Super League News

NC State University Alum returns to the Carolinas after concluding 2024 season with Washington Spirit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 16, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC today announced the signing of defender Jenna Butler. The NC State University alum played with the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League team prior to signing with NWSL side Washington Spirit for their successful  2024 season.

“We are thrilled to have signed Jenna. It’s been a pleasure to watch her compete through college, our Carolina Ascent USL W League team, in the NWSL, and now as an important player in our first team,” shared Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach, Philip Poole. “Jenna will compete right away for playing time, and I am excited to see how well she does once she is settled in our environment.” 

During the 2024 NWSL season Butler gained valuable professional experience with Spirit and as a result was given a contract extension. 

“I’m really excited to be joining Carolina Ascent,” expressed Butler. “I’m looking forward to being back in Charlotte and being a part of a quality team and great club environment. I’m thankful for the opportunity and excited to get going!” 

A five-year member of the NC State University women’s soccer program (2018-2022), Butler started in 86 games, the eighth-most in program history. She started in every match she played in and added seven goals, four of which were game-winners, and eight assists. 

Carolina Ascent FC continues its Inaugural Season with the Spring Home Opener on Saturday, February 15 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Half Season Tickets and Mini Plans are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/Tickets. 

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.

Charlotte, N.C. (January 13, 2025) – Carolina Ascent FC today announced the club has signed striker Riley Parker. Parker joins Carolina Ascent after a fall stint with fellow USL Super League club, Tampa Bay Sun FC. She recorded 423 minutes for the Sun across 10 games with six starts. 

“We are delighted to bring Riley into the club. She is an amazing person who will fit right in with our players,” shared Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach, Philip Poole. “Riley will give us good depth in the attacking positions and make us more competitive as a group this spring. Her best days are ahead of her, and we are excited for our Carolina Ascent community to meet her.”

Before joining Tampa Bay Sun and the USL Super League, Parker was drafted by Racing Louisville FC as the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft. 

She was then loaned to Tigres UANL, a professional women’s club based in the city of San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico. The club competes in the Liga MX Femenil, the highest level of women’s professional soccer in Mexico. 

Parker scored her first professional goal with the Tigres during her debut on March 5, 2023. 

“I’m so excited to join Carolina Ascent FC this year and help the team any way I can,” expressed Parker. “This club has a great brand of soccer, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I look forward to continuing my development as a player and winning lots of games this spring!”

In college, Parker was a standout striker at the University of Alabama. As an All-American and SEC Forward of the Year, she was also a 2022 MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist, a prestigious recognition awarded to the best men’s and women’s soccer players in the U.S. each year. 

During her time at Alabama, Parker helped lead the team to a College Cup Final Four and an undefeated season as Conference Champions, both firsts in Crimson Tide women’s soccer history.  

Parker set the University of Alabama’s record for single season goals with 17, and she is tied as the career leader for game-winning goals with 10. 

Carolina Ascent FC continues its Inaugural Season with the Spring Home Opener on Saturday, February 15 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Half Season Tickets and Mini Plans are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/Tickets. 

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. 

Charlotte, N.C. (December 18, 2024) – GOAL CHAMPIONS today announced that Carolina Ascent FC’s Trailblazer Kit (Home Kit) has received the 2024 GOAL CHAMPIONS Award for Kit of the Year. Read more.

“Kit of the Year celebrates the shirt that stands out from the crowd and makes a statement that’s both stylish and true to culture – and makes fans want to open their wallets.” GOAL CHAMPIONS, Out of the Box Awards

What Is GOAL CHAMPIONS?

GOAL CHAMPIONS is a first of its kind multi-platform soccer awards event celebrating the ascendant soccer culture in America, designed for the modern fan. GOAL CHAMPIONS is an annual recognition of influence on the game through viral moments, creators, clubs and – of course – superstars on the pitch.

Unlike other soccer awards events, GOAL CHAMPIONS isn’t focused on one league, competition or gender. It’s a traditionalist-defying, culture-defining celebration of the iconic men, women, creators and fans who are fueling the meteoric rise of the beautiful game in the United States.

GOAL CHAMPIONS is designed to celebrate everything soccer fans actually care about, in a format that speaks their language.

Join the Conversation: 

GOAL CHAMPIONS launched as a specialty event microsite powered by GOAL.COM on December 18, 2024. The launch will be amplified by posts on GOAL USA and INDIVISA social media accounts. 

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.

Carolina Ascent is back in action in February 2025

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (December 14, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club dropped its fall finale, 0-2, on the road against Fort Lauderdale United FC on Saturday evening at Beyond Bancard Field.

The USL Super League will return for the second half of the inaugural season in 2025. Carolina Ascent opens the spring schedule on Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. against Lexington SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets are on sale at carolinaascent.com/tickets. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Goalkeeper #1 Meagan McClelland was tested early with a diving save to her right in the fourth minute. #9 Mia Corbin challenged the Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper in the eighth minute, nearly finishing a poor pass from the opposing defense.

Corbin had another chance in the 14th minute, sending a curling shot towards the top left corner that sailed just high and wide.

Neither team showed much attacking prowess in the first half. The sides combined for 12 total touches in the opposition’s penalty area. 

Halftime: Fort Lauderdale United FC 0, Carolina Ascent FC 0.

Fort Lauderdale United FC took the lead in the 54th minute. #4 Vicky Bruce had a goal-line header to save the first attempt by the hosts, but the rebound landed nicely for #20 Kiara Pralle who struck the ball into the top corner.

Carolina Ascent brought in a couple of subs with about 30 minutes remaining in the half, looking for a spark on offense. #18 Audrey Harding showed offensive pressure immediately after entering the match. 

Harding passed to #15 Kathrynn González open on the right side who hit a long-range strike that was blocked out of bounds. The ensuing corner kick swung in by González in the 69th minute forced a punch by the Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper on her goal line.

The hosts doubled the lead in the 82nd minute. Pralle tapped a cross in the back of the net from just a few yards away for her second goal of the night.

Carolina Ascent nearly scored in stoppage time after a free kick by #7 Jill Aguilera created chaos in the penalty area.

Fulltime: Fort Lauderdale United FC 2, Carolina Ascent FC 0.

NOTABLES:

• #18 Audrey Harding made her first appearance back from injury since September 27, 2024. 

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

On the overall performance
“I don’t think we were very good tonight. We really struggled in possession tonight. Struggling in possession against a team that has power and pace to get their wide players on the ball is always going to ask questions. Tonight we struggled with the ball, and we weren’t good enough without the ball. It’s a pretty simple formula.”

On Audrey Harding returning from injury
“I was really happy with Audrey’s return. We missed her for a long period of time. We have several key players like Audrey that we need to get back on the field, but that is not an excuse for our performance because it just wasn’t good enough tonight.”

On conceding chances while pushing on the attack
“We provided too many opportunities to Fort Lauderdale because we weren’t good enough in possession. First goal, second goal, whatever it may be, we have to be better in possession. Being better in possession allows us to have to defend less and dictate the game more. We didn’t do that tonight.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

The USL Super League will return for the second half of the inaugural season in 2025. Carolina Ascent opens the spring schedule on Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. against Lexington SC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets are on sale at carolinaascent.com/tickets. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 23, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club dropped its fall home finale to Dallas Trinity FC, 0-1, on Saturday evening at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Carolina Ascent plays one more match this fall on the road against Fort Lauderdale United FC on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Dallas Trinity took an early lead in the fourth minute with a goal by #15 Samantha Meza. The Dallas offense put Carolina under a lot of pressure early as #1 Meagan McClelland had to make a quick reaction save in the 14th minute. 

#5 Jaydah Bedoya had a dangerous breakaway on goal in the 21st minute, but her shot on goal was thwarted at the last moment and sent out of bounds.

Back on defense, #12 Sydney Studer made a crucial slide tackle to prevent another Dallas goal in the 34th minute. #4 Vicky Bruce made a similar play in the 43rd minute, getting a touch in to send the ball away from goal. 

Possibly the biggest chance for Carolina Ascent in the first half came in the 38th minute. Bedoya played a ball forward on the left wing to #15 Kathrynn González who passed it centrally to #9 Mia Corbin. Under pressure, Corbin found #7 Jill Aguilera open to her right, but Aguilera’s shot went wide.

