The winger contributed on a goal in every game in October
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 5, 2025) — The Gainbridge Super League announced today Carolina Ascent forward Audrey Harding as the Player of the Month for October.
Harding played a pivotal role in Ascent’s undefeated October, registering one goal and three assists across four matches. The winger set the tone by assisting the opening goal in the team’s victory against DC Power on October 4. Harding followed with her first goal of the season in the next outing at Lexington SC. She ended the month with assists in wins over Brooklyn FC on October 18 and Spokane Zephyr FC on October 30. Harding has recorded a goal contribution in five consecutive games.
“With five goal contributions in five games, I’m just taking each game at a time, focusing on our team’s structure, and playing with confidence in what I know I can bring for this team – both offensively and defensively,” Harding said following the Spokane win.
Aguilera, Studer Join In On October Honors
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 5, 2025) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today Carolina Ascent defenders Jill Aguilera and Sydney Studer have been named to October’s Team of the Month.
Aguilera and Studer – both named to the 2024/25 All-League First Team – each played every minute across the four matches and helped fuel a three-victory October stretch. This is Aguilera’s third in-season Team of the Month honor in two seasons, while it is Studer’s fourth such selection.
On October 18 at Brooklyn FC, Aguilera opened her October highlight reel by scoring her first goal of the season — the game-winner in a road 2-1 victory. Her versatility as a left-back has been on full display, leading the squad in crosses attempted, tackles won, duels won, passes and fouls drawn. Aguilera remains the only player on the roster to log every minute of the campaign thus far.
Studer’s October performance saw a leap in defensive metrics for the Ascent, particularly in aerial dominance. She currently leads the team with 35 aerial duels won this season, and her consistency in clearing crosses and disrupting opposition attacks has been critical in stabilizing the back line as the club climbed the league standings.
Poole Wins October Coach of the Month
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 5, 2025) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole has been named October Coach of the Month.
Poole, the reigning 2024/25 Gainbridge Super League Coach of the Year, earns the monthly honor for the third time in the past two seasons.
Carolina Ascent entered October in the bottom half of the table but surged into third place after an undefeated four-match month, collecting three wins and producing some of the club’s most cohesive performances to date. The stretch included the team’s first two road victories of the season.
Central to the turnaround was further emphasis on an aggressive, coordinated press, allowing the Ascent to force turnovers higher up the pitch and turn them directly into scoring opportunities, something they were known for in the inaugural season. The successful approach has resulted in greater control in midfield spaces and a notable reduction in high-quality chances conceded.
“We controlled the game in possession and also out of possession,” shared Poole after the win at Spokane. “I think that we pressed well and we also recovered the ball really well. The press and the organization of our shape was a big part of a dominant performance…I think we were really good defensively and as a result, we got a lot of opportunities in transition on the attack.”
Under Poole, the Ascent have continued to establish a clear identity built on organization and collective team responsibility. October showcased that identity at its strongest and returned the team into a familiar place in the table.
Carolina Ascent looks to extend their unbeaten run to five games Saturday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. It’s Pups at the Pitch and Salute to Service Night. Secure your tickets HERE!
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season 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 residents of the Carolinas.
The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
