Gainbridge Super League News

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 12, 2026) – The Puerto Rico Women’s National Team has called up Carolina Ascent FC defender Jill Aguilera, goalkeeper Sydney Martinez and forward Maria Tapia for a crucial final CONCACAF qualifying match against Mexico on April 18.

The matchup pits the top two teams in Group A against each other, with both sides winning all three of their matches in the group stage. Mexico currently leads the group on goal differential, sitting four goals ahead of Puerto Rico. The group winner will advance to the CONCACAF W Championship in November.

All three Carolina Ascent players have featured prominently throughout qualifying. Aguilera has been one of the standout performers in the competition, scoring nine goals in three matches to rank among the tournament’s top scorers.

Martinez made her first appearance of the qualifying campaign against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, recording a save and a clean sheet.

Tapia returns to the squad after netting her first international goal in Puerto Rico’s most recent match. The young forward has tallied one goal and two assists in two appearances during the qualifying stage.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

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CHARLOTTE, NC (April 11, 2026) – Emily Morris fired in her first professional goal as Carolina Ascent knocked off Lexington SC 1-0 in a potential playoff preview Saturday night.

The first-year pro rocketed in the game-winner in the 72nd minute to propel the hosts to their seventh game unbeaten and denying Lexington from clinching the playoffs. Sydney Martinez made five stops in goal for her fifth clean sheet of the season.

It was Lexington who was on the front foot most of the first half. The first shot didn’t arrive until the 17th minute, when Lexington’s Sarah Griffith unleashed an effort from 25 yards that forced Martinez into a full-stretch, fingertip save.

Lexington controlled the tempo through possession, holding a 68% share through the opening 25 minutes. Despite the imbalance, Carolina remained dangerous on the counter, consistently looking to spring Mackenzie George in behind with balls over the top.

With 13 combined goals entering the match, Lexington’s McKenzie Weinert and Addie McCain each threatened in quick succession. Weinert cut inside onto her right foot and curled an effort just wide of the post, before McCain found space in the box moments later, drawing a sharp reaction from Martinez, who tipped her shot over the bar.

After absorbing sustained pressure, Carolina earned a penalty just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Tyler Lussi’s cross struck the outstretched arm of Ally Brown inside the area. Seeking a fourth straight successful conversion in four games, Mia Corbin stepped up, but Lexington goalkeeper Kat Asman came up big, diving low to her left to keep the match scoreless.

Carolina broke the deadlock in stunning style in the 72nd minute. After chaos in the penalty area, Shea Groom laid the ball off to Morris. The young midfielder took a touch and scored an audacious first professional goal, firing into the top corner from 30 yards to send American Legion Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.

MO SCORES HER FIRST PROFESSIONAL GOAL! 👏

1 goal = 1,000 meals donated by @FoodLion to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina pic.twitter.com/HtomjYMVBh

— Carolina Ascent FC (@carolinaascent) April 12, 2026

Lexington came hunting for the equalizer. In the 85th minute, McCain found more space in the box and set up leading goal scorer Cat Berry just on the edge of the area. However, the striker couldn’t keep it down, finding the roof of the net.

It was all-out attack from the visitors late. Carolina defended fantastically as a unit, closing down space quickly. The victory brings Carolina to seven games unbeaten and now within a point of Lexington for second place in the Gainbridge Super League standings.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“Our performance was steal-y and resilient. We had to be patient. We knew that we didn’t want to concede the middle of the field to Lexington. We wanted to be a little bit better in transition, but all-in-all, we got the goal and we got the shutout and we move on.”

Poole on his relationship with Morris:

“Emily has had a really impactful first season as a pro. I’ve known have her through her youth career, and I think it’s cool that I get to coach these kids I’ve known about. Mo’s come in and done great. She has had runs in the team and has had to be patient. She deserves all the parts on the celebrations she’s going to get tonight because honestly, that was a screamer.”

Emily Morris on her first professional goal:

“Shea was in the box and the edge of the box was pretty clogged, so I just stayed at the top of the 18. I blacked out. My parents were here, my niece was here, so I think to do it in front of them meant a lot.”

