CHARLOTTE, NC – The league-leading Carolina Ascent wrap up their two-match home stand when Sporting Jax comes to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Scroll for our match preview below.
MATCH DETAILS
WHEN: Saturday, September 26
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHO: Sporting Jax
WHERE: American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
WATCH: Peacock, WCCB
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
September 26 | 7 PM
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Prepare accordingly for Saturday.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD
- 2025/26 Season: Carolina Ascent split the season series with Sporting Jax last season (2-2-1).
- Matchups:
- Sep. 13, 2025 – Sporting Jax 2-2 Carolina Ascent (Mercado 43′, Walker 74′)
- Sep. 28, 2025 – Carolina Ascent 3-4 Sporting Jax (Baisden 39′, George 46′, 66′)
- Jan. 31, 2026 – Sporting Jax 1-0 Carolina Ascent
- May 16, 2026 – Carolina Ascent 3-1 Sporting Jax (Groom 16′, Lussi 36′, Aguilera 74′)
- Cost Sporting Jax the Player’s Shield
- May 24, 2026 – Sporting Jax 0-1 Carolina Ascent (George 6′)
- Gainbridge Super League Semifinal
- Matchups:
- All-Time
- Carolina Ascent holds a 2-2-1 record against Sporting Jax all-time.
DOMINANT PERFORMANCE KEEPS WINNING STREAK ROLLING
Despite what the tight scoreline of 1-0 might say, the Ascent’s win over Brooklyn FC on Saturday was dominant of all phases of the match. The hosts dominated possession at 56.2% while outpacing Brooklyn on shot attempts 25-2. Carolina stacked up pressure all match long but were unable to cash in until they earned a corner kick on the left side in the 63rd minute. Mia Corbin sent an in-swinger to just inside the six-yard box where Shea Groom thumped her header over a sea of bodies and off of a defender and in for a 1-0 lead. Sydney Martínez posted her third straight shutout and has only conceded three goals in six matches so far this season. Mackenzie George provided constant danger for Carolina, creating four chances during the match.
BACKSTOPPING HER WAY INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS
A week after setting the club record for shutouts, Sydney Martínez made history once again by becoming the 2nd goalie ever in Gainbridge Super League history to post 15 shutouts over the course of her career after her third straight shutout on Saturday night. She also is approaching upon the record of most saves in club history, sitting only five behind tying Meagan McClelland’s mark of 78.
A BUDDING RIVALRY
Despite Sporting Jax playing in their inaugural season just last year, the two sides got pretty familiar with each other rather quickly. Carolina and Jacksonville played five times last season, including two matches with major consequences regarding silverware. After a draw in the first match, the league newcomers took two straight meetings before the two sides met in Charlotte with Jacksonville needing just a point to clinch the Player’s Shield. The visitors struck first, but Shea Groom responded just nine minutes later and Tyler Lussi tacked on a goal before half. Jill Aguilera scored the dagger in the 74th minute to clinch a 3-1 Carolina win, robbing Jacksonville of a chance and silverware in their inaugural season and setting up a date in Florida between the two squads in the playoffs. The visiting Ascent kept up the trend of early away goals when Mackenzie George found the back of the net via a Riley Parker assist just six minutes in. Carolina then held on the rest of the way for a gritty 1-0 win, punching their ticket to the USL Super League Final.
THORN IN THEIR SIDE
Mackenzie George enjoyed a fair amount of success last season against Sporting Jax. The forward scored three goals and provided an assist in the five matches between the squads, including the game-winning goal in the semifinals match. George looked extremely dangerous last time out, creating four chances in the 1-0 win over Brooklyn FC.
SCOUTING SPORTING JAX
Sporting JAX started off hot, earning 10 points from a possible 12 in their first four matches but they have since dropped points in three straight matches and lost the last two. The Florida side holds a 1-1-1 record away from home.
Last time out, Jacksonville dropped a tough match at home to Lexington SC 1-0. They mustered 19 shot attempts and put five on target but Ryan Campbell stopped all five to keep them off the scoresheet. A 59th minute goal on the counter from McKenzie Weinert was the difference as Jacksonville stumbled once again and have now only claimed one point from their last three matches.
Sporting Jax boasts the leading Super League goalscorer Baylee DeSmit, who has found the back of the net five times in six matches. Sophia Boman leads the squad in chances created with 11 while Grace Philpotts joins her in double digits with 10. Jamie Gerstenberg has been solid in net for Jacksonville, only allowing three goals on 14 shots faced in four appearances.
