Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 28
Date: Sunday September 21, 2025
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Finley Stadium (Chattanooga, TN)
Watch: **MLS NEXT Pro Youtube**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
Instagram: chattanoogafc
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 8-9-8 (36 points – 8th in East)
CFC Record: 11-6-7 (44 points – 5th in East)
CCFC vs CFC All-Time: 2-3-0 (5 GF, 10 GA)
Carolina Core FC is on the road in a pivotal playoff race matchup against Chattanooga FC. The game will be livestreamed on the MLS NEXT Pro Youtube channel, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 pm ET.
STORYLINES
Final Battle of the Independents of the Season
Carolina Core FC is enjoying a three-game winning streak in MLS NEXT Pro as it looks to finish out the season in a coveted playoff position. Last time out, Carolina Core FC defeated Atlanta United 2, putting together a commanding 4-2 victory at home to rise up the Eastern Conference standings into eighth place—level on points with seventh-placed Toronto FC II. The match at Truist Point saw three different goal-scorers: Jesus Ibarra with the first, Facundo Canete with a brace, and Kai Thomas scoring his first goal for The Foxes. CCFC now travels to Chattanooga FC to face its independent rivals for the last time in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro regular season. The North Carolina-based side has not been able to defeat Chattanooga FC this season but will need to to stay in the playoff race.
Player to Watch
Facundo Canete continues to be one of the most crucial players for Carolina Core FC this season, having played every minute of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season so far. In the last match, the 25-year-old midfielder led Carolina Core FC to a victory over Atlanta United 2 with a brace and an assist. That performance brings Canete to nine goals in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, making him the outright top scorer for CCFC. Additionally, the Argentine leads the team in assists with five and is third in key passes with 31. As one of the most productive players on the front line, Canete will aim to deliver another key performance against Chattanooga FC this weekend.
Chattanooga Aiming to Secure Playoff Spot
Chattanooga FC comes into the game on the back of a three-game winning streak of its own after defeating Crown Legacy FC, Huntsville City FC, and CCFC. Most recently, Chattanooga was down 2-0 away from home against Crown Legacy FC and, after a dominant second half, went on to win 4-2. The victory was spearheaded by defender Tate Robertson, who scored the go-ahead penalty kick, assisted CFC’s first goal, and put together six key passes in the match. The result puts Chattanooga in fifth place in the Eastern Conference ahead of the match against Carolina Core FC. A victory against The Foxes would guarantee a postseason place for Chattanooga.
