CHARLOTTE, NC – Four Carolina Ascent players represented their respective nations during the recent two-week international break. Defender Jill Aguilera, goalkeeper Sydney Martinez, and forward Maria Tapia featured for Puerto Rico, midfielder B Hylton starred for England’s U-20 squad, and forward Stella Spitzer impressed with the United States U-16 team.
Let’s take a look at how they performed.
PUERTO RICO WINS TWO MORE IN CONCACAF QUALIFYING, TAPIA NETS FIRST GOAL
It was another exceptional window for the Puerto Rico national team. Competing in Group A of CONCACAF Championship Qualifying, Puerto Rico opened its two-match slate in dominant fashion, defeating Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10-0 on February 27.
After scoring four goals during her previous call-up in December, Aguilera once again proved to be the most dangerous player on the pitch, recording a hat trick and an assist. Martinez started in goal just days after keeping a clean sheet for Carolina Ascent against Dallas Trinity. The goalkeeper made one save and secured her second consecutive shutout across club and international play.
A week later, Puerto Rico defeated the U.S. Virgin Islands 9-0 to maintain its grip atop the group. Tapia earned the start and made an immediate impact, scoring her first international goal in the 41st minute before adding an assist four minutes later. Captain Aguilera continued her torrid run of form, scoring twice more to bring her tournament total to nine goals in three matches.
Puerto Rico’s next qualifier comes against its toughest group opponent, Mexico, on April 18.
HYLTON BURIES FIRST INTERNATIONAL GOAL
Meanwhile, the England U-20s continued their preparations for the U-20 Women’s World Cup with a three-match set of friendlies in Alicante, Spain. It was a memorable stretch for midfielder B Hylton.
After appearing as a substitute in England’s 3-1 loss to Spain on February 28, Hylton earned a start against the Netherlands on March 3. Just before halftime, she scored her first international goal with a strike from outside the 18-yard box. Hylton went on to play 85 minutes as the Young Lionesses secured a 1-0 victory.
She started the final match of the trip against Mexico, playing 45 minutes in England’s 4-1 win to close the tournament with a winning record in Alicante.
SPITZER STARS FOR THE UNITED STATES
Young forward Stella Spitzer also impressed internationally, traveling to Türkiye with the United States U-16 squad for the UEFA Development Tournament. The U.S. finished with six points from three matches, defeating Denmark and England during the competition.
Spitzer started against Spain and England and appeared as a substitute against Denmark, totaling 147 minutes across the three matches.
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season 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 residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
