Clough spent the last three seasons playing professionally in the Australia Liberty A-League
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 12, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today the signing of defender Cannon Clough for the 2024/25 USL Super League season, pending league and federation approval. 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.
Clough spent the past three seasons playing in the Australian Liberty A-League before agreeing to terms with Carolina Ascent FC, returning to play professional soccer in her hometown.
“I have so much respect for Cannon and her professional career thus far,” Head Coach Philip Poole shared. “Knowing firsthand what a competitive mindset she has made it a no-brainer for us to bring her back to the Carolinas. Watching Cannon move on from UNC into the professional ranks and following her journey has been amazing. We are really excited for her to represent her hometown and are honored to call her a Carolina Ascent FC player.”
Clough returns home to Charlotte after playing soccer in Australia since 2019. The defender started all 19 matches she played in during the 2023/24 season for Canberra United and added her first professional goal from the backline. Ahead of the 2022/23 season, Clough signed with the Newcastle Jets where she played 1,596 minutes in 18 starts.
The 2021/22 season was Clough’s first in the A-League as she played for Brisbane Roar. The defender quickly earned a consistent spot in the roster, appearing in all but three matches. Brisbane discovered Clough after she was nominated for Queensland Player of the Year and won the Queensland NPL championship with Lions FC in 2021.
“Life has truly come full circle with this opportunity,” Clough explained. “I am excited to help inspire young Carolinians that are the future of this club. Competing at the highest level in front of family and friends wearing the Carolina Ascent FC crest is a dream come true. The group of players that Coach Poole and his staff have brought together will certainly make an impact on this league in its first year! I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of this club and join the climb.”
The Charlotte native reached the 2016 NCAA College Cup and won the 2017 ACC Regular Season title with UNC Chapel Hill. She competed in 28 matches and helped the Tar Heels earn 17 clean sheets across two seasons. Clough began her collegiate career at UNC Charlotte where she recorded 22 starts in 36 appearances. In high school, Clough captained Charlotte Latin High School to a state championship.
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.
