corporate-logo
#UnitedForSoccer

Carolina Ascent FC

BUY TICKETS

(704) 206-1515

News

Carolina Ascent U-20 Standout Reese Lanier Earns Puerto Rico U-17 World Cup Call-Up

by

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Puerto Rico Futbol Federation has announced Carolina Ascent U-20 player Reese Lanier has been named to the Puerto Rico U-17 World Cup roster.

The U-17 World Cup takes place from October 17 to November 8 in Morocco. Puerto Rico is slotted in Group B, alongside North Korea, Nigeria, and Poland. This is the first time any Puerto Rican National Team has qualified for a World Cup at any level.

Lanier is a class of 2028 defender who has been playing with the Ascent U20s. Earlier this year, Lanier was selected to compete in the Girls Academy Generation Adidas Cup which compiled all-star four rosters of US girls academy players and pitted them against international academies. She also was selected for the 2026 +ID North America Team for the Capelli Sport+ Tour Denmark. The defender is currently committed to play collegiately at Georgetown University.

Carolina Ascent Blank Sun, Extend Lead atop League Table with 3-0 Win in Tampa

by

Final Stats
HIGHLIGHTS

CHARLOTTE, NC (October 10, 2026) – A dominant performance on the road sees Carolina go eight points clear atop the Gainbridge Super League table as the Ascent defeated the Tampa Bay Sun 3-0 at Suncoast Credit Union Field.

Jill Aguilera and Rylee Baisden both scored just before halftime and Riley Parker added another late as the Ascent exacted revenge for their loss to the Sun in the home opener earlier this season. Sydney Martínez posted her fifth shutout of the season in only eight matches played so far.

The Ascent thought they drew first blood in the 18th minute when they got out in transition against the Sun. Mackenzie George charged down the left flank and cut inside before squaring it to Baisden. Baisden squeaked a sliding one-time finish under Cristina Roque, but the goal was called back for offsides.

A nervy moment occurred for Carolina 10 minutes later when Reese Tappan sent a soft back pass to Martínez. Shea Connors charged Martinez and got a piece of the clearance, but the ball ricocheted out for a goal kick. Shortly after, a turnover in their own third by the Ascent handed Tori Zierenberg a chance from the edge of the box, but Martinez was able to jump up and tip the forward’s shot over.

The Ascent finally broke the ice in the 38th minute. Mia Corbin sent a free kick into the box from the left that found Jenna Butler at the back post who headed it to Shea Groom alone in the middle of the box. Groom sent a rocket on target that forced a reaction save out of Roque, but Aguilera was there to tap the rebound home for a 1-0 lead.

Jill Aguilera breaks the ice in Tampa

Carolina doubled the lead six minutes later through Baisden. Corbin danced down the left flank and sent a low cross into the box that found Baisden in the middle who beat a Sun defender to the ball to tap it home for a 2-0 lead shortly before half.

Rylee Baisden makes it two

The Ascent dominated the run of play for the first 25 minutes of the second half. Although they did not create much danger of their own, they smothered Tampa and hemmed the hosts in their own half with a relentless press and methodical passing when in possession.

The hosts finally got something going in the 73rd minute when a ball popped out to Jordyn Listro just outside of the box in the center. Listro passed it to Jordan Zade on the right corner of the box, who took a dribble before blasting a low-driven shot that Martinez calmly scooped up.

Parker scored just seven minutes later, netting her first goal of the season while pushing the match out of reach in the process. Carolina broke out in transition with Parker leading the charge. Parker played Addisyn Merrick in on the right side of the box, who tried crossing to Audrey Coleman, but the ball bounced off of Coleman and Roque. Coleman recovered the loose ball and played it back to Parker, who blasted it in to go up 3-0.

Riley Parker with the dagger against her former club

The Ascent nearly made it four moments after when Emily Morris’ corner found Butler on the six-yard box, but her header was parried away by Roque.

The Ascent now hold a healthy eight point lead at the top of the league table, and return to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 16 when DC Power come to town. You can buy your tickets here.

