Carolina, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Carolina Ascent achieved their first victory of the season with a late goal against DC Power, overcoming a challenging start to the season marked by draws and losses. Mackenzie George shined with two goals, and Alyssa Walker clinched the win late in the game. Despite defensive struggles resulting in an own goal, the Ascent’s attacking strategy has improved. The team now looks to build on this momentum as they face a challenging road ahead with upcoming matches against Lexington SC, Brooklyn, and Spokane.
Carolina — The Carolina Ascent secured their first win of the season with a late goal against DC Power, marking a pivotal moment after three draws and two losses. The victory increases the Ascent’s point total to six, allowing the team to climb from eighth to sixth place in the league based on goal differential.
The match showcased the Ascent’s notable performance, highlighted by a strong start, where Mackenzie George opened the scoring just 14 minutes into the game. George was instrumental in the attack, scoring once more in the later stages, bringing her season total to three goals in the last two matches. Following George’s initial goal, Maddie Mercado doubled the lead with a long-range strike just two minutes later, registering her fourth goal of the season.
The Ascent’s defense was put to the test throughout the game, however, a significant error by centerback Sydney Studer led to an own goal, allowing DC Power to equalize. Madison Murnin netted the equalizer with a header from a corner kick shortly into the second half. Despite the defensive setbacks, the Ascent regained control and clinched victory with a late goal from Alyssa Walker, assisted by a setup from Brianna Martinez and a cross from George in the 84th minute.
Looking ahead, the Ascent’s next three matches will be on the road, starting with a critical game against Lexington SC in Kentucky on Friday, scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff. This road stretch means the team will not return home for a month, as they also prepare to face Brooklyn on October 18 and Spokane on November 1. Lexington SC currently sits in second place in the Gainbridge Super League, remaining undefeated with two wins and four draws.
Despite the win, the Ascent’s defensive struggles are evident, having conceded 13 goals this season—a sharp increase from last year when the team secured three clean sheets in their first five games. This time around, those defensive lapses have negatively impacted their performance; the team anticipates improvement in this area moving forward, as noted by Coach Philip Poole.
In total, the Ascent has scored 12 goals this season, marking a more effective attacking strategy compared to last year. The recent match against DC Power signals a potential turning point, as the team continues to build momentum amidst their road challenges.
Upcoming Matches
- vs. Lexington SC – October 13, 2023, 6 p.m.
- vs. Brooklyn – October 18, 2023
- vs. Spokane – November 1, 2023
League Standings
| Position | Team | Points | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington SC | 10 | Unknown | Unknown |
| 6 | Carolina Ascent | 6 | 12 | 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next match for Carolina Ascent?
The next match for the Carolina Ascent is against Lexington SC on October 13, 2023, at 6 p.m.
How many goals has Mackenzie George scored this season?
Mackenzie George has scored three goals in the last two matches.
What are the current standings of the Carolina Ascent in the league?
Carolina Ascent is currently in sixth place, with a total of 6 points from six matches.
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Additional Resources
- The Charlotte Post: Carolina Ascent Aim to Seal In Consistency
- Google Search: Carolina Ascent FC
- Kentucky.com: Sports News
- Google Scholar: Carolina Ascent
- WSOC TV: Carolina Ascent Games Partnership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Ascent
- Fotmob: Carolina Ascent Match Details
- Google News: USL Super League
- Dallas News: Carolina Ascent Match Recap
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