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CHARLOTTE, NC (June 14, 2025) – Carolina Ascent forward Eli Hutchinson has announced her retirement from professional soccer. The Israel international was a key figure in Carolina Ascent’s attack during the club’s inaugural season, scoring five goals and starting nine of the team’s final 10 matches.

“This season was one of the hardest of my career, but also one of my absolute favorites,” shared Hutchinson. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to end this chapter. This club, these teammates, and the people behind the scenes gave me everything I needed to finish strong. I’m so grateful to everyone who made this year what it was, especially Dan DiMicco and the entire staff. This club will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Hutchinson made her debut for Carolina Ascent on October 15 against Brooklyn FC. Hutchinson scored in her first start of the season —a 5th-minute goal in a 2-1 road win against Spokane Zephyr FC on March 8. She tallied her first USL Super League brace in a 3-0 victory over the same opponent on April 19 and added a pivotal goal in a 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay Sun FC on May 17 that helped clinch the Players’ Shield for Carolina Ascent.

Hutchinson’s professional career began in 2018 with BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan, where she gained valuable experience competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She then played in Israel for Maccabi Holon and Ramat HaSharon before a brief stint in Iceland with Grindavik. Hutchinson returned to Israel to join reigning champions Kiryat Gat, where she won two league titles and lifted the Israel Women’s Cup during the 2021–22 season. She wrapped up her European career with Keflavik in Iceland in 2024 before joining Carolina Ascent in June 2024.

Hutchinson, 29, played collegiately at Marquette University, where she was named to the 2017 All-BIG EAST Championship Team and recorded 66 appearances, seven goals, and five assists. 

Hutchinson recorded 10 caps for the Israel National Team and recorded her first international goal on February 25, 2025 in a 3-1 win against Estonia.

“Eli has been sensational for us since the first day she got here,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “It’s bittersweet to see her go. When we were at our best, she was helping us to be successful. I wish her nothing but the best and I’m excited for the next chapter of her life.”

Carolina Ascent congratulate Eli on a fantastic career and wish her the best in her next chapter.

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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. 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.

Led the team to the best regular season record in inaugural season

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 11, 2025) – The USL Super League announced today that Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole has been named USL Super League Coach of the Year.

Poole led Carolina Ascent to the Inaugural Players’ Shield, winning the regular season title with two games to spare. The team showcased its dominance on both ends of the pitch, leading the league in goals scored while allowing the fewest goals against. The squad also boasted four All-League Team players, tied for the most selections in the USL Super League.

“Poole has been an incredibly important part of our success this season,” shared Carolina Ascent defender Jill Aguilera. “He has instilled so much confidence into the team and believes our success comes from just being ourselves on the field. Poole and the rest of coaching staff would give us all of the credit but they have done so much to lead us through a great first season.”

Appointed as Carolina Ascent’s inaugural head coach in January 2024, Poole brought together a roster of players who had never shared the field before. Building chemistry both on and off the pitch posed significant challenges, but the payoff proved to be incredibly rewarding.

“Poole is one of the most passionate and dedicated coaches I’ve ever worked with,” shared Carolina Ascent captain Taylor Porter. “He always articulates his vision clearly and never demands of us what he wouldn’t expect from himself. It’s no surprise to me he won coach of the year after his very successful first season as a head coach and I know he will always hold himself to the highest standard.”

With a historic first season now behind him, Poole has set a high bar for what’s to come. Team success has built a strong foundation and clear identity for Carolina Ascent — one that players want to be part of and opponents now take seriously. As the club looks ahead to its second year, Poole’s competitive mindset and commitment to growth position Carolina Ascent to continue contending for championships.

“When we put a good product on for our fans and for the city, people will jump on it and I think people are starting to see that and feel that,” shared Poole after the semifinal. “That’s probably my biggest takeaway is a lot of optimism for the future. We’ve definitely instilled the winning culture and a winning team. I can’t wait to get going again. That’s just who I am.”

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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. 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.

The defender has now won two individual league awards this season.

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 11, 2025) – The USL Super League announced today that Carolina Ascent defender Jill Aguilera has been named the USL Super League Defender of the Year.

Aguilera played a vital role in Carolina Ascent’s successful inaugural season, combining rock-solid defending with dynamic contributions in the attack. Primarily operating as an outside back, she led the league with seven assists, earning the Golden Playmaker Award, and consistently proved to be a two-way threat.

“I’m incredibly proud that Jill has been recognized as the USL Defender of the Year,” said Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “Her defensive ability is outstanding, but what truly sets her apart is her effectiveness going forward as an attacking fullback. Jill has scored, assisted, and created countless chances for us. She’s a total professional, a leader with high accountability, and a positive presence in our locker room. This award is well-deserved, and I look forward to her continued leadership with the Carolina Ascent family.”

