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CHARLOTTE, NC (April 19, 2025) – #17 Eli Hutchinson scored a brace and Mia Corbin tied the Golden Boot race back up as Carolina Ascent FC won their fifth straight match, taking down Spokane Zephyr FC 3-0.

It is the fifth straight clean sheet for Carolina Ascent FC as they continue a fantastic stretch of soccer. The squad has also scored 16 goals during their unbeaten run.

In a battle of the league’s two hottest teams, it was the league leaders that had the better of the first 45 minutes.

Corbin nearly scored her 10th goal of the season in the 11th minute, as her quick turn and shot from the six-yard box was saved well by Spokane goalkeeper #0 Hope Hisey.

Six minutes later, they found the breakthrough. Persistent work from midfielder #14 Taylor Porter, winning multiple tackles, popped the ball loose to Hutchinson, who made zero mistake from the top of the box depositing a low strike past Hisey to ignite the home supporters.

Spokane Zephyr, entering the night with only one loss in the Spring (against Carolina Ascent in March), did their best to keep it a one-score game by the halftime break, defending as a unit against a surging Carolina Ascent attack.

Hisey was called into action once again in the 37th minute as Corbin smashed a low shot towards the bottom corner, but Hisey kicked it away.

The hosts outshot the visitors from Washington 11-3 in the first half, but could not extend the score by the time halftime arrived.

After Hisey started the half with diving saves on #18 Audrey Harding and Corbin, Corbin ripped a left-footed strike from 18 yards out that skimmed the top of the crossbar in the 57th minute.

Carolina Ascent finally extended their lead in the 69th minute. A pretty give-and-go between Corbin and Merrick resulted in a save from Hisey, but Hutchinson cleaned up the rebound to secure her brace.

Corbin was finally rewarded with her goal in the 83rd minute. #7 Jill Aguilera’s whipped in corner kick was loose in the box and Corbin cleaned up the change to become the first Carolina Ascent player in team history to reach double digits in goals.

As has been for the past five games, the defense and Carolina Ascent goalkeeper #42 Samantha Leshnak Murphy held down the fort for their fifth consecutive shutout and fifth consecutive victory to add to their first place lead.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the team’s 5th straight win:

“We knew that we were going to have to absorb some pressure. They’ve got quality players and are well-coached. Good team performance tonight from front to back.”

Poole on Eli Hutchinson’s impact:

“It’s her work off the ball. She’s really good defensively and technically she’s so good on the ball. She’s a top player and I’m glad she is getting some spotlight.”

Eli Hutchinson on the team’s current run:

“I think we finally put all the pieces together and we’re scoring a lot of goals and I think that is huge and now we have a lot of momentum going forward.”

Samantha Leshnak Murphy on her fifth straight clean sheet:

“The team is cooking right now. We couldn’t be communicating better. When we practrice, we practice exactly how we want to. The girls feel really good right now. Poole keeps talking about coaching each other. It looks maybe good on me, but I’m just the last one and they do a great job of never letting it get to me.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 12, 2025) – Three defenders found the back of the night as Carolina Ascent exploded for a season-high five goals in a 5-0 victory over Brooklyn FC Saturday night in front of 3,620 supporters at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

#20 Jenna Butler, #13 Addisyn Merrick, #7 Jill Aguilera, #18 Audrey Harding, and #22 B Hylton all found their way on the scoresheet. Carolina Ascent has four consecutive clean sheets and now holds the longest shutout streak in USL Super League history.

Carolina Ascent needed to adjust to Brooklyn FC’s high press early in the first half. The visitors, winless since December 14, were hungry to make a statement on the road.

Brooklyn forwards #9 Jessica Garziano and #23 Luana Garbias posed a threat with their pace in-behind, but Carolina Ascent showed why they’ve kept teams scoreless as of late, with #12 Sydney Studer and Butler matching Brooklyn’s speed to deny any high-danger chances.

It was instead the home side that dominated in the shots category the first 45 minutes, leading 7-2.

In the 16th minute, Aguilera put a cross on the foot of #9 Mia Corbin, who flicked it onto the post and her follow-up was blocked just wide, coming close to becoming the first player in the league to reach double-digits in goals.

