Prep Zone

Hutchinson and Corbin Fire Ascent to Fifth Straight Victory Carolina Ascent FC extended their unbeaten run with a decisive 3-0 victory over Spokane Zephyr FC on April 19, 2025, at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte. In a clash between two of the league’s hottest teams, the league leaders once again proved why they sit atop the USL Super League standings—executing with precision in front of goal and dominance in all phases of play. Spokane entered the match with momentum, riding a four-game shutout streak and one of the strongest defensive records in the league. But Carolina’s combination of offensive firepower and strategic pressure broke through early and maintained control throughout the 90 minutes. First-Half Firepower Sets the Tone Carolina wasted little time establishing control. In the 16th minute, midfielder Taylor Porter won back possession in midfield, and the loose ball rolled to forward Eli Hutchinson at the top of the box. Hutchinson, with quick composure, sent a low, driven strike past Spokane goalkeeper Hope Hisey to open the scoring and energize the home crowd. Spokane, despite the early setback, showed resilience. The Zephyr recorded 22 first-half clearances and relied heavily on Hisey’s heroics to stay in the game. The Spokane goalkeeper made multiple saves, including a crucial stop on a low shot from Carolina’s Mia Corbin in the 37th minute that looked destined for the bottom corner. Carolina’s pressing, speed in transition, and fluid off-the-ball movement gave them the upper hand as they outshot Spokane 11-3 in the first half. Despite the pressure, Spokane kept the scoreline close at 1-0 going into halftime. Carolina Extends the Lead After the Break The second half began much like the first—with Carolina dictating the flow of the match. In the 57th minute, Corbin came close to scoring her 10th goal of the season with a left-footed strike from the edge of the area that skimmed the crossbar. However, the breakthrough came just over 10 minutes later. In the 69th minute, a give-and-go between Addisyn Merrick and Corbin sliced through Spokane’s defense. Corbin’s shot was initially saved by Hisey, but Hutchinson was in perfect position to slot home the rebound and secure her second goal of the night. Spokane struggled to gain traction offensively, managing only five total shots and just one on target throughout the match. Attempts to break Carolina’s defensive shape were consistently disrupted, and Carolina’s backline remained composed and compact. Corbin Joins Golden Boot Race In the 83rd minute, Carolina sealed the result. Off a corner kick delivered by Jill Aguilera, a scramble in the box led to a blocked header from Sydney Sterner. Corbin reacted quickest to the rebound and sent the ball into the net, notching her 10th goal of the season and tying for the league lead in goals scored. The goal capped off a dominant performance for Carolina, who finished with 23 shots and five on target. Goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy and the defense posted their fifth consecutive shutout, a remarkable streak that reflects the unit’s communication, discipline, and consistency. Spokane’s Streak Snapped For Spokane Zephyr FC, the defeat marked the end of their four-match shutout streak and highlighted areas for growth as the team enters the final stretch of the season. Despite commendable individual efforts—especially from Hisey and defenders like Sarah Clark—the team struggled to handle Carolina’s relentless attacking waves. Spokane’s attacking unit, which had averaged 1.75 goals over their last nine games, was neutralized for the full 90 minutes. Carolina’s ability to block line-breaking passes and win duels in midfield prevented Spokane from building any sustained possession. Still sitting sixth in the standings, Spokane remains in the playoff hunt and will look to rebound at home next week against third-place Tampa Bay Sun FC. What’s Next Carolina Ascent FC, now on a five-game winning streak with five straight shutouts, sits comfortably in first place. With a league-leading 38 goals scored and just 18 allowed, they’ve established themselves as the most complete team in the league. They’ll now prepare for a high-stakes match against Fort Lauderdale United FC, another top-four team. Spokane Zephyr FC returns home to ONE Spokane Stadium for their April 26 clash with Tampa Bay Sun FC. The match will be critical in their pursuit of a playoff berth and offers a chance to bounce back after their toughest outing of the spring.

