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Call-Up Recap: Carolina Ascent Shines Overseas

December 3, 2025 by Harrison Clark

Photo taken by Angel Rivera (Puerto Rico National Team, Puerto Rico Futbol Federation)

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 3, 2025) – Carolina Ascent players made a strong impression during the international window, contributing goals, assists, and key minutes across national team duty. From decisive attacking moments to clean sheets and meaningful steps forward, the Ascent were well represented abroad.

Aguilera’s Four-Goal Showcase, Tapia Adds an Assist

Puerto Rico rolled to a dominant 7–0 victory over St. Lucia in their CONCACAF W Qualifier Monday night, powered in large part by Carolina Ascent’s attacking duo.

Forward Jill Aguilera stole the spotlight with an emphatic four-goal performance, continuing her run as one of Puerto Rico’s most reliable scoring threats. Playing in her more advanced role with the national team, Puerto Rico’s captain netted the first goal of the match with a strong header at the back post. The 2024/25 Defender of the Year proved overwhelming for the St. Lucia back line, burying three more on the night.

Fellow forward Maria Tapia capped her first international appearance with a well-crafted assist of her own. The young academy standout impressed with her movement and link-up play, offering a promising preview of what’s to come both internationally and with the Ascent.

Goalkeeper Sydney Martinez rounded out the Carolina Ascent representation within the squad, serving as Puerto Rico’s back-up goalkeeper on the night and continuing her steady presence within the national team setup.

B Hylton Earns Valuable Minutes With England

Midfielder B Hylton continued her upward trajectory with England’s U-20 national team, appearing in two matches during the international window.

Hylton entered as a substitute against China before earning a starting nod in their final friendly against Mexico. She logged 76 minutes in the latter fixture, continuing to showcase her growth and ability on a big stage.

It marks another meaningful step in the development of the 18-year-old Charlotte-raised midfielder.

Burge Records Clean Sheet Against China

Goalkeeper Charlotte Burge delivered a standout performance of her own, earning the start in the United States’ matchup with China on December 2. Burge made the most of her opportunity, backstopping the U.S. U-20 women to a 1-0 clean sheet victory.

It was another encouraging sign in what has been a strong year of progression for the young American with her second call-up in a matter of months.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

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.

Carolina Ascent Gets First Clean Sheet, Beats DC Power 1-0

November 21, 2025 by Harrison Clark

WASHINGTON D.C. (November 21, 2025) – Rylee Baisden scored her fourth goal of the season and Carolina Ascent got their first clean sheet Friday night, defeating DC Power 1-0 at Audi Field.

Playing their first match in two weeks, Carolina Ascent got back to winning ways behind one of their better defensive efforts of the season. The Ascent allowed one shot on target all night.

DC threatened early into the match. In the sixth minute, midfielder Emily Colton slipped in behind Carolina’s back line but dragged her left-footed effort just wide.

Carolina responded with their first clear look in the 17th minute. Riley Parker slid a pass into space for Mackenzie George, and the former Tennessee Volunteer burst in on goalkeeper Morgan Aquino, only to miss the far post by inches.

A forced change came in the 30th minute, when captain Taylor Porter exited and newly called-up B Hylton entered to join Emily Morris in the center of midfield.

Chances remained limited as the half wore on. Having already faced each other once this season, both sides looked well-prepared and difficult to break down.

DC nearly grabbed the opener in the 42nd minute. Dasia Torbert timed her run perfectly to stay onside, but staring down Meagan McClelland, she pushed her attempt wide of the bottom corner.

Just a minute later, DC finally put McClelland to work. Familiar face Jaydah Bedoya beat her defender and unleashed a 20-yard strike, forcing McClelland into a full-stretch save.

HALFTIME: CAROLINA ASCENT 0-0 DC POWER FC

Carolina Ascent finally broke through in the 57th minute. Given too much time on the ball, Morris carried forward and floated a cross to the back post, where Baisden headed it back across goal and into the side netting.

The finish gave Baisden her fourth goal of the season and delivered the first goal contribution of Morris’ professional career.

The Ascent, eager to finally get the monkey off their back and secure their first shutout of the campaign, handled DC’s leading scorer Gianna Gourley exceptionally well. Jenna Butler, in particular, stood out in one-on-one situations, consistently shutting down the striker and preventing any real danger.

DC failed to register a shot on target in the second half, underscoring just how effectively Carolina closed the game out after taking the lead.

The 1-0 victory takes Carolina Ascent back into third place and keeps them undefeated all-time against DC Power. The Ascent returns from the Thanksgiving break at home on December 6 to take on Brooklyn FC. Tickets are still available HERE.