A minute later, Carolina Ascent took the lead. After Porter’s corner was headed away, her second ball was floated to the back post and Butler headed it past Brooklyn goalkeeper #18 Neeki Purcell for her second goal of the season.

Neither team had another strong opportunity in the first half and Carolina Ascent took a one-goal lead to halftime.

And then the goals poured in.

In the 51st minute, Porter picked up her second assist of the night, playing a ball over the top to an on-running Merrick who fired into the side netting for her first goal of the season.

After Corbin drew a free kick 25 yards out in the 65th minute, Aguilera submitted her vote for goal of the year. The left back curled it beautifully into the top corner for her second goal of the season and the third goal of the night from the back line.

Carolina Ascent found their fourth of the match four minutes later as #23 Riley Parker fed Harding who beat Purcell at her near post, continuing her great play from the month of March.

Hylton subbed on in the 78th minute and two minutes later, the 17-year-old academy signee became the youngest to ever score in franchise history. On the second ball off a corner, Hylton volleyed it home with her left foot, sending the Carolina Ascent bench and American Legion Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.

The score held and Carolina Ascent finished the game remaining at the top of the Super League table, adding another three points to the tally in route to their fourth straight victory,

QUOTES:

Coach Philip Poole on Taylor Porter’s role on the team:

“She has been unsung, but not internally. We recognize her value and we recognize her leadership..She’s incredible and she’s a good leader, but I am just happy for her to get a little spotlight tonight because she deserves it.“

Poole on B Hylton making history:

“It means a lot to me, it means a lot to her, but you see the sort of respect that B garners amongst her teammates. That’s not only a special moment for her and her family, but for all of us. It tastes a little bit sweeter because B is one of our own from Charlotte, born and raised. The fact that we create an opportunity for one of our own makes it more special.”

B Hylton on her first professional goal:

“It doesn’t feel real. I’ve had other opportunities and just wanted to take advantage. Chances like those don’t always come at the pro level.”

Taylor Porter on her first two assists of the season:

“I always love to contribute in all different ways and sometimes it’s defensively, especially as a defensive midfielder, but getting two assists is great. Addisyn and Jenna did a great job of finishing them.”

WASHINGTON D.C. (April 8, 2025) – #25 Sarah Troccoli scored the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute as Carolina Ascent defeated DC Power FC 1-0 at Audi Field Tuesday night. The win moves Carolina Ascent back into first place ahead of a busy weekend of USL Super League action.

The two teams played a fairly even first half. DC Power, despite sitting in last in the USL Super League standings, held strong against an in-form Carolina Ascent attack and did their best to hit on the counter attack.

Carolina Ascent still did hold the majority of possession and had four shots on target to DC’s zero.

However, the best opportunity from Carolina Ascent came on a shot that missed the target. In the 25th minute, #7 Jill Aguilera ran the length of the pitch with the ball, found #15 Kathrynn Gonzalez who then played an excellent cross into the box. #23 Riley Parker made contact, but pulled it wide of the open net as she could not sort out her feet to properly put it away.

A resilient DC Power held Carolina Ascent to a scoreless first half and everything to play for in the second 45 minutes.

Carolina Ascent found the breakthrough in the 59th minute. Parker’s cross hit #9 Mia Corbin’s midsection and deflected into the path of Troccoli, who tucked it in underneath DC goalkeeper #1 Morgan Aquino for her second goal of the season.

The visitors pushed for a second goal and were close to finding it in the 82nd minute. #13 Addisyn Merrick’s left footed strke from 25 yards out struck the crossbar and seconds later, Corbin’s curling effort just whizzed by the post.

DC Power pushed in the final minutes to secure a point. #19 Yuuka Kurosaki’s half volley in the 86th minute was their best opportunity, but it squeaked by #42 Samantha Leshnak Murphy’s post.

A really strong defensive performance resulted in a third consecutive clean sheet for Carolina Ascent and another three points to retake first place in the league standings.

QUOTES:

Coach Philip Poole on sticking with it in the second half:

We created some very good chances in the first half, chances we probably would like to put away and have been putting away, but you know, the players stuck with the plan, stuck at their task, and got the result that we came here for, which is a clean sheet.”

Poole on the defense’s discipline:

“We had some moments in the first part of the season and then one or two moments where we talked about our line and just being on the same page. I think that defending is as a team thing and defending starts with our forwards and it’s about being on the same page and creating clarity in what we want.”

Sarah Troccoli on the importance of securing the three points:

“Those three points were huge. DC is always a tough team, but I’m really proud of how we came out tonight and performed, especially defensively. Happy to get these 3 points and look ahead to Brooklyn on Saturday.”

Addisyn Merrick on three consecutive clean sheets:

“I think our backline has focused a lot on the communication piece, listening, and trusting each other. As a whole, I think we’ve done a better job focusing on the details.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 3, 2025) – USL Super League announced today that Carolina Ascent FC forward #9 Mia Corbin has been named the league’s Player of the Month for March. Alongside Corbin, forward #18 Audrey Harding and defender #7 Jill Aguilera have also been named to the Team of the Month.

Corbin’s achievement marks the first Player of the Month award received by Carolina Ascent in team history.

Corbin rapidly climbed the goal-scoring charts in March, netting four goals in five games. Corbin now has scored six goals in the Spring portion of the schedule. Her standout performance came on March 29 against Dallas Trinity FC, where she recorded her first brace of the season. With nine goals on the year, she is now tied for first in the league’s Golden Boot race.

Harding also made a significant impact in March, tallying two goals and three assists in five matches. She opened her scoring account with the club in style, netting both goals in a dominant 4-0 victory over Lexington SC on March 23. A dynamic presence on the wing, Harding consistently beat defenders and created opportunities for teammates. She assisted both of Eli Hutchinson’s goals last month—one on March 8 against Spokane Zephyr FC and another on March 29 against Dallas Trinity FC.

This is Harding’s first selection to the league’s Team of the Month.

Aguilera, the team’s leader in chances created, registered two assists in March. Her pinpoint corner kick on March 8 set up Jenna Butler’s game-winning header against Spokane Zephyr FC, and she assisted Harding’s second goal against Lexington SC on March 23. Aguilera now leads the team with five assists and played a crucial role defensively, helping Carolina Ascent secure back-to-back clean sheets to close out the month.

This marks Aguilera’s second appearance on the league’s Team of the Month, with her first coming in October.

Carolina Ascent FC continues its Inaugural Season home schedule on Saturday, April 12 at American Legion Memorial Stadium against Brooklyn FC. Single Game Tickets are on sale now at https://www.CarolinaAscent.com/single-game-tickets/. 

About Carolina Ascent FC: Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new 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. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit CarolinaAscent.com.

Match will kick off on Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 pm.

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 21, 2025) – The USL Super League and Carolina Ascent FC announced today a new start time for Carolina Ascent’s home match against Spokane Zephyr FC. The match is still scheduled for Saturday, April 19 and will now kick off at 7:30 pm at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

It’s the club’s Keep it Clean, Keep It Fun Night presented by Nucor. All fans in attendance will receive a Carolina Ascent FC X Nucor Stanley-Style Tumbler. Tickets are on sale now starting at $26.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off 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 the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

TAMPA, FL (March 15, 2025) – Tampa Bay Sun FC forward #9 Natasha Flint’s fifth goal of the season in the 13th minute proved to be the difference as Tampa Bay Sun FC defeated Carolina Ascent FC 0-1 Saturday night at Riverfront Stadium.

A highly-fought battle ended up coming down to an error from Carolina Ascent that Tampa Bay converted. In minute 13, Carolina Ascent goalkeeper #42 Samantha Leshnak Murphy lost possession on the edge of her penalty area and the ball fell to Flint, who cooly chipped it over Leshnak Murphy’s head and into the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season.

Carolina Ascent fought hard to find the equalizer in the second half and Head Coach Philip Poole made adjustments to his lineup, bringing on attacking threats #5 Jaydah Bedoya and #15 Kathrynn Gonzalez. Leshnak Murphy kept it a one-goal game early in the second half, making a 1v1 kick save on Tampa Bay forward #13 Cecilie Fløe. Tampa Bay was extraordinary defensively throughout the game, making 42 clearances in the contest and making things difficult in front of goalkeeper #28 Ashley Orkus. Carolina Ascent had their opportunities, primarily from their 15 corner kicks of the night. Two of them were just glanced wide by center back #20 Jenna Butler.