Aguilera’s individual stats highlight her impact on both ends of the field. She ranked:

• 2nd in the league in chances created (46)
• 2nd in total crosses (128)
• 6th in defensive clearances (107)

Her standout season included two goals, with her second — a curling free kick against Brooklyn FC on April 12 — nominated for April Goal of the Month.

Set piece ✨PERFECTION✨@jill_aguilera sends in a 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 free kick to make it 3-0 @carolinaascent! 🔥#ThisIsOurMoment pic.twitter.com/5AeeMFd5aA

— USL Super League (@USLSuperLeague) April 13, 2025

On May 17, in the match that secured Carolina Ascent the Players’ Shield, Aguilera provided the decisive assist on Eli Hutchinson’s 2nd-minute goal against Tampa Bay Sun FC, locking in the crucial point needed to clinch the regular season crown.

“I’m so grateful to have received this award — it means a lot. I’m thankful for my teammates and staff who continue to help me grow. This award belongs to the entire team, I would not have won it without them,” expressed Aguilera.

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About Carolina Ascent FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league that 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.

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 11, 2025) – Today, Angel City Football Club (ACFC) and Carolina Ascent FC announced a friendly match scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The match will mark the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, offering a unique opportunity for both sides to showcase their talent on the pitch, connect with fans, and celebrate the continued growth of professional women’s soccer. 

Angel City Season Ticket Members will have priority to purchase tickets now starting at $23 (click HERE to purchase), with tickets opening to the general public today at 1:00 p.m. PT.

“We are excited to host the Carolina Ascent and introduce them and the USL Super League to our incredible fan base,” said ACFC Sporting Director Mark Parsons. “The development of talent in this country is growing rapidly as is the popularity of women’s football. The USL Super League is creating additional opportunities for professional play and we look forward to welcoming them as our featured home friendly match.” 

“We are really looking forward to our upcoming game against Angel City. ACFC have been an NWSL standard setter since their inception,” said Carolina Ascent Head Coach/General Manager Philip Poole. “As the 2024/25 USL Super League shield winners – it will be a pleasure to take on one of the world leaders in women’s professional football in a competitive friendly.”

Carolina Ascent FC, one of eight USL Super League franchises, has set several records since entering the first-year league, scoring the Super League’s first ever goal while notching the first clean sheet and victory in league history, along with becoming the first club to score multiple goals in a game. On August 17, 2024, the club recorded the highest attended women’s soccer match in the Carolinas.

This season, the club led the league in goals scored and goals against. They held the best regular season record and won the Inaugural Players’ Shield. Additionally, four players earned All-League honors (Mia Corbin – 1st Team, Jill Aguilera – 1st Team, Sydney Studer – 1st Team, Samantha Leshnak Murphy – 2nd Team).

Based in Los Angeles, Angel City FC joined the National Women’s Soccer League in 2020 and has quickly become one of the league’s most visible, community-driven, and valuable clubs. With a roster that includes capped U.S. internationals Sydney Leroux and Christen Press, as well as dynamic sisters Gisele and Alyssa Thompson, Angel City blends star power with emerging skill. Backed by a majority-female ownership group that includes Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, and Mia Hamm, the club is known for its commitment to equity, impact, and excellence on and off the pitch.

The Carolina Ascent FC roster includes three Southern California-native players including forward Rylee Baisden from Yorba Linda, midfielder Taylor Porter from San Diego, defender Sydney Studer from Corona, and one Northern California-native midfielder Jill Aguilera from Redwood City. Additionally, this match will also be Angel City FC’s first-ever Battle of the Clubs Night. The top three clubs that purchase the most tickets through this special link will unlock exclusive game day experiences. Every ticket purchased through the link includes a limited-edition Angel City FC drawstring bag. The club with the most tickets sold will receive a VIP invitation to attend an Angel City FC practice and be featured on the video board during the match.

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. 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.

Media Contact: Jan Ivey – jivey@CarolinaAscentFC.com

ABOUT ANGEL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

Angel City Football Club (ACFC) of Los Angeles, in the National Women’s Soccer League, is entering its fourth season in 2025 at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles. ACFC is led by controlling owners Willow Bay and Bob Iger and was co-founded by tech entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, actor and activist Natalie Portman, and venture capitalist Kara Nortman. The club has been named the world’s most valuable women’s sports team, with a valuation of $250 million. Mark Parsons serves as the team’s Sporting Director and Alex Straus is the club’s head coach.

To purchase tickets, go to angelcity.com/tickets/seasontickets or contact tickets@angelcity.com. Learn more about ACFC at www.angelcity.com and follow the team on social media @weareangelcity.

Media Contact: media@angelcity.com

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 9, 2025) – The USL Super League announced today the inaugural All-League First and Second Teams of the season. Carolina Ascent’s Mia Corbin, Jill Aguilera, and Sydney Studer earned First Team honors, while goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy earned Second Team honors.