Shea Groom on coming into the league and the competitiveness of the team:

“From the very first day, this group is a winning team and you can feel it. You can tell, there’s no egos, we show up to training and battle time and time again, and it’s competitive. I’m not sure I’ve actually been in such a competitive environment where it’s like uncomfy becuase you’ve got to hold it down every week and earn your spot. I’ve loved it.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 10, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC is proud to announce a new partnership with Boston Beer Corporation, naming Truly Hard Seltzer as the club’s Official Hard Seltzer and Angry Orchard Hard Cider as the club’s Official Hard Cider. The collaboration aligns two nationally recognized beverage brands with one of the fastest-growing clubs in the Gainbridge Super League, enhancing the matchday experience for fans across the Queen City.

“We’re excited to partner with Boston Beer Corporation and two standout brands in Truly and Angry Orchard,” said Carolina Ascent Chief Communications Officer Jan Ivey. “This collaboration allows us to connect with fans in a more dynamic way, bringing together matchday energy and brands our supporters already know and love. It’s another step in strengthening our presence in Charlotte and enhancing the overall fan experience at our matches.”

As part of the agreement, a dedicated “one-stop shop” beverage tent showcasing both Truly and Angry Orchard will be featured inside the Beach Club at every Carolina Ascent home match. The activation will serve as a centerpiece for supporters taking part in the club’s popular Drinks on the Pitch promotion, offering a convenient and vibrant gathering space to enjoy the matchday atmosphere. The partnership will also extend beyond American Legion Memorial Stadium, as Truly and Angry Orchard are set to host a branded bar takeover for a Carolina Ascent away match later this season—providing fans another opportunity to connect with the club in a social setting. Additional details, including date and location, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Lussi, Poole capture individual March honors

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 8, 2026) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that five Carolina Ascent members have been named to the March Team of the Month.

Leading the honors is forward Tyler Lussi, who earned Player of the Month recognition. Joining her on the Team of the Month are goalkeeper Sydney Martinez, forward Mia Corbin, and defender Jenna Butler, while head coach Philip Poole secured his second Coach of the Month award of the season. The selections come as Carolina extended its unbeaten run throughout March.

Lussi, who joined the Ascent in mid-February from NC Courage, made an immediate impact in the attack. She opened her account with a Goal of the Month-nominated strike in a 1-0 win over Tampa Bay Sun FC on March 13, rifling a shot from the edge of the area into the top corner. She followed that performance with the game-winning goal against DC Power on St. Patrick’s Day, helping extend Carolina’s winning streak to three matches.

After making one start in the fall, Martinez reclaimed the starting role in late February and has since anchored the Ascent in goal. The shot-stopper boasts a 5-0-1 record with four clean sheets since February 28, helping lead a defensive unit that went 499 consecutive minutes without conceding from February 14 to March 28.

“Marty’s very reliable,” shared Poole after the March 13 win against Tampa. “I’m proud of her – she has bided her time and she’s had to be a good pro. She’s had to put the work in and she was very important for us tonight.”

Butler has been a key figure in that defensive success. The NC State product leads the league with 144 clearances and ranks second on the team in minutes played (1,980), continuing to anchor the Ascent back line.

Corbin, the club’s leading scorer during its inaugural season, also delivered a strong March, tallying two goals and an assist. She converted penalties in back-to-back matches against Brooklyn and Fort Lauderdale to bring her season total to three, and later added an assist in Brooklyn, setting up Sydney Studer for a crucial insurance goal. Corbin’s goal against Fort Lauderdale made her the first player in club history to reach 15 Gainbridge Super League goals.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

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TAMPA, FL (April 5, 2026) – Carolina Ascent extended their unbeaten streak to six matches on Sunday afternoon, earning a 2-1 road victory over Tampa Bay Sun at Suncoast Credit Union Field.

Lily Nabet’s first professional goal proved to be the difference, as Carolina controlled large stretches of the match before holding off a late push from Tampa Bay to secure all three points. Jill Aguilera got the scoring started from the spot for her second goal of the campaign.

After weathering an early storm from the hosts, Carolina began their barrage in the 20th minute. Shea Groom laid the ball off to Mackenzie George, who rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike. Moments later, Addisyn Merrick had a look at goal, but Tampa goalkeeper Liz Beardsley came up with a strong save.

The breakthrough came after sustained pressure tilted the match firmly in Carolina’s favor. For the third consecutive game, the Ascent earned a penalty as Groom was pulled back by Sandrine Gaillard while chasing onto an Audrey Coleman cross. Aguilera stepped up and calmly buried her attempt into the bottom corner in the 29th minute for her second goal of the season.