Another similar chance came in the 43rd minute as #21 Renée Guion sent a long ball towards González. She flicked a header on to Aguilera whose shot was deflected out of bounds for a corner kick. The frenzy on the set piece almost proved to be the breakthrough moment for Carolina Ascent, but the Trinity went into halftime with the lead.

Halftime: Carolina Ascent FC 0, Dallas Trinity FC 1.

Carolina Ascent immediately started attacking in the second half with a pair of back heel flicks by Bedoya and González which then resulted in a cross from #2 Josie Studer to Aguilera. Her header landed just wide of the goal. #3 Giovanna DeMarco struck a powerful, curling shot in the 56th minute, forcing a save from the Dallas goalkeeper, as Carolina searched for an equalizer.

On the other end, McClelland kept Carolina Ascent in the match with a reaction save in the 60th minute on a Dallas attempt off a cross.

In the 77th minute, González had another dangerous chance on goal with a shot that sailed just high of the crossbar. Corner kicks continued to provide opportunities for the hosts as Bedoya sent a shot towards goal in the 87th minute after a pass from #14 Taylor Porter, but it was blocked. 

Fulltime: Carolina Ascent FC 0, Dallas Trinity FC 1.

NOTABLES:

• #6 Maria Tapia made her professional debut. She signed a USL Academy Contract in October. 

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

On how the game could have been different if the team did not concede so early
“There’s no way of saying really. If you concede a bad goal at any point in the match it will cost you, but overall today, I think their performance was really good and we created a lot of great chances. I think our final action, final pass, everything just wasn’t good enough today, and we know that. In terms of the game plan and sticking to it in areas we knew we would be able to exploit. We saw it, we did it. Just that final piece has to be better.” 

On giving the ball up in the middle frequently. Did you see it the same way?
“Yes and no. We really had an emphasis on playing through the midfield third and taking chances and risks. When you take those chances there will be some turnovers. Probably one too many, but honestly our best football came right down the middle. We had lots of combinations, two or three passes and finding Jill (Aguilera) or Jaydah (Bedoya) to get in behind them. So it’s a risk, reward.” 

On the psychology of the team after two consecutive losses
“They’re good. They know they’ve played well. They know they’ve created chances. They know they executed the game plan. You look at it sometimes, and that game’s gone for us earlier in the season, and this game it didn’t. I think we created enough chances to win that game. Dallas is a good side and we know that, so I think it’s a good game. We created chances and the players don’t need me to tell them that. They know it.” 

#4 Vicky Bruce

On how the team can keep the morale high after back-to-back losses
“The last loss wasn’t our best performance, and we can definitely learn from that. Today, I think we had a lot of quality moments, and even though we didn’t get the result we wanted, there’s a lot to build from and move forward with. There was a lot of good football that happened in a lot of good possession, so if we can finish the chances we create and be a little cleaner in our own box to not concede anything early on, we’ll be good.”

#6 Maria Tapia

On making her debut
“I was super excited. It was really cool to go in, do everything we worked on, and give something to the team.” 

#15 Kathrynn González

On how the team kept pressuring on offense despite missing good chances
“Everybody wants to win. We were down 1-0 and hungry for a goal.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

Carolina Ascent FC plays its final match of the fall schedule on Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. on the road against Fort Lauderdale United FC. 

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 20, 2024) – England U-19 Women’s National Team today announced the roster that will compete in round one of the 2025 UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship Qualifying in Poland which includes Charlotte native and Carolina Ascent FC forward B Hylton.

England are competing for one of the remaining seven spots up for grabs at the European finals and will progress to round two of qualification providing they finish in the top three of the four-team qualification group.

The 17-year-old made her professional debut with Carolina Ascent during the club’s Inaugural Season Home Opener on August 17. She earned her first start on October 25 vs. Dallas Trinity FC at Cotton Bowl Stadium. 

Hylton was the first player to join Carolina Ascent on a USL Academy contract. USL Academy contracts allow Academy products at USL clubs to sign, train and compete in matches with professional senior teams without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.

Read more about Charlotte-native B Hylton.

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 set to kick off 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 the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play 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.

