Lexington SC makes history and wins the Gainbridge Super League Title

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - After claiming the first regular season title in club history, the Lexington SC Women’s team wins the Gainbridge Super League final for the first time, and also become the first club in league history to do so.

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.

LSC 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.