07 ECNL team. She has earned two ECNL Mid-Atlantic All-Conference honors. 

As a sophomore at Hough High School last year, Pickels was recognized as the 2023/24 Queen City 3A/4A Conference Goalkeeper of the Year. She also received NCSCA All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors.

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of Carolina Ascent FC,” Pickels shared. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of such a high level of soccer and getting to work with the team.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Carolina Ascent FC faces Dallas Trinity FC on Friday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m. at Cotton Bowl Stadium. The match can be streamed on Peacock. 

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

Forward from Huntersville, NC plays youth soccer with the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 23, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of forward Maria Tapia on a USL Academy Contract, pending league and federation approval. Tapia is the latest player from the Carolinas to take the next step in developing along the path to pro established by Carolina Ascent and the USL.

“Maria has been training with us for the last eight weeks and has developed at such a rapid rate that naturally the next step is to bring her in on a full time basis,” Head Coach Philip Poole said. “She has certain qualities that indicate she has a very high ceiling and one who, with deliberate care and direction, will be able to take her game to the next level.”

Tapia, who is from Huntersville, North Carolina, was named to the ECNL All-Conference First Team in 2024 for her impact on the Charlotte Independence ECNL squad. She was also selected for the ODP South Region Team and ODP National Team in 2024. 

“I’m really excited to be joining Carolina Ascent FC,” Tapia shared. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to grow and develop as a player with this amazing team.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Carolina Ascent FC faces Dallas Trinity FC on Friday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m. at Cotton Bowl Stadium. The match can be streamed on Peacock. 

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

Carolina Ascent FC remains unbeaten through eight games and holds first-place spot in league standings

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 19, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club cruised to a 2-0 victory over Brooklyn FC on Saturday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Carolina Ascent FC faces Dallas Trinity FC on the road on Friday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed on Peacock.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Carolina Ascent started out on the front foot immediately with a field-flipping chance created by #7 Jill Aguilera whose cross made it to the opposite side of the penalty area for #10 Rylee Baisden, but her shot went directly to the goalkeeper. 

The hosts put Brooklyn under heavy pressure to start the game, and it paid off in the 20th minute with a goal by #19 Ashlynn Serepca. A cross by #5 Jaydah Bedoya was blocked into the path of #9 Mia Corbin. She could not collect it, but Brooklyn’s clearance went directly to #14 Taylor Porter. After receiving the ball from Porter, #3 Giovanna DeMarco played it out wide to #2 Josie Studer whose cross hit Serepca perfectly to narrowly slip the ball in the back of the net.

Baisden nearly doubled the lead in the 30th minute as she broke through the defense on a ball from Serepca, but her shot was smothered by the goalkeeper. Serepca had a chance to snag a brace just before half, but her shot curled just to the left of the goal.

Halftime: Carolina Ascent FC 1, Brooklyn FC 0.

Goalkeeper #1 Meagan McClelland opened the second half with a couple of solid catches off corner kicks and headers.

Similar to the matchup on Tuesday, Carolina Ascent had a corner kick attempt saved off the goal line. An in-swinger from Baisden reached the back post for Bruce, and her first shot was saved followed by a blocked shot out of bounds for another corner kick in the 53rd minute. Bedoya struck the ensuing corner kick which was blocked again. 

In the 73rd minute, Serepca and J. Studer connected again for Carolina Ascent’s second goal of the night. J. Studer sent a long ball down field, and Serepca beat out a defender to be one-on-one against the goalkeeper. Serepca touched it around #18 Neeku Purcell and slotted it from a tight angle.

Baisden continued battling for another goal, getting a shot off centrally in the 79th minute. It deflected out for another Carolina Ascent corner kick.

Brooklyn had a few off target shots over the crossbar in the final 10 minutes, but did not challenge the Carolina defense. 

Fulltime: Carolina Ascent FC 2, Brooklyn FC 0.

NOTABLES:

• #2 Josie Studer made her first professional start. She also earned her first two goal contributions of the season, assisting both of Ashlynn Serepca’s goals.
• #19 Ashlynn Serepca scored her first two goals of the season. She recorded the first brace in Carolina Ascent club history.
• 14-year-old #70 Stella Spitzer made her Carolina Ascent debut. Spitzer is the youngest player in the USL Super League. 

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

On the offensive production
“It’s shown signs of being there in Lexington and on Tuesday in Brooklyn. Those pieces sometimes take a little time to fall into place. Tonight wasn’t any different than the last couple games, we just happened to put a couple where they needed to go tonight.”

On the defensive execution
“We lost control too many times on Tuesday where we worked hard but forgot away from the things that are successful. Maintaining focus and control.”

#19 Ashlynn Serepca

On scoring her first two goals of the season
“It was so exciting. I thought I was going to cry on the field and that never happens. It definitely meant a lot. I wouldn’t be able to do it without this team. The first goal was a great ball by Josie and something we’ve worked on and practiced all week. I’m so happy for the team and glad I could be there at the right place at the right time.”

On the team’s adjustments from Tuesday’s match at Brooklyn
“Executing in the final third. We get in amazing positions and create a lot of chances, but we’ve been needing to finish those. Overall, patience as a team. We really dug in. Playing the same team twice in the same week is always a quick turnaround, but we came together, found the right spaces, and finished the chances that we got.”

#2 Josie Studer

On continuing to make professional “firsts”
“It’s absolutely unreal. Before the game today, I was in tears thinking about what it means to play in this city with this group of girls. I can’t even express it. It’s an out-of-body experience.” 

On the defensive adjustments from Tuesday’s match at Brooklyn
“We know we always have it in us. We were diligent at training. Knowing every little detail and trying to perfect the things that we knew from the last time that we played them led into the performance tonight.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

Carolina Ascent FC travels to face Dallas Trinity FC on Friday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m. (ET). The match can be streamed on Peacock.

Jaydah Bedoya scored first professional goal (22’)

NEW YORK (October 15, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club shared the points with Brooklyn FC on Tuesday evening through a 1-1 draw. Carolina Ascent remains unbeaten through the first seven games this season. The club returns home on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. in an immediate rematch against Brooklyn FC.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

After spending much of the first 10 minutes in the defensive third, #5 Jaydah Bedoya created the first dangerous chance of the night for Carolina Ascent. Bedoya collected a through ball from #9 Mia Corbin and dribbled toward the endline. #14 Taylor Porter received Bedoya’s cross, but her shot went straight to Brooklyn goalkeeper, #1 Sydney Martinez.

The offensive pressure continued in the 17th minute as Corbin hit a shot from the right wing outside the penalty area, forcing another save from Martinez. Bedoya secured the rebound, but her ball into the center was intercepted by Brooklyn.

Bedoya’s attacking paid off in the 22nd minute as she scored her first professional goal to put Carolina Ascent in the lead. At midfield #19 Ashlynn Serepca passed the ball down the right sideline to #10 Rylee Baisden who sent a well-placed cross to Bedoya who curled it in the back of the net.

On the other end of the pitch, #7 Jill Aguilera’s quick instincts cleared a ball off the goal line in the 26th minute to maintain the lead.

Halftime: Brooklyn FC 0, Carolina Ascent FC 1.

Brooklyn FC equalized in the 54th minute through a header by #4 Allison Pantuso off a cross stemming from a corner kick.

The Carolina defense made another important goal-line clearance in the 64th minute to direct a shot out of bounds. 

A corner kick nearly put Carolina Ascent ahead in the 76th minute. #4 Vicky Bruce hit a first-time shot that was saved just before crossing the goal line, and Corbin’s shot off the rebound was blocked out for another corner kick. 

Carolina Ascent withstood a surge of late pressure from the Brooklyn FC attack, but #1 Meagan McClelland covered the space between the posts.

The visitors continued searching for a goal through corner kicks. Aguilera took the kick in the 92nd minute which landed short for Bruce. She played it back to Aguilera who sent the ball into the penalty area. #12 Sydney Studer managed an attempt towards goal which was saved again by Martinez. 

Fulltime: Brooklyn FC 1, Carolina Ascent FC 1.

NOTABLES:

• Carolina Ascent remains undefeated through the first seven matches of the season. 
• #5 Jaydah Bedoya scored her first professional goal.
• #10 Rylee Baisden notched her third assist of the season, leading the team.
• #17 Eli Beard made her Carolina Ascent debut after missing the beginning of the season due to injury.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

On defending set pieces 
“With set pieces, it’s continuing to do the work, continuing to improve. They’re a big part of games, and they’ve been a decisive part of the last two.”

On Jaydah Bedoya scoring her first professional goal
“Jaydah is a talented individual in wide areas when she isolates 1v1, but she’s just as dangerous coming in from the back side and getting around the back post. It was a great finish tonight from Jaydah. She was close to scoring her first a week ago, and it’s always going to come. Jaydah is a young player who is always growing and getting opportunities. I’m really proud of her.”

