Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 23
Date: Saturday August 16, 2025
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Truist Point Stadium (High Point, North Carolina)
Watch: **Apple TV-MLS Season Pass**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: ChattanoogaFC
Instagram: chattanoogafc
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 5-8-8 (27 points – 11th in East)
CFC Record: 8-6-7 (35 points – 6th in East)
CCFC vs CFC All-Time: 2-2-0 (5 GF, 9 GA)
Carolina Core FC returns to Truist Point Stadium to take on Chattanooga FC in another Battle of the Independents on Saturday, August 16. The game will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.
STORYLINES
Reinforcements Hit the Ground Running
Carolina Core FC saw its unbeaten streak come to an end on a road trip to playoff contender Huntsville City FC. The Foxes narrowly lost the match with a final score of 3-2, but the game had several positives to build on. The two newest Carolina Core FC signings—Jesus Ibarra and Antonio Pineda—were involved in both goals scored by the CCFC, with Ibarra netting his first goal for the club. Anthony Sumo Jr. also scored his first goal for Carolina Core FC after a powerful run that saw him withstand the force of two defenders en route to the goal. New forward Antonio Pineda earned his first assist for The Foxes after threading a beautifully placed ball in the midfield to put Sumo Jr. through on goal. Despite missing out on the points, The Core are currently two points outside the playoff positions.
Player to Watch
Jesus Ibarra had a dream debut to kick off his new chapter with Carolina Core FC. The 27-year-old forward came on at the beginning of the second half for Josuha Rodriguez and made an immediate impact at the front. After just five minutes of game time, midfielder Jathan Juarez played a ball over Huntsville’s defense to find Ibarra. The Raleigh, NC, native used dribbling skills to create space from his defender and unleashed a curling shot that beat the goalkeeper, bringing The Foxes back into the match. Ibarra would round out his debut with two key passes—the second most for Carolina Core FC in the game.
Chattanooga Hunting for a Win
Chattanooga FC has seen a tough stretch of games in recent weeks, with the team currently in the midst of a 10-game winless streak (five draws and five losses). Despite this, the independent side remains in playoff contention, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference with 35 points by a comfortable margin (six points ahead of seventh place). Chattanooga FC’s most recent outing was a 2-2 draw at Orlando City B, where CFC managed to secure two points after winning the penalty shootout. Nathan Koehler delivered a man-of-the-match performance for Chattanooga, as the defender notched a brace that included a last-minute equalizer that sent the game to penalties. Chattanooga FC will be eager to take this momentum to High Point, where it will be hoping to break the winless run.
