Carolina Ascent preparing for team’s second year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Just a few months after their first season ended in heartbreak, Carolina Ascent FC is preparing for its sophomore campaign.

The first professional women’s soccer team in Charlotte made it to the USL Super League semifinals in 2024-25, but lost in heartbreaking fashion to Fort Lauderdale United FC.

Fort Lauderdale scored on a late goal that looked like offside, but there is no review in the league, and Carolina lost 1-0.

Now, the Ascent looks to use the loss as motivation heading into Year Two.

“I’d like to say I forgot about it, but I didn’t,” forward Rylee Baisden said. “It’s definitely still a sour taste in my mouth. We have a bit of unsettled business to take care of this year. I think that’s always going to be in the back of our mind for the players who returned from last year.”

The Ascent parted with 11 players from the first season, but returned a strong core from last year’s team that won the regular season title.

“I think women’s sports in Charlotte, we are it, and I’m proud of that,” coach Philip Poole said. “I think we have made great inroads in the community. We’re number one in USL Super League in attendance, but we know we need to push the bar and do even better.”

Contact Nick Carboni at ncarboni@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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