POST-GAME SOUND

Head Coach Philip Poole on the team’s success on the road:

“I think our team enjoys being around each other, at home, in the locker room, and on the road. I think that’s when some of this stuff pays off is that there’s a close-knit nature to this group. I don’t think going on the road is a hindrance. I think they enjoy each other’s company.“

Poole on Mia Corbin’s performance:

“I’ve said for a few weeks now, you can see Corb’s evolving in this deeper position and when you play deeper, it doesn’t necessarily take you away as a threat. You see how dangerous she is on set pieces, but you also see the chances created in some of the key passes. Mia’s gonna continue to evolve in that position, but she played well tonight.”

Mia Corbin on getting revenge for the earlier loss to Tampa:

“I think coming into tonight’s match we weren’t even focused on the loss. Tonight was an opportunity to show everyone we’re here to compete. We’re not worried about the last game or last season. Every game at a time, we want to win and we’re going to do it together. I think we’re all more than pleased with our performance tonight and it’s just a statement that our hard work is paying off.”

Riley Parker on the team having so many different goalscorers:

“Having eight different goal scorers so far this season just comes down to showcasing the quality we have across the team and the trust we have in each other.”

PREVIEW: Carolina Ascent Travel to Tampa to Take on the Sun

by

CHARLOTTE, NC – The top-of-the-table Carolina Ascent travel to Tampa looking to get revenge on the Sun for spoiling their home opener. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Read below for all you need to know about the matchup.

MATCH DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday, October 10
TIME: 6:00 PM
WHO: Tampa Bay Sun
WHERE: Suncoast Credit Union Field (Tampa, FL)
WATCH: Peacock, WCCB

NEXT HOME MATCH

Friday, October 16 | 7:30 PM

buy tickets
FOLLOW THE GAME

Receive match notifications on our app!

DOWNLOAD

HEAD-TO-HEAD

  • 2025/26 Season: Carolina Ascent split the season series with Tampa Bay last season (3-0-1).
    • Matchups: 
      • Sep. 6, 2025 – Carolina Ascent 2-2 Tampa Bay Sun (Corbin 40′, Mercado 90+6′)
      • Mar. 13, 2026 – Carolina Ascent 1-0 Tampa Bay Sun (Lussi 53′)
      • Apr. 5, 2026 – Tampa Bay Sun 1-2 Carolina Ascent (Aguilera 29′, Nabet 45+2′)
      • Apr 25, 2026 – Tampa Bay Sun 1-2 Carolina Ascent (Butler 84′, Aguilera 90+6′)
  • 2026 Season: Tampa won the first meeting this season in Charlotte.
    • Matchups: 
      • Aug. 29, 2026 – Carolina Ascent 1-2 Tampa Bay Sun (Tappan 68′)
  • All-Time
    • Carolina Ascent holds an even 3-3-3 record against Tampa Bay all-time.

ASCENT, SPORTING JAX SHARE POINTS IN SIX-GOAL THRILLER

Last time out, the Ascent had their three-game winning streak snapped but still earned a point in a back-and-forth 3-3 draw against Sporting Jax in Charlotte. The visitors capitalized on an Ascent turnover early, as Baylee DeSmit tucked her shot into the bottom corner for a 1-0 Jacksonville lead. The Ascent responded back in the 40th minute via a Shea Groom header to tie things up at the break. The hosts jumped ahead in the 61st minute when Aguilera free kick from just inside half bounced through traffic and nestled itself in the net for a 2-1 lead. Jacksonville retook the lead with two quick goals via AJ Hennessey’s first pro goal and a DeSmith penalty, but Carolina responded back within five minute of the go ahead to equalize. Aguilera placed a free kick from the edge of the area on Tappan’s foot at the back post, who volleyed it in from a tight angle to knot the score at three. Ava Cook nearly found the winner in the 86th minute, but Kaitlyn Parks made a point-blank save as the spoils were shared in Charlotte.

