Carolina Core FC defender Paul Leonardi has won the MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchweek 29 thanks to his stunning first-half strike against Orlando City B this past weekend.
The 25-year-old from Marseille, France, scored twice in the first half to help Carolina Core FC earn a point at home and climb to seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The result extended the club’s unbeaten run to six matches and kept them in control of their playoff destiny.
Other nominees for Goal of Mathweek 29 included Tate Robertson (Chattanooga FC), Real Gill (Huntsville City FC), and Charles Ondo (Portland Timbers2).
Leonardi has had a solid debut season with Carolina Core FC, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 2025, while also starting in 20 matches.
Carolina Core’s postseason hopes now come down to Decision Day, when they face Huntsville City FC on the road with a chance to clinch the club’s first-ever playoff berth.
You can catch all the MLS NEXT Pro action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
