Carolina Ascent FC Signs Four Accomplished Players to Join the Climb: Midfielder Taylor Porter, Forward Rylee Baisden, Midfielder Jill Aguilera and Defender Kelly Ann Livingstone
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 14, 2024) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today the next four players to sign with the club ahead of the 2024/25 Inaugural Season, pending league and federation approval. The newest additions include 2022 NWSL Champion, Taylor Porter, 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Champion, Rylee Baisden, Puerto Rico International, Jill Aguilera, and Danish Cup Champion, Kelly Ann Livingstone. Carolina Ascent FC kicks off its Inaugural Season this August in Charlotte, N.C. at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season Tickets to Charlotte’s new women’s professional soccer team are on sale now at carolinaascent.com/tickets.
TAYLOR PORTER, MIDFIELDER
2022 NWSL Champion, 2021 NWSL Shield Winner, and 2021 Women’s International Champions Cup Winner Taylor Porter joins Carolina Ascent FC from the Portland Thorns.
“Taylor is someone we identified very early on in our recruitment efforts,” stated Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach and General Manager, Philip Poole. “Taylor’s experience, paired with her competitiveness and class on the pitch, are key contributors to helping us build our inaugural roster. In all of my discussions with Taylor, it is clear she has what it takes to win, and I think fans are really going to enjoy what she brings to the pitch.”
Porter earned her first start in an NWSL competition in the 2022 Challenge Cup, playing a full 90 minutes against Angel City. She then scored her first career NWSL goal in June against Orlando Pride, adding two more later that season.
“I am so excited to find my way back to playing soccer in North Carolina. It has always felt like a second home to me,” Porter explained. “Playing for Carolina Ascent FC feels like an exciting, new adventure that I can’t wait to experience with my teammates and all of our new Carolina Ascent fans. Can’t wait to join the climb!”
For the first half of 2021, Porter played with UDG Tenerife Egatesa, a Spanish first-division team based in Granadilla de Abona, in the Canary Islands. She was offered this contract following a notable performance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid while playing for ZFK Spartak Subotica in Serbia.
The midfielder’s first sampling of professional soccer came in 2019 as Porter signed with the Orlando Pride. She became the first NC State University player to sign an NWSL contract.
While at NC State, Porter started all 85 matches the Wolfpack played during her four years, ranking in the program’s top-10 in all-time career starts. Porter was a key piece of the Wolfpack’s three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
RYLEE BAISDEN, FORWARD
Most recently, Baisden showcased her talent with Perth Glory FC in the A-League W in Australia during the 2022/23 season, scoring five goals in just seven matches, further solidifying her reputation as a top-tier forward.
“I cannot wait for Rylee to continue her professional soccer career with us here in the Carolinas. She brings a unique skill set and is able to play in multiple attacking positions,” explained Poole. “As an experienced player with an eye for goal, Rylee will be a positive force for our team, and her play will be sure to excite the fans here in the Carolinas.”
Baisden’s journey to Carolina Ascent FC includes a remarkable tenure with the North Carolina Courage, which began during the NWSL Fall Series in 2020. She earned a contract extension in 2021, securing an additional two years in the Carolinas, which included a memorable debut goal and crucial contributions to the Courage’s victory in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.
“I’m beyond excited to join Carolina Ascent FC for the inaugural season,” Baisden shared. “Competing in the USL Super League is a fantastic opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started and make a positive impact for our club and the Carolina soccer community.”
Ahead of the 2019/20 season, Baisden joined Australian side Brisbane Roar FC in the A-League. She totaled 923 minutes in 11 matches during her debut season in which she tallied three goals, three assists, and three Team of the Week selections. Baisden made a phenomenal first impression in Australia as she starred in the National Premier League with Moreton Bay United in 2018/19. With 33 goals and seven assists in 23 games, Baisden was selected nine times for the Team of the Week and ended the year with more top accolades, earning Team of the Season, Player of the Year, and Golden Boot.
During the 2018 season, Baisden ventured to France, where she showcased her skills with Croix De Savoie, tallying four goals and five assists in 16 games. Baisden’s professional career began with Skövde KIK in Sweden, where she quickly made her mark by netting an impressive 15 goals in just 13 appearances during the 2017 season.
Serving as team captain, Baisden represented the United States in the World University Games in 2017. In six matches, she contributed one goal and six assists.
Baisden completed a stellar collegiate career at Pepperdine University in 2016, Baisden earned All-WCC first team and NSCAA All-Region third team honors. She led the Waves in goals and assists with six each, including three game-winning goals.
JILL AGUILERA, MIDFIELDER
Over the past two seasons, Aguilera made 36 appearances for the Chicago Red Stars across the NWSL and the NWSL Challenge Cup.
“I was able to watch Jill, in person, on multiple occasions last season with the Chicago Red Stars,” Poole noted. “There is no doubt she is an elite-level player who will be a top competitor in the USL Super League. After watching her performances with Puerto Rico in the CONCACAF W Gold cup earlier this year, I was convinced she was a player we needed to bring here to the Carolinas.”
While with the Red Stars, Aguilera received her first call-up to the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team in 2022. She scored in her debut against Suriname during World Cup Qualifiers. She has since scored three more international goals, including a pair of game-winners. Her goal against Haiti secured Puerto Rico a spot in the inaugural 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup in which Aguilera started all three matches against Brazil, Panama, and Colombia.
“I am so excited for this opportunity to play in an amazing city, with amazing fans,” Aguilera expressed. “I can’t wait to get started and help this team win championships!”
Aguilera was a member of the University of Arizona women’s soccer team from 2016-2021. In her final match for the Wildcats, Aguilera tied and broke the program record for career goals (33). Aguilera also set the record for the most matches played in program history (92).
In 2021, Aguilera was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year award which recognizes one female student-athlete from each school for their athletic accomplishments along with their service to the community and academic successes.
KELLY ANN LIVINGSTONE, DEFENDER
During the 2023 NWSL season, Livingstone signed with the Seattle Reign.
Livingstone spent the 2022/23 season competing in the Danish premier division with Fortuna Hjørring. Fortuna Hjørring finished third in the Kvindeligaen. Livingstone also contributed to Fortuna Hjørring’s 10th Sydbank Kvinde Pokalen Danish Cup Championship.
“From the moment I met Kelly Ann, I knew she would be a big part of our plans for the Carolina Ascent. Kelly Ann is amazingly composed on the pitch and is a top-level defender who will be essential to our success,” stated Poole. “To have a player who can occupy multiple defensive roles will be key for our team during a long, competitive season.”
A 2022 NWSL Draft selection, Livingstone joined NJ/NY Gotham FC on her first professional contract.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of a team and organization that is building more than just a group of talented football players,” Livingstone said. “I’m also excited to be playing for an amazing coaching staff, and I’m grateful they have taken a chance on me and for this incredible opportunity.”
Before pursuing a professional career, Livingstone started and competed in 97 matches across five seasons for Georgetown University. The Hoyas participated in four NCAA Tournaments during Livingstone’s collegiate career and won four BIG EAST Championships and three regular season titles.
Livingstone earned numerous awards while playing for Georgetown, including 2020 NSCAA/United Soccer Coaches All-American honors. Anchoring the backline, she helped the Georgetown defense to 17 shutouts during her rookie season. The next year, the Hoyas allowed just 10 goals on the year.
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.