ASCENDING THE RECORD BOOKS

After breaking the club shutout record two matches ago, Sydney Martínez is once again on track to write her name in the club history books. Martinez sits at 76 saves as a member of the Ascent, sitting just two shy Meagan McClelland’s mark of 78. Making three saves in this match would not only break the club record, but also would make Martinez the 2nd player in Gainbridge Super League history to make 100 regular season saves.

ECLIPSING THE SUN

Aguilera has enjoyed a good bit of success in recent matchups between the two squads, registering a goal contribution in three straight matches against the Sun. The defender has scored two goals and notches two assists during that span, and dished the assist on Tappan’s equalizer in the home opening loss to Tampa on August 29. She currently sits tied with Corbin for the team lead in goal contributions this season with five.

LAST ONES STANDINGS

Philip Poole and Denise Schlitte-Brown are the only two remaining managers from the Gainbridge Super League’s inaugural season.

SCOUTING THE SUN

Tampa Bay currently sits in 6th place with a 2-1-3 record and a +1 goal differential. After beating Carolina in August, the Sun defeated Fort Lauderdale for their second straight win. Tampa Bay has drawn their last two matches 1-1 each, extending their unbeaten streak to four. They are 1-0-1 at home so far this season.

Last time out, Tampa Bay split the points with Lexington SC at home. Shea Connors put the host in front in the 31st minute for her fifth goal of the campaign, which sits her second in the golden boot race. Addie McCain tied things up for the visitors ten minutes later, which wound up being the last tally as the teams battled to a 1-1 draw. Tampa dominated play, registering 16 shot attempts while putting five on frame compared to their opponent’s one shot on target on five attempts, but the hosts were unable to grab the second goal to earn all three points.

Tampa has scored nine goals this season, with five of them being scored by Connors. Connors grabbed the opener for the Sun in the meeting back in August. Sydny Nasello, who scored the winner in that match, paces the team’s assist leaderboard with a pair on the year. After Liz Beardsley started the first two matches between the sticks for Tampa Bay, Cristina Roque has seized the starting role for the Sun. Roque has made eights stops in her four stars, while conceding only a goal per match.

Shea Connors was named the Player of the Week for Week 8 of the Gainbridge Super League for her performance against Lexington SC that included scoring Tampa Bay’s lone goal.

View All RSS

Groom, Aguilera, Martinez, and Poole Earn September League Honors

by

CHARLOTTE, NC (October 1, 2026) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that Shea Groom, Jill Aguilera, and Sydney Martinez have been named to the league’s Team of the Month for September while Philip Poole has taken home Coach of the Month honors.

Including Mia Corbin’s Player of the Month honors, Carolina’s five selections are the most in the league for September. The quintet helped lead Charlotte to a 3-0-1 record in September, a mark that helped extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.

SHEA GROOM

Making her first appearance of the season, Groom caught fire at the end of the month and scored a goal in each of the last two games. Groom helped create the danger in the first half of the month, registering three shots and a created chance against Fort Lauderdale then taking two shots while creating three chances against Lexington SC. Groom finally got on the scoresheet against Brooklyn on Sept. 19 when one of her nine shot attempts found the back of the net and made the difference in a 1-0 win.

She finished off the month with another tally against Sporting Jax in the final match of the month, running onto Corbin’s corner and finishing a glancing header for her second goal in as many games.

JILL AGUILERA

Aguilera continued her hot start to the season into September, and sits atop the team leaderboard in goal contributions with five. Aguilera opened the scoring against Fort Lauderdale on Sept. 5 by capitalizing on a mistake by the visitors’ backline. She also helped the backline preserve three straight clean sheets to open the month.

Aguilera then added two more goal contributions against Sporting Jax on Sept. 26. Her free kick from midfield bounced through traffic and found a way in before she added an assist 20 minutes later when her corner kick found an unmarked Reese Tappan at the back post for the equalizer.

