
Carolina Ascent FC (5-3-6) kicks off its spring campaign with a home opener at American Legion Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The team sits just above the playoff line in fourth place with 21 points, but after ending the fall campaign on a three-game losing streak it’s in need of a fresh start.
Here’s what the Ascent will need to do in order to come away with all three points:
Don’t underestimate Lexington
Despite the gap in the standings between the two clubs, Saturday’s match will likely be another closely contested matchup that could swing either way. Each of their first two meetings between Carolina and Lexington ended in 1-1 draws. Possession and nearly every other stat was split 50-50 in the first match; the second meeting was more in Carolina’s favor despite an own goal being the only reason Lexington didn’t come away with a win. Now with six new signings, Lexington could come out as a completely different team, and Carolina needs to be prepared to play the best version of Lexington it has seen so far.
Get out to an early lead
In that same vein, there are still ways for Carolina to set itself up for a better chance to win. The team has never lost a match where it scored first; meanwhile, Lexington has lost three matches after holding a lead. It also took the Girls in Green 14 matches to record a clean sheet, despite outstanding performances from goalkeepers Sarah Cox and Bridgette Skiba. Carolina struggled offensively in its last few matches of the fall, resulting in its downturn in form. Getting going early could jumpstart the goalscoring again going forward.
Rely on dominant defense
A lot of the success Ascent saw in its 11-game undefeated streak to start the season can be attributed to the backline. Carolina leads the league in clearances and is behind only Brooklyn in clean sheets and goals conceded. Sydney Studer and Vicky Bruce are the league’s top two in clearances with Studer leading specifically in headed clearances, and Jill Aguilera is not far behind. Spearheaded by Meagan McClelland in goal, Carolina’s defense must show up in top form to combat the offensive creativity Lexington showed in the fall.
Leverage home field advantage
Carolina has a huge advantage in hosting its first match of the spring in a stadium where the stands are always filled with an engaged and supportive crowd. The Ascent usually puts on a strong performance for their fans, as the team is 3-1-3 and has outscored opponents 6-3 while at home. The first three matches for Carolina are at American Legion, so getting off to a strong start on Saturday can provide momentum for the following weeks.