Former Bristol City defender returns home to the Carolinas after seven years abroad
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 1, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today Vicky Bruce as the first signing in club history ahead of the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. The defender returns home to the Carolinas after playing professional soccer abroad for seven years in Australia and Europe. Season tickets for the inaugural season are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.
“From the beginning, we have talked about building a club by the Carolinas, for the Carolinas and connecting with the community in everything we do,” Head Coach Philip Poole explained. “To bring Vicky back to the Carolinas is such an exciting moment for everyone connected to the club. Vicky is a leader on and off the field and will be visible in our community. I am thrilled to announce Vicky and what it means for her and the young girls playing soccer in the Carolinas.”
A proven champion, Bruce returns to the states and her hometown to compete with Carolina Ascent FC. Bruce spent the 2023/24 season playing for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the Australian A-League, starting all 22 matches and recording three goals in the campaign.
“I’ve played professionally overseas for over seven years, but it’s always been my dream to play at the highest level in the U.S.,” Bruce commented. “Now, not only do I get to realize that dream in the U.S., I get to do it right here in my hometown. I’m honored and grateful to sign with the Carolina Ascent FC and play for one of my favorite childhood coaches again.”
Previously, Bruce played in multiple European top flights, winning a trio of championships. Bruce started all but two matches in Bristol City’s road to the Women’s Championship in England during the 2022/23 season.
Bruce spent the 2021/22 season playing for SC Sand in the top German league, the Frauen Bundesliga. She totaled 1,639 minutes across 22 matches and helped SC Sand reach the DFB Pokal Women’s Quarterfinals.
Her first league title came in 2019/20 with Danish side Fortuna Hjørring, topping the Kvlindeliga. Bruce remained with the club for the 2020/21 season as Fortuna Hjørring earned a third-place finish. She played in 22 league matches, starting 20, and added one goal and one assist. Bruce also started all four matches in Fortuna Hjørring’s run to the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round of 16 in which her side lost to the eventual champion, FC Barcelona.
Bruce’s UEFA Champions League debut came in the Fall of 2019 for Apollon Limassol before she joined Morön BK in the Swedish Elitettan until the January transfer window. In only seven appearances for Morön BK, Bruce scored four goals.
The defender signed her first professional contract in May of 2017 with Icelandic side, Fimleikafélag Hafnarfarðar. As a rookie, Bruce played 1,013 minutes across 11 starts in 12 games.
Collegiately, Bruce played her freshman and sophomore seasons for the University of North Carolina where she won the NCAA Championship in her first year. Before her junior year, Bruce transferred closer to home to Davidson College where she started all 38 games.
Growing up in Cornelius, North Carolina, Bruce played club soccer for Charlotte Soccer Academy. In 2020, Bruce was inducted into the inaugural Cannon High School Athletics Hall of Fame. She was a member of the North Carolina ODP program from 2006-10 and was named to ODP Region III teams for international trips in 2009 and 2010 while captaining the North Carolina ODP team each of those years. In 2008, Bruce participated in U14 U.S. Youth National Team Nike Friendlies.
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.