SYDNEY MARTINEZ

Martinez finds herself on the Team of the Month for the second time this season after posting three shutouts in four starts during the month of September. She made six saves in a 3-0 win against Fort Lauderdale, and then posted four more saves in a 1-0 win at Lexington. Her shutout streak climbed to three after a 1-0 win over Brooklyn before she wrapped up the month with three stops in the draw with Sporting Jax.

Martinez broke the record for most shutouts in club history with 12 and now sits three saves away from eclipsing Meagan McClelland’s atop the club save all-time list. She is also three stops away from reaching 100 career Gainbridge Super League saves.

PHILIP POOLE

Philip Poole was named the Gainbridge Super League Coach of the Month for September after leading the Ascent to a 3-0-1 record during the month while outscoring opponents 8-3. This is Poole’s 6th Coach of the Month selection during his tenure with Carolina.

The Ascent started the month off strong, blitzing Fort Lauderdale United for a 3-0 victory at home. The Ascent then knocked off Lexington on the road through a late Jenna Butler goal in a rematch of last year’s Gainbridge Super League Final before coming home and defeating Brooklyn FC 1-0. The squad wrapped up the month with a 3-3 draw at home against Sporting Jax to collect 10 of a possible 12 points this month. This leaves Carolina sitting atop the league table with a five-point cushion over 2nd place DC Power FC.

Carolina Ascent returns home on October 16 when they honor the Super Women of Charlotte against DC Power FC. Tickets are available here.

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.

Mia Corbin Wins Player of the Month for September

by

CHARLOTTE, NC (October 1, 2026) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that Carolina Ascent forward Mia Corbin has been named the league’s Player of the Month for September.

Corbin played a pivotal role in a 3-0-1 month for the Ascent, scoring a goal and registering three assists as the Ascent accumulated 10 points out of a possible 12 in September and sit atop the league table.

Corbin started off the month strong, slotting home a penalty kick in the 30th minute to double the Ascent’s lead against Fort Lauderdale United on September 5.

She would not stop there, assisting Audrey Coleman’s tally nine minutes later in a 3-0 win for Carolina. She continued her run of form with a strong performance to help the Ascent earn a 1-0 win at Lexington SC and then followed that up by creating three chances and assisting Shea Groom’s match-winner in a 1-0 victory at home against Brooklyn FC.

She finished the month assisting Groom again in the 39th minute of a 3-3 draw against Sporting Jax. Corbin’s three league assists lead the league, alongside teammate Aguilera.

“Mia has been such a presence in our team all season,” shared Head Coach Philip Poole. “She has had to adapt to a new position and we’ve been able to count on her in so many challenging situations. Mia shows up when it matters and is someone I know I can rely on.”

The Ascent take on the Tampa Bay Sun in Florida on October 10, before coming back to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Friday, October 16 to take on DC Power FC as we celebrate the Super Women of the Charlotte community. You can buy your tickets here.

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, Sporting JAX Battle to 3-3 Draw in Wild Affair

by

FINAL STATS
HIGHLIGHTS

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 26, 2026) – Carolina Ascent and Sporting JAX battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday night in a six-goal spectacle.

The back-and-forth affair saw both sides take and surrender leads, with four goals coming in an action-packed second half. Carolina found the back of the net three times from set pieces, with Shea Groom, Jill Aguilera and Reese Tappan all getting on the scoresheet.

After both teams looked to establish their styles early, Sporting JAX broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. A Carolina turnover at midfield sent the dangerous Ashlyn Puerta racing toward the Ascent defense. Last season’s Most Valuable Player laid the ball off to Golden Boot leader Baylee DeSmit, who slotted a finish into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead – ending Carolina’s streak of 305 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal.

After an uncharacteristicly sloppy first 35 minutes, Carolina found the equalizer against the run of play five minutes before the break. Mackenzie George won a corner, allowing Mia Corbin to perfectly find Groom for the second straight match to energize both the team and the crowd inside American Legion Memorial Stadium.

Shea Groom’s header levels the score just before halftime.

While Jacksonville controlled much of the play, Sydney Martinez commanded her penalty area throughout the first half, confidently rising above the crowd to claim multiple crosses and snuff out dangerous opportunities.

