For a long time now, players who have sought to forge a professional career in the USA have had just one option when it comes to finding a league.
The NWSL is the country’s sole fully professional division and, therefore, the only place where they could realistically ply their trade.
However, there is now an alternative available in the form of the all-new USL Super League.
The inaugural campaign got underway back in August, and an initial eight teams (with more set to join in years to come) competed for glory.
The league, the brainchild of business executive Amanda Vandervort, is more exciting because it is more closely aligned with the international calendar and system.
It runs from the autumn through to the spring and does not use a Draft system to build squad rosters.
As a result, it offers a very different product for players and fans alike and is seen by many as a breath of fresh air in the American women’s game.
With the campaign already six weeks old, fans have had a good opportunity to assess each sides credentials and make judgements about how they could perform.
One that has particularly impressed is Carolina Ascent FC.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and coached by Philip Poole, they currently top the standings after three wins in their opening four matches and two clean sheets.
They clearly understand the need for exciting attacking play and solidity at the back.
Not everything has been perfect, and this tactical analysis will highlight areas where they can still improve.
Still, there is certainly a lot to like about them, and there is no doubt that they are among the contenders to lift the trophy when the season reaches its conclusion next May.
Carolina Ascents Adaptability In Attack
Whilst defending remains a critical aspect of any team’s performance, the demands of the modern game are such that exciting attacking play will always be more highly favoured.
When watching Carolina Ascent FC, it is clear that they understand that and have a natural desire to get on the front foot, but they can do so in different ways.
Adaptability is critical, as it means that they always have a fallback option if their initial game plan fails to have the desired effect.
This has made it so difficult for them to be completely shut out.
Their tactics have mostly revolved around keeping the ball on the ground and shifting it through the lines progressively without holding onto it for too long in the same area of the field.
They look to prevent their opponents from getting into their shape and sealing off potential passing routes.
Given th
