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Admission is free and the match is open to the public. Kickoff is set for Monday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 25, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today a preseason friendly against the University of South Carolina women’s soccer team on Monday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina. The match is open to the public and will be played at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium. Admission is free as the club invites fans from across the Carolinas to watch Carolina Ascent FC in action for the very first time. 

“We’ve been really intentional this preseason, and making the trip down to the University of South Carolina is a great opportunity for us to compete against a top-tier collegiate program while also showcasing our product for the very first time, to soccer fans across both Carolinas,” shared Head Coach, Philip Poole. “We thank Shelley Smith and the University of South Carolina women’s soccer program for hosting us as we continue to make preparations for our inaugural season home opener on August 17.”

“The Carolina Ascent is a team built by the Carolinas, for the Carolinas,” expressed Carolina Ascent Chief Operating Officer, Tim Schuldt. “We’re thrilled to connect with all the amazing soccer fans in Columbia and the surrounding area. South Carolina is Carolina Ascent country!”

Carolina Ascent FC will also play two closed-door matches to round out preseason ahead of the inaugural USL Super League match in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. against DC Power Football Club. 

All ticket options from season memberships to single game tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets. 

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial markets 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. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 16, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the club’s theme nights and free souvenirs for all seven home matches across the inaugural fall schedule. From August to November, fans can expect a combination of community impact and family-friendly campaigns paired with cultural celebrations and honorable recognitions. Game times for the home Fall Schedule are also available on the team’s website at CarolinaAscent.com/schedule.

Carolina Ascent FC will host the USL Super League’s Inaugural Match on Saturday, August 17. The club calls soccer fans from across the Carolinas to Pack the Pitch for the historic match. American Legion Memorial Stadium will be dressed with multi-colored, commemorative opening night rally towels. Carolina Ascent will cap off the night with a post game fireworks show.

Just one week later, the club will host Sunday Funday on Sunday, August 25. Fans will take home a Carolina Ascent FC car decor pack. The license plate frame, car magnet, car decal and embroidered keychain lets fans bring their new favorite club on the road for all the adventures through the mountains and beaches of the Carolinas. 

Sunday, August 25 is also the first of three matches to feature Carolina Ascent FC’s collectible friendship bracelets. Fans can collect all three bracelets by also attending the matches on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, November 23.

In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Friday, September 6 is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Night. Carolina Ascent reversible bucket hats will be given away on the concourse; fans can choose from navy or purple styles. There will also be a post game fireworks show after the match.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Carolina Ascent at ¡Bienvenidos Carolinas! Night on Friday, September 27. Branded vuvuzelas will be the giveaway for fans in addition to the Always Climbing collectible friendship bracelet.

For the single home match in October, Carolina Ascent invites fans to Oktoberfest to grab their free beer stein. The concourse will be decked out for the Oktoberfest theme, and traditional Oktoberfest food items will be featured.

Salute to Service Night will take place on Saturday, November 9 in correlation with Veterans Day. The club will be giving away patriotic fleece blankets as the colder weather approaches and fans can enjoy post game fireworks.

The final home match of the Fall Schedule is on Saturday, November 23 and supports the Carolinas strong small business community with Small Business Saturday. Keeping with the winter theme, fans will receive a free beanie along with the Together We Rise collectible friendship bracelet.

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.

McGrew and Franco consistently compete with youth national teams for the U.S. and Colombia, respectively

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 5, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today that forward Jaida McGrew and defender Isabella Franco joined the club on USL Academy contracts ahead of the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Carolina Ascent FC’s Inaugural Home Opener is on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

JAIDA McGREW

Earlier this year, McGrew was called up for a U.S. U-17 Youth National Team training camp in January and received another call-up in April as the U-17 squad began preparations for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

“Jaida is a local player with massive potential who has shown she belongs at this level,” Head Coach Philip Poole stated. “I was pleased to see her progression into the U17 U.S. National Team along with the impact she was able to have in the USL W League this summer. When a local player exceeds expectations it is our duty to recognize that and learn as much as we can about them. We watched Jaida several times before inviting her to train with us. We are really excited about what she will bring to the team.”

McGrew was a prominent member of the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League team this summer, scoring four goals and adding one assist in seven matches.

“I’m so excited to join Carolina Ascent FC for the inaugural USL Super League season,” McGrew said. “Not only that, but the chance to be able to play in the city I’ve grown up in, and surrounded by an amazing group of people Coach Poole has brought together is everything I could’ve asked for.” 