Carolina further established themselves as the set-piece queens of the Super League in stunning fashion in the 61st minute. After Lily Nabet drew a foul inside the center circle, Aguilera stepped up to play long into the box. Her flighted ball carried over Jacksonville defenders, surpassed the run of Jenna Butler, and found the back of the net for an unbelievable 45-yard go-ahead.

Jill Aguilera scores from near midfield to give Carolina Ascent the lead.

Jacksonville quickly erased the deficit and then retook the lead.

Carolina held their lead for 10 minutes before Sporting JAX tied the match. Sophie Jones found space and fired an excellent ball across the frame, sliding all the way to the back post for AJ Hennessey to blast in for her first professional goal.

Jacksonville earned a penalty in the 76th minute. DeSmit got on the end of a Jacksonville long ball and found herself one-on-one with Martinez. The forward was taken down from behind by Butler just as she was about to pull the trigger. DeSmit stepped up and buried into the bottom corner for her second goal of the night.

The back-and-forth affair continued as Carolina would not go quietly into the night. For the third time, the Ascent converted from a set piece. Aguilera put her free kick from the edge of the area on a platter to the back post, finding Tappan to one-time it home for her second of the campaign in the 83rd minute.

Reese Tappan grabs a late equalizer for the Ascent.

The onslaught from set pieces nearly led to a match winner in the 86th minute. Aguilera’s long ball deflected perfectly onto the foot of Ava Cook at point-blank range, but goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks charged to make a game-saving denial.

It was a hard-fought point for the Ascent as they continue to hold the top spot in the Gainbridge Super League. The team will now enter a bye weekend before heading to Florida to face Tampa Bay Sun on October 10.

POST-GAME SOUND

Head Coach Philip Poole on how he saw the match:

“There is no denying the character, the fight and the willingness to just keep grinding from that group. I take my hat off to them. Unbelievable spirit. Up, down, come back, equalize. We had another chance at the end there to possibly win it. Wild.”

Poole on the importance of securing a point:

“That point will come back to pay off for us. That might be one of our best points of the season because I think for long spells we were really under the gun tonight.”

Jill Aguilera on the team’s fight back and moving forward from this one:

“The way that our team fought back into the game, we’ve always been really dangerous on set pieces, and to really execute those three in important moments, I think, is huge.

For us, we have a bye weekend next week, but we have some days to train. We’re going to continue to build on what we’ve been working on, get rid of those kinks and really look at what we could do better from this game. We’ll use that as a tool to move forward and get better.”

Reese Tappan on the dominance from set pieces:

“Whenever we get the opportunity to be in their box on set pieces, we really try to capitalize. Jill had a bunch of great services into the box. When we had a set piece that close, I was like, ‘Okay, I need to get to the ball first.’ When I saw it come to me, I was like, ‘I need to get this on target.'”

Carolina Ascent Inks Partnership with Boingo Graphics

by

Partnership Brings Together Two Organizations Championing Women In Business And Sports

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 25, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC is proud to announce a new partnership with Boingo Graphics naming them as the club’s Official Print Partner. Boingo Graphics is a woman co-owned business powered by a team of women print professionals

Founded in 1979, Boingo Graphics is a Charlotte-based technology-based printing and marketing services firm. Boingo uses their technical expertise to speed up and simplify the process for their buyers. They specialize in commercial and digital printing and pride themselves on being efficient, punctual, and helpful to their customers.

“At Boingo Graphics, we believe in supporting the communities where we live, work and do business,” said Boingo Graphics Executive Vice President Linda Kirby. “Carolina Ascent is bringing professional women’s soccer to our region and creating something exciting for fans, families and the Charlotte community. We’re proud to partner with the club and be part of what they’re building here.”

