CCFC defeats Vermont Green FC 2-1 on the road in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round
Burlington, Vermont (April 3, 2024) – Carolina Core FC defeated USL League Two side Vermont Green FC on Wednesday night at Virtue Field.
Carolina Core FC Against Vermont Green FC
Wednesday’s match marked Carolina Core FC’s second game in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, after defeating Nova FC 3-2 in the first round. CCFC is one of seven MLSNP sides to make the U.S. Open Cup second round. After overcoming Nova FC in the first round 3-2, CCFC faced USL League 2 side Vermont Green FC on a rainy evening in Burlington, VT. The squad went behind in the 28th minute of the match due to a penalty kick scored by VGFC forward Yaniv Bazini. CCFC would score a penalty kick of their own in the 60th minute to bring the game level at 1-1. Forward Papa Ndoye slotted home a left-footed strike from the spot, scoring his first goal for CCFC in the process. In the 70th minute, super-sub Josuha Rodriguez scored the game-winning goal off of a rebound with a strike into the roof of the net. This was Josuha Rodriguez’s second goal in the competition, having also scored the winner against Nova FC in the first round.
Goal-Scoring Plays
VGFC – Yaniv Bazini, 28th Minute: Bazini scores from the penalty spot.
CCFC – Papa Ndoye, 60th Minute: Forward Papa Ndoye scores from the penalty spot.
CCFC – Josuha Rodriguez, 70th Minute: Forward Josuha Rodriguez scored off a rebound with a right footed shot to the right side of the goal.
Postgame Notes
- Mr. Open Cup
- Papa’s First Goal
- GK Andrew Pannenberg makes CCFC debut
Back-to-Back
Forward Josuha Rodriguez scores his second U.S. Open Cup goal in as many games. The Honduran striker is seemingly made for the big moments as his two goals this season have come as game-winners. Rodriguez, who came off the bench, made an immediate impact in the game, drawing a penalty which led to a goal from Papa Ndoye. Continuing his goal-scoring ways, Rodriguez immediately pounced on a parried shot and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.
Papa Ndoye Scores First CCFC Goal
Forward Papa Ndoye scored his first goal for Carolina Core FC against Vermont Green FC. The penalty was awarded after VGFC center back Zach Barrett conceded a foul on Josuha Rodriguez in the penalty area in the 59th minute of the match. Papa Ndoye stepped up and converted the penalty with a left-footed strike to the center of the goal. Ndoye’s penalty served as the much-needed equalizer in the match, tying the game at 1-1 in the 60th minute.
GK Andrew Pannenberg Makes CCFC Debut
Goalkeeper Andrew Pannenberg made his debut for Carolina Core FC on Wednesday evening against Vermont Green FC. The Charlotte native, showcased his adept ability dealing with crosses in the box, as well as his comfortability passing out the back. Pannenberg recorded one save on the night and played a vital role in the team’s 2-1 victory over Vermont Green FC.
Lineups
Carolina Core FC — Andrew Pannenberg; Ibrahim Covi, Christian Diaz, Kai Thomas; Jeremiah White IV (Jathan Juarez – 69’), Jacob Evans, Facundo Canete, Luis Lugo (Josuha Rodriguez – 46’), Kiki Gregoire (Yekeson Subah – 55’); Papa Ndoye (Jesus Orejuela – 84’), Pachittoo Polanco.
Substitutes not used — Alex Sutton, Angel Aguas, Carlos Mario Diaz.
Vermont Green FC — Nathan Schnur; Bernardo Prego, Zach Barrett, Jack Ashford, Nick Lockermann (Daniel Pacella –77’); Sydney Wathuta, Rodrigo Vaza, Moussa Ndiaye, Pearse O’Brien (Mark O’neil – 68’); Jacob Labovitz, Yaniv Bazini.
Substitutes not used — Eleuterio Lillo, Jason Bouregy, Dylan Lane, Reid Fisher.
Next Game
Carolina Core FC visits Chicago Fire FC II continuing their start of the season road trip on Friday, April 19 at SeatGeek Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
2024 U.S. Open Cup
Vermont Green FC at Carolina Core FC
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 – Virtue Field (Burlington, VT)
Scoring Summary:
VGFC: Yaniv Bazini (p) – 28’
CCFC: Papa Ndoye (p) – 60’
CCFC: Josuha Rodriguez – 70’
Misconduct Summary:
VGFC: Bernardo Prego (caution) – 51’
CCFC: Yekeson Subah (caution) – 62’
VGFC: Rodrigo Vaza (caution) – 64’
CCFC: Kai Thomas (caution) – 83’
CCFC: Pachittoo Polanco (caution) – 87’
VGFC: Jacob Labovitz (red card) – 90’
CCFC: Ibrahim Covi (caution) – 90’
CCFC: Josuha Rodriguez (caution) – 91’
Referee: Brendan Fanning
Assistant Referees: Jay Vallieres, Jace Laquerre
Fourth Official: David Vishnia
Weather: Snow, 34 degrees
Attendance: 2,500
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial
CAROLINA CORE FC POSTGAME QUOTES
Head Coach Roy Lassiter
On the U.S. Open Cup victory …
“The opposition was very good tonight. Their fans were engaged and supported them very well. However, I thought our discipline was better and our fight was good. We showed a lot of intelligence in the match, and we knew it was our moment. We outshot them, had more corner kicks, and had a better share of possession. I knew it was just a matter of time before we would score. Unfortunately, they scored a penalty on us, but the team responded well and showed resilience. All of our players and staff just keep going; we never stopped. We came back and saw the game out despite the weather and the crowd, going through the obstacles. The boys stuck together tonight to get the result.”
On Jacob Evans’ performance…
“Jacob is a leader and a commander out there on the field. He had good awareness of the field, and he was very poised in his decision-making. Tonight, he showed a lot of experience and battled for everything, showcasing his skills and soccer intelligence. Evans was the key player that got us through the game today.”
Midfielder Jacob Evans
On how the team played tonight…
“The boys responded amazingly tonight. It was a tough game, against a tough team, in difficult conditions. The team showed character again tonight. I knew we were always going to win that game, even after going a goal down. Hats off to the boys, and hopefully we can push on from here.”
On what the victory means coming off a winless streak…
“We've got two weeks off now (MLS NEXT Pro games), so it was crucial for us to get a result tonight. This is a good opportunity for us to kick on now.”
