Sydney Martinez, Macey Bader won USL W League Final MVP in 2022 and 2024
Two former W League Final MVPs joined forces this summer within the USL’s women’s player pathway. Sydney Martinez, 2022 champion with South Georgia Tormenta FC, and Macey Bader, who won the title with NC Courage U23 in 2024, both recently signed with Carolina Ascent FC in the Gainbridge Super League.
Serving as Tormenta’s team captain in all 11 matches played, Martinez recorded six clean sheets and a goals-against average of 0.58 to win the Golden Glove Award. She was named Final MVP after stopping a penalty kick and coming up with another save off the rebound in the 111th minute to keep the score even before the team found the game-winner moments later.
Martinez previously played in the league with Brooklyn FC and was the club’s first signing ahead of the inaugural season. She appeared in 11 matches for Brooklyn, recording four clean sheets and 33 saves. Martinez has also earned eight caps with the Puerto Rico women’s national team.
“We are excited to sign a player of Sydney‘s caliber,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “Everyone connected within the Super League knows what Sydney is capable of. She has been a top performer with her national team the last two or three years. I know Sydney will settle in with her teammates and our fans here in the Carolinas.”
Bader primarily came off the bench for the Courage in 2024, starting four of 10 matches, but still finishing tied for second on the team with nine goals. She immediately showed her impact in the Final by scoring the go-ahead goal two minutes after entering the pitch as a second-half substitute and assisting on the team’s third goal five minutes later to earn MVP honors.
The forward will stay nearby to start her pro career after finishing her fourth season at UNC Charlotte last year. Bader scored 17 goals and added 13 assists in 70 appearances for the 49ers and was named to the First Team All-Conference twice. She most recently helped NC Courage U23 return to the W League Final this summer, recording four goals and an assist in 11 matches.
“After my time at UNC Charlotte, this city has truly become home, and I’m so excited for the opportunity to represent it at the next level in my first year as a pro. This organization has set such a high bar in its first year, and I can’t wait to come in, put in the work, and help build on that foundation,” expressed Bader.
Martinez and Bader are set to kick off their season with the Ascent on Saturday, August 30 when the reigning Players’ Shield winners face Fort Lauderdale United FC at Beyond Bancard Field at 7:30 p.m. ET.
