CHARLOTTE, NC (May 23, 2025) – Carolina Ascent W League Team scored deep into second halftime stoppage time to salvage a draw against fellow Queen City foe Charlotte Eagles 2-2 on Friday night at Matthews Sportsplex.
It was the Charlotte Eagles that got on the scoreboard first. In the 15th minute, #19 Halle Engle cut inside and fired a rocket just inside the post, leaving Carolina Ascent goalkeeper #40 Reese DeJong rooted to her spot.
The Eagles had the better of the play for much of the first half. Thanks in large part to strong hold-up play in the midfield, Carolina Ascent was not able to turn over their fellow Queen City opponent often in their own half. When Carolina Ascent was in possession, they could not get in behind a fortified Eagles defensive line.
DeJong had to come up big nine minutes before the half time whistle, diving full stretch to her right to deny a great scoring chance for the Eagles.
The Eagles took a 1-0 lead to the halftime intermission.
The Eagles doubled their advantage in the 67th minute, getting their head on a pretty corner kick.
However, Carolina Ascent had a rapid response. Substitute #16 Blue Ellis placed a volley from the top of the box into the bottom corner to cut the lead in half.
Carolina Ascent continued to put the pressure on, looking for a late equalizer. After surviving a strong chance from the Eagles in the 76th minute, Carolina Ascent had their big moment and knotted the score on the last kick of the game.
#6 Maria Tapia cut inside from her right wing position and her teasing cross was touched home by defender #3 Dempsey McMahon to tie the game, effectively ending the match at a 2-2 stalemate.
