Steigleder, McCain lead hosts to 3-1 comeback victory against Carolina Ascent FC before sellout crowd of 7,715 fans
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Regan Steigleder and Addie McCain scored in the first period of extra time to earn Lexington SC a 3-1 victory against Carolina Ascent FC in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final on Saturday night before a sellout crowd of 7,715 fans at Lexington SC Stadium to cap a worst-to-first season with the club’s first league title.
After an even start to the game, Lexington began to carry more of the game and almost took the lead in the 17th minute when McKenzie Weinert won possession on a ball over the top into the right side of the penalty area ahead of Carolina goalkeeper Sydney Martinez before cutting a pass back to Catherine Barry in space, but Martinez recovered to save Barry’s effort to the left corner, denying the Golden Boot winner.
Ascent came further into the game late in the half, however, and as it ticked into stoppage time the visitors took the lead. A cross in from the left by Mackenzie George was battled for in the air by Shea Groom, and the ball deflected to Mia Corbin at the top of the box for a powerful left-footed strike into the right side of the net.
Lexington threatened to level just past the hour-mark when it was awarded a free kick just outside the top-left edge of the penalty area, but Martinez parried a powerful shot by Sarah Griffith wide of the right post. Weinert then went close with 20 minutes to go as LSC turned over possession in the attacking third to set up a chance that was blocked away, but moments later Weinert found the equalizer, scoring from close range off Barry’s cross from the right to bring the hosts level.
Carolina made a push to regain the lead late in regulation, including a pair of set piece opportunities that Lexington was able to withstand to send the game to extra time. The hosts then took their first lead of the night six minutes into the extra session as Steigleder rose to head home at the top of the six-yard area off a corner from the right, while eight minutes later McCain added an insurance goal for LSC, finishing at the second attempt after bring played in by Hannah White.
Ascent once again pushed in the second period of extra time, but the visitors were unable to find a way back into the game as the Lexington back line held firm, ending the night with seven blocked shots to close out a historic victory.
Takeaways
Lexington SC – The hosts completed a remarkable turnaround campaign, going worst-to-first in the regular season before claiming the league title, with a resilient display that saw McKenzie Weinert capitalize and eventually break down Ascent’s defensive resistance. LSC’s league-leading 18th goal from a set piece early in the first period of extra time by Regan Steigleder then set the hosts on their way to well-earned victory in front of a sellout crowd.
Carolina Ascent FC – The visitors produced a sterling display for more than an hour, with Mia Corbin’s opening goal a top-quality finish to put Carolina ahead. As the second half progressed, however, the pressure Lexington was able to produced finally broke down Carolina’s back line and from there while Ascent had positive spells it was unable to find another decisive moment either late in regulation or as it tried to rally in the second period of extra time.
Key Moment
Regan Steigleder’s headed finish six minutes into extra time off a corner from the right was pin-point in its placement and sent Lexington into a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
Key Stat
Lexington SC’s lone other comeback victory in the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season was also against Carolina Ascent FC on February 7, 2026 when LSC took a 2-1 victory.
Gainbridge Super League Final Most Valuable Player
Regan Steigleder, Lexington SC – The center back scored the game-winning goal early in extra time as part of a strong all-around display that saw her lead all players, completing 63 of 76 passes and record seven clearances, three blocked shots and two interceptions defensively for the champions.
Scoring Summary
CAR – Mia Corbin 45+1
LEX – McKenzie Weinert 72’
LEX – Regan Steigleder 96’
LEX – Addie McCain 104’