Top-Four Rivals Share the Points at the Cotton Bowl  In a tightly contested showdown at the Cotton Bowl on April 19, 2025, Dallas Trinity FC and Fort Lauderdale United FC played to a 1-1 draw in a match packed with playoff implications, physical intensity, and milestone moments. Both teams remain firmly in the top four of the USL Super League, with Dallas holding second place and Fort Lauderdale sitting just behind in fourth. The match, marked by early fireworks and second-half grit, showcased strong attacking sequences from both sides, but neither team could find the breakthrough to tilt the balance in the closing stages. Despite a fast start and a historic goal by league-leading scorer Allie Thornton, Dallas couldn’t extend their lead, allowing Fort Lauderdale to equalize and walk away with a hard-earned point. A Historic Opener from Thornton The action ignited in the third minute when Dallas forward Allie Thornton capitalized on a deflected pass from Tamara Bolt. The Arlington native made no mistake, finishing calmly to score her 10th goal of the season. With the goal, Thornton became the first player in USL Super League history to reach double digits in scoring—a major milestone in a standout season. Thornton’s opener was a fitting reflection of Dallas’s aggressive opening minutes. They pressed high, dictated possession, and forced Fort Lauderdale into defensive sequences early. The goal seemed to confirm the home side's intent to secure three points and tighten their grip on second place. However, injuries and defensive adjustments would soon shift the rhythm. Just minutes after the goal, Hannah Davison was forced off due to a non-contact injury, prompting an early substitution and reshuffling of Dallas's defensive line. Fort Lauderdale Responds with Persistence Despite the early setback, Fort Lauderdale quickly regrouped. Midfielders Jasmine Hamid and Taylor Smith began pushing forward, drawing fouls and winning corners to increase pressure on Dallas's back line. Smith’s run down the right earned a dangerous free kick, while Hamid came close to leveling with a long-range strike that forced a difficult save from goalkeeper Madison White in the 23rd minute. Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute. After Jorian Baucom fired a curling left-footed shot that ricocheted off the post and rebounded into play, Kiara Locklear reacted first, sprinting in to slot the ball past White. The goal was Locklear’s fourth of the season and brought Fort Lauderdale back into the match. Dallas responded with several late-half pushes, but Fort Lauderdale’s defense held firm, and the teams entered halftime deadlocked at 1-1. A Physical, Gritty Second Half The second half featured fewer clear-cut scoring chances but a significant uptick in physicality. Bodies flew as both teams battled for midfield supremacy. Players like Chioma Ubogagu, Cyera Hintzen, and Jenna Walker absorbed heavy challenges, and tempers flared as officiating decisions became more controversial. Dallas continued to press, with Lancaster and Palomo generating key moments. In the 68th minute, Aerial Palomo broke past two defenders and earned a free kick in a promising position, but the resulting set piece didn’t lead to a goal. A follow-up run by Sealey Strawn, created by Palomo’s tackle and transition play, resulted in another dangerous moment, but Fort Lauderdale cleared the threat. The game’s most dramatic moment came in the 84th minute when Hintzen went down inside the penalty box after contact. Dallas players surrounded the referee, appealing for a penalty, but no call was given. Just five minutes later, another possible foul on Strawn was also waved off, further frustrating the home side. Late Chances, No Winners As the clock ticked into stoppage time, both teams made late pushes. Fort Lauderdale nearly stole the win with a fast break down the left side, but Felicia Knox’s curling attempt missed just wide of the post. Dallas responded with one last attack, but Fort Lauderdale’s back line held firm to secure the draw. Dallas finished with a slight edge in total shots (18-14) and shots on target (4), but couldn’t find a second goal. Fort Lauderdale, meanwhile, continued to show why they are one of the league’s toughest sides to break down. Standings Implications and What’s Next The draw keeps Dallas Trinity FC in second place with 37 points and a record of 10-6-7. With five matches remaining, including back-to-back home games, they’ll need to capitalize quickly to maintain their position in the playoff race. Their next fixture is a home matchup against Lexington SC on April 26. Fort Lauderdale United FC moves to 9-6-7 with 34 points and remains within striking distance of the top two. They return to South Florida for a key clash against league-leaders Carolina Ascent FC—a rematch of their earlier-season win over the same opponent. With playoff positions tightening, every match now carries extra weight. For both Dallas and Fort Lauderdale, the ability to stay composed under pressure could determine who advances—and who watches from the sidelines.