“We’re proud to welcome Boingo Graphics as the Premier Printing Partner of Carolina Ascent FC. Boingo has been part of the Charlotte business community for more than 45 years, and we are especially proud to partner with a locally based company co-owned and led by Linda Kirby, Executive Vice President,” said Carolina Ascent President of Business Operations Margaret Gramann. “As an organization committed to creating opportunities for women on and off the field, it is meaningful to align with a partner that reflects that same spirit of female leadership and community impact. Together, we’re advancing opportunities for women and making a meaningful impact in the community we both call home.”

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.

PREVIEW: Carolina Ascent Host Sporting Jax in Rematch of 2025 Semi-Final

by

CHARLOTTE, NC – The league-leading Carolina Ascent wrap up their two-match home stand when Sporting Jax comes to American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Scroll for our match preview below.

MATCH DETAILS

WHEN: Saturday, September 26
TIME: 7:00 PM
WHO: Sporting Jax
WHERE: American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
WATCH: Peacock, WCCB

Buy Tickets
family 4-pack
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

September 26 | 7 PM

buy tickets
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Prepare accordingly for Saturday.

READ MORE
FOLLOW THE GAME

Receive match notifications on our app!

DOWNLOAD

HEAD-TO-HEAD

  • 2025/26 Season: Carolina Ascent split the season series with Sporting Jax last season (2-2-1).
    • Matchups: 
      • Sep. 13, 2025 – Sporting Jax 2-2 Carolina Ascent (Mercado 43′, Walker 74′)
      • Sep. 28, 2025 – Carolina Ascent 3-4 Sporting Jax (Baisden 39′, George 46′, 66′)
      • Jan. 31, 2026 – Sporting Jax 1-0 Carolina Ascent
      • May 16, 2026 – Carolina Ascent 3-1 Sporting Jax (Groom 16′, Lussi 36′, Aguilera 74′)
        • Cost Sporting Jax the Player’s Shield
      • May 24, 2026 – Sporting Jax 0-1 Carolina Ascent (George 6′)
        • Gainbridge Super League Semifinal
  • All-Time
    • Carolina Ascent holds a 2-2-1 record against Sporting Jax all-time.

DOMINANT PERFORMANCE KEEPS WINNING STREAK ROLLING

Despite what the tight scoreline of 1-0 might say, the Ascent’s win over Brooklyn FC on Saturday was dominant of all phases of the match. The hosts dominated possession at 56.2% while outpacing Brooklyn on shot attempts 25-2. Carolina stacked up pressure all match long but were unable to cash in until they earned a corner kick on the left side in the 63rd minute. Mia Corbin sent an in-swinger to just inside the six-yard box where Shea Groom thumped her header over a sea of bodies and off of a defender and in for a 1-0 lead. Sydney Martínez posted her third straight shutout and has only conceded three goals in six matches so far this season. Mackenzie George provided constant danger for Carolina, creating four chances during the match.

BACKSTOPPING HER WAY INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS

A week after setting the club record for shutouts, Sydney Martínez made history once again by becoming the 2nd goalie ever in Gainbridge Super League history to post 15 shutouts over the course of her career after her third straight shutout on Saturday night. She also is approaching upon the record of most saves in club history, sitting only five behind tying Meagan McClelland’s mark of 78.

A BUDDING RIVALRY

Despite Sporting Jax playing in their inaugural season just last year, the two sides got pretty familiar with each other rather quickly. Carolina and Jacksonville played five times last season, including two matches with major consequences regarding silverware. After a draw in the first match, the league newcomers took two straight meetings before the two sides met in Charlotte with Jacksonville needing just a point to clinch the Player’s Shield. The visitors struck first, but Shea Groom responded just nine minutes later and Tyler Lussi tacked on a goal before half. Jill Aguilera scored the dagger in the 74th minute to clinch a 3-1 Carolina win, robbing Jacksonville of a chance and silverware in their inaugural season and setting up a date in Florida between the two squads in the playoffs. The visiting Ascent kept up the trend of early away goals when Mackenzie George found the back of the net via a Riley Parker assist just six minutes in. Carolina then held on the rest of the way for a gritty 1-0 win, punching their ticket to the USL Super League Final.

