Matthews, NC (July 9, 2025) – Carolina Core FC kept a clean sheet en route to earning an extra point in a penalty kick shootout victory against Crown Legacy FC on the road.
Postgame Notes
- Super Sutton Saves
- Back to Winning Ways
- Lundeen Makes First CCFC Appearance
- CCFC vs. CLFC | MLSNP Box Score
Super Sutton Saves
In a tightly contested match, Carolina Core FC was led by goalkeeper Alex Sutton, who made two saves in regulation and a critical save during the team’s penalty kick shootout victory. Sutton and the defense earned their fourth clean sheet of the season against a Crown Legacy side that has scored the eighth most goals in the Eastern Conference this year. Led by Sutton, tonight’s penalty kick shootout victory marks the third of the season for Carolina Core FC.
Back to Winning Ways
After entering the game on a three-game losing streak, Carolina Core FC's penalty kick shootout was a welcomed sight for The Foxes. In addition to the extra point, The Foxes earned their fourth clean sheet of the season and first since an early June matchup with Orlando City B. Wednesday night’s result moves CCFC up a spot into 12th place in the Eastern Conference, only three points out of a highly coveted playoff spot.
Lundeen Makes First CCFC Appearance
CCFC midfielder Corey Lundeen made his first appearance for the club in Wednesday night’s penalty kick shootout victory over Crown Legacy FC. Lundeen entered the game in the 79th minute and played a key part in controlling the game and helping CCFC keep a clean sheet. The 24-year-old midfielder completed three passes and drew two fouls in just eleven minutes of play.
Lineups
Carolina Core FC — Alex Sutton; Derek Cuevas, Kai Thomas, Ibrahim Covi, Daniel Chica, Jathan Juarez (Zion Scarlett – 79’); Alenga Charles (Drake Hadeed – 90’+1’), Facundo Canete; Johnny Bazaes (Corey Lundeen – 79’), Jacob Evans; Glory Nzingo.
Substitutes not used — Aryeh Miller, Andrew Pannenberg, David “Pachi” Polanco, Josuha Rodriguez, Juan Pablo Rodriguez, Anthony Sumo Jr.
Crown Legacy FC —Nick Holliday; Mikah Thomas (Daniel Moore – 63’), Wyatt Holt, Assane Ouedraogo, Jack Neeley (Yves Tcheuyap – 46’); Nimfasha Berchimas, Baye Coulibaly, Erik Pena Boardman (Andrej Subotic – 55’), Emmanuel Uchegbu (Brian Romero – 77’); Adrian Mendoza, Dylan Sing (Leo Bartolovic – 77’).
Substitutes not used — Landon Alepa, Magic Smalls, Simon Tonidandel, Isaac Walker.
Next Game
Carolina Core FC continues its short road stint by traveling to face Orlando City B on Sunday, July 13th, at 7:00 p.m. The match will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
2025 MLS NEXT Pro
Carolina Core FC vs Crown Legacy FC
July 9th, 2025 – Mecklenburg County Sportsplex (Matthews, North Carolina)
Carolina Core FC record: 3-6-7 (19 points – 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Crown Legacy FC record: 3-5-8 (20 points – 10th in the Eastern Conference)
Misconduct Summary:
CCFC: Daniel Chica (caution) – 29’
CCFC: Facundo Canete (caution) – 37’
CCFC: Ibrahim Covi (caution) – 40’
CLFC: Erik Peña Boardman (caution) – 40’
CCFC: Jonathan Bazaes (caution) – 41’
CLFC: Baye Coulibaly (caution) – 54’
CLFC: Nimfasha Berchimas (caution) – 70’
CCFC: Glory Nzingo (caution) – 72’
Referee: Johnathan Luk
Assistant Referees: Joshua Belk, Ariel Raban
Fourth Official: Josh Lampkins
Weather: Cloudy, 81 degrees.
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial
