ATHENS, GA (March 8, 2026) — In a chippy seventh meeting between the two sides, Carolina Core FC dropped its 2026 season opener 2–1 to Atlanta United 2 at the Turner Soccer Complex. Despite creating 10 shots in the penalty area and utilizing a relentless high press, the Core was unable to secure a result on a slick field in Athens. The match served as the Core's first regular-season test after the original opener on the road against NYCFC II was postponed due to unplayable field conditions.
The Core’s aggressive start nearly paid dividends in the 2nd minute when Thomas Raimbault found space in the box, but saw his effort flash just wide of the post. Minutes later, Anthony Sumo Jr. was played through on a counter-attack, forcing a strong save from the Atlanta keeper. The pressure continued as David Diaz saw an initial shot saved before the rebound found the side netting, while Sumo Jr. was inches away from connecting with a dangerous cross from Antonio Pineda.
Against the run of play, Atlanta United 2 found the breakthrough in the 32nd minute. Dominik Chong Qui delivered a ball from the left wing, finding Caymen Togashi for a first-time finish to give the hosts a 1–0 lead. Despite the deficit, the Core remained resilient.
That resilience paid off immediately in the second half. In the 46th minute, a heavy backpass from Atlanta's Matthew Senanou skipped across the wet turf and past his own goalkeeper into the net, leveling the match at 1–1. The equalizer sparked a renewed energy in the Core, with Raimbault nearly taking the lead on a free kick that beat the keeper but narrowly missed the target.
However, the hosts reclaimed the lead in the 62nd minute through a stroke of misfortune for the Core. Former CCFC defender Daniel Chica found space at the top of the box and unleashed a shot that took a wicked deflection, looping over Trevor Jackson to make it 2–1. Despite an aggressive push in the final 15 minutes, the Core was unable to find an elusive second equalizer before the final whistle.
The Core will look to bounce back as the 2026 campaign continues next Saturday, March 14, when they take on Orlando City B at Truist Point.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: March 8, 2026
Competition: MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season
Venue: Turner Soccer Complex | Athens, GA
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Weather: 64 degrees, light rain
SCORING SUMMARY
FT: 2-1
ATL – Caymen Togashi (Chong Qui) 32’, Daniel Chica 62’
CCFC – Own Goal (Matthew Senanou) 46’
LINEUPS
ATL: Jayden Hibbert; Dominik Chong Qui (Oluwaseyitan Fakiyesi 46’), Toto Majub, Matthew Senanou, Daniel Chica; Adyn Torres, Adrian Gill (DD Sibrian 70’); Luke Brennan, Santiago Pita (Ignacio Suarez-Couri 83’), Cameron Dunbar (Enzo Dovlo 70’); Caymen Togashi (Liam Butts 76’) Substitutes not used: Jonathan Ransom, Ilan Ettinger, David Ilevbare, Moises Tablante
CCFC: Trevor Jackson; Jair Caiza, Charles Orbaugh, Nolan Evers, Nelson Martinez (Nathan Brown 71’); Thomas Raimbault (Mehdi Zerkane 71’), Alenga Charles (Tim Zeegers 71’), Ricardo Montenegro; Antonio Pineda, Anthony Sumo Jr. (Dyllan John 84’), David Diaz (Jesus Ibarra 71’) Substitutes not used: Nick Holliday, Nolan Anderson, Santiago Yepes, Robinson Aguirre
STATS SUMMARY
ATL / CCFC
Shots: 12 / 15
Shots in Penalty Area: 7 / 10
Shots on Goal: 6 / 4
Saves: 3 / 2
Corner Kicks: 2 / 5
Fouls: 10 / 13
Possession: 55% / 45%
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
CCFC: Charles Orbaugh (Yellow) 25’
CCFC: Antonio Pineda (Yellow) 34’
ATL: Toto Majub (Yellow) 37’
ATL: Adyn Torres (Yellow) 45+1’
CCFC: Tim Zeegers (Yellow) 76’
CCFC: Anthony Sumo Jr. (Yellow) 80’
ATL: Ignacio Suarez-Couri (Yellow) 90+1’
ATL: Jayden Hibbert (Yellow) 90+2’
ATL: Luke Brennan (Yellow) 90+4’