At the club level, McGrew played for ECNL and Development Academy for Charlotte Soccer Academy. McGrew was awarded the 2024 Carolina Soccer Honors Club Female Player of the Year. She received ECNL National All-American recognition, earned ECNL National Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Conference honors three times, and was named to the ECNL National Selection Game roster in 2022 and 2023. McGrew’s five goals and four assists in six playoff matches led her team to the ECNL Finals in the culmination of the 2022/23 season.

As a junior at Providence Day School, McGrew tallied 26 goals and 14 assists as she led her team to an NCISAA 4A State Championship title. In two seasons at Mountain Island Charter School, McGrew reached 73 goals and 19 assists, featuring 57 goals as a sophomore for a 2.7 goals per game average.

ISABELLA FRANCO

Franco has made waves in the youth ranks for the Colombia Women’s National Team. In February, Franco was rostered for a pair of U17 matches against Uruguay and was then invited to train with the U19 squad for the remainder of the international window. Franco also helped the Colombian U17 team qualify for the 2024 FIFA World Cup, taking place this fall.

“We are excited to welcome Isabella to the club,” Poole commented. “Isa has had a busy last 18 months due to her inclusion with the Colombian U17 and U19 National Teams which has seen her travel significantly. Isa has shown great maturity during this process which lends itself to being able to handle the demands of being a professional athlete. Isa has shown progress and growth with Colombia and in the games she played in the USL W League for us this summer. We are really looking forward to getting her back here from Colombia and into pre-season with the team.” 

The defender also competed with the Carolina Ascent USL W League team this summer and started six matches on the backline. Franco played club soccer for the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club 08 ECNL team. In 2023, Franco was selected to compete in the ECNL Girls Conference Cup as one of the top rising players in the country.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to play with Carolina Ascent FC this season,” Franco shared. “I’m excited to start playing and to learn and grow with my new teammates.” 

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.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 3, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of defender Annika Creel for the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Creel played for Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) before winning the 2023 USL W League National Championship with Indy Eleven. Carolina Ascent FC’s Inaugural Home Opener is on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

“Annika is an important player for us who brings passion, grit, and the ability to defend,” Head Coach Philip Poole said. “Her experience and willingness to direct on the field shows she is capable, and more importantly willing, to lead a defensive unit. Annika has a coach’s mentality on the field, and that is a major reason we signed her. I know she will make an impact on and off the pitch for us this season. As a person, I am certain Annika will be an asset to this team and our community.” 

Creel’s professional journey began in Sweden where she signed with Göteborg FC. She then joined Sunnanå SK on loan during the 2020 transfer window. Creel spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Houston Dash and re-signed with the Dash for 2023. She also joined NJ/NY Gotham for a stint before heading to Indianapolis where she won the 2023 USL W League Championship with Indy Eleven. Creel contributed to the backline which only allowed six goals and earned 10 shutouts en route to the team’s second consecutive division title and a 12-1-1 record.

“I am beyond thrilled to join Carolina Ascent FC and be part of the inaugural USL Super League season,” Creel shared. “Carolina Ascent FC embodies a family culture with a competitive championship mindset, and it is an honor to play for a team with such passionate coaches and supportive staff. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity they have given me. I can’t wait to meet the amazing fans who make this city so special and proudly represent Carolina Ascent on and off the field. I am excited to contribute to the team’s success and make unforgettable memories with everyone involved in the Carolina Ascent family.”

A three-year Bulldog, Creel was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team in all three seasons. She started 53 of the 55 games she appeared in and helped secure 31 clean sheets while also adding five goals and two assists. Other honors in Creel’s collegiate career include 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team, 2018 All-East Region Second Team, and 2017 United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region First Team. 

Prior to her time at Butler, Creel played the 2016 season at the University of Connecticut as the Huskies earned an NCAA Tournament berth. 

Originally from Zionsville, Indiana, Creel played four years of varsity soccer at Zionsville Community High School where she was a High School All-American and the MVP of the High School All-American game.

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.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 3, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of midfielder Kathrynn González ahead of the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Carolina Ascent FC’s Inaugural Home Opener is on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

González has been a crucial part of the Dominican Republic Women’s National Team’s recent success and just finished her first professional club season in Europe, playing with FC Thy-Thisted Q in the Danish top division.

“From day one, the technical staff and I could all see Kathrynn’s ability to influence play from attacking positions,” Head Coach Philip Poole explained. “She is a player who can dictate the tempo and rhythm of games. I watched Kathrynn several times for the Dominican Republic and was able to see the passion and energy she is capable of giving to our team. I am really looking forward to seeing Kathrynn represent our group this season.”

González made her international debut for the Dominican Republic in July 2021 in a friendly against Nicaragua. She made two appearances in 2022 CONCACAF Qualifying matches against Bermuda and Jamaica, scoring the team’s only goal against Jamaica. 

