CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 6, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of goalkeeper Meagan McClelland for the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. McClelland played for three NWSL clubs before a stint in Denmark this spring. 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.
“Meagan is a player who I have seen develop through the U.S. Youth National Teams, her impressive college career, and more recently as a professional,” Head Coach Philip Poole explained. “We have signed Meagan in the prime years of her career. She has amassed so much experience throughout her first few professional seasons which I am sure we will benefit from. Her game allows us to feel confident both in an out of possession while demonstrating the ability to make game defining saves. She has the potential to be among the best in the league.”
McClelland signed with Odense Boldklub Q of the Kvinde-DM Liga in Denmark in February 2024 and made an instant impact on the squad, earning six clean sheets in eight appearances to close out the 2023/24 season.
During the 2023 NWSL season, McClelland signed with the Chicago Red Stars. She then joined San Diego Wave for a brief period before signing with NJ/NY Gotham FC in September 2023. McClelland remained with Gotham FC through the end of the season where she helped the club win the 2023 NWSL Championship.
McClelland progressed through the U.S. Youth National Team ranks from the U17 to U23 levels. She represented the United States in the 2016 U17 Women’s World Cup.
“I am extremely excited to get back home to the states and get straight to work with such an amazing club,” McLelland expressed. “Carolina Ascent Football Club has built an incredible environment between the staff, coaches, fans, team, and so much more. I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of such a great organization in our inaugural season, and I’m excited to join the climb!”
McClelland etched her name in NCAA history at the conclusion of her five years at Rutgers University, finishing second all-time in goalkeeper minutes with 9,482. She appeared in 102 games, starting 101. Overall, McClelland recorded 43 solo shutouts, 49 team shutouts, a 0.69 goals against average, and an .801 save percentage.
The goalkeeper earned All-Big Ten honors four times and was named Big Ten Rookie of the Year in 2018. In 2021, she led the Scarlet Knights to their second NCAA Final Four appearance in program history behind two penalty shootout victories.
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.