Rylee Baisden scored her first goal of the season (35’)

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (November 16, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club faced the club’s first defeat, 2-1, against Tampa Bay Sun FC on Saturday evening at Riverfront Stadium. Carolina Ascent hosts Dallas Trinity FC in the fall home finale on Saturday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Carolina defense was under pressure for much of the first 10 minutes, but #1 Meagan McClelland kept it under control. Defender #4 Vicky Bruce had a dangerous offensive chance with a curling shot that hit the crossbar in the 13th minute.

Tampa Bay struck first with a one-on-one situation following a long ball over the top. #9 Natasha Flint put the Sun in the lead in the 22nd minute. 

#10 Rylee Baisden scored her first goal of the season to bring the score level in the 35th minute. Almost identical to the goal that Tampa Bay scored, Bruce played a long ball over the top of the defense to Baisden who tapped the ball past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Carolina Ascent continued attacking, but the Sun retook the lead just before halftime in the 44th minute. #19 Carlee Giammona made the most of a small space in the Carolina defense to slot a ball in the corner of the goal.

Halftime: Tampa Bay Sun FC 2, Carolina Ascent FC 1.

The visitors tested the Sun goalkeeper with a few chances back-to-back. #28 Ashley Orkus bobbled a catch and almost allowed #5 Jaydah Bedoya to capitalize on it. Then, #7 Jill Aguilera served a good cross to Baisden whose attempt landed just wide.

Just moments after entering for her Carolina Ascent debut, #24 Opeyemi Ajakaye collected the ball at the top of the penalty area and crossed the ball looking for Aguilera, but it was cleared away. Ajakaye almost got the game-tying goal in the 91st minute with a well-placed cross by #21 Renée Guion, but her header was inches wide.

Carolina Ascent kept the pressure high, and #12 Sydney Studer nearly poked the ball in on a poor header by the Tampa Bay defense. In the final attempt for the visitors, a long free kick by Guion challenged Orkus, but she managed to grab the ball.

Fulltime: Tampa Bay Sun FC 2, Carolina Ascent FC 1.

NOTABLES:

• This was only the second time that Carolina Ascent FC conceded first. Carolina Ascent had not trailed since August 25.
• #10 Rylee Baisden scored her first goal for Carolina Ascent, and #4 Vicky Bruce recorded her first assist. 
• #24 Opeyemi Ajakaye made her Carolina Ascent debut.

QUOTES:

Head Coach Philip Poole

On the message to the team after the loss
“To give a boxing analogy, we took a punch to the mouth tonight and it hurt. It doesn’t taste very good. Any boxer that’s a contender wants to be a champion. Sometimes, you have to learn from a bad round or a bad fight and bring it next time. We weren’t at our best tonight, but it’s about stepping up and going again.”

On the goals conceded
“The first goal was really disappointing. It’s something that we have been really strong at; defending long balls, defending direct play. Tonight, we weren’t good enough at it, especially in the first half.”

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 

Carolina Ascent FC hosts Dallas Trinity FC in the final home match of the fall schedule on Saturday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 15, 2024) – Carolina Ascent FC today announced Opeyemi Ajakaye will join the club on loan from Kansas City Current for the remainder of the 2024 fall schedule. The 18-year-old striker and Nigerian Youth International recently concluded the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with the Falconets in Venezuela.

“We are really excited to bring Opeyemi on board,” explained Head Coach, Philip Poole. “We have been pretty active in recruiting young, high potential players and she fits that mold. I know, once she adjusts, she will be an impact player for us. She is such a kind and wonderful person, and we are looking forward to the future.” 

Ajakaye recorded a stand-out performance with Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. She scored the opening goal of the third-place match, and buried the winning penalty kick to bring home the country’s first-ever bronze medal. 

Before coming to the states, Ajakaye also spent stints with club teams Madrid CFF, a Spanish women’s soccer club that currently plays in Liga F, and FC Robo Queens, member of the Nigerian Women’s Football League.

“I am very happy to be part of this amazing team, and I know Carolina Ascent FC is going to help me become what I want to be in life, to help my performance and grow my career,” shared Ajakaye. “I am looking forward to becoming a champion in the league and helping the team carry a trophy. I pray I have the chance to play and showcase myself to the world.”

Carolina Ascent FC has one more home match at American Legion Memorial Stadium this fall on Saturday, November 23. Tickets start at $22. Visit CarolinaAscent.com/Tickets to secure your seats. 

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 set to kick off 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 the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play 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.