“I am incredibly excited for this new journey with Carolina Ascent FC,” González shared. “To be in such a great city with amazing players and staff is a dream come true. I am so grateful to Coach Poole for the opportunity and can’t wait to get to work!”

In 2023, González scored three goals in four matches during the league stage of CONCACAF W Gold Cup Qualifying, leading the Dominican Republic to the qualification final. González scored the game-winning goal against Guyana in February 2024 to secure her country a spot in the first-ever CONCACAF W Gold Cup. She featured in all three group stage matches against the United States, Mexico, and Argentina.

A three-year member of the Marshall University women’s soccer team, González made 41 starts in 43 appearances, scoring 12 goals and adding five assists. During her senior season, González was the Sun Belt Conference’s leader in shots (68) and shots per game (3.58) while also finishing eighth in the league with 17 points and ninth with seven goals. 

Originally from Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania, González played soccer at Pocono Mountain West High School where she became the school’s women’s soccer all-time leading scorer.

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 won U15 and U17 CONCACAF Championships

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 3, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the addition of goalkeeper Molly Vapensky on a USL Academy Contract for the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Vapensky is a regular starter for the U.S. Youth National Teams and one of the top-ranked goalkeepers in her class. Carolina Ascent FC will host the first-ever USL Super League match on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

“We are delighted to bring Molly to the Carolinas,” Head Coach, Philip Poole commented. “As one of the brightest young players in the nation, we feel she will be able to develop her game to even greater heights. She brings an amazing work ethic and mentality. Molly will fit in well with our team.”

Vapensky has been a consistent invitee for the U.S Youth National Teams since the U15 level. She won the 2022 CONCACAF U15 Championship, won the U16 Mondial Montaigu Football Tournament in France, and most recently won the 2024 CONCACAF U17 Championship which qualified the team for the 2024 U17 FIFA World Cup. Vapensky started four of the five games in the team’s route to the 2024 title. 

“I am so excited and thankful to be joining Carolina Ascent FC this season,” Vapensky shared. “I truly believe that Coach Poole and Carolina Ascent FC are creating something special in the Carolinas, and I am so honored to be a part of it. To be able to train and compete in a professional environment is such a unique opportunity, and I believe that it is the best path for me to continue to grow and develop my game.”

Outside of the national team landscape, Vapensky has sought out opportunities across the country for player development. She participated in 2024 NWSL preseason training with the KC Current. This summer, Vapensky competed in her hometown with Chicago City SC in the USL W League. In 2023, Vapensky won the 2023 U16 ECNL Championship with Texas-based Solar Soccer Club, one of the country’s elite youth soccer clubs. Vapensky has also received invitations for the Olympic Development Program (ODP) Inter Regionals and the United Futsal National Team Camp and Regional Team.

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.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 2, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of forward Audrey Harding ahead of the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. Harding brings NWSL and European soccer experience to Head Coach Philip Poole’s squad. Carolina Ascent FC’s Inaugural Home Opener is on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

“Audrey is a player I have kept my eye on throughout college and her professional career. Having witnessed her score goals firsthand, I am confident that she will be an asset to our attack in the Carolinas. Audrey creates dangerous chances and is a clinical finisher. She can play up front in different ways and provides us options to play in multiple formations. I have enjoyed getting to know Audrey and look forward to seeing her represent Carolina Ascent FC this season.”

Ahead of the 2023 season, Harding signed with KIF Örebro DFF in the premier Swedish division, the OBOS Damallsvenskan. Harding was a major contributor in league and domestic cup play, scoring goals across all competitions, including goals in back-to-back matches in May.

“I am super excited to be joining the climb with Carolina Ascent FC,” Harding expressed. “I’ve been eager to get back to the Carolinas since my college career, and I couldn’t think of a better time, team, and coaching staff to do so with. I cannot wait to get this season kicked off in less than 50 days and make history together as the newest women’s professional sports team in Charlotte. I hope the Carolinas and our fans are ready for an amazing inaugural season because I am!” 

After college, Harding was selected as the No. 38 pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft by the Washington Spirit and signed her first professional contract. She was only the second player from UNC Wilmington to be drafted in the NWSL. Harding made her professional debut on May 1, 2022, in the Spirit’s win over OL Reign. 

Harding’s impressive collegiate career landed her in the record books at UNC Wilmington with 23 goals and 66 points. She is one of only three players in program history to tally 20 career goals and 20 career assists. Her assists mark is tied for the program-lead. Harding became the first UNC Wilmington women’s soccer player to earn United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American accolades in 2021.

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.