GAME STATS

HIGHLIGHTS

QUOTES

Philip Poole on the team’s effort:

“I think it was a game that we created a lot of chances. The goal we scored was very good, but I think the headline will probably be getting the shut out and continuing to moving in a positive direction.”

Poole on the importance of the clean sheet and the effectiveness of the team defense:

“I think we weren’t perfect defensively. I think the first half was a challenge for us and we made some adjustments at halftime and that’s probably what I’m most proud of, as the players executed the defending game plan much better in the second half. The shutout is something we haven’t been speaking about, but everyone knows it was there. The players knew how important that was.”

Poole on his youngsters in the midfield logging valuable minutes:

“It’s so important for those players to log those type of minutes on the road in games that they’re under pressure. I don’t think either of them were perfect, but these are the sort of experiences that propel them forward and develop them even further.”

Emily Morris on the performance:

“It was a very tough game and the important thing was we just kept battling. It definitely gives me confidence to see how we all will keep fighting together. Fort Lauderdale was a tough loss because we played well. I’m happy we got the goal tonight and that I could help. But more importantly, I think we were all committed to get the result tonight.”

Jenna Butler on the clean sheet:

“We are thrilled to get the clean sheet tonight. It feels like it has been a long time coming so to have our hard work pay off on the defensive end feels really good. We communicated well, listened to each other, and cleaned some things up from the first half to make the defense more effective in the second half and keep the clean sheet.”

Charlotte Burge Adds Another Call-Up, Joins U-20 National Team for Upcoming Friendlies

November 21, 2025 by Harrison Clark

CHARLOTTE, NC — Carolina Ascent FC and the U.S. Soccer Federation announced today that goalkeeper Charlotte Burge has been selected for the upcoming U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team friendlies in Spain, beginning November 24.

The call-up marks Burge’s third national team inclusion of 2025, following her recent participation in the U-20 camp at the end of October.

“We are really pleased for Charlotte,” said Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She is fully committed to her development and is navigating the journey of not only a young professional player, but a young goalkeeper. Her time and exposure with the U-20 national team are both vital parts of her continued development.”

Burge is joined on the squad by fellow Gainbridge Super League players Sealey Strawn of Dallas Trinity and Ashlyn Puerta of Sporting Jax.

While in Spain, the USA will face the England U-20 WNT on Nov. 29 and finish against the China PR U-20 WNT on Dec. 2. Both matches will be played at Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain. The matches serve as part of USA’s ongoing preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The tournament will be held in Poland from September 5–27.

The United States is one of 12 nations already qualified for the World Cup after advancing through the 2025 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship last June. The event will feature 24 countries vying for the sport’s top U-20 honor.

Carolina Ascent returns home on December 6. Enjoy holiday festivities and receive a Carolina Ascent ugly sweater. Get your tickets NOW.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Midfielder B Hylton Called Into England U-20 Women’s National Team

November 19, 2025 by Harrison Clark

Former Academy product earns second call-up with the Three Lions

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 19, 2025) — The England National Team announced today that midfielder B Hylton has been called up to the England U-20 Women’s National Team for a set of international friendlies in Spain later this month.

Hylton, 18, earns her second call-up to England’s youth national team system after previously joining the U-19s in November 2024. The U-20 squad will convene in Alicante, Spain, where they will face other European opponents from November 24 to December 2.

“B has made massive strides this fall,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “We are extremely proud of her and recognize how much work she puts in every day. Young players develop at different rates and don’t always follow a linear path toward becoming a finished product.”

A Charlotte-raised product and a notable figure in the club’s development pathway, Hylton has made five appearances this season, entering each as a substitute and totaling 48 minutes.

“B is clearly in a period of rapid progress. Any time a young player has the opportunity to represent their national team, we are in full support. Playing for England again will be another important step in her development,” shared Poole.

Hylton etched her name into club history last season when she became the first Carolina Ascent player to progress from an academy contract to a professional contract. She also became the youngest goal scorer in franchise history, finding the back of the net against Brooklyn FC on April 12, 2025.

Carolina Ascent returns home on December 6 against Brooklyn FC. Enjoy holiday festivities and receive a Carolina Ascent ugly sweater. Get your tickets NOW.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent Falls at Home to Fort Lauderdale United, 1-0

November 8, 2025 by Harrison Clark

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 8, 2025) – Carolina Ascent’s four-game unbeaten streak came to a close Saturday night, falling 1-0 to Fort Lauderdale United FC at home.

