Goal by #30 Harding (73’)
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (June 12, 2024) – The Carolina Ascent FC USL W League team played a competitive match against NC Fusion on Wednesday evening, falling 1-2. Carolina Ascent is on the road against Wake FC on Saturday, June 15 at 4:30 p.m. The match can be streamed for free at sportsengineplay.com.
NC Fusion took an early lead in the seventh minute with a goal on a breakaway. Carolina Ascent had a similar play in the 14th minute, but #18 Olivia Simon’s shot hit the side netting.
Carolina Ascent had numerous chances in the first half, testing the Fusion goalkeeper, but the visitors held the lead at halftime.
Less than two minutes into the second half, NC Fusion doubled its lead with a header directly off a corner kick.
#20 Sophie Sipprell had a one-on-one opportunity against the Fusion goalkeeper, but her shot landed just wide of the left post. Sipprell had another dangerous chance in the 64th minute off a pass from #30 Audrey Harding.
The offensive momentum continued for Carolina Ascent with a volleyed shot by #25 Kennedy Jones in the 65th minute. Harding collected the goalkeeper’s rebound, but her shot was blocked. A free kick from #5 Sam Whitaker to #24 Kat Gonzalez led to a shot off the post as Carolina Ascent continued attacking.
Harding cut Fusion’s lead in half with a shot into the far right netting in the 73rd minute.
A scramble in the penalty area nearly led to another Carolina Ascent goal. Jones launched a shot which was blocked by the keeper. #10 Manuela Baptista found the rebound, but her shot was also blocked and subsequently saved.
Carolina Ascent held possession for most of the final 15 minutes but could not find the tying goal.
NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: Carolina Ascent FC faces Wake FC on the road on Saturday, June 15 at 4:30 p.m. The match can be streamed for free at sportsengineplay.com.
