High Point, NC (July 20th, 2025) – Despite being down a man for more than half the game, Carolina Core FC was able to earn two points after securing a draw and winning the penalty kick shootout against Atlanta United 2.
Goal-Scoring Plays
Carolina Core FC – Facundo Canete, 4th minute: Glory Nzingo delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Facundo Canete met the ball, sending a powerful header into the back of the net.
Atlanta United 2 – Javier Armas, 90th minute: Following a chaotic sequence in the box, the ball was shifted outside the 18-yard box to Javier Armas, who struck the ball into the upper left corner.
Postgame Notes
- 10-Man Foxes Secure Two Points
- Facundo Canete – The Foxes’ Top Scorer
- Sutton Dominates Penalty Shootout
- CCFC vs. ATLUTD2 | MLSNP Box Score
10-Man Foxes Secure Two Points
An early red card in the 35th minute put The Foxes down to ten men with over an hour left to play. However, Carolina Core FC would find a new defensive gear to protect its 1-0 lead. The Core would win 10 tackles and 36 duels throughout the entirety of the game, dominating Atlanta United 2 in both categories. The defensive display was spearheaded by Daniel Chica, who led the match in defensive actions (12). Despite conceding a late goal to Atlanta United 2, the defensive effort was crucial in pushing the game into a penalty shootout and earning an extra point.
Facundo Canete – The Foxes’ Top Scorer
Facundo Canete grabbed the opening goal in Saturday night’s match against Carolina Core FC’s southern rivals, Atlanta United 2. Canete was able to get on the end of a corner kick by Glory Nzingo in the fourth minute of the match. The goal marks the Argentine midfielder’s sixth goal in MLS NEXT Pro, making him the outright leading goalscorer for The Foxes. Facundo Canete also created three chances during the match—the most produced by any Core player.
Sutton Dominates Penalty Shootout
Goalkeeper Alex Sutton delivered an impressive performance between the posts with seven saves during the match and proved to be the key player in Carolina Core FC’s penalty shootout victory against Atlanta United 2. The Foxes’ goalkeeper stopped two penalties—including a winning save that secured two points at Truist Point Stadium. The shootout victory brings Carolina Core FC up to 21 points, just four points outside of a playoff spot.
Lineups
Carolina Core FC — Alex Sutton; Kai Thomas, Ibrahim Covi, Daniel Chica; Derek Cuevas (Paul Leonardi – 73’), Alenga Charles, Facundo Canete (Aryeh Miller – 86’), Jathan Juarez (Juan Pablo Rodriguez – 90’ + 1’); Jacob Evans (Jonathan Bazaes – 90’ + 1’), Glory Nzingo (Josuha Rodriguez – 46’); Anthony Sumo Jr.
Substitutes not used — Drake Hadeed, Corey Lundeen, Andrew Pannenberg, David “Pachi” Polanco
Atlanta United 2 — Jonathan Ransom; Noah Cobb (Braden Dunham – 27’), Ronan Wynne, Salvatore Mazzaferro; Dominik Chong Qui, Cooper Sanchez (Adyn Torres – 82’), Javier Armas, Nyk Sessock (Rodrigo Neri – 38’); Moises Tablante, Ryan Carmichael, Patrick Weah (Gabriel Wesseh – 46’)
Substitutes not used — Reuben Clarson, Kaiden Moore, DD Sibrian
Next Game
Carolina Core FC remains at Truist Point Stadium to take on Philadelphia Union II on July 30th at 7:30 pm. The match will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Tickets are available for purchase here.
2025 MLS NEXT Pro
Carolina Core FC vs Atlanta United 2
July 19th, 2025 – Truist Point Stadium (High Point, North Carolina)
Carolina Core FC record: 3-7-8 (21 points – 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Atlanta United 2 record: 3-5-8 (19 points – 13th in the Eastern Conference)
Scoring Summary:
CCFC: Facundo Canete (Glory Nzingo) – 4’
ATLUTD2: Javier Armas (Adyn Torres) – 90’
Misconduct Summary:
ATLUTD2: Patrick Weah (caution) – 32’
CCFC: Anthony Sumo Jr. (ejection) – 35’
CCFC: Jacob Evans (caution) – 65’
ATLUTD2: Rodrigo Neri (caution) – 71’
Referee: Gary Gutierrez
Assistant Referees: Andrew Charron, Aaron Riley
Fourth Official: Colin Ashley
Weather: Light thunderstorms and rain, 84 degrees.
Attendance: 3,404
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial
