CHARLOTTE, NC (June 20, 2026) – Carolina Ascent W League team conceded late to lose to Port City FC 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Hough High School.
It was a bright start for the Ascent, who found the back of the net in the 7th minute. A full-field run from Julia Greer set up the play, before the midfielder slipped in Julia Thasaphong. The forward made no mistake, passing into the corner to grab the lead.
The lead would last for 26 minutes until Port City found the equalizer. A searching through ball turned out to be perfectly timed as Kieran Bradley touched it past a charging Riley Pickels and finished into the empty net to knot the score.
Pickels shut the door just before the break, touching it over the bar on a Port City counter in the 40th minute.
Neither team could score again until late. The visitors turned the Ascent over at midfield and quickly transitioned. Pickels made an excellent first save, but Minnie Kelly was there to deposit the rebound to give Port City the go-ahead goal in the 81st minute.
The loss drops Carolina to fourth in the South Atlantic Division with two matches to play. The Ascent will take on Wake FC Tuesday night at Ting Park.
ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.