On the rematch against Brooklyn FC this weekend
“From an attacking standpoint we created some really good chances; several in the first half, several in the second half. [Sydney] Martinez made several top saves especially in the second half; one from Vicky [Bruce], one from Sydney [Studer]. On another day, we walk out of here with three points. In fairness to the opponent, they created some dangerous chances, and it was a back-and-forth game. Both teams will look at areas we did well and areas we need to clean up. That’s the good part of playing an opponent back-to-back and also the bad part.”

#5 Jaydah Bedoya 

On scoring her first professional goal
“It feels awesome. To be able to score my first goal as a professional is something that I always dreamed of. My emotions were so high seeing it happen. I have to give credit to Rylee; it was an amazing ball put through, and I was there to put it in the corner.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

Carolina Ascent FC hosts Brooklyn FC on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

Carolina Ascent remains undefeated through first six matches

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 6, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club settled for a 1-1 draw on the road against Lexington Sporting Club on Sunday afternoon at Lexington Stadium. Carolina Ascent next plays at Brooklyn FC on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. The match can be streamed on Peacock.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Carolina Ascent conceded four corner kicks in the opening 15 minutes, but the defense remained steady and cleared the ball out of danger consistently. #7 Jill Aguilera earned the first corner kick of the match for the visitors in the 14th minute after a ball played in from deep forced the Lexington goalkeeper to make a save over the crossbar.

#9 Mia Corbin, who scored against Lexington in the last meeting, had a good opportunity in on goal in the 19th minute after a pass from #5 Jaydah Bedoya found #19 Ashlynn Serepca who played it to Corbin approaching the endline.

A play that started from the backline nearly resulted in the opening goal for Carolina Ascent in the 24th minute. #13 Addisyn Merrick carried the ball down the right sideline and crossed it centrally for Bedoya who put it in the back of the net but was ultimately ruled offside.

Merrick rattled a shot off the crossbar in the 29th minute as she received the ball from Serepca after a long run down the right side. Merrick’s attacking presence paid off in the 37th minute as a first-touch cross from the wing was cleared into the goal by Lexington defender #5 Madison Perez.

Lexington SC held a high line on defense, trapping Carolina Ascent offsides numerous times. Nevertheless, the visitors continued with heavy pressure on the attack.

Halftime: Lexington SC 0, Carolina Ascent FC 1.

After holding 58% of the possession in the first half, Carolina Ascent maintained control of the ball in the second half as well. Serepca logged back-to-back shots on target in the 62nd and 65th minute, testing the Lexington goalkeeper. 

#10 Rylee Baisden and Bedoya combined in the 73rd minute for a dangerous chance. From the center of the penalty area, Baisden passed to Bedoya on her right. After a heavy touch, Bedoya crossed it centrally, and the Lexington defense struggled to collect it but did eventually.

The Carolina defense held Lexington without a shot on target until second-half stoppage time when #1 Meagan McClelland punched a long-range shot over the goal for a corner kick.

In the final minutes of the match, Lexington scored the equalizer directly off a corner kick.

Fulltime: Lexington SC 1, Carolina Ascent FC 1.

NOTABLES:

• This was the first rematch of the season for Carolina Ascent FC as the club faced Lexington SC previously on August 25 (1-1 Draw).
• #5 Jaydah Bedoya made her first professional start.
• 60% possession is the most for Carolina Ascent this season.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

On conceding the late equalizer
“The last 10 minutes weren’t managed well enough by me, and that’s something that I take full responsibility for. It’s one of those things where as a coach, you play your role, and we expect the players to play theirs. They worked hard and were very dominant outside of the first 10 minutes of the game and the last four or five minutes. In the middle of the game, we were extremely dominant and it’s a cruel way to end the game, but it’s an area that we know we have to improve on. It hurts a little bit, but you have to use those experiences and moments to take steps forward and improve. Next time we’re in that situation, we’ll be better.”

On Addisyn Merrick’s impact
“Addie has been great since the moment she walked through the door. Today was a good day for her. The matchup against the opponent was a good matchup, and we knew that she would have space on the ball on that side of the field. She exploited it time and time again. We would have liked to get on the end of that ball, but sometimes when you put the ball in dangerous areas, good things happen.” 

On utilizing Meagan McClelland in the passing game from the back
“In this particular game against this opponent, we knew that Meagan would be an important factor in circulating the ball and maintaining possession.”

#13 Addisyn Merrick

On attacking success on the wings 
“I think us being patient and waiting for things to open up allowed me to get involved more in the attack. Ashlynn did a really good job of communicating and giving me space and opportunity to go forward.”

