WASHINGTON D.C. (August 15, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC opened the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season with a 1-0 win over DC Power FC Saturday night at Audi Field.
Mia Corbin scored the lone goal in a match where DC Power held control. Carolina Ascent’s all-time leading scorer notched another, earning her 18th for club, from a header delivered by Addisyn Merrick in the 35th minute. Sydney Martinez continued her strong play from last season, making six saves and earning her first clean sheet of the campaign.
Carolina wasted no time putting pressure on DC Power in the opening minutes. Rylee Baisden forced Katherine Cappelletti into a save within the first two minutes with a right-footed strike that nearly found the top corner. Merrick then looked to find Shea Groom at the back post, but the chance was unable to find the back of the net.
DC took control of the match following early looks, leading both possession and shots until the 35th minute. Carolina put the pressure back on, putting numbers in the box.
A pair of opportunities went unfinished for the Ascent, both from Merrick deliveries into the box.
Carolina found the breakthrough in the 35th minute when Corbin opened the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season scoring with a beautiful header off a Merrick delivery that snuck inside the post. The goal marked Corbin’s 18th for the club and tied her for second place on the league’s all-time scoring list.
The Ascent weathered the first half, making the most of one opportunity to be ahead at the half.
DC Power came out relentlessly after the break, but Martinez was up to the task, denying Tatum Thomason early to preserve the lead.
The Ascent continued to create chances of their own, with Mackenzie George and Audrey Coleman each getting behind the DC back line for one-on-one opportunities, while Emily Morris was denied from close range by Cappelletti.
DC nearly found an equalizer in the 82nd minute, but the goal was ruled offside. The Power continued to apply pressure late, including a dangerous deflection in the 87th minute that Martinez reacted quickly to keep out.
Carolina weathered wave after wave of pressure over the final 15 minutes, with Martinez and the Ascent defense standing firm to preserve the clean sheet and secure all three points. Martinez picked up her first clean sheet of the season, notching six saves against the Power.
Carolina Ascent will be back on the road next week when they face Dallas Trinity FC at 8:30 p.m. ET in Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Post-Game Quotes
Head Coach Philip Poole on the match:
“DC is a very difficult place to come and a very good opponent, with a good team, so we knew you were going to be in for a battle tonight. I don’t think we started the game particularly well. We weathered a storm for about 20 to 25 minutes and then were able to make a few changes and get some control.”
Poole on Sydney Martinez’s performance:
“She comes up big from crosses and corners and helps us to take pressure oftentimes. She did exactly what I think she’s capable of.”
Mia Corbin on the first win of the season:
“It definitely feels good to get the first 3 points on the road. Going in, our plan was just to earn it tonight. DC is always a tough opponent, so to secure the win is huge for us to get the momentum going this fall. I’m happy I was able to do my job tonight to help my team win.”
Reese Tappan speaks on her first appearance with the club:
“I’m super excited and grateful to get my first start with this group. We’ve worked so hard this preseason, and it feels so good to see it pay off. This team has made me feel right at home, so it gave me confidence going into tonight.”
