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Carolina Ascent Begins 2026 Fall Season in DC on Saturday Night

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CHARLOTTE, NC – The 2026 Fall Season has arrived, and Carolina Ascent begin their 14-match campaign on the road at DC Power on Saturday night. Here is all you need to know ahead of the matchup.

MATCH DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday, August 15
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHO: DC Power FC
WHERE: Audi Field (Washington D.C.)
WATCH: Peacock

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HEAD-TO-HEAD

  • 2025/26 Season: Carolina Ascent won three of the four matches against DC Power in the 2025/26 Season.
    • Matchups:
      • Mar. 17 – DC Power 0-1 Carolina Ascent (Lussi 79′)
      • Dec. 20 – Carolina Ascent 0-0 DC Power
      • Nov. 21 – DC Power 0-1 Carolina Ascent (Baisden 57′)
      • Oct. 4 – Carolina Ascent 3-2 DC Power (George 14′, Mercado 16′, Walker 84′)
  • All-Time
    • Carolina Ascent is unbeaten against DC Power all-time, holding a 6-0-2 record.

A RETURNING ROSTER

Carolina Ascent made just two additions to the squad that reached the club’s first Gainbridge Super League Final last season. The Ascent return 20 players as they look to build on the consistent success established over the club’s first two seasons.

Both newcomers arrive from former Super League side Spokane Zephyr FC, with goalkeeper Hope Hisey and defender Reese Tappan joining the Ascent. Hisey comes to Carolina following a historic first two seasons between the posts for Spokane, earning Super League Goalkeeper of the Year honors in each campaign while setting league records for saves and shutouts. Tappan adds further quality and versatility to an already strong backline, with the ability to play both center back and outside back. The defender earned All-League Second Team honors following the 2025/26 season.

New additions goalkeeper Hope Hisey and defender Reese Tappan
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PREPPING FOR THE POWER

DC Power enter the 2026 Fall Season looking to build off an 8-11-9 record and 33-point campaign in 2025/26, falling just short of the playoffs. The Power return plenty of attacking firepower, with each of their top three goal scorers from last season back in the nation’s capital. Gianna Gourley led the way with eight goals, while Alyssa Walker and Loza Abera each added seven. Captain Susanna Fitch also returns alongside defenders Sydney Cummings, Claire Constant and Paige Almendariz, as well as midfielders Anna Bagley and Emily Colton.

DC strengthened its roster during the offseason with several notable additions, including Tyler Lussi, Emma Jaskaniec, and Sarah McCoy. Friday’s matchup will also feature a pair of familiar faces for Carolina Ascent, with both Lussi and Walker having previously suited up for the club last season.

Carolina will look to do what they did so often in 2025/26 – win on the road. The Ascent was one of the league’s best road teams during the past campaign, going 9-2-3 away from home for the second-most road victories in the regular season, and added a playoff road win to boot.

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B Hylton To Join England U-20s for Portugal Camp in Final World Cup Preparations

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CHARLOTTE, NC (August 5, 2026) – The England Football Association has named Carolina Ascent FC midfielder B Hylton to the England U-20 Women’s National Team for a 24-player camp in Portugal this month.

This camp is the fourth and last camp of preparation prior to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in September. England will take on Portugal, the World Cup hosts, at Cidade do Futebol in Lisbon on Thursday, August 13.

England has been drawn into Group B of the U-20 World Cup alongside Brazil, Tanzania, and Canada.

Hylton has been called into every preparation camp, setting herself in a strong position prior to the upcoming tournament. In the last U-20 camp in July, Hylton scored against Apex College in a scrimmage while the team was in Atlanta.

The call-up is Hylton’s sixth with England since the start of the 2025/26 season. The 19-year-old made 11 appearances for Carolina Ascent last season, continuing her development after becoming the club’s first academy player to sign a professional contract.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

Carolina Ascent Unveils “Ridge Kit” as Away Jersey for Sprint Season

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CHARLOTTE, NC (July 26, 2026) – Carolina Ascent today unveiled the club’s new Ridge Kit, which will serve as the primary away jersey for the 2026 Sprint Season.

The new away jerseys are available now for pre-order.

PRE-ORDER

Inspired by the ridge lines that define the Carolinas and our iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ridge Kit celebrates the landscapes that have shaped the club’s identity from day one. Soft bands of the yellow, orange, purple and blue stretch across the jersey, recreating the colors that blanket the horizon as the sun rises and sets over the region’s mountains.

The design reflects the journey of the club and its supporters, with each ridge representing another step forward as Carolina Ascent continues to climb. Combined with the club’s signature color palette, the Ridge Kit serves as a tribute to the beauty of the Carolinas and the ambition that drives the organization.

The Ridge Kit will make its first appearance on August 15 in the team’s season opener at DC Power FC. Fans will get their first look at the new jerseys in action when Carolina Ascent hosts Tampa Bay Sun in the club’s home opener on August 29 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

Carolina Ascent Unveils New “Rising Kit” for 2026 Sprint Season

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CHARLOTTE, NC (July 19, 2026) – Carolina Ascent today unveiled the club’s new Rising Kit, which will serve as the primary home jersey for the 2026 Sprint Season.

The new jerseys are available now for pre-order.

PRE-ORDER

The Rising Kit represents the next chapter of Carolina Ascent, continuing a theme that has been woven into the club’s identity since its inaugural season – continuing to rise.

The jersey features a vibrant radiating pattern that stretches outward across the front, evoking rays of sunlight breaking over the horizon. The design carries forward the sunrise imagery featured throughout previous Ascent kits while giving it a bold new expression rooted in the club’s signature navy and purple. The team crest serves as the focal point from which the jersey’s rays extend outward. The rays converge around the crest, symbolizing it as the beating heart of the club and the force that connects its players, supporters and community as the organization continues its climb.

The concept behind Rising reflects more than the beginning of a new season. Just as each sunrise signals a new opportunity, the kit symbolizes the continued growth of the club and its ambition to keep reaching new heights on and off the pitch.

Fans will get their first look at the Rising Kit in action when Carolina Ascent hosts Tampa Bay Sun in the club’s home opener on August 29 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

Aguilera, Martinez To Join Puerto Rico for Central American & Caribbean Games

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CHARLOTTE, NC (July 11, 2026) – The Puerto Rico Soccer Federation announced defender Jill Aguilera and Sydney Martinez will join the national team for the upcoming Central American & Caribbean games.

Puerto Rico will face Mexico on July 29, Jamaica on July 31, and Colombia on August 1.

Both players have starred for Puerto Rico in 2026 in their excellent run in CONCACAF W Championship.

Aguilera was a prominent figure within the team, serving as the captain and scoring nine goals in four group matches. Martinez earned a clean sheet against St. Vincent and the Grenadines before the team fell to Mexico in their final match.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

Carolina Ascent Adds All-League Defender Reese Tappan

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CHARLOTTE, NC (July 9, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today the club has signed defender Reese Tappan, pending league and federation approval.

Tappan, 23, joins the Ascent after an excellent first professional season with former Gainbridge Super League club Spokane Zephyr FC. The defender played every minute for Zephyr in 2025/26 and earned All-League Second Team honors. Tappan led the league with 32 blocked shots while ranking third in the league with 157 clearances and eighth among outfield players with 147 recoveries.

“Reese is a player who made a huge impression on me last season,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach and General Manager Philip Poole. “Every time we faced her, she was a real force—competitive, relentless, and always determined to make an impact. Those are the types of players you remember long after the final whistle.”

“When the opportunity came to bring Reese to Carolina Ascent, it was an easy decision for us. We’re absolutely delighted to have secured her signing. She brings quality, character, and a winning mentality that will make us stronger as a team.”

Tappan reunites with former Washington State teammate Sydney Studer after the pair enjoyed standout collegiate careers together with the Cougars. Across four seasons from 2021-24, Tappan made 78 appearances, recording two goals and seven assists from the back line. As a freshman, she appeared in 21 matches and helped Washington State finish second in the Pac-12 with a stingy 0.59 goals-against average. By her senior season, Tappan had become the cornerstone of the Cougars’ defense, playing every minute of the campaign while earning All-WCC First Team honors.