While Flint’s goal changes the result, the game was fought very closely statistically and could have easily gone either way. Carolina Ascent edged out Tampa Bay in the shot department, 9-8, and marginally topped them in the shots on target category, 4-3.

The loss keeps Carolina Ascent in third place in the standings, sitting three points back of both Fort Lauderdale United FC and Brooklyn FC. They finish off their three-game road stretch on Sunday, March 23 against Lexington SC.

QUOTES:

Coach Philip Poole on his team’s performance:

“We kind of saw a game of two halves tonight from ourselves. I feel like we did not execute the game plan in the first half, made some adjustments and then obviously second half pretty dominant in chances and corners and all those important things. We were much closer to the game plan in the second half and I think the two halves were dramatically different.”

Poole on creating 15 corners but no end-product:

“It’s good to get 15 corners, which is a lot for any team in any game. We need that final touch, that final piece, we were so close on several occasions. We want to create certain matchups in there and we created them, we just didn’t get that one that we were able to put in the back of the net. I just think that final piece, sometimes they go in, sometimes they don’t.”

Ashlynn Serepca on the evenly-matched battle:

“It was a hard fought battle tonight on the road. We weren’t quite able to execute the game plan we wanted, but I think we responded well in the second half creating some really dangerous chances we just weren’t able to quite put them away.”

Jill Aguilera on the continued process of finding wins on the road:

“Everyone knows it’s hard to win on the road but I think we need to continue to trust the game plan and each other’s abilities. I think we need to take the positives out of this game and apply it to how we are going to beat Lexington next weekend.”

Marks the first Spanish-language USL match broadcast

Charlotte, N.C. – March 13, 2025 – For the first time in USL Super League history, a match will be broadcast in Spanish, a significant milestone that brings the excitement of professional women’s soccer to a wider, more diverse audience. Carolina Ascent FC’s away match against Tampa Bay Sun FC will air in Spanish on Telemundo Charlotte on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

This marks a major step in making women’s soccer more accessible to the Charlotte Region’s growing Hispanic and Latino community. Carolina Ascent’s away games air on TV 64, and select Carolina Ascent matches are available in Spanish on Telemundo Charlotte, ensuring more fans can experience the action in their preferred language.

“This is an incredible moment for Carolina Ascent FC and our fans,” said Carolina Ascent FC Chief Operating Officer Timothy J. Schuldt. “Bringing our matches to Spanish-speaking audiences on Telemundo Charlotte means more fans can connect with the energy, passion, and excitement of USL Super League women’s pro soccer like never before. We can’t wait for fans to experience the action in a way that feels truly their own.”

“Partnering with the Carolina Ascent to provide the Carolinas with the first ever women’s professional soccer match in Spanish is a significant milestone for Telemundo Charlotte,” said Cox Media Group Charlotte VP/GM Cedric Thomas.  “It’s important to deliver valuable content to our audience while supporting women’s athletics.”

The broadcast team of Claudio Bonus and Michelle Serrano will call the match from inside Telemundo Charlotte’s studio at WSOC-TV. Telemundo Charlotte is the only full-power high-definition, local Spanish-language broadcast station in the Charlotte viewing area. Telemundo Charlotte is available over the air on WSOC-TV’s digital tier Channel 9.2 and on local cable providers throughout the Charlotte designated market area. TV 64 is available over the air and on all major cable and satellite systems, including Spectrum, DIRECTV, and YouTube TV.

For the full broadcast schedule and exclusive team updates, visit Carolina Ascent’s website or follow us on social media.

About Carolina Ascent FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new 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. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit CarolinaAscent.com.

About Telemundo Charlotte

A leading producer of innovative and high-quality content for Hispanics, Telemundo Charlotte programming features original scripted dramas, innovative non-scripted programming, theatrical motion pictures, comprehensive local newscasts, news-related specials, and the world’s two most prestigious sporting events, the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.