Carolina Ascent led the league with three players named to the All-League First Team. The club tied Dallas Trinity FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC for the most total selections with four.

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About Carolina Ascent FC
Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a Division One professional women’s soccer league that 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.

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 8, 2025) – A 120th minute goal was the ultimate difference as Fort Lauderdale United defeated Carolina Ascent 2-1 in the USL Super League semifinals in heartbreaking fashion Sunday night .

#20 Kiara Locklear scored both Fort Lauderdale goals while #15 Kathrynn Gonzalez netted the lone score for Carolina Ascent.

Carolina Ascent had the first try of the match in the 4th minute. #23 Riley Parker beat two Fort Lauderdale defenders down the sideline and set up #17 Eli Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s curling try just went over the bar.

Fort Lauderdale found success over the top. #17 Jasmine Hamid got on the end of a through ball in the 9th minute and was in 1-on-1 with #42 Samantha Leshnak Murphy. However, Leshnak Murphy stood tall and made herself big, denying Hamid.

The visitors got in behind again in the 17th and 22nd minutes. Locklear whistled one wide of Leshnak Murphy’s net on the first chance. Hamid had the second opportunity, but center back #12 Sydney Studer tracked back beautifully, getting her foot on it before Hamid could pull the trigger.

Carolina Ascent’s best chance of the first half came in the 42nd minute. Golden Playmaker winner #7 Jill Aguilera found Parker on the edge of the area. Parker swiftly turned onto her left for a strike, but Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper #1 Cosette Morsche tipped it over the bar.

Both teams headed to the half with their season at stake ahead.

Carolina Ascent started the second half with some real urgency.

Immediately, Aguilera got in behind. Her cross was thwarted by Morsche and half-time substitute #10 Rylee Baisden’s follow-up skimmed the outside of the net.

The pressure paid off in the 55th minute. Aguilera found Baisden, who furthered it onto Gonzalez. Gonzalez proceeded to score a worldie, striking one into the top corner from 20 yards out, sending American Legion Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.

Fort Lauderdale United found the equalizer 14 minutes later, amidst a bit of controversy. The ball went out for a throw-in, but neither team knew who it went out off. Without any indication from the officials, the visitors threw it in and played on.

#11 Sh’Nia Gordon played it over the top to Locklear, who beat Leshnak Murphy to tie it. A furious Philip Poole was issued a yellow card and the home crowd voiced their displeasure to the referees.

Fort Lauderdale finished the half the stronger team, playing with confidence after scoring. They continued to find success on the flanks. However, they could not connect on any of their dangerous crosses.

Gonzalez had one final opportunity in the 90 minutes for Carolina Ascent. The forward attempted three shots in rapid succession, but each were denied by Fort Lauderdale defenders and finally cleared. Those chances were the last of the 90 minutes and both teams geared up for extra time.

Only one strong chance was created in the first half of extra time. #18 Audrey Harding switched the ball into the path of #13 Addisyn Merrick. The outside back tried crossing, but it turned into a shot that floated just over the crossbar and onto the roof of the net.

Fort Lauderdale had the better of the chances in the second 15 minutes.

#9 Jorian Baucom fired at Leshnak Murphy’s near post from a sharp angle, but the goalkeeper got a strong left hand to it.

Locklear thought she had her second of the night to clinch it in the 116th minute, finding a loose ball and finishing off a corner. However, it was brought back for offsides.

Fort Lauderdale did find the game-winner in the final minute of extra time. Carolina Ascent played a high line on a set piece for the visitors. After the first ball was dealt with, a looped ball back over the top found Locklear. The forward put it past Leshnak Murphy, stunning the supporters.

The Carolina Ascent crowd and sideline waited for the assistant referee’s flag to go up for an apparent offsides, but it never did.

The goal proved to be the dagger to the season as Fort Lauderdale advances to Saturday’s final against Tampa Bay Sun FC.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole on his team’s achievements this season:

“Our players put themselves in a position to compete for the regular season shield, which they won, and put themselves in position to compete for the championship in the playoffs, and that’s what we set out to do. It’s phenomenal that we’ve led the league in attendance. So, you know, we talk about our football goals, we talk about our community and crowd goals and organization as a whole. But still, it is broad, the game happened 20 minutes ago, and bitterly disappointed with the outcome.”

Poole on the team and support growing throughout the season:

“We go back two or three weeks when we played Tampa Bay here and won the shield. We had the PGA [Championship] in town. [Charlotte] FC played at the same time, NASCAR all-star was here, and we had 6,500 in the building. So I look at that and go, was it 10,000? No. Did we sell out? No. But it gives us hope for the future. To say when we put a good product on for our fans and for the city, people will jump on it. And I think people are starting to see that and feel that. So that’s probably my biggest takeaway is a lot of optimism for the future. We’ve definitely instilled the winning culture and a winning team. I can’t wait to get going again. That’s just who I am.”

