CHARLOTTE, NC (October 16, 2026) – Rylee Baisden’s eighth minute goal was all Carolina Ascent needed as the hosts defeated DC Power 1-0 Friday night.
The victory pulls Carolina Ascent to 8-0-2 against DC Power all-time – the best mark for any team against any other club in Gainbridge Super League history. Sydney Martinez made two saves en route to her sixth clean sheet of the season. The win keeps Carolina Ascent eight points clear at the top of the table.
Carolina started on time and scored in a way that has become a hallmark of its success in 2026 – through a set piece. Jill Aguilera delivered a corner kick to the back post, where Jenna Butler headed the ball back across goal for Baisden to nod home her third goal of the season. The strike marked the Ascent’s league-leading ninth goal from a set piece this campaign.
Baisden nearly doubled her tally in the 21st minute. Aguilera turned provider once again, whipping a driven cross into the box that found Baisden’s head, but her effort skimmed the crossbar.
Carolina was connecting all over the pitch in the first half, playing through DC pressure with lovely one-touch passing on multiple occasions to spring transition moments. While DC held the possession advantage at the break, the Ascent were the more threatening side and took their one-goal lead to the locker room.
Katie Cappelletti came up big in goal for DC just three minutes into the second half. Mackenzie George worked it to Shea Groom, who got her volley off from inside the area. Her shot deflected off a DC defender and Cappelletti soared to deny before it nestled into the side netting.
On the other end, Martinez shut the door in the 72nd minute. After the Ascent lost the ball in the middle of the pitch, DC was suddenly off on the counter. Tatum Thomason found Justina Gaynor alone around the penalty spot, but Martinez stood her ground to make her most important stop of the night.
Carolina continued to seek the insurance goal, but two chances went by the wayside in the 78th minute. DC fumbled at the back and Audrey Coleman suddenly found herself one-on-one with Capelletti. The goalkeeper aggressively came out of her box, leaving Coleman with just a chip to finish, but her shot went wide. Moments later, Emily Morris fired from distance, but it was comfortable for Cappelletti.
The Ascent were forced to fight through seven minutes of stoppage time. Aguilera came up with the defensive play of the game in the 96th minute as the defender made a heroic block on Kayla Colbert to keep it level.
With Sporting JAX’s victory over Fort Lauderdale United Saturday night, the Ascent’s lead at the top of the Gainbridge Super League remains eight points. Carolina will return to the pitch next Thursday against Fort Lauderdale before coming home for a Halloween match vs. Lexington SC.
POST-GAME SOUND
Head Coach Philip Poole on the effort:
“I have huge respect for DC, they gave us a very difficult game and they’re a dangerous team. I thought first half we were much better on the ball than we were in the second half. Great taking the lead off a great goal from Rylee, and I thought we had some lovely, great flowing moves throughout.”
Poole on Rylee Baisden on her goal and her performance:
“Her goal was not an accident. She made a great countermovement once the ball went over her head, and she arrives in that spot…The work she put in defensively, she was great. Rylee is such a pro.”
Rylee Baisden on her goal:
“Honestly, we work on set pieces a lot, so I think we just stick to the process. That’s my role, to block and get around. Getting the second ball was a big thing we talked about coming into the game. I think we’re all just hungry for that, and everybody wants to score on set pieces. I’m just glad I was there to finish.”
Mackenzie George on her mindset:
“Our goal is to win. I could have the most goals in the league, and we could be losing every game, and I would never trade that for having no goals and winning almost every game…We’re having a great time, and we’re doing fantastic.”
