Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 7
Date: Saturday April 26, 2025
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Truist Point Stadium (High Point, North Carolina)
Watch: **Apple TV-MLS Season Pass**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
Instagram: crownlegacyfc
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 1-2-3 (8 points – 8th in East)
CLFC Record: 0-2-3 (4 points – 14th in East)
CCFC vs CLFC All-Time: 2-0-1 (5 GF, 3 GA)
Carolina Core FC wraps up a busy April fixture list by returning home to Truist Point Stadium to host Crown Legacy FC in an intrastate battle. The match will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff slated for 7:30 pm ET.
STORYLINES
Carolina Core FC in the North Carolina Derby
Carolina Core FC remains undefeated on the road this season, having secured a result in each of its away games so far this season (three draws, including two penalty kick shootout victories). Most recently, Carolina Core FC drew 2-2 with Atlanta United 2, thanks to goals from Drake Hadeed and Paul Leonardi. Jacob Evans provided the assist for Hadeed’s goal, continuing his streak of scoring or assisting in every MLSNP game this season.
The Foxes now shift focus to hosting a North Carolina Derby against Crown Legacy FC—a team against which Carolina Core FC has not lost since the club’s inception (two wins, one draw, including a penalty kick shootout victory). The match presents The Core with a prime opportunity to extend its record over the Charlotte-based side and break a winless run (one defeat, two draws).
Player to Watch
Paul Leonardi was pivotal in Carolina Core FC’s recent match against Atlanta United 2, scoring a late equalizer that brought the result to a 2-2 draw and earned CCFC a point away from home. The French defender’s contributions extended far beyond getting on the scoresheet, with Leonardi creating three chances, the second-most in the match. Leonardi also delivered the highest number of successful crosses in the entire match, with three. The 25-year-old has started five of the six MLS NEXT Pro matches for CCFC this season and has made a strong case for his inclusion in the squad against Crown Legacy FC.
Crown Legacy FC Searching for First MLS NEXT Pro Win
Crown Legacy FC’s most recent match ended in a 2-1 road defeat to the Eastern Conference leaders, Chattanooga FC. The result leaves Crown Legacy FC winless in its first five MLS NEXT Pro games this season. The team from Charlotte will be searching for its first victory of the season when visiting The Core on Saturday, with a focus on improving their effectiveness in the final third. CLFC has scored just five goals in its MLS NEXT Pro campaign this season—only ahead of Toronto FC II, which has scored three.
Emmanuel Uchegbu was one of the positives in Crown Legacy FC’s loss to Chattanooga FC. The 20-year-old winger was dangerous in CLFC’s attack, completing the most dribbles of the match (4/6 dribble attempts) and taking four total shots, two of which were on target. Although he did not get on the scoresheet in the match, the U-20 Nigerian international created two chances for his side and will be eager to carry his momentum into the match against Carolina Core FC.