“I’m super grateful to be joining Carolina Ascent,” expressed Tappan. I’m eager to contribute both on and off the field for the club and community and I can’t wait for this season to start.”

Tappan will make her home debut at American Legion Memorial Stadium on August 29 at the club’s home opener against Tampa Bay Sun. Tickets are now available.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

Carolina Ascent Signs Two-Time Goalkeeper of the Year Hope Hisey

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CHARLOTTE, NC (July 8, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today that the club has signed goalkeeper Hope Hisey, pending league and federation approval.

Hisey, 25, arrives in Charlotte after two standout seasons with former Gainbridge Super League side Spokane Zephyr FC. One of the league’s most decorated players, Hisey was named Goalkeeper of the Year in each of the Super League’s first two seasons and earned All-League First Team honors both years. She set the league’s single-season record with 86 saves during the 2025/26 campaign and became the first goalkeeper in Super League history to surpass 150 career saves.

“Hope is a player I’ve admired for a long time,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach and General Manager Philip Poole. “You don’t earn Goalkeeper of the Year honors twice without being a special talent, and she’s consistently shown why she’s regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the United States.”

Hisey began her professional career after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NWSL Draft by Kansas City Current before signing with Spokane ahead of the club’s inaugural season.

Prior to turning professional, Hisey enjoyed a record-setting collegiate career at the University of Arizona from 2019-23, where she was teammates with current Carolina Ascent captain Jill Aguilera. She started a program-record 86 matches and graduated as Arizona’s all-time leader with 366 career saves.

Hisey becomes the latest accomplished goalkeeper to join Carolina Ascent under Poole. She joins Sydney Martinez to give the club another formidable duo between the posts heading into the Fall season.

“When the opportunity arose to bring Hope to Carolina Ascent, we were incredibly excited,” said Poole. “Her experience, leadership, and winning mentality will be invaluable to our group, and her quality between the posts speaks for itself. We’ve been fortunate to have outstanding goalkeepers at this club over the past two seasons, and Hope will continue that tradition.”

“I’m very excited to be joining a first-class organization and contribute to a winning culture in whatever ways necessary,” expressed Hisey. “I can’t wait to meet the supporters and explore everything Charlotte has to offer.”

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

B Hylton Earns England U-20 Call Up for Stateside Fixtures

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CHARLOTTE, NC (July 2, 2026) – The England Football Association has named Carolina Ascent FC midfielder B Hylton to the England U-20 Women’s National Team for a 24-player training camp this July.

The Young Lionesses will convene just south of Atlanta, Georgia, for a pair of international friendlies as they continue preparations for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. England will face the United States on July 9 before taking on Colombia on July 15. The camp marks the third of four scheduled training windows this summer as preparations continue for September’s tournament.

The call-up is Hylton’s fifth with England since the start of the 2025/26 season. The 19-year-old made 11 appearances for Carolina Ascent last season, continuing her rapid rise after becoming the club’s first academy player to sign a professional contract.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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.

Carolina Ascent W League Falls at Home to Port City FC, 2-1

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CHARLOTTE, NC (June 20, 2026) – Carolina Ascent W League team conceded late to lose to Port City FC 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Hough High School.

It was a bright start for the Ascent, who found the back of the net in the 7th minute. A full-field run from Julia Greer set up the play, before the midfielder slipped in Julia Thasaphong. The forward made no mistake, passing into the corner to grab the lead.

The lead would last for 26 minutes until Port City found the equalizer. A searching through ball turned out to be perfectly timed as Kieran Bradley touched it past a charging Riley Pickels and finished into the empty net to knot the score.

Pickels shut the door just before the break, touching it over the bar on a Port City counter in the 40th minute.

Neither team could score again until late. The visitors turned the Ascent over at midfield and quickly transitioned. Pickels made an excellent first save, but Minnie Kelly was there to deposit the rebound to give Port City the go-ahead goal in the 81st minute.

The loss drops Carolina to fourth in the South Atlantic Division with two matches to play. The Ascent will take on Wake FC Tuesday night at Ting Park.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of eight 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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