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NEWS: PORT CITY FC CLINCHES CAROLINAS DIVISION

Published Jun 25, 2025

Photo by Shai Brown

PORT CITY FC ROLLS TO CAROLINAS DIVISION TITLE

Faces McLean Soccer in Atlantic Conference Final

Port City FC entered its second season in the WPSL with some unfinished business. After finishing second in a tight Carolinas Division race, the Wilmington-based club set out to capture the division title this year. And it did just that. A 1-1 draw with second-place Carolina FC last Saturday was enough for Port City to clinch the division crown with two games to play.

“Winning the division championship means we accomplished something that we were a bit short on last season,” Chad Medcalfe, Port City FC head coach, said. “Now we get to extend our experience this summer and challenge the best outside of our region.”

Port City enters the final week of the regular season unbeaten at 5-1-0. The only blemish came last Saturday when Carolina FC came to town and earned a 1-1 draw in what was Carolina FC’s final regular season game. With two games in hand, Port City exited Matchweek Seven’s draw clinching the division title.

With wins in its first five matches, Port City dominated the Carolinas Division on both the offensive and defensive sides of the field, leading the division with 19 goals scored and with four against.

Medcalfe said one of the highlights of the season was watching the team develop a unified identity in such a short time as they came to understand they were representing the local community.

Port City’s offensive prowess was spread widely across its roster. Karina Peat (University of Louisville 2025- ), Ellie Farrell (James Madison University 2023- ), Azuma Oka (UNC Greensboro 2024- ), and Ella Johnson (Clemson University 2024- ) all led the side with three goals each. Over the six games played so far, 10 different goal scorers names’ have appeared on score sheets.

At the other end of the field, Morgan Hobbs (UNC Wilmington 2002- ) with four starts and Reagan Donnelly (UNC Asheville 2004- ), two starts, have shared goalkeeping duties, posting a combined goal against average of .67.

Port City closes out its regular season Saturday versus Soda City FC, and will travel to face McLeans Soccer, winner of The District Division, in the Atlantic Conference Final next week. The winner advances to the South Region Playoffs July 12 and 13 hosted by the Atlantic Conference winner. The four regional winners will meet at the WPSL Championships in Stillwater Okla. July 18 and 20.