#5 Jaydah Bedoya

On her performance
“I felt like I made some positive adjustments in the second half. Staying onside is crucial, especially with my speed. I focused on my positioning and was able to create some dangerous opportunities. It’s all about finding that rhythm with my teammates, and I think we did a good job of that today. We’ll keep working on it moving forward and being more clinical in the final third.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

Carolina Ascent FC faces Brooklyn FC on the road on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. The match can be streamed on Peacock.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 1, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club and the USL Super League announced today the 2025 Spring Schedule to round out the Inaugural 2024/25 Season. The spring will also feature a balanced schedule with 14 matches, seven at home and seven away. Spring matches will kick off in February and conclude in May. 

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the top four teams in the league standings will qualify for the USL Super League Playoffs, which will consist of a single-elimination, fixed-bracket format featuring two semifinals and a final.

Carolina Ascent FC (3-0-2) is undefeated after five matches in its Inaugural Season and are ranked in the No. 1 spot in the USL Super League Standings.  

All Carolina Ascent FC home matches are played at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Prorated Season Ticket packages are still available and include all remaining fall matches, plus the seven spring games. Packages start at $12 per game. Secure your seats, or contact a ticket rep, at carolinaascent.com/tickets. 

Carolina Ascent opens the 2025 Spring Schedule with three-straight home matches: 

• Saturday, February 15 vs. Lexington SC
• Sunday, February 23 vs. DC Power FC 
• Sunday, March 2 vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC

The Trailblazers hit the road for three consecutive away matches in March at Spokane Zephyr FC, Tampa Bay Sun FC, and Lexington SC. Carolina Ascent closes out the month with a home match against Dallas Trinity FC on Saturday, March 29.

After a midweek trip to DC Power FC, Carolina Ascent returns home for a pair of matches versus Brooklyn FC on Saturday, April 12 and Spokane Zephyr FC on Saturday, April 19. Then, the team is back on the road against Fort Lauderdale United FC. 

The final home match of the regular season is slated for Saturday, May 17 against Tampa Bay Sun FC. 

Carolina Ascent finishes the regular season with a duo of away matches at Brooklyn FC and Dallas Trinity FC. Regular Season competition concludes on Saturday, May 31. 

2024/25 CAROLINA ASCENT FC SPRING SCHEDULE:

• Saturday, February 15 vs. Lexington SC | American Legion Memorial Stadium
• Sunday, February 23 vs. DC Power FC | American Legion Memorial Stadium
• Sunday, March 2 vs. Ft. Lauderdale United FC | American Legion Memorial Stadium
• Saturday, March 8 at Spokane Zephyr FC | ONE Spokane Stadium
• Saturday, March 15 at Tampa Bay Sun FC | Riverfront Stadium
• Sunday, March 23 at Lexington SC | Lexington Stadium
• Saturday, March 29 vs. Dallas Trinity FC | American Legion Memorial Stadium
• Tuesday, April 8 at DC Power FC | TBD
• Saturday, April 12 vs. Brooklyn FC | American Legion Memorial Stadium
• Saturday, April 19 vs. Spokane Zephyr FC | American Legion Memorial Stadium
• Saturday, April 26 at Ft. Lauderdale United FC | FTL UTD Stadium
• Saturday, May 17 vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC | American Legion Memorial Stadium
• Saturday, May 24 at Brooklyn FC | Maimonides Park
• Saturday, May 31 at Dallas Trinity FC | Cotton Bowl Stadium

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

Goalkeeper played major minutes during World Cup qualifying tournament in February

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 1, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today that goalkeeper Molly Vapensky was selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament will be held in the Dominican Republic from October 16 – November 3. 

Vapensky holds six caps at the U-17 level after locking down the net during the 2024 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship. She has been a consistent member of the U.S. Youth National Teams since the U-15 level. Vapensky won the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U15 Championship and the U-16 Mondial Montaigu Football Tournament in France.

Head Coach Katie Schoepfer named 21 players to the roster for the tournament. Players born on or after January 1, 2007, are age-eligible for this World Cup.

The USA will face defending champions Spain, Colombia, and Korea Republic in Group B play. The 2024 FIFA U-17 World Cup includes 16 nations divided into four groups of four teams. The top two finishers in each group advance to quarterfinals of the knockout round.

All matches in the tournament will be broadcast in English on either FS2 or Fox Soccer Plus and in Spanish on the Telemundo family of networks.

