Carolina Ascent FC edged DC Power FC 1–0 at home on Friday night, with Rylee Baisden's eighth-minute strike proving the difference in a tight USL Super League contest.
The hosts wasted no time getting on the board. Jenna Butler delivered an early chance and Baisden finished it off just eight minutes in, giving Carolina a lead they would not relinquish. It was a sharp start that put DC Power on the back foot from the outset.
The visitors struggled to find a foothold in the first half. DC Power's Emma Jaskaniec picked up a yellow card in the 38th minute as frustrations mounted, and the away side went into the break still searching for an equalizer.
The second half followed a similar pattern. DC Power pressed for a way back into the match but could not break down Carolina's rearguard. Baisden, who had opened the scoring, was cautioned in the 87th minute — a booking that could carry consequences down the line depending on her disciplinary record. DC Power's Sydney Cummings also saw yellow deep into stoppage time as the visitors' frustration boiled over in the closing moments.
Carolina held firm to see out a clean sheet and collect all three points. The 1–0 result was far from comfortable in the final stages, but the early goal gave the Ascent a cushion they managed effectively through the remainder of the match.
The win bolsters Carolina Ascent FC's position in the USL Super League standings and extends what has been a solid run of home form this season.
USL Super League