LEXINGTON, KY (September 11, 2026) – Jenna Butler scored in the 88th minute to earn Carolina Ascent a 1-0 victory over the champions Lexington SC 1-0 on Saturday night.
No question, the group was eager to draw some revenge on May’s Gainbridge Super League Final, and that moment did not come until late. After the match was fairly even all night, Butler soared on a Emily Morris corner kick to head home to grab all three points on away turf in the 88th minute.
Lexington broke away for the game’s first scoring chance. McKenzie Weinert laid off for a trailing Addie McCain, but the dangerous goal scorer couldn’t power her shot by Martinez, who dropped down to her left to make the match’s first save.
Rylee Baisden and Carolina’s press created a strong opportunity in the 19th minute. Mia Corbin pressed high, putting pressure on the Lexington defense and forced a turnover. Baisden picked the ball up at the top of the box, but her strike sailed over.
Sydney Martinez stood up to the task in the 25th minute. After a Carolina turnover in their own territory, McCain slid through Weinert for a clear look at goal, but Martinez stood tall, making a big-time kick save.
Both teams rested at five shots each, as the sides reached the interval.
Martinez again was huge just two minutes out of the intermission. After Carolina shut down a first Lexington cross, the re-delivery found Hannah White at the back post, but Martinez made the save from point-blank range with her wide wingspan.
Shea Groom had Carolina’s first effort of the second half. Again, the Ascent’s press caused Lexington issues in the midfield. Groom picked up the turnover and drove five yards before striking low towards the bottom corner, only for goalkeeper Ryan Campbell to push aside.
Lexington burst on the counter in the 55th minute. After McCain slipped Cat Berry partially in, the striker repaid the favor to McCain, but Addisyn Merrick made a critical block, denying the league’s all-time scoring leader from taking the lead.
Carolina continued to build momentum, creating more takeaways in the Lexington half. Audrey Coleman had a try in the 64th minute. Recollection of Jill Aguilera’s corners led to the winger fighting for the ball in the box. Coleman got a touch down before firing a volley from 15 yards high.
Lexington sprung suddenly on the break in the 70th minute. Sarah Griffith was picked out in behind and suddenly, thundering in alone. With Aguilera’s back pressure, Griffith slowed up and fired, firing wide.
Seconds later, Griffith came calling. The winger snuck in behind, forcing Martinez into a diving save. The rebound lay still in the six, and Merrick made the save of the game, as McCain came barreling in to finish, yet the right back got enough on it to force off frame.
The moment came for Butler in the 88th minute. Morris put her corner kick perfectly on the center back’s head, who nudged into the ground, off Campbell’s hand and into the side netting for the lead.
That was all Carolina would need, as the visitors saw their advantage out against last year’s winners. The victory moves the Ascent into first place with 10 points five matches into the 2026 season.
POST-GAME QUOTES TO FOLLOW…
Head Coach Philip Poole on the win:
“Well, it’s another tough, hard-fought road win, and that’s it. I mean, it wasn’t easy. We knew that Lex were a good side, and we knew we’d have to work hard to get the result. I’m proud of the players that we did.”
Poole on Jenna’s winner:
“We have been very good on attacking set pieces. We know that Jenna is always going to be there or thereabouts, and Jenna’s ability to deliver those key moments on those set pieces is important. But there’s so much more that goes into those — great delivery, great movement in the box. Again, it’s something that we work really hard on.”
Jenna Butler on her goal and the victory:
“It meant everything to be able to help the team get three points on the road. The girls worked really hard tonight and to receive such a perfect ball from Emily and then celebrate with my teammates meant so much!”
More to come….