In a matchup that excites every time the two square off, Fort Lauderdale netted the lone goal in the 71st minute through Jasmine Hamid to walk away with the three points.

Off the hop, Fort Lauderdale nearly took the lead within a minute. After a Carolina Ascent turnover at the back, Sh’Nia Gordon fired away, but Carolina’s Meagan McClelland made a strong diving save.

Per usual in battles between these two teams, it was a track meet in the first half. Both teams displayed their attacking pace in transition.

Carolina’s first attempt on goal was nearly a spectacular opener. Jill Aguilera’s corner kick in the 15th minute had to be desperately pawed away by Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Bella Hara.

In the 23rd minute, Rylee Baisden eyed for her third goal in two games, but Hara stood tall in her net, denying the winger from the middle of the box.

Carolina generated consistent pressure on set pieces throughout the opening half, earning seven corners, but couldn’t muster a goal.

Despite a combined fifteen shots between the two sides before the break, only two found the target, and the match remained scoreless going into the second half.

Fort Lauderdale’s Hamid and Stella Nyamekye both clipped the top of Carolina’s net on chipped efforts in the first seven minutes after the restart.

Rookie Emily Morris fired a left-footed strike in the 55th minute that Hara neatly parried for a corner. The ensuing corner from Aguilera deflected off a Fort Lauderdale defender and was cleared off the line.

The corners continued to pile on for the Ascent. Jenna Butler rose high off another Aguilera cross, but just flicked it over the bar in the 62nd minute.

After Carolina seemingly was tilting the field in their favor, Fort Lauderdale found the breakthrough in the 71st minute. Kiara Locklear took it to the end line. Her cross wasn’t fully cleared and fell into Hamid’s path, who blasted it home from six yards out.

Fort Lauderdale’s back line was stout all night. Every cross Carolina threw into the box had a clearance from the visitors, not making anything easy for the home side.

Carolina couldn’t create enough to equalize in the final minutes as Fort Lauderdale took down the hosts in what continues to be intense, close games between the two.

POST-GAME QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“Disappointed with the result. I feel like we created a lot of opportunities, but that final piece just wasn’t there as it has for us in previous games. I’m not sure what the corner count was, but I know there was a lot. I don’t know how many crosses we put in, but I know there was a lot. It’s frustrating to keep a good team like Fort Lauderdale pinned in and not take advantage.”

Poole on prepping for Fort Lauderdale:

“Fort Lauderdale is extremely dangerous in transition. There are those moments where maybe there’s a turnover, those moments where we’re not precise enough, so the game has a different feel because they can make it a game. They didn’t hurt us in transition tonight. They got their opportunity and made us pay. I feel like the performance was probably enough to win the game based on our chances, and corners, and lots of different things we did well.”

Audrey Harding on capitalizing on chances:

“We were just a little off tonight. We’re gonna have to look back at it, but I do know we just need to capitalize better.  We had a lot of corners and that’s something we’ve been working on and need to finish those chances.”

Emily Morris on continuing to develop and learn from her teammates:

“I get to learn more every day. Playing next to Taylor [Porter] has taught me so much. She’s so calm on the ball and composed. The same goes for Mia [Corbin], and Sarah [Troccoli], and all the other midfielders. We do a lot together at practice, and just learning from them, because, obviously they’ve all been in the game for a while. It’s been really enjoyable.”

Carolina Ascent Heavily Represented in October League Awards

November 5, 2025 by Harrison Clark

The winger contributed on a goal in every game in October

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 5, 2025) — The Gainbridge Super League announced today Carolina Ascent forward Audrey Harding as the Player of the Month for October.

Harding played a pivotal role in Ascent’s undefeated October, registering one goal and three assists across four matches. The winger set the tone by assisting the opening goal in the team’s victory against DC Power on October 4. Harding followed with her first goal of the season in the next outing at Lexington SC. She ended the month with assists in wins over Brooklyn FC on October 18 and Spokane Zephyr FC on October 30. Harding has recorded a goal contribution in five consecutive games.

The Ascent BREAK THROUGH‼️

A gritty effort from @harding1818 puts @carolinaascent up 1-0 in the late stages of the match 👏 pic.twitter.com/zc8E0dL6TN
— Gainbridge Super League (@GainbridgeSL) October 10, 2025

“With five goal contributions in five games, I’m just taking each game at a time, focusing on our team’s structure, and playing with confidence in what I know I can bring for this team – both offensively and defensively,” Harding said following the Spokane win.

Aguilera, Studer Join In On October Honors

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 5, 2025) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today Carolina Ascent defenders Jill Aguilera and Sydney Studer have been named to October’s Team of the Month.

