Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 16
Date: Saturday June 28, 2025
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Historic Crew Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Watch: **Apple TV-MLS Season Pass**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: ColumbusCrew2
Instagram: columbuscrew2
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 3-4-6 (17 points – 10th in East)
CLB Record: 2-7-3 (10 points – 15th in East)
CCFC vs CLB All-Time: 1-0-0 (2 GF, 0 GA)
Carolina Core FC is on the road to take on Columbus Crew 2 in Matchweek 16 of MLS NEXT Pro. The game will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 pm ET.
STORYLINES
The Foxes are on the Road
Carolina Core FC’s recent match against Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls II ended in a close 2-1 loss for the Foxes, putting an end to their five-game unbeaten streak. Despite Red Bulls II leading the conference in total points, Carolina Core FC nearly came out with a victory thanks to Glory Nzingo's early effort and holding most of the possession during the second half of the match. The Foxes will try to get back to winning ways when visiting Columbus Crew 2, a team that currently sits last in the Eastern Conference standings. The two teams have met just once before in 2024, with the Foxes winning 2-0 on the road.
Player to Watch
Glory Nzingo continues to cement himself as a key player in Carolina Core FC’s push for the playoffs. The Swansea City loanee scored his latest goal against New York Red Bulls II, bringing his total for the MLS NEXT Pro season to five goals. Nzingo is currently tied with Facundo Canete as the top scorer for The Foxes in MLS NEXT Pro and has contributed to six goals across his seven starts (11 appearances). The Irish midfielder’s presence isn’t only felt in front of goal, as he also completed the most dribbles in the match against New York with six. Scoring three goals in his last four games, Nzingo will look to feature in CCFC’s effort to secure an important three points on the road.
Columbus Seeking Home Win
Columbus Crew 2 has had a difficult start to the MLS NEXT Pro season and currently sits in 15th position in the Eastern Conference. The Crew 2’s most recent game was at home against Philadelphia Union II, which resulted in a 3-1 defeat. The team will be aiming to turn their season around with a win against Carolina Core FC to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. One bright spot this season has been the performance of 19-year-old midfielder Nicolas Rincon. The Colombian midfielder has not only contributed three goals (one goal, two assists) in MLSNP this season but also leads the team in key passes with 14.
