FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (August 30, 2025) – #18 Audrey Harding’s 91st minute effort saved a point for Carolina Ascent against Fort Lauderdale United FC in their season opener, finishing 2-2.
#4 Maddie Mercado started the scoring in the first minute, while Harding’s try found the back of the net nearly in the last as Carolina Ascent overcame a Fort Lauderdale second half comeback to secure a draw.
In fact, it was the fastest goal in Super League history to open Carolina Ascent’s 2025/26 goal account. It was the new loanee Mercado that neatly turned onto her left deep in the box and slipped one off the post and in with just 43 seconds on the clock.
Fort Lauderdale settled into the match, recording four shots to Carolina’s two by the 30-minute mark. It was also a physical start as the two sides combined for three yellow cards in the half hour.
Carolina Ascent came inches from making it two in the 33rd minute. #5 Jenna Butler headed one on frame off #24 Emily Morris’ corner kick. It beat Fort Lauderdale keeper #31 Bella Hara, but #11 Sh’nia Gordon saved it off the line.
A strong ending to the half from Carolina Ascent gave them a 4-0 shots on target advantage come the halftime intermission.
Carolina goalkeeper #1 Meagan McClelland made a massive save just minutes into the second half. Former Carolina Ascent player #21 Kathrynn Gonzalez curled a ball through the Carolina defense onto the foot of #3 Sheyenne Allen. One-on-one with Allen, McClelland reacted phenomenally, getting down to her right to make the save.
Gonzalez played distributor again in the 71st minute and Fort Lauderdale got the equalizer. Off a set piece, #18 Ella Simpson rose high to meet the free kick and headed home into the bottom corner for her first professional goal.
Last season’s Defender of the Year #7 Jill Aguilera made a pivotal play in the 81st minute. Fort Lauderdale’s #7 Nia Christopher was sprung in behind, but the left back caught up to Christopher just as she was about to shoot, nullifying a surefire opportunity.
Fort Lauderdale broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute. It was last season’s semifinal hero #20 Kiara Locklear getting in behind Carolina’s defense and finishing over McClelland for her second goal in as many games.
Not to be denied, Carolina Ascent piled on the pressure and tied it back up in second half stoppage time. It started with intricate passing at the top of Fort Lauderdale’s box. #22 B Hylton slipped it to Harding. Her left-footed effort headed for the far post took a sharp deflection and found near post twine.
And that would be all. The two teams shared the spoils, finishing in a 2-2 competitive draw.
Carolina Ascent will now return to Charlotte for their home opener on Saturday, September 6 at 7:00 pm against Tampa Bay Sun FC. Secure your tickets HERE!
QUOTES:
Head Coach Philip Poole on the overall performance:
“I think it was a game of two halves. I think in the first half, we were very good, very comfortable, had the chance to score multiple times, and didn’t put the chances away. We came out and we had to weather a storm in the second half. I thought the game got away from us, but we showed a lot of character. A game changer like Audrey [Harding] comes on and gets the business done.”
Poole on Maddie Mercado’s first start and goal:
“We brought Maddie here to score goals and that’s what she did. It was a really good save and exceptional block from Ansbrow late in the game or else Maddie could have had two or three. Maddie Mercado is an elite player and she’s come here to play up front and score goals.”
Maddie Mercado on scoring her first Carolina Ascent goal:
“It was amazing being able to get on the scoresheet quick. We were on the front foot early, which is something we’re focusing on. The team has been super welcoming and helpful in getting me up to speed with some tactical things. I’ve only been with the group for a week, so I’m really excited to keep building with the group.”
Audrey Harding on the team’s character:
“First games of any season always present challenges in that it’s the first real game that we put everything together we worked for in preseason and things aren’t always going to be perfect. It’s hard to play away too, especially against a team that knocked us out of making the final – so it was a big game for us but also them. Obviously we want 3 points every game, but to come out with one point in a hard fought game on the road, I’m proud of us. We have things to work on, but if there’s one thing about this team, we don’t give up.”
