June 30, 2026
WPSL 2026, NCFC Navy (photo by Summer Pence)
By Nichole Singleton, WPSL Communications
The opening weekend for NCFC Navy’s WPSL debut foreshadowed the success that captured the Carolinas Division title. Scheduling back-to-back matches on Saturday and Sunday did not prove disadvantageous as the debutants won both contests while scoring nine goals and conceding just two.
NCFC Navy went on to win the division in its inaugural season on a 6-1-1 record, outscoring its opponents 22 to seven, and claiming its place in the Atlantic Conference championship with a playoff berth on the line. For Head Coach Derek Leader, the accolades and recognition are a testament to the team’s hard work, but it’s the opportunity his players have that’s equally significant to the NCFC Youth organization.
“We’re thrilled to continue our season and have the opportunity to play more meaningful games after winning the division title,” Leader said. “It has been a great experience to provide our players with a competitive platform this summer as they prepare for their upcoming college seasons.”
After the impressive start to the season, NCFC Navy found itself down for the first time during its third game and in jeopardy of conceding its first loss. After being level for 60 minutes of the match, Carolina FC scored at the 70th minute that held until the closing minutes of regulation. At the 91st minute, and with the final whistle looming, University of South Carolina Beaufort commit Erin Barrett found the back of the net to secure the equalizer and split points.
The depth quality in NCFC’s bench and having players like Barrett who step up in big moments fueled the momentum that produced wins in its next four games where the team conceded just a single goal across 360 minutes. Among this four-game win streak, was the return match with Carolina FC where NCFC Navy won 2-0 on second-half goals from Belmont Abbey sophomore Briella Boetcher and Lees-McRae junior Kylie Gutierrez.
The next big test for NCFC Navy will come Thursday, July 2 in the Atlantic Conference championship as it hosts The District Division Champions Arlington SA from Virginia.