Aguilera and Studer – both named to the 2024/25 All-League First Team – each played every minute across the four matches and helped fuel a three-victory October stretch. This is Aguilera’s third in-season Team of the Month honor in two seasons, while it is Studer’s fourth such selection.

On October 18 at Brooklyn FC, Aguilera opened her October highlight reel by scoring her first goal of the season — the game-winner in a road 2-1 victory. Her versatility as a left-back has been on full display, leading the squad in crosses attempted, tackles won, duels won, passes and fouls drawn. Aguilera remains the only player on the roster to log every minute of the campaign thus far.

Studer’s October performance saw a leap in defensive metrics for the Ascent, particularly in aerial dominance. She currently leads the team with 35 aerial duels won this season, and her consistency in clearing crosses and disrupting opposition attacks has been critical in stabilizing the back line as the club climbed the league standings.

Poole Wins October Coach of the Month

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 5, 2025) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole has been named October Coach of the Month.

Poole, the reigning 2024/25 Gainbridge Super League Coach of the Year, earns the monthly honor for the third time in the past two seasons.

Carolina Ascent entered October in the bottom half of the table but surged into third place after an undefeated four-match month, collecting three wins and producing some of the club’s most cohesive performances to date. The stretch included the team’s first two road victories of the season.

Central to the turnaround was further emphasis on an aggressive, coordinated press, allowing the Ascent to force turnovers higher up the pitch and turn them directly into scoring opportunities, something they were known for in the inaugural season. The successful approach has resulted in greater control in midfield spaces and a notable reduction in high-quality chances conceded.

“We controlled the game in possession and also out of possession,” shared Poole after the win at Spokane. “I think that we pressed well and we also recovered the ball really well. The press and the organization of our shape was a big part of a dominant performance…I think we were really good defensively and as a result, we got a lot of opportunities in transition on the attack.”

Under Poole, the Ascent have continued to establish a clear identity built on organization and collective team responsibility. October showcased that identity at its strongest and returned the team into a familiar place in the table.

Carolina Ascent looks to extend their unbeaten run to five games Saturday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium. It’s Pups at the Pitch and Salute to Service Night. Secure your tickets HERE!

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Aguilera, Martinez, Tapia Called Up For Puerto Rico Qualifier

November 1, 2025 by Harrison Clark

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 1, 2025) – The Puerto Rico Women’s National Team has named Carolina Ascent defender Jill Aguilera, goalkeeper Sydney Martinez, and forward Maria Tapia to its roster for the upcoming CONCACAF qualifier against St. Lucia on December 1.

“We love it when our players are selected to represent their national teams,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “For a player, there is no higher honor. I know Jill, Sydney and Maria will take this opportunity with great humility, pride, and honor. As a club, we will support our players when they are selected as we believe it is a huge boost to their careers and our profile as a club.”

Aguilera, who has earned nine caps for Puerto Rico, has been a consistent attacking presence, tallying six goals. Operating primarily as a forward for her country, she played a key role in Puerto Rico’s historic qualification for the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup, scoring the game-winning goal against Haiti in the preliminary round.

Joining Aguilera from that same Gold Cup squad, Martinez started all three matches and was a stalwart in Puerto Rico’s 1-0 preliminary round victory over Haiti. The Carolina Ascent goalkeeper has made eight international appearances and continues to be a steady presence between the posts for her national side.

For Tapia, this call-up marks her first invitation to the international stage. The academy product made two appearances for Carolina Ascent last season and now joins her teammates in representing Puerto Rico.

“It will be great for Maria to have a couple of familiar faces with her as she takes her first steps into international football,” shared Poole.

The Ascent will return to the pitch on November 8 at home against Fort Lauderdale United FC for Salute to Service and Pups at the Pitch Night. Get your tickets HERE!

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, 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.

Baisden’s Brace Powers Carolina Ascent Past Spokane Zephyr FC

October 30, 2025 by Harrison Clark

SPOKANE, WA (October 30, 2025) – #10 Rylee Baisden buried two second half goals as Carolina Ascent notched their second straight road win 2-1 over Spokane Zephyr FC.

It was a thoroughly strong game from the Ascent, causing problems for Spokane all night via pressure and creating turnovers. The squad recorded 18 total shots, a season-high.

Despite cold conditions with the Pacific Northwest, it was Carolina Ascent that came out hot, taking five shots in the first 15 minutes.

Their best chance early came on their sixth opportunity. #31 Mackenzie George slipped in #18 Audrey Harding and in alone, saves leader #0 Hope Hisey made a sensational kick save to keep the game level in the 16th minute.

