A goal for Charlotte. Carolina Ascent FC, Charlotte's newest and only professional women's team, will soon take the pitch as one of eight cities in the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league.

The team will play at American Legion Memorial Stadium, a historic pitch that once hosted Charlotte's first professional soccer team, the Carolina Lightnin', in 1981.

"We want to give our fans something to come back and be excited about," said Head Coach Philip Poole.

Women's professional sports in Charlotte
The Ascent is the first professional women’s sports team in Charlotte since the WNBA Charlotte Sting played their final game in 2007.

The Charlotte Lady Eagles were members of the USL W League between 2002-2015 before joining the Women's Premier Soccer League (a top amateur league) for the 2019 season.

"It's even bigger than just our team," said Defender Vicky Bruce. "It's to give back to those little girls that are going to be in the stands and now have local athletes to look up to."

Eight team members for the Carolina Ascent are either from Charlotte or the Charlotte region and are excited to play at home. | Photo by CLTtoday

Gameday details

Carolina Ascent will play seven home games.

The home opener is Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. Season tickets and single match tickets are on sale. The gates open at 5 p.m. for season ticket holders and 5:30 p.m. for the general public.

Pro tip: Only 10% of tickets are unclaimed so purchase them ASAP.

The pitch will open for families and children during select home games to get on the field and get players' autographs.

Pre-game party

The team is hosting a free "Basecamp Bash" at Independence Park. From 3–6 p.m., fans can enjoy food trucks, drinks, a rock climbing wall, and obstacle courses. Fans can march to the pitch after the festivities.

"We're just ready to show Charlotte what we're about," added Bruce.