CHARLOTTE, NC (October 31, 2026) – Emily Moxley’s first professional goal pulled Carolina Ascent closer to clinching a playoff spot as they defeated Lexington SC 1-0 Saturday night.
The third-year pro fired the Ascent ahead in the 32nd minute, giving Carolina a lead they did not relinquish. Sydney Martinez made three saves en route to Carolina’s eighth shutout of the season and now has tied for the most Gainbridge Super League shutouts in league history, alongside teammate Hope Hisey.
Carolina Ascent will clinch a playoff spot for the third straight year if Dallas Trinity loses or draws against Fort Lauderdale United on Sunday.
Due to the absences of Mia Corbin and Addisyn Merrick, Taylor Porter took the armband and Moxley took on the right back role, each in their first starts of the season.
After 30 minutes of tight play between the two sides, Moxley’s moment came. Shea Groom did fantastic work outside Lexington’s box, touching by two defenders to Rylee Baisden. The winger heard the overlapping Moxley and played into her path before the defender took a touch and fired into the side netting for the former UNC alum’s first professional goal.
As they have all season, Carolina’s defensive structure remained incredibly resolute, limiting Lexington to just one shot on target in the first half — a speculative effort from well outside the penalty area — as the Ascent pursued their eighth clean sheet of the season.
Martinez was called into action in the 68th minute. Hannah White meandered her way into the box and let a left-footed strike fly, forcing Carolina’s goalkeeper into a leaping save to keep the Ascent ahead.
Lexington continued to turn the screws in search of an equalizer. Jenna Butler came to the rescue in the 78th minute as the visitors possessed in the Carolina box. Addie McCain worked a short ball to Cat Berry at the penalty spot, but she couldn’t get her shot on target as Butler lunged in front to deny.
Carolina shut the door for the remainder, keeping Lexington at bay and pushing the club ever closer to a third consecutive postseason berth. The Ascent will wait on Dallas Trinity’s result against Fort Lauderdale Sunday.
POST-GAME SOUND
Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:
Overall, we had a very clear game plan and it worked. We didn’t have it all our own way. We know it’s not easy going against a quality side like Lexington, but it was a great performance collectively and another shutout.”
Poole on seeing that moment for Moxley:
It’s massive. Mox has had highs and lows, and she’s had to be patient at times. She’s a person that comes in every day, works hard, and that’s why we keep her year on year. Hopefully, she’ll look at this as a spot where she can take her opportunity and keep on.”
Emily Moxley on her first pro goal:
“It was super cool. It’s definitely something I’m going to remember forever. I saw Rylee [Baisden] receive the ball and ran outside of her. We practice that sort of shot a lot, so I’m thankful it went in. I’m just super grateful to be given the opportunity to even score a goal.”
Taylor Porter on going the full 90 minutes in her first start:
“We have a lot of trust in this group, and I know that they trust me to step up when I need to for the team. We really missed Mia in the midfield, but I’m glad I could step in and make the most of my opportunity.”
