Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 30
Date: Sunday October 5, 2025
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Wicks Family Field (Huntsville, AL)
Watch: **Apple TV-MLS Season Pass**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: HuntCityFC
Instagram: huntsvillecityfc
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 8-9-10 (39 points – 7th in East)
HCFC Record: 13-8-6 (49 points – 4th in East)
CCFC vs HCFC All-Time: 1-2-1 (5 GF, 7 GA)
Carolina Core FC visits Huntsville City FC on Decision Day to make a final push for The Foxes’ first-ever appearance in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. The game will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 pm ET.
STORYLINES
Decision Day 2025
Carolina Core FC played its final regular-season home game of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season on September 27, when The Foxes drew 3-3 with playoff hopeful Orlando City B. The backline for CCFC played a crucial role in offense, with defender Paul Leonardi scoring twice and center-back Daniel Chica netting his first goal for Carolina Core FC. The strong result moves The Core up to seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 39 points—two points ahead of the teams outside the playoff positions. Carolina Core has everything to play for in the regular-season finale of MLSNP, as a win against Huntsville City FC would secure its first-ever playoff appearance.
Player to Watch
Defender Paul Leonardi was a foundational piece in Carolina Core FC’s match against Orlando City B. The 25-year-old scored two goals to give his team a 2-0 lead in the first half. In addition to his goals, the Frenchman also created three chances for his team during the game, the most of any player in that match. Leonardi’s brace brings his total to six goal contributions (three goals, three assists) in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. The 25-year-old defender has been a regular for CCFC, making 23 appearances in the 2025 MLSNP with 20 starts. Leonardi will need to deliver more magic as Carolina Core FC looks to qualify for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs.
Huntsville Plays for Hosting Playoff Seed
Huntsville City has already clinched a playoff spot and currently sits in fourth place with 49 points in the Eastern Conference. The team is coming off a commanding 4-1 victory against Inter Miami II. Although they've already clinched a playoff berth, Huntsville City FC will be eager for a win against Carolina Core FC to ensure it finishes in a hosting playoff seed (#2, #3, or #4). A finish in one of those spots would guarantee home-field advantage in the first round of the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. 20-year-old midfielder Alan Carleton is a player to watch, as he’s currently the leading goal scorer for Huntsville City FC. The midfielder got on the scoresheet in the win over Inter Miami II and has registered 18 goal contributions in the 2025 MLSNP season (12 goals, six assists).
