TAMPA, FL (April 25, 2026) – Jill Aguilera buried a penalty kick deep in second half stoppage time to grab all three points, as Carolina Ascent pushed their winning streak to four matches over Tampa Bay Sun Saturday.
The victory moves Carolina even closer to first-place Sporting Jax, who fell to second-place Lexington SC Saturday afternoon. The Ascent’s win officially eliminated Tampa Bay Sun from the playoffs.
Jenna Butler started the scoring late before Tampa tied it immediately after. Carolina earned a penalty deep into stoppage time, allowing Aguilera to step up and win it on the last kick of the match.
The first frame was fairly even between the two sides, with Carolina holding a 54.6% of possession at half’s end.
Sydney Martinez, seeking for her 11th shutout in her Super League career, made a few critical saves in the first stanza. The goalkeeper denied Taylor Chism in the 30th minute before stopping Victoria Haugen’s try in stoppage time after a Carolina counter.
Shots charted 3-2 to Carolina at halftime, but the match remained scoreless.
Aguilera challenged Tampa goalkeeper Liz Beardsley early in the second half. Audrey Coleman laid it off to the Carolina outside back and her thunderous strike was denied by Beardsley, reacting well to the moving ball.
Once again, Carolina came up with the goods late. Off a set piece, Aguilera whipped in a marvelous ball to the back post. There to head it home was Butler, perfectly timed for her first goal of the season in the 84th minute.
However, Tampa had a say immediately after. Shea Connors volleyed in a Jillian Shimkin cross moments following Butler’s goal to equalize.
As time dwindled in stoppage time, Emily Morris played Mackenzie George over the top. George and Beardsley met at the edge of the area, with Beardsley cleaning out the forward and giving Aguilera an opportunity at the spot on the last kick of the match.
For the second consecutive match in Tampa, Aguilera made zero mistake, placing it into the top corner in the 96th minute to give the Ascent all three points to push the winning streak to four and unbeaten streak to nine.
POSTGAME SOUND
Head Coach Philip Poole on the result:
“I thought we were the better team start to finish. I thought we created some good chances. I think Tampa started to come into the game more and more as it wore on. We were really happy to take the lead, but disappointed that we didn’t manage the game better at the end. All-in-all though, really happy with the three points and all-in-all, really happy to get the win.”
Poole on Aguilera stepping up to the spot:
“We value Jill so highly on and off the pitch. And in big moments, a week ago, she played in front of 20,000 in Mexico and then this week, she takes her 96th minute penalty to win a game with the weight of the world on her back. I couldn’t be prouder of her, really happy for her and that is what Jill’s all about. She’s thrives under that pressure.”
Jenna Butler on getting on the scoresheet:
“Getting my first goal of the year feels really good. I just felt relief and was happy to help the team. Jill played a perfect ball and then of course, got us the win in the end, so getting three points and continuing on our streak is huge as we close in on the end of the season.”
Jill Aguilera on her winner:
“I do my best to not let the game situation affect me and my process. I understood the moment in the game but calmed my mind and enjoyed it. This was a hard fought game and it took every player to get it done.”
