Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 8
Date: Sunday May 4, 2025
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: MSU Soccer Park (Montclair, New Jersey)
Watch: **Apple TV-MLS Season Pass**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: NYRBII
Instagram: nyrb2
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 1-3-3 (8 points – 9th in East)
NYRBII Record: 4-1-1 (13 points – 2nd in East)
CCFC vs NYRBII All-Time: 1-0-0 (4 GF, 2 GA)
Carolina Core FC begins the month by traveling to New Jersey to face New York Red Bulls II. The match will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff set for 5:00 pm ET.
STORYLINES
Foxes Focused on Playoff Position
Carolina Core FC suffered a close 2-1 defeat last time out against Crown Legacy FC, who scored the go-ahead goal in the added time following a late equalizer from Facundo Canete. The Argentinian midfielder netted his third goal of the season across all competitions after getting on the end of a deflected cross. Another standout player in the match against Crown Legacy FC was Paul Leonardi, who created a match-high three chances for CCFC and maintained a 100% successful dribble rate (6/6 dribbles completed).
The result puts The Foxes in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings with eight points, only one position shy of a playoff spot. There is a lot of action happening around the conference before Carolina Core FC returns to face New York Red Bulls II, but a win on the road would propel them up the standings and, more importantly, back into a playoff position. The two sides have only met once, with the The Foxes owning the series advantage, having secured a dominant 4-2 win last season at Truist Point Stadium.
Player to Watch
Facundo Canete was directly responsible for the goal that brought Carolina Core FC level in their most recent match against Crown Legacy FC. Canete shot the ball through a crowd of CLFC players at the edge of the penalty area, burying the ball in the left corner of the net. The Argentinian has been a staple of CCFC’s midfield, starting all seven games in MLS NEXT Pro this season. The 25-year-old has created 11 chances for The Foxes this season, which is the second-highest in the squad. Canete has also registered three goal contributions in MLS NEXT Pro so far this season and will most certainly look to add to his tally when CCFC travels to face New York Red Bulls II.
The Hosts Pursue Top Spot in East
New York Red Bulls II currently sit second in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings after an emphatic 4-2 victory over Orlando City B. The result places NYRBII just four points behind Chattanooga FC at the summit, with one game in hand. The hosts will be eager to win at home against Carolina Core FC in order to narrow the gap to a single point. Despite losing their only previous matchup, NYRBII will feel confident heading into the match with CCFC, having lost only one game this season and remaining unbeaten at home.
In a man-of-the-match performance against Orlando City B, midfielder Ibrahim Kasule provided three goal contributions (two assists and one goal) in his first start in over a month. Additionally, the 21-year-old created a match-high six chances for his side. The Ugandan international leads NYRBII in both goals and assists in MLS NEXT Pro this season (two goals, three assists).
