Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchday 10
Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Chase Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: @carolinacore_fc
Instagram: @intermiamicfii
Carolina Core FC record: 1-4-1 (5 points – 14th in East)
Inter Miami CF II record: 3-4-1 (10 points – 12th in East)
Carolina Core FC continues its inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season on the road Sunday, May 19th against Inter Miami CF II. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET, with a live stream available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Fans can also follow @CarolinaCore_FC on X for live updates throughout the match.
Carolina Core FC is entering the match following a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United 2 on Matchday 9 of the MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season. The win over Atlanta was the Core’s first as an organization in the MLS NEXT Pro season.
CCFC would have to come from behind after conceding in the 31st minute of the match a goal scored by Atlanta United 2 midfielder Noble Akello Ayo. The midfielder netted a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner of the goal from inside the penalty area, which was assisted by defender Erik Centeno.
The Foxes would get back into the match with a must-needed equalizer from club captain Jacob Evans. The midfielder continued his good run of form by firing a right-footed strike to the bottom right corner of the goal in the 43rd minute of the match. The goal is Evans’ second of the 2024 campaign.
Just moments later, defender Christian Diaz would find the game-winning goal scoring from a set piece taken by Jacob Evans. In the second minute of added time, prior to the halftime break, the U-17 USYNT defender rose above the defense and directed his headed effort into the top right corner of the goal. The decisive header is Diaz’s first goal with the club. The former LAFC 2 player has started in six games for Carolina Core FC this season, with five coming in MLS NEXT Pro league play.
The match between Carolina Core FC and Atlanta United 2 marked a historic occasion, serving as the first MLS NEXT Pro victory for Carolina Core FC, with the club’s previous victories (two) coming in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
More history was made for CCFC that evening, as defensive midfielder Santiago Cambindo made his MLS NEXT Pro debut against Atlanta United 2. The Colombia native came on in the 84th minute of the match, replacing Derek Cuevas. Cambindo played a vital role in maintaining CCFC’s lead and helping the team record its first MLS NEXT Pro win in organization history.
Inter Miami CF II
After missing out on the playoffs in 2023, and finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami CF II look to make a playoff run in Federico Higuaín’s second year at the helm. The Argentinian has been with Inter Miami CF II since their inaugural season in MLSNP, where he served as an assistant coach under Darren Powell. Higuaín previously served as a player-coach during his tenure with D.C. United in 2020, and currently holds a U.S. Soccer B License in management. He enters his third year of coaching following a lengthy playing career, where the star midfielder retired with Inter Miami CF in 2021.
With 3 wins, 4 losses and a draw, Inter Miami CF II currently sit in 12th position in the Eastern Conference standings with 10 points.
Inter Miami CF II comes into the match on the back of a 2-1 loss to Chattanooga FC last Friday.
Chattanooga FC would open the scoring in the 13th minute of the match from a deflected strike by forward Jesus Ibarra. Inter Miami CF II’s Idoh Zeltzer-Zubida would find the equalizer in the 46th minute of the match after pressing CFC’s backline. Forward Ryan Carmichael won the ball high up the pitch and squared it to Zeltzer-Zubida who scored his first goal of the season, with Carmichael registering his third assist. Chattanooga would snatch the game-winner in the 86th minute from a deflected cross by Mehdi Ouamri that found its way into the back of the net.
Despite a challenging start to the season, Inter Miami II have found the back of the net 15 times, boasting one of the most efficient attacks in the Eastern Conference. Forward Leonardo Frugis Afonso currently leads the team with four goals. Forward Bryan Destin has recorded 3 goals so far this campaign, with Ryan Carmichael and Alejandro Flores De La Paz each sitting on two goals a piece. Ryan Carmichael leads the team with 3 assists.
Carolina Core FC and Inter Miami CF II kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. This will be the first time these two sides meet.
Fans can stream the match live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or come out to Chase Stadium to support Carolina Core FC away from home.