The Ascent 𝘾𝙇𝙄𝙈𝘽 into the lead 🧗‍♀️@carolinaascent captain @jill_aguilera converts from the spot for her second goal of the season to open the scoring! 👏 pic.twitter.com/l78HJxrDzh

— Gainbridge Super League (@GainbridgeSL) April 5, 2026

Carolina nearly doubled the lead just before halftime when Tyler Lussi unleashed a strike from 25 yards out, but Beardsley produced a leaping save to keep it a one-goal game.

The Ascent found their second moments later from the resulting corner. Mia Corbin delivered to the back post, where Lussi headed it across goal, and Nabet forced it over the line to open her professional account.

Double the goals, double the fun 🤩@LilyNabet nets her first career goal for @carolinaascent to extend the lead to ✌️! pic.twitter.com/iJWQxVGXT3

— Gainbridge Super League (@GainbridgeSL) April 5, 2026

Tampa Bay’s first strong opportunity came in the 55th minute when Faith Webber found herself unmarked in front of goal, but her header from six yards out sailed over the bar.

Carolina appeared to put the match out of reach in the 65th minute when George spun past her defender and tucked a finish into the bottom corner, but the goal was waved off for offside.

The chances continued to come at both ends. Minutes later, George slipped Groom in behind, but Beardsley came up with a point-blank stop. On the counter, Webber had another look for Tampa but dragged her effort wide with Sydney Martinez beaten.

Carolina pushed for a third in the 79th minute in one of the match’s most chaotic sequences. Coleman drove from midfield to the end line and fired a cross that deflected off Brooke Hendrix, skidded across the face of goal, and struck the post, somehow staying out.

Tampa Bay pulled one back in the 89th minute when Madi Parsons collected a long ball, cut inside, and curled a left-footed finish home, setting up a tense seven minutes of stoppage time.

Despite the late pressure, Carolina held firm to close out the result, extending their unbeaten run to six matches and keeping the momentum going ahead of Saturday night’s showdown with Lexington SC.

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QUOTES TO FOLLOW…

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“I thought it was a good performance. I thought we saw the best of us in attack and I thought we saw the most resilient best of us defensively. Tampa made it difficult for us in the second half. They became very direct and we knew we had to stand up to that, but a lot of credit to the players for getting the job done in the first half.”

Poole on Nabet’s inclusion to the side:

“Lily has been a great signing. She contributes on and off the pitch. She comes in every day with a ton of energy and you can see that in the way that she plays. Sometimes she can be underrated in terms of how good of a footballer she is, but she covers every blade of grass, she’s a winner, she’s a competitor, and she’s a great teammate.”

Addisyn Merrick on the team’s form:

“I think we continue to carry this momentum by continuing to focus on us and what we are good at. Today we were able to continue to show the fight and togetherness we have for each other. It takes all of us to win each game and I think it’s just been showing more each day we take the field.”

Jill Aguilera on the win:

“It was a really great win against a good team regardless of their place on the table. We moved the ball well, created a lot of chances, and grinded out a win away from home.“

Lily Nabet on her first goal:

“I’m really happy about the goal, but honestly I’m more proud of the group and how locked in everyone was. To contribute to a win on the road is a great feeling and I’m excited to bring this momentum and tenacity into the next game.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 1, 2026) – The England Football Association has announced that B Hylton has been called up to the England U-19 Women’s National Team for the final round of qualifying for the 2026 UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland.

The Young Lionesses will open qualifying against Latvia on April 9 before facing Wales on April 12. England will close out the group stage against Switzerland on April 15. Only the group winners will advance to take to the finals taking place in Bosnia & Herzegovina this summer.

This marks Hylton’s third international call-up of the current campaign, having previously joined the squad in November and February. During her most recent appearance, Hylton scored her first international goal, lifting the U-20 side to a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.

England’s U-19 side is aiming to secure qualification for the European Finals for a third consecutive cycle.

Hylton has made 10 appearances for Carolina Ascent this season, playing 212 minutes.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 28, 2026) – Carolina Ascent added another point to their third place tally, drawing Fort Lauderdale United FC 1-1 at American Legion Memorial Stadium Saturday night.

Mia Corbin put Carolina in front from the spot in the second half, but Fort Lauderdale United’s Kat Gonzalez equalized late to share the points.

Fort Lauderdale, coming into the match losers of three straight, had pep in their step early. Capitalizing on a turnover and moving forward in numbers in the 14th minute, the visitors found Sh’nia Gordon 12 yards out. Her one-timed effort was pawed away by Sydney Martinez.

Slowly but surely, Carolina grabbed a hold of the match. It was their patented press that caused headaches for Fort Lauderdale, pinning them deep in their own territory. The pressure led to a turnover from goalkeeper Haley Craig in the 32nd minute. Shea Groom stole and fired, forcing Craig into a diving stop.

Carolina owned the shot advantage 5-2 at the break, but the two sides headed to halftime scoreless.

Beginning the second half, Mackenzie George tried to take the game into her hands in the 53rd minute. The forward beat the first man and the seas parted, allowing George all the way to the six-yard box where Craig denied her. Craig made a strong save on the follow-up, denying Tyler Lussi.

George continued to work and drew a penalty in the 62nd minute. The former Tennessee Volunteer completed a lovely one-two with Lussi and was taken down from behind in the area. For the second week in a row, Corbin stepped up to the spot and found the top corner.

Carolina’s attack continued to churn out chances. In the 72nd minute, beautiful one-touch passing led to a counterattack. The ball found Addisyn Merrick on the edge of the box and her strike was stopped only by the post.

Five minutes later, pressure along the Fort Lauderdale end line forced a turnover in the visitors’ box. Shea Groom worked it to Ava Cook, who passed it along to Lussi, but her off-balance effort was lifted over the bar.

Fort Lauderdale hit back against the run of play in the 82nd minute. Gordon drove up the sideline and centered to Kiara Locklear. She laid off right in the sweet spot for Gonzalez and the former Carolina midfielder finished into the bottom corner.

It was the first goal Carolina had allowed in the last 499 minutes of action.

Carolina fired in set pieces as time dwindled, but couldn’t find the final touch. The draw takes Carolina’s unbeaten streak to a season-high five games.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“We created enough chances to win five straight tonight. 
And overall, the performance was good and bright. You have got to put chances away to put opponents where they should be.”

Poole on trying to get insurance goals:

“You got to give Fort Lauderdale a ton of credit, right? 
They got in the way, we hit the post, we hit the bar, they blocked and they fought. They stayed in it and what frustrates me is we know what Fort Lauderdale are good at. 
And they scored a goal being good at what they’re good at.”

Mia Corbin on the competitiveness this fixture brings out:

“I would say this game is frustrating, because it’s a tie to them. You know, obviously, we don’t like them. I’m more comfortable enough saying that. So it is just frustrating that we held the lead to the last 10 minutes, and it is just a simple set piece that we just weren’t focused on.”

Mackenzie George on the performance:

“In the first half, we had a lot going on, but it was one final piece was missing. In the second half, it was just the final piece that was missing there. It definitely opened up and I think our movement and our fluidity off of each other got much better as the game went on.”

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BROOKLYN, NY (March 22, 2026) – Carolina Ascent extended their winning streak to four Sunday afternoon, taking down Brooklyn FC 2-0 at Coney Island.

Mia Corbin struck from the spot in the first half and Sydney Studer converted from a corner in the second to lift the Ascent to their fourth consecutive victory.

It is also Carolina’s fourth straight clean sheet, now sitting just one game back of the record the club set in the 2024/25 season.

It was clear from the get-go there would be a lack of space for either side. The tight field dimensions at Maimonides Park, alongside two aggressive teams, left little time for anyone to dwell on the ball.

Carolina earned a penalty kick in the 20th minute. Jill Aguilera chested it down on the edge of the box before being taken down by Brooklyn’s Emma Loving. Corbin stepped up to the spot and buried it into the top corner, giving Carolina a first-half advantage.

Carolina nearly doubled their advantage in the 40th minute. Looking to extend her goal scoring streak to three games, Tyler Lussi snuck in behind after a flicked-on header from Mackenzie George, but her effort was kicked away by goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty.

Sydney Martinez stepped up to the moment in first half stoppage time. A deflected shot fell to Jordan Thompson eight yards out, but the Carolina goalkeeper sprung into action and denied the angle to keep the Ascent ahead.

As has been the case over the course of the winning streak, Carolina’s defense continued to be on lockdown. The center back duo of Jenna Butler and Studer combined for 12 clearances in the first 65 minutes of play.

Daugherty kept Brooklyn within striking distance in the 68th minute. Aguilera looped a set piece to the back post and Audrey Coleman was denied by the goalkeeper from point-blank range.

But three minutes later, it was a story we’ve seen before. Corbin placed a beautiful corner into the six-yard area and Studer headed home her third goal of the season, doubling the margin.

Martinez came up with her best save of the day with just seconds left on the clock. The hosts quickly transitioned into attack and Martinez robbed Ana Markovic with a phenomenal kick save.