Carolina’s high press gave Spokane fits in the first half. The heat map in the first 45 minutes tilted the game deep in Spokane’s half and the hosts seemingly couldn’t get out of their own territory.

Spokane did not record an attempted shot until first half stoppage time. #19 Tori Zierenberg, the hero from the first contest between the two teams, got in behind and was denied by a charging #1 Meagan McClelland.

It was an overall dominant first half from Carolina Ascent, firing 12 shots, yet the score remained 0-0 heading to the second half.

It was the pressure again that caused problems, and in the 59th minute, Carolina finally made Spokane pay. Spokane’s #22 Charley Boone turned it over in her own box to Harding. Harding quickly fed Baisden, who tapped it home for her second of the campaign.

Harding now has a goal contribution in five consecutive matches.

The fun didn’t stop there. The heat stayed on and Baisden made it two in the 68th minute. Harding drove the end line, cut it back to the top of the six-yard box, and the loose ball aching to be finished was laced home by the winger.

A lifeline was given to Spokane in the 79th minute. Zierenberg was taken down by #12 Sydney Studer inside the box. #33 Ally Cook stepped up to the spot and buried it to make it an interesting final ten minutes.

#5 Jenna Butler made a potentially game-saving block in stoppage time. #32 Maggie Johnston fired away from six yards out, but the center back got her foot in the way to deflect it wide.

Carolina Ascent saw the game out, picking up another crucial three points as their strong form continues.

The Ascent will return to the pitch on November 8 at home against Fort Lauderdale United FC for Salute to Service and Pups at the Pitch Night. Get your tickets HERE!

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on his team’s performance:

“I thought it was a very dominant performance from Carolina Ascent tonight. I think it felt comfortable, until obviously late in the game. Spokane changed formations, asked some questions of us, and the penalty made the last 10 minutes a little bit nervy, but those are some of the situations that we’ve got to continue to improve on. It was good for us to stand up and get it done in the end.”

Poole on the effectiveness of the press:

“We controlled the game in possession and also out of possession. I think that we pressed well and we also recovered the ball really well. The press and the organization of our shape was a big part of a dominant performance…I think we were really good defensively and as a result, we got a lot of opportunities in transition on the attack.”

Audrey Harding on the team’s strong form continuing:

“I’m just taking each game at a time, focusing on our teams structure, and playing with confidence in what I know I can bring for this team – both offensively and defensively. I’m so proud of our team – we’ve been taking our chemistry off the field and bringing it on the field and the way we play. We don’t win games without everyone on this team and organization being 100% – to have our technical staff and people behind the scenes who help us in so many ways that go unnoticed.”

Rylee Baisden on her brace and the victory:

“I’m super happy. We’ve been working a lot on the final third and getting two in the back of the net was awesome. A big three points on the road for us.”

Charlotte Burge Called Into U.S. Under-20 National Team Camp

October 20, 2025 by Harrison Clark

CHARLOTTE, NC (October 20, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC and the U.S. Soccer Federation announced today that goalkeeper Charlotte Burge has been called into U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team Camp.

The camp will take place October 22–30 in Kansas City, Missouri. This marks Burge’s second national team call-up of 2025, following her selection to the U-19 training camp in June.

The age cutoff for the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup is players born on or after Jan. 1, 2006. The 24-player roster for this camp includes an even split of players born in 2006 (12) and 2007 (12) and features a mix of talent from across the women’s game: seven NWSL players, one NWSL player on loan, three Gainbridge Super League players, one from Canada’s Northern Super League, ten collegiate players, and two youth club players.

Burge joins Ashlyn Puerta (Sporting Jax) and Sealey Strawn (Dallas Trinity) as fellow domestic league representatives on the camp roster.

The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held September 5–27 in Poland. The United States is one of 12 nations already qualified for the tournament after advancing through the 2025 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship last June. The event will feature 24 countries competing for the world title.

Carolina Ascent returns home on Saturday, November 8 for Salute to Service Night and Pups at the Pitch against Ft. Lauderdale United FC. Secure your tickets HERE!

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.

Home

Aguilera’s Four-Goal Showcase, Tapia Adds an Assist

B Hylton Earns Valuable Minutes With England

Burge Records Clean Sheet Against China

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

HALFTIME: CAROLINA ASCENT 0-0 DC POWER FC

QUOTES

Former Academy product earns second call-up with the Three Lions

The winger contributed on a goal in every game in October

Aguilera, Studer Join In On October Honors

Poole Wins October Coach of the Month

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