THORN IN THEIR SIDE

Mackenzie George enjoyed a fair amount of success last season against Sporting Jax. The forward scored three goals and provided an assist in the five matches between the squads, including the game-winning goal in the semifinals match. George looked extremely dangerous last time out, creating four chances in the 1-0 win over Brooklyn FC.

SCOUTING SPORTING JAX

Sporting JAX started off hot, earning 10 points from a possible 12 in their first four matches but they have since dropped points in three straight matches and lost the last two. The Florida side holds a 1-1-1 record away from home.

Last time out, Jacksonville dropped a tough match at home to Lexington SC 1-0. They mustered 19 shot attempts and put five on target but Ryan Campbell stopped all five to keep them off the scoresheet. A 59th minute goal on the counter from McKenzie Weinert was the difference as Jacksonville stumbled once again and have now only claimed one point from their last three matches.

Sporting Jax boasts the leading Super League goalscorer Baylee DeSmit, who has found the back of the net five times in six matches. Sophia Boman leads the squad in chances created with 11 while Grace Philpotts joins her in double digits with 10. Jamie Gerstenberg has been solid in net for Jacksonville, only allowing three goals on 14 shots faced in four appearances.

View All RSS

Know Before You Go – Carolina vs. Sporting Jax | September 26, 2026

by

The Ascent are back at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday to face Sporting Jax. It’s Renaissance Festival Night and here is everything you need to know before with our Know Before You Go.

MATCH TICKETS
FAMILY 4-PACK

TIMELINE

Pre-Game Tailgate: 4:30-6:00 PM
(located in lot directly beside parking garage)

Gates Open: 6:00 PM

Kickoff: 7:07 PM

Halftime: Performances from Renaissance Festival Characters

ROYALTY IN ATTENDANCE

Carolina Ascent Minority Owner and tennis legend Martina Navratilova will be at the match and will be hitting signed tennis balls into the stands with a tennis racket at halftime. Sheri Mungai, Toni Catchings, and Dr. Jennifer Lawson Longnecker – members of the 1984 USA women’s national team who were the first winners of a FIFA-sanctioned women’s international tournament – will also be in attendance throwing signed mini soccer balls to the crowd at the break as well.

PRE-GAME TAILGATE – 4:30-6 PM:

  • Location: Lot 1 (next to parking garage)
  • Water Pong, Soccer Tennis, Cage Soccer, and more!
  • Vendors: King of Pops

IN-GAME

  • Food Vendors in the Beach Club: Dave’s Hot Chicken, Jersey Mikes
  • Concourse Activations: Renaissance Festival, Food Lion, Sisters of the Sky, Barely Balanced, Harry and Harrison Juggling Duo

PARKING

Lot A

Season Ticket Members

1325 E 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28204

Lot B

Pre-Game Tailgate

Mini Lot directly next to parking garage

Lot C

Parking Garage (General Admission)

1321 Charlottetowne Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28024

Lot D

VIP Parking Lot

230 N Kings Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28204

Lot E

Overflow Parking

1515 Bartow Ct.
Charlotte, NC 28204

Parking is $15 if you do not have a parking pass.

TRANSPORTATION

In addition to the parking options in the CPCC garages, American Legion Memorial Stadium is also located near multiple stops on the CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar route: CPCC and Elizabeth/Hawthorne.

Ridesharing options are also available. Fans are encouraged to utilize these options to return home safely. Please don’t drink and drive.

SEATING

PICK YOUR SEATS

PUSH NOTIFICATIONS

TAKE THE ASCENT WITH YOU

Curious on team news, inclement weather, and merch offers no one else sees? Download the Carolina Ascent App to stay up-to-date to be the first informed!

Turn on notifications to receive match alerts, buy tickets, and more.

MATCH TICKETS
PROMO NIGHTS
CODE OF CONDUCT
CLEAR BAG POLICY
MORE MATCHDAY INFO
ONLINE STORE

Presented By

By clicking subscribe, you are agreeing to the USL privacy policy and agree to receive emails from USL.