Match Preview: Carolina Core FC vs. Atlanta United FC March 24, 2024

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, March 24
• Kickoff time: 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Fifth Third Bank Stadium

Live Stream: MLSNEXTPro.com

Follow along: Follow the match with realtime stats and live play-by-play on our Matchday Hub page.

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Match OverviewCCFC Record: 0-0-1  (2 points – 7th in East)
ATL record: 0-1-0 (0 points – 12th in East)

Key Storylines

Carolina Core FC continues its 2024 campaign with a road match at Fifth Third Bank Stadium against Atlanta United FC 2.

The Foxes come into the game on the back of a draw and penalty shootout win, against 2023 Eastern Conference regular season winners Crown Legacy FC. Pachittoo Polanco score the equalizer in the 90+1 minute of the game, to send the game into the shootout.

Goalkeeper Alex Sutton, had an impressive debut, saving two penalties in the shootout. The experienced keeper made two saves throughout the game, making a crucial stop to deny Crown Legacy from doubling their lead. 

Player To Watch

The last match marked the debut of versatile forward Pachittoo Polanco, who came off the bench to score an equalizer in the 90+1' minute against Crown Legacy FC. With the goal, Polanco became the first official goal scorer in CCFC history. The 25-year-old forward made an immediate impact in the game despite coming off the bench, with the powerful striker registering three total shots despite playing just 20 minutes. The experienced forward has been a welcomed surprise this season, having now scored and assisted in CCFC's first-round U.S. Open Cup game against NoVa FC on Thursday night. Pachittoo looks to continue his fantastic run of form throughout this season for the Foxes.

Get to Know Atlanta United 2

Atlanta United 2 are coming off a 3-2 defeat on the road to Orlando City B. The side is led by head coach Steve Cooke, who in 2023 led his team to a 9-13-6 record in what was his first season with the team. Atlanta United 2 currently sits in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings. The team has been led by forwards Javier Armas and Efraín Morales, who have scored both goals for the side this season.