DALLAS, TX (August 22, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC continued their strong showing away from home, defeating Dallas Trinity FC 3-1 on Saturday night.
Carolina Ascent made the most of its opportunities against Dallas, converting three of four shots while Sydney Martinez delivered a standout performance in goal to secure the result. The victory marked a historic milestone, as Carolina became the first club in Gainbridge Super League history to reach 30 regular-season wins.
Dallas controlled possession through the opening 10 minutes, but Carolina’s defense held firm and allowed no shots, with Dallas’ only threat coming from a corner earned after Jasmine Hamid found space at the top of the box in the third minute.
Dallas finally generated its first shot on goal in the 12th minute when miscommunication between Reese Tappan and Addisyn Merrick allowed Onyeka Gamero to race down the left side. Martinez was there to make the save, keeping Dallas off the board.
Carolina remained organized defensively, clearing a dangerous free kick from right outside the box in the 16th minute.
The Ascent created their first real chance in the 21st minute after forcing a giveaway at the top of the box. Rylee Baisden picked up the loose ball but sent her effort just wide.
Two minutes later, Carolina found the breakthrough. Tappan delivered a long switch to find Jill Aguilera behind the back line, and Aguilera volleyed across to Baisden at the right side of the six-yard box. She made no mistake, burying her chance to give Carolina the lead.
Dallas continued to search for an equalizer, but Martinez handled an effort from Camryn Lancaster in the 31st minute before Carolina’s defense again denied Trinity space behind the back line.
Carolina doubled its advantage in the 43rd minute when Mackenzie George chased down a ball sent behind the back line, fought for position, and looked across the goal to find Audrey Coleman with space in the six-yard box. Coleman finished the chance for her first goal of the season.
Carolina went into halftime with a 2-0 lead, making the most of its limited chances by converting both of its shots on goal.
Dallas came out firing to start the second half and quickly cut into Carolina’s lead. In the 48th minute, Aguilera turned the ball over, allowing Lancaster to pick it up and find Hamid, who calmly slotted the finish home.
Dallas continued to apply pressure over the next several minutes, sending wave after wave toward the Carolina defense.
The Trinity nearly found another in the 59th minute when Cyera Hintzen picked out Gamero with space inside the box. Gamero kept her effort low, but Martinez was there again to make the save.
Martinez was called into action once more in the 63rd minute. After Emily Morris conceded a foul just outside the box, Dallas quickly took the free kick looking to catch Carolina off guard, but Martinez stretched fully to keep the effort out and preserve the lead.
Moments later, Gamero found herself alone with Martinez, but the Carolina keeper came up with a huge save before Tappan followed with a goal-line clearance to deny what looked to be a certain goal.
In the 75th minute, Baisden found Merrick on the goal line, then cut the ball back across the face of the goal, where B Hylton pressured a Dallas defender, who turned it into their own net to extend Carolina’s lead to 3-1.
With the victory, Carolina became the first team in Gainbridge Super League history to reach 30 regular-season wins.
The Ascent now return to American Legion Memorial Stadium for a fun-filled home opener Saturday, August 29 against Tampa Bay Sun FC. Tickets are available here.
Post-Game Quotes
Head Coach Philip Poole on taking advantage of chances:
“We knew that we would have to soak up some pressure, as they’re a very possession-oriented team with some really technical players, and we did. We hit twice in transition in the first half. That’s what it was about for us — understanding that we would have some transitional moments, and the players took them very well.”
Poole on taking six points on the road and now coming home:
“D.C. and Dallas are both good teams and have recruited well, so to go on the road and pick up six points is very important. Now, we just shift the focus to the next opponent. I’m happy to get back to American Legion Memorial Stadium and play in front of our fans.”
Audrey Coleman on her first goal of the season:
“It was great to get on the scoresheet, finally as Coleman. But that goal was all credit to Mackenzie [George]. She fought off that defender and played an amazing ball in the box to me. It’s something we work on in training, so it’s nice to have that show in a game.”
Rylee Baisden on grabbing two wins on the road to begin the campaign:
“I think getting 6 points is such a boost for us. Gaining confidence on the road early in the season is always a positive for us. We have such a great group and our biggest strength is the depth and quality within our squad. I know we are all excited to get 3 points at our home opener this next weekend.”
