Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchday 12
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Truist Point (High Point, North Carolina)
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: @carolinacorefc
X: @HuntCityFC
Instagram: @huntsvillecityfc
Carolina Core FC record: 1-5-2 (7 points – 14th in East)
Huntsville City FC record: 0-7-3 (3 points – 15th in East)
After playing eight consecutive MLS NEXT Pro matches on the road, Carolina Core FC returns to High Point to play the first home game in the club’s history. On Saturday, June 1st, kickoff against Huntsville City FC is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, with a live stream available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Fans can also follow @CarolinaCore_FC on X for live updates throughout the match.
Last Match
Carolina Core FC enters the match following a 2-1 loss against Toronto FC II on Matchday 11 of the MLS NEXT Pro regular season.
CFCC conceded a goal in the 14th minute of the match from a header by Toronto FC II midfielder Charlie Staniland, assisted by Mark Fisher.
The Foxes would have to wait until the 84th minute of the match to find a much-needed equalizer after midfielder Facundo Canete won a penalty after being brought down by a TFC II defender in the area. The Argentine midfielder stepped up and slotted home a right-footed shot to the right side of the goal past TFC II goalkeeper Adisa De Rosario.
Toronto FC II would go on to find a late winner, from a counter attack in the 90 + 1’ minute of the match. Forward Jesus Batiz scored a left-footed strike to the bottom right corner of the goal, after being assisted by Nate Edwards.
Despite the defeat, Carolina Core FC retained the ball for most of the game, totaling 59% possession compared to just 41% from Toronto FC II. The Foxes also completed a game-high 612 passes with 89% pass accuracy. Unable to capitalize on the chances, the team also led the game with 11 total shots, with four of those coming on target.
CCFC midfielder Facundo Canete’s penalty in the 84th minute of the match marked his first of the MLS Next Pro campaign. With his first goal and the two assists that he’s already recorded this season, Canete is showing why he is consistently one of the first names on the team sheet for Coach Lassiter.
Last Thursday’s match against Toronto FC II also marked the MLS NEXT Pro debut of CCFC forward Johnny Bazaes. Bazaes came on for Jeremiah White IV in the 84th minute and played six minutes on the left wing. Johnny recorded eight passes with 100% accuracy.
Huntsville City FC
After narrowly missing out on the playoffs in 2023, having finished ninth in the Eastern Conference, Huntsville City FC look to bounce back in their second season in MLS NEXT Pro. After parting ways with previous manager Jack Collison in April, new HCFC Christophe Berra looks to improve upon their difficult start to the season. Berra, who made over 560 appearances in Scottish and English Premier Leagues as a player, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Following a lengthy playing career, Berra transitioned into coaching in 2022, serving as a first team coach for Raith Rovers and Livingston FC.
With 7 losses, 3 draws on the season, Huntsville City FC sit in the 15th position in the Eastern Conference standings with 3 points.
Huntsville City FC comes into the match on the back of a 5-0 defeat against Orlando City B on May 26.
HCFC midfielder Jonathan Bolanos leads the team with three goals so far this season. Forward Forster Ajago has also contributed to their attacking efforts with two goals during the campaign. Midfielder Brennan Creek leads the team with three assists.
Carolina Core FC and Huntsville City FC kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday. This will be the first time these two sides meet.
Fans can stream the match live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, or come out to Truist Point to support Carolina Core FC in the first home game in the club's history.
