Defender Emily Moxley scored her first pro goal in the 32nd minute Saturday night, and Carolina Ascent, Charlotte's professional women's soccer team, beat Lexington SC 1-0.
Midfielder Shea Groom touched the ball past two Lexington defenders to forward Rylee Baisden, and Moxley overlapped her, took Baisden's pass and fired into the side netting, according to the club.
The win kept Carolina first in the Gainbridge Super League, an eight-team women's league. Goalkeeper Sydney Martinez made three saves for Carolina's eighth shutout of the season, which the club said ties her with teammate Hope Hisey, also a goalkeeper, for the most in league history.
"It was super cool. It's definitely something I'm going to remember forever," Moxley said in the club's recap. She added, "We practice that sort of shot a lot, so I'm thankful it went in."
In the 68th minute, Martinez made a leaping save on a left-footed shot from Lexington's Hannah White. In the 78th, defender Jenna Butler lunged in front of a shot by Lexington's Cat Berry from near the penalty spot.
Moxley was playing right back in her first start of the season, the club said, because forward Mia Corbin and defender Addisyn Merrick were out. Midfielder Taylor Porter, also making her first start of the season, wore the captain's armband.
"Mox has had highs and lows, and she's had to be patient at times," Carolina head coach Philip Poole said. "She's a person that comes in every day, works hard, and that's why we keep her year on year."
Lexington beat Carolina 3-1 in extra time in last season's final. Carolina has won both meetings this fall, including a 1-0 win in Lexington on Sept. 11.
Carolina plays at Brooklyn FC at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.