Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 7
Date: Wednesday April 23, 2025
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Fifth Third Stadium (Kennesaw, Georgia)
Watch: MLSNEXTPro.com
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: ATLUTD2
Instagram: atlutd2
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 1-2-2 (7 points – 10th in East)
ATL Record: 1-2-2 (5 points – 13th in East)
CCFC vs ATL All-Time: 2-1-0 (6 GF, 6 GA)
Carolina Core FC continues its short road trip, setting course for Kennesaw, Georgia, to face division rivals Atlanta United 2. The match will be available to watch on MLSNEXTPro.com, with kickoff scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 pm ET.
STORYLINES
Foxes Eye Elusive Road Win
Carolina Core FC continues to fight for its first away win of this MLS NEXT Pro season following the recent PK shootout victory against Toronto FC II. The Foxes positioned themselves for success in the first half, with Glory Nzingo putting CCFC ahead in his first start for the team. However, the visitors were unable to maintain their lead, as Toronto FC II pulled themselves level minutes later. Carolina Core FC could not regain the lead but secured an extra point in the match thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Alex Sutton during the penalty shootout. This marks CCFC’s second away match where it earned an extra point via penalty shootout after the season opener against Inter Miami CF II.
Despite the extra point, The Foxes will be eager to earn their first three points away from home this season when visiting Atlanta United 2. Carolina Core FC has reason to be confident heading into this match, as it leads the series against its division rivals (2 wins, 1 loss). The last time the two sides met in Georgia was during last season’s MLSNP campaign, where The Foxes managed to secure a 2-1 victory.
Player to Watch
Glory Nzingo made his first-ever start for Carolina Core FC in Friday’s match against Toronto FC II. The Irish midfielder was the catalyst for a strong team performance that was able to secure two points away from home, Glory scoring in the first half of the match. Nzingo demonstrated his immense technical ability and consistency on the pitch, as he’s already registered three goal contributions in as many games in MLS NEXT Pro. The Republic of Ireland under-21 international continues to show why he can become a mainstay in The Foxes’ starting eleven.
Southern Hosts Hungry for Second Home Win
Atlanta United 2 earned their first MLS NEXT Pro victory at home this season with a 3-2 win over Inter Miami CF II on April 7. Atlanta United 2 showed their attacking strength with 17 total shot attempts, seven of which were on target, while maintaining 54% possession. However, Atlanta United 2 would be unable to carry that momentum into their most recent match against the Philadelphia Union II – a disappointing 5-1 away loss, with Philadelphia registering 26 total shot attempts.
Atlanta United 2 will be looking to flip the script when hosting Carolina Core FC at home on Wednesday, with an aim to secure their second straight home win. Atlanta will call on one of their most creative players this season in Moises Tablante, who co-leads the team in goals scored (two goals). The 23-year-old winger, who has already been called up to the Venezuelan men’s national team, leads Atlanta United 2 in chances created with 14.