Captain Taylor Porter on the tight call at the end:

“We have to stay really mentally focused when we’re that physically fatigued, when it’s that 120th minute. We can’t always count on the refs to help us.”

The 18-year-old has made 13 appearances this season.

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 6, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC has signed 18-year-old Chloe “B” Hylton to a multi-year professional contract, making her the club’s first academy player to make the leap directly to the pros.

Forgoing a college career, Hylton’s bold decision marks a historic milestone in the team’s mission to create a pathway to the pros and signals her readiness to compete at the highest level of women’s soccer in the U.S.

“B is truly one of our own. Every young player in the Carolinas (and beyond) can aspire to be just like her. With commitment and hard work, players can now see the pathway that she has taken from youth to pro. I am excited for her and everything she has in store,” said Head Coach Philip Poole.

“She won’t have it easy,” Poole continued. “There will be great days and challenging days, as there are for any young player, but everyone at the club has such belief in her and her potential. To sign B to a multi-year professional contract here in her hometown is huge for the club. B’s professional journey is just beginning, but I know that she will represent the Carolinas (and Charlotte in particular) as ‘one of our own’. She’s composed, technical, driven, and fearless. Her choice to go pro now speaks volumes about her talent, her maturity, and her belief in the path we’re building at Carolina Ascent.”

A Charlotte native and standout midfielder, Hylton has already made her mark in the league. She debuted on August 17, 2024, and has since earned 13 appearances with the Carolina Ascent in the USL Super League. Hylton’s accolades include:

• First-ever National Player of the Year in the Development Player League (DPL)
• Earned an England U-19 national team call-up in December 2024
• Youngest goal scorer in team history (17 years, 352 days against Brooklyn FC on April 12)

“I’m really blessed and thankful to have this opportunity. Playing with the team this year has been so cool and taught me so much. So, to be able to continue playing with them is really exciting,” said Hylton. “Also, the fact that I’m able to play professionally in the city where I grew up, where I have the support of family, friends, as well as the amazing Carolina Ascent fans, is absolutely incredible, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m really excited because this is a big step forward in my career, so I’m really looking forward to next year and beyond.”

Carolina Ascent FC plays its home matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium and is one of the eight founding clubs of the USL Super League. With B Hylton’s signing, the club deepens its commitment to building a sustainable pipeline for elite female athletes.

Fans can see B and Carolina Ascent in the USL Super League Playoffs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, at American Legion Memorial Stadium against Fort Lauderdale United FC. Tickets are available at CarolinaAscent.com.

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 that 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.

The captain was just one of four players in the league to achieve this feat this season.

CHARLOTTE, NC (June 5, 2025) – Carolina Ascent midfielder #14 Taylor Porter has received the title of USL Super League “Iron Woman” after playing every minute of the 2024-25 regular season.

Porter joins Dallas’ Amber Brooks, Spokane’s Sarah Clark, and Brooklyn’s Allison Pantuso as the four players to achieve the feat this season.

“Taylor has been an instrumental part of our team squad and locker room all season. I am delighted that she’s achieved this huge milestone of becoming a USL Iron Woman. To show this much consistency over a 10-month season game-in and game-out is a really impressive accomplishment,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole.

A 2022 NWSL Champion with the Portland Thorns, Porter brought valuable experience to Carolina Ascent and immediately stepped into a leadership role—being named co-captain at the start of the season alongside #4 Vicky Bruce. For all 28 regular season matches, Porter anchored the midfield as a defensive force, leading the team in both interceptions (36) and tackles won (32), while also contributing offensively with four assists—third-most on the squad.

Two of those assists came in a dominant 5-0 win over Brooklyn FC on April 12 for the NC State graduate, helping Carolina earn its fourth victory in what became a six-game winning streak.

“She has been unsung, but not internally. We recognize her value and we recognize her leadership,” Poole said after that win. “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.“

And while the team has had great on-field success in the inaugural season, Porter credits the team chemistry and leadership core as a reason why Carolina Ascent rose to the top of the table and claimed the Players’ Shield.

“We have every level of experience on this team, and age group,” Porter said. “We have such a variety. People bringing their own leadership and their own spark and uniqueness to the game is just so important. You can’t just count on one person. I think that’s why we’re so successful, because we don’t expect one person to seal the deal. We trust anybody to be able to close out a game.”

And now with the championship in sight, Porter and the rest of the squad are set on winning the ultimate prize.

Carolina Ascent FC embarks on their playoff journey this Sunday, June 8 at American Legion Memorial Stadium against Fort Lauderdale United FC. Purchase your playoff tickets now at www.CarolinaAscent.com.

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.