A Statement Victory for the League Leaders Carolina Ascent FC delivered one of their most commanding performances of the season with a 5-0 rout of Brooklyn FC on April 12, 2025, at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte. Backed by a crowd of 3,620 fans, Carolina’s dominant display showcased not only their offensive depth but also their defensive strength as they secured a fourth consecutive clean sheet—setting a new benchmark in the USL Super League.  Brooklyn FC, a team that entered the fixture with playoff ambitions, quickly discovered the challenge of facing the top team in the standings. The hosts applied sustained pressure across both halves and capitalized on nearly every opportunity, reinforcing their reputation as the league’s most well-rounded squad. First Half: Early Pressure Translates into Control The match began with Brooklyn FC pushing forward aggressively in the first five minutes. Their forwards created early opportunities, forcing Carolina’s goalkeeper to remain alert and engaged. A pair of early corners and a long-range shot tested the defensive resolve of Carolina, but the home team remained composed. Carolina gradually took control of possession, with midfielders directing tempo and controlling the pace of the game. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute. After an initial corner was cleared, a second ball was sent into the box and met by center back Jenna Butler, who rose above her marker and headed in the opening goal. That goal marked the beginning of a sustained period of dominance. Carolina dictated the rhythm, passing fluidly and limiting Brooklyn’s time on the ball. The defense, led by Butler and Sydney Studer, shut down Brooklyn’s forwards, who were unable to create significant chances beyond the opening flurry. Second Half: Four More Goals and a Clean Sheet Maintained Merrick and Aguilera Extend the Lead The second half saw Carolina increase their intensity and push forward with confidence. Just six minutes after the restart, fullback Addisyn Merrick made a run behind Brooklyn’s defense and received a perfectly timed long pass. With precision, she fired the ball into the side netting to double Carolina’s lead. Brooklyn’s defense, already on the back foot, struggled to adjust as Carolina continued their relentless attack. In the 65th minute, the home team was awarded a free kick about 25 yards from goal. Fullback Jill Aguilera stepped up and delivered a sensational curling strike into the top corner, pushing the score to 3-0 and putting the result well out of reach. Harding and Hylton Cap Off the Victory Carolina showed no signs of letting up as the match progressed. In the 68th minute, winger Audrey Harding finished a composed attacking move after receiving a short pass from Riley Parker. Her shot beat Brooklyn goalkeeper Neeku Purcell at the near post to bring the score to 4-0. The final goal came in the 80th minute and carried historic significance. Just two minutes after being subbed onto the field, 17-year-old academy product B Hylton found herself on the receiving end of a rebound from a corner. With calm composure, she volleyed the ball into the net, becoming the youngest player in Carolina Ascent FC history to score a professional goal. Dominance in Every Phase Carolina’s commanding performance was built on a foundation of discipline, balance, and tactical execution. Their attack featured five different scorers, demonstrating the team’s ability to threaten from multiple positions. Meanwhile, their defense remained airtight throughout the match. Goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy played a critical role in maintaining the clean sheet, making smart decisions and organizing the back line effectively. Carolina’s defenders cleared dangerous balls, blocked shooting lanes, and ensured that Brooklyn never gained momentum. Their midfield trio controlled transitions and provided creative support, while forwards rotated seamlessly, keeping Brooklyn’s defenders chasing shadows. The team’s movement off the ball and efficiency in front of goal reflected hours of training and preparation. Brooklyn FC Falters Under Pressure Brooklyn FC, now with a record of 9-7-6, started the game with energy but could not maintain composure after falling behind. Despite an early wave of pressure and a few promising counters, the visitors lacked consistency in midfield and were unable to contain Carolina’s multi-pronged attack. The defensive structure broke down under sustained waves of pressure, and substitutions in the second half failed to shift the tide. Missed clearances, a lack of marking on set pieces, and fatigue in the final 20 minutes allowed Carolina to fully capitalize. Brooklyn’s loss not only added to their winless streak against top-ranked teams but also raised questions about their readiness for high-stakes playoff scenarios. The club will need to respond quickly to remain in postseason contention. What’s Next for Both Clubs Carolina Ascent FC continues to build momentum as they prepare for their next major test: a top-of-the-table clash against second-place Dallas Trinity FC. With their unbeaten streak growing and defensive form unmatched, they look increasingly likely to finish at the summit of the league table. Brooklyn FC will return home to face Lexington SC on April 19 in a critical fixture. The team will be aiming to regroup and rediscover the form that saw them climb into the top five earlier this season. With both the standings and playoff implications tightening, every match going forward will be crucial. Carolina has now firmly established themselves as the team to beat, while Brooklyn faces a pivotal moment in their campaign.