Lexington looks to complete a historic double against an Ascent side that’s been the hottest over the final three months of the season
LEXINGTON, Ky. – No. 1 seed Lexington SC plays host to No. 3 seed Carolina Ascent FC in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final on Saturday night at Lexington SC Stadium with the hosts aiming to become the first in league history to claim the league title and Players’ Shield in the same season against an Ascent side that is on the best run of form in its history. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Peacock. Here’s what you need to know.
How They Got Here
Lexington SC (14-3-11, 53pts) – Lexington SC advanced to its first Gainbridge Super League Final with a 2-0 victory against Dallas Trinity FC last Saturday night as goals from Sarah Griffith and Cat Barry either side of halftime paved the way through. The result extended a six-game undefeated streak for LSC that lifted the side to the Players’ Shield on the final weekend of the regular season, with Head Coach Kosuke Kimura’s side having won five of the six outings while recording 12 goals and conceding only twice. Lexington’s defensive strength has been at the core of its massive turnaround this season with goalkeeper Kat Asman claiming the Golden Glove with a 0.86 goals-against average and the side conceding only 24 goals in 29 games overall. Playing in front of its home fans, LSC will take aim at one final victory to cap a worst-to-first turnaround that would stand the test of time.
Carolina Ascent FC (15-7-6, 51pts) – A year after winning the Players’ Shield, Carolina Ascent FC advanced to its first Gainbridge Super League Final as an early goal by Mackenzie George and seven-save shutout by Sydney Martinez earned a 1-0 victory against Sporting Club Jacksonville last Sunday evening. The result continued what is now both the longest undefeated streak and longest winning streak in Ascent’s history, with the side entering the Final on a 12-game undefeated run and seven-game winning run, the latter of which has seen Carolina outscore its opponents 13-3. Ascent’s last defeat came on February 14, at which point Head Coach Philip Poole made the decision to make Martinez the club’s starter between the sticks. Since then, the Puerto Rico international has recorded 43 saves at a 91.5% save percentage while posting eight shutouts and a -7.47 Goals Prevented mark, providing a strong foundation for the side’s impressive back line.
All-Time Series
Carolina Ascent holds a 3-1-3 record in the all-time series against Lexington SC and took a 1-0 victory when the teams last met in the regular season on April 11 behind a goal from Emily Morris to even this season’s series at one win apiece with one draw.
Opta Says
17 – Lexington SC has scored 17 goals from set pieces across the regular season and playoffs, the most in the Gainbridge Super League, including a league-high four goals from throw-ins and eight from corner kicks.
4 – Carolina Ascent FC has conceded four goals from set pieces across the regular season and playoffs, the fewest in the Gainbridge Super League, allowing only two goals from corner kicks and none from throw-ins.
Players to Watch
Lexington SC – Taylor Aylmer: The central midfielder was voted to the Gainbridge Super League All-League First Team on Tuesday after a standout two-way campaign that saw her rank third in the league with 1,184 completed passes at an 85.7% accuracy rate while recording four assists and 18 chances created. The 27-year-old also ranked third among outfield players with 161 recoveries and won 30 tackles at a 76.9% success rate to grade third among Central Midfielders with a +3.50 Goals Added mark per American Soccer Analysis.
Carolina Ascent FC – Jill Aguilera: The Puerto Rico international earned her second consecutive Gainbridge Super League All-League First Team honor on Tuesday after ranking second in the league with 50 chances created and recording four goals and three assists as her quality set piece deliveries helped Ascent record 14 set piece goals. Aguilera also ranked third among defenders with 145 duels won at a 66.5% success rate and recorded 128 recoveries and 32 tackles won at a 71.1% success rate to grade fifth in the league among outfield players with +6.52 Goals Added mark per American Soccer Analysis.
Uniforms
Discipline Report
Lexington SC – No suspensions
Carolina Ascent FC – No suspensions