Carolina Ascent will look to extend their streak to five on Saturday night as they host Fort Lauderdale United FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available here.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“I’m really happy with the three points. It was a Brooklyn team where we had to deal with a lot of direct play and it was going to be a case of dealing with one long ball after another long ball. I think our team really stood up to it. There was a lot of dirty work that needed to be done and they did it. It was great to see Mia Corbin get back on the scoresheet and add an assist for Sydney’s goal. All-in-all at a really difficult place to come, it’s a good win on the road.”

Poole on the continued messaging to the group over these past four matches:

“It’s just game at a time, one step at a time, one clearance at a time, one goal at a time. So not getting too far ahead and just focusing on whatever is next for us.”

Mia Corbin on her contributions to the game:

“It was nice to have another team win. I am obviously very happy I was able to contribute for my team today. We all support one another on and off the field and I feel like you can see that. We keep moving on to the next and hopefully just continue to go with this momentum we are building.”

Sydney Studer on keeping the clean sheet record alive:

“The goal is always to get a clean sheet. We are pushing to win everything here at Carolina. But clean sheets aren’t just a backline thing, it’s everyone. The midfielders and forwards are pressing all game long to make it easy for us, and our keepers are making great saves. Kinda cliche but it really is all of us.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 17, 2026) – Sydney Martinez recorded her third consecutive clean sheet and Tyler Lussi delivered her second straight game-winner as Carolina Ascent defeated DC Power FC 1-0 at Audi Field.

The result marks a third consecutive victory for Carolina, who weathered heavy first-half pressure before seizing control late. Lussi’s 79th-minute breakthrough proved decisive, lifting the Ascent into third place in the Gainbridge Super League standings.

DC came out on the front foot early. In the 6th minute, 15-year-old winger Valentina Perrotta picked out Dasia Torbert at the back post, who finished the chance—but a handball in the buildup kept the match level. The hosts registered three shots inside the opening 10 minutes and continued to apply pressure throughout the first half.

Martinez was called into action repeatedly. After a turnover in the 35th minute, she came up with a crucial point-blank save on Loza Abera from six yards out, quickly recovering to deny Gianna Gourley on the follow-up with a sharp kick save.

Despite being outshot 8-1 and conceding the bulk of possession, Carolina held firm to reach halftime scoreless, allowing head coach Philip Poole to regroup his side for the second half.

The Ascent nearly struck first in the 51st minute. Off a corner, Jill Aguilera’s delivery found Lussi at the back post, but her header was cleared off the line by Emily Colton.

Martinez continued her standout performance in the 62nd minute, reacting quickly to deny Gourley from close range with a strong save on a one-time effort.

As momentum began to shift, Carolina found its breakthrough. In the 79th minute, second-half substitute Audrey Coleman delivered a driven ball across the six-yard box, where Lussi met it with a clinical header for her second goal in as many matches. The assist marked Coleman’s 10th career Super League helper and fifth of the season.

Carolina managed the closing stages professionally, limiting DC’s late chances while maintaining composure in possession. The final whistle confirmed the club’s longest winning streak of the season and extended its unbeaten run against DC Power.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“It’s another hard-fought game that is probably the opposite of how our season went early on. It’s a game we’ve won where we scored a great goal, but we’ve seen the opposite side of that. DC were unlucky not to be in the lead in the first half. We weathered the storm, made some changes, and we got the result.”

Poole on the second half turnaround and Lussi’s finish:

“I felt like we we definitely were a lot more effective in the second half. The way we defended was a little more pragmatic. 
We found Audrey out wide and Audrey does what she does. She beat her player, put a great cross in, and then Tyler’s movement in the box was excellent and it was an unstoppable header. I’m proud of Tyler, scoring two in two, and we just hope that continues.”

Tyler Lussi on the goal and performance:

”Huge team win today, grinding out a 1-0 result. The goal was a great team effort—Shea won the ball and drove forward, slipping a perfect through ball to Audrey. Audrey took on her defender 1v1, beat her, and delivered an excellent ball into the box. I just timed my run and was able to finish it with a header. I’m really proud of the fight from everyone. Audrey made an immediate impact coming in, and Lily and Ava brought great energy and made a big difference as well. Gritty performance all around.”

Sydney Martinez on the team’s play over the last three matches:

”I am so proud of everyone these past games. You can really see how hard we have all been working and things are finally working out for us. This was a good win to create some distance between us and the playoff line.”