Carolina Ascent FC Makes Historic Run in Inaugural USL Super League Season

By: Rylee McKinney

Photo Courtesy of Cisco Art/Topbin90

The USL Super League kicked off its inaugural 2024/2025 season in August with eight teams, marking a major milestone for professional women’s soccer in the U.S. Charlotte’s home team, Carolina Ascent FC, made a remarkable debut, securing the top seed and earning multiple individual player honors along the way.

Pre-Season

The USL Super League, in partnership with Empower Sports and Entertainment LLC, announced in May 2023 that professional soccer would be coming to Western Carolina. Carolina Ascent FC kicked off this first division league in August of 2024 under head coach Philip Poole. 

The team quickly gained momentum and signed major names, including defender Vicky Bruce and forward Mia Corbin. 

Season Recap

On August 17th, Carolina Ascent FC kicked off its highly anticipated home opener, setting an attendance record with 10,553 fans. With a 1-0 win over DC Power FC, Carolina Ascent FC rocked American Legion Memorial Stadium. They continued into each week, slowly building upon their talent and solidifying team cohesion. 

Throughout the Fall season, Carolina Ascent FC earned five wins, five draws, and three losses. Forward Mia Corbin led the first half of the season with three goals, followed closely by Renée Guion, Jaydah Bedoya, and Ashlynn Serepca with two goals each.

Heading into the Spring portion of the season, Carolina Ascent returned to the pitch while continuing to find their form. Lexington SC was unable to find a second goal against Carolina Ascent FC in the first match of the Spring, granting Ascent a 2-1 win early on. However, Ascent struggled for the next two matches, drawing 3-3 with DC Power FC and losing 2-1 to Fort Lauderdale United FC. 

Injuries from key players like Vicky Bruce and Rylee Baisden put a damper on the squad and called for some reorganization from Coach Poole. 

New Spring signings, such as UNC Tar Heel Samantha Leshnak Murphy in goal, set a fire under Ascent, and the season began to turn around for the better. From the end of March into April, Carolina Ascent FC secured seven consecutive wins. 

Multi-goal matches like their 5-0 win over Brooklyn FC on April 12th showcased Ascent’s explosive chemistry from players both on and off the pitch. With this winning streak, Ascent jumped up the USL Super League rankings, resulting in the number one seed and the Players Shield. 

Carolina Ascent earned themselves a two-week break at the end of April, finally returning to the field on May 17th against Tampa Bay Sun FC. Yet, the end of May saw a slight slowdown from Ascent, with a 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay Sun FC, a 0-0 draw with Brooklyn FC, and a 2-1 loss to Dallas Trinity FC. 

At the conclusion of regular season play, Mia Corbin led the team with 12 goals while Jill Aguilera led with seven assists. 

Photo Courtesy of Cisco Art/Topbin90

Playoffs

Carolina Ascent FC became the first club to clinch a playoff spot after their 5-2 win over Fort Lauderdale United FC at the end of April. Shortly after, they were awarded home-field advantage against fourth seed Fort Lauderdale United FC.

On Sunday night, Carolina Ascent FC took on Fort Lauderdale United FC, leaving it all out on the pitch. Midfielder Kathrynn González granted Ascent the 1-0 lead with a shot from just above Fort Lauderdale’s 18-yard line.  Fort Lauderdale’s Kiara Locklear responded with a goal in the 68th minute, evening up the score.

At the end of regulation time, Ascent and Fort Lauderdale sat at a 1-1 draw, prompting extra time. In the second half of extra time, Fort Lauderdale’s Locklear finished her second goal of the night. 

With Locklear’s brace, Carolina Ascent FC’s season came to an unfortunate close in extra time. 

Making History

Despite the conclusion of their playoff journey, Carolina Ascent FC took home some major history-making awards this season. 

Goalkeeper Meagan McClelland was awarded the Golden Glove with a 0.97 goals against average per match. Moreover, midfielder Jill Aguilera was awarded the Golden Playmaker award for her seven assists during the regular season. 

Outside of USL Super League awards, Carolina Ascent FC players made headway in the world of women’s soccer for the Carolinas. Kathrynn González received a call-up to the Dominican Republic Women’s National Team and signed midfielder B Hylton to the first-ever USL Academy contract. 

Summary

Despite a slow start, Carolina Ascent dominated the USL Super League’s 2024/2025 inaugural season. From breaking attendance records to securing the Player's Shield, Carolina Ascent FC brought an impactful energy to American Legion Memorial Stadium. With a concluding season record of 13W-9D-6L, Carolina Ascent FC illustrated their dedication and perseverance throughout the inaugural season. Although the 2024/2025 season did not result in Carolina Ascent FC taking the finals, it is safe to say that they will be back for more next season. 

The USL Super League Final will take place on June 14th at 7:30 PM, where Fort Lauderdale United FC will play Tampa Bay Sun FC.