Match Information:
U.S. Open Cup: Round 2
Date: Tuesday April 1, 2025
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex (Matthews, NC)
Watch: U.S. Soccer YouTube Channel
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: Independence
Instagram: cltindependence
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 1-1-1 (All competitions)
CI Record: 2-0-0 (All competitions)
Carolina Core FC travels to Matthews, North Carolina, in Round 2 of the U.S. Open Cup to take on North Carolina-based USL-League One club Charlotte Independence. The match will be livestreamed on U.S. Soccer YouTube, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
The Core Looks to Bounce Back
Carolina Core FC endured its first defeat of the season in Matchday 3 against New York City FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. It was a fiercely contested game that saw The Core outshoot their hosts by more than double (13). After finding the back of the net late, The Core left New York empty-handed and will be eager to bounce back as they look towards their matchup against Charlotte Independence. The Jacks have faced CCFC in preseason behind closed doors on several occasions..
The Foxes earned a commanding victory in their previous Open Cup outing, dominating Soda City FC with a scoreline of 4-2. The team will be looking to call on their previous performance in the competition to catapult them into the third round—equaling the successful Open Cup run from The Core’s inaugural season. Should the team get past Charlotte Independence, they would only be one round away from a potential MLS match-up.
Player to Watch
Jacob Evans is the man in form for Carolina Core FC, scoring three goals in as many appearances across all competitions. The midfielder’s free-kick goal against Soda City FC capped an incredible team performance, and he has stamped his influence on the CCFC frontline. In addition to his goal against NYCFCII, an 80th-minute strike that found the top corner of the net, Evans registered an 82% accurate pass rate, created one big chance, and won three duels on the night. The Core will be looking towards its captain to provide another incredible performance in the Open Cup against Charlotte Independence.
The Jacks Eyeing Fourth Round
Last season saw Charlotte Independence beat higher-ranked USL-Championship side Rhode Island FC on their route to a fourth-round exit in the U.S. Open Cup. The Jacks were pitted against MLS club Atlanta United in the fourth round, losing 3-0. The Charlotte side will be desperate to replicate a run to the fourth round and beyond.
This season, Charlotte Independence booked their ticket to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup after a 3-2 extra time win over the Long Island Rough Riders. Rafael Jauregi was pivotal in the team's victory, scoring two goals, including the go-ahead goal in the second period of extra time.
Charlotte Independence’s victory in the Open Cup compounds the success they had in the opening match week of the USL League One regular season, a 1-0 win over the Richmond Kickers. The Jacks have made it two wins in as many matches this season and will be in action one more time in USL-League One league play before their matchup against Carolina Core FC.