UNITED STATES TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

• Wednesday, October 16 at 4 p.m. ET vs. Spain. Watch on FS2.
• Saturday, October 19 at 7 p.m. ET vs. Colombia. Watch on FS2.
• Tuesday, October 22 at 4 p.m. ET vs. Korea Republic. Watch on FS2.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

Goalkeeper Meagan McClelland leads the league with three clean sheets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 27, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club extended its unbeaten streak to five matches with a 0-0 draw against Tampa Bay Sun FC on Friday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Carolina Ascent FC is back in action on Sunday, October 6 at 4:00 p.m. at Lexington SC. The match can be streamed on Peacock.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Carolina Ascent opened the match pressuring Tampa Bay deep in the Sun’s defensive end. 

#9 Mia Corbin had an open dribble through the middle of the pitch in the sixth minute, but she could not capitalize on the opportunity as her shot sailed high. The offensive pressure continued in the eighth minute as #15 Kathrynn González played a through ball to #3 Giovanna DeMarco, but she was just one stride away from getting a touch on the ball.

The hosts held the Sun mostly at bay during the first half. #12 Sydney Studer had a defensive highlight in the 32nd minute as she jumped into a slide to block a cross out of bounds for a corner kick. Just a couple minutes later, #1 Meagan McClelland made a diving save on a long-range shot to keep it level.

Tampa Bay had more offensive pressure towards the end of the first half, but Carolina Ascent stayed strong defensively.

Halftime: Carolina Ascent FC 0, Tampa Bay Sun FC 0.

In the 55th minute, a backwards cross from Harding on the endline found Corbin open in the center of the penalty area, but a Sun player jumped in front of the shot to block it.

McClelland made a clutch diving save in the 63rd minute after a giveaway by the Carolina defense.

Another close chance came for Carolina Ascent in the 70th minute. A cross from #13 Addisyn Merrick passed through the Tampa Bay defense to #14 Taylor Porter. She headed the ball forward for #10 Rylee Baisden, but the Sun goalkeeper forced Baisden’s shot to go over the crossbar.

On the other end, McClelland recorded another crucial diving save in the 74th minute, this time punching the ball out of bounds. 

As stoppage time began, Baisden had another dangerous chance. Her shot caused a reaction save from the Tampa Bay goalkeeper. Both teams continued attacking, and McClelland had a quick reaction save with her feet to hold onto the clean sheet.

Fulltime: Carolina Ascent FC 0, Tampa Bay Sun FC 0.

NOTABLES:

• Carolina Ascent FC is unbeaten in all five matches this season and has been in first place in the league standings since opening day.
• #1 Meagan McClelland leads the USL Super League with three clean sheets.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

Opening statement
“We’re at home, and we want to win our home games for sure. It’s something I didn’t talk about much in the lead up to the game, but I think this was the most important game of the season for both teams and for the league. Overall, I think they were better than us in the first half, and we were better than them in the second half. The result is probably fair, but I’m disappointed to not get three points at home for sure. I’m really happy with the players, I’m really happy with their response. We obviously changed some things around at halftime. We weren’t good enough in the first half, but I think we did enough to win in the second half.” 

On offensive production
“There were some great chances in the first half and even better chances in the second half. We lost our way a bit for the last 15 minutes of the first half, but we made changes, and I think it was enough to win the game.”

#1 Meagan McClelland

On the defensive strength and consistency
“I’ve grown up with a ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality. You can watch our games and look at the data; our team does not make it easy for our opponents to get chances. I’m grateful that they make my job easy. It’s nice to know that if something gets through, I have their backs, but in reality, we’ve been a defensive powerhouse and we don’t let teams get through easily. That’s not just the back four; that starts with our nine up top. You have to get through 11 players to score on us, and it’s not going to be easy. I’m grateful that they make me look good, but they’re the real stars of the show.”

On defensive chemistry
“There’s definitely some chemistry and cohesion that you want to build, but our team has a lot of fluidity. There are many players that play outside forward, but when called, they come play outside back. That beginning chemistry is good, but in practice everyone is getting a chance. It’s important that when one steps out and one steps in, the level doesn’t drop.”

#10 Rylee Baisden

On the team’s offensive chances
“We’re disappointed with just getting one point, but we know how to play and maybe we shied away from playing a bit tonight, but we can always come back and be better next week. We have a high standard for ourselves and want to keep that.”

On team depth
“Our depth is huge. It starts at the top, but we’re as good as the bottom. We can call on anyone any day and that’s what makes selecting the 18 [players] on gameday Coach Poole’s toughest job. Competition is good. Nobody is settled in their position on the field and that makes everyone better.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE:

Carolina Ascent FC is on the road against Lexington SC on Sunday, October 6 at 4:00 p.m. The match can be streamed on Peacock.