Carolina Ascent Battle to 2-2 Draw
Carolina rallies late as Mercado delivers a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time.
The Carolina Ascent played their first home match of the season on Saturday night, with supporters braving a 30-minute rain delay to fill the stands in Charlotte. The energy was high despite the storm, as fans welcomed the team back following their inaugural season that ended with the Players’ Shield win.
Carolina entered the match looking for their first win of the year after earning a draw in Fort Lauderdale last week, but they faced a tough test in the defending Gainbridge Super League champions, Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay threatened early, nearly scoring in the 3rd minute with a dangerous cross into the box. Goalkeeper Meagan McClelland reacted quickly, making a crucial save to keep the match level.
In the 40th minute, the Ascent broke through. A corner from Emily Moxley created a scramble in front of goal, and after a blocked shot from Taylor Porter, the ball fell to Mia Corbin. Surrounded by defenders, Corbin managed to fire it into the back of the net, putting Carolina ahead 1–0. Just two minutes later, Jill Aguilera nearly doubled the lead, but her strike went just over the bar.
Carolina started the second half strong, creating several chances that missed just wide or were stopped by the Tampa Bay keeper. The visitors responded in the 73rd minute, when Sydney Nasello tapped in a low cross to equalize. Only seven minutes later, Tampa Bay struck again, this time from a corner kick that was headed past McClelland to make it 2–1. The goal shifted the momentum, and the Ascent suddenly found themselves chasing the game.
Deep into stoppage time, Carolina found the breakthrough they needed. Striker Maddie Mercado carried the ball forward and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that soared into the top of the net, bringing the crowd to its feet and leveling the score at 2–2. Moments later, the Ascent nearly snatched all three points when a cross from Moxley connected with Audrey Harding in front, but Tampa Bay’s goalkeeper made a key stop to secure the draw.
Following the match, Carolina’s goal scorers admitted they were slightly disappointed not to take full points but stressed their confidence in the team’s potential this season. Head coach Philip Poole emphasized the significance of the strong fan turnout, noting that the crowd’s energy, even through the storm delay, reflects the excitement surrounding women’s soccer in Charlotte.
The Ascent, now with back-to-back draws to open the season, continue to build chemistry with 10 new additions to the squad. With their depth and talent, they’ll look to turn resilience into results in the weeks ahead.
