CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The next chapter in the Lexington Sporting Club vs. Carolina Ascent FC rivalry will be authored on Halloween night when LSC visits the league leaders in a rematch of last season’s Gainbridge Super League Final.
Saturday’s clash is the second between the reigning champions and the runners-up. Carolina pilfered all three points in the previous matchup by way of an 88’ minute heartbreaker on Sept. 11.
Last time out was a goal fest for Lexington, a 3-3 draw vs. Sporting Club Jacksonville featuring goals from Catherine Barry, Addie McCain and Sarah Griffith. All three Lexington goals were scored in the first half, more than the club had scored in the first half over its first eight matches combined.
Although most of their scoring has come in the second half, the Gals in Green have still found the back of the net first in four matches. They are 3W-0L-1D in those matches and have the same record when scoring two or more goals in a match.
Barry collected both a goal and an assist vs. Sporting JAX to extend her streak of matches with a goal contribution to three in a row. Her 27 goal contributions in 37 regular season matches are tied for second in Gainbridge Super League history behind Addie McCain.
The striker commandeered the all-time Lexington scoring lead early last season and has yet to relinquish her position, and her most recent assist moved Barry into the top spot in helpers as well. She is tied with Alyssa Bourgeois for the most in club history with six.
With a win or draw in Carolina, Lexington could jump as high as second in the Gainbridge Super League standings with only four matches remaining in the 14-match campaign.
Kickoff from American Legion Memorial Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET.
SCOUTING CAROLINA
Carolina Ascent FC is red hot. After losing the 2026/26 Gainbridge Super League Final at The Stables, the North Carolina side returned for the Fall 2026 season with a vengeance.
Carolina tops the standings with a 7W-1L-2D record and an eight-point gap over second-place Sporting JAX. The group is unbeaten over its last seven matches with a +9 goal differential.
On the season, the side leads the Gainbridge Super League in clean sheets (7), fewest goals conceded (6) and ranks second in goals scored (17).
With a win over Lexington and a draw or loss by Dallas Trinity FC, Carolina would be the first club to clinch a playoff spot this season.
Jill Aguilera and Rylee Baisden both lead the club with three goals each. Mia Corbin’s four assists rank first, as do Mackenzie George’s 16 chances created.
STAT OF THE MATCH
Lexington midfielder Addie McCain currently leads the Gainbridge Super League with 29 regular season goal contributions. With a goal or an assist against Carolina, she would be the first in league history to reach the 30 mark.
HOW TO WATCH
The match will stream live locally on the FOX 56 app and at fox56news.com, as well as nationally on Peacock.
