The primetime matchup of the weekend features numerous storylines as third-placed Carolina Ascent FC hosts fourth-placed Fort Lauderdale United FC. The two sides have a storied history, and with a potential record-breaking night on the line, Gainbridge Super League fans will want to watch this one. Tune in on Saturday, November 8 at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock to catch all the action.
A Rivalry in the Making
Both teams have had their moments of upsetting the other. Carolina handed Fort Lauderdale its first loss in September 2024. Fort Lauderdale beat Carolina 2-0 last December, which remains Ascent’s worst loss. But the last time they squared off at American Legion Memorial Stadium, FTL UTD upset the Players’ Shield winner 2-1 after extra time in the Semifinals of the inaugural Gainbridge Super League Playoffs. Though this is just a regular season matchup, Saturday will likely feature a postseason atmosphere and intensity.
Harding Assist Watch
October’s Player of the Month Audrey Harding has been on fire lately, recording goal contributions in Carolina’s last five matches. She’s now sitting on nine all-time regular season assists, tied for first in the league alongside Lexington’s Emina Ekić. With the Girls in Green off this week, Harding could become the first player to reach double-digit assists this Saturday if she can keep her hot streak alive.
Stacked Standings
Carolina and Fort Lauderdale currently sit third and fourth, respectively, in the league standings, with Ascent holding the edge on goals scored. A win for either team would leap them over Spokane Zephyr FC into second place and create distance from Sporting JAX, DC Power FC and Dallas Trinity FC, all of which are within three points of Carolina and FTL UTD.
Locklear’s Time to Shine
Fort Lauderdale striker Kiara Locklear seems to always be locked in against Carolina; she has scored in four of her five appearances against Ascent, and six of her 11 regular and postseason goals have been scored against them. Both braces she’s recorded in the league have been against Carolina, including in last season’s Semifinal. She’s been shut out in Fort Lauderdale’s last three matches, so what better timing to play Carolina?
González Makes Her Return
Dominican midfielder Kathrynn González spent last season with Ascent before joining Fort Lauderdale over the summer. Coincidentally, her lone Gainbridge Super League goal was against Fort Lauderdale in their Semifinal match. She’s already assisted a goal against Carolina when the teams played in Florida in August, so it will be exciting to see what she can do against her former club as she returns to familiar surroundings at American Legion Memorial Stadium.