Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 18
Date: Wednesday July 9, 2025
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex (Matthews, North Carolina)
Watch: **Apple TV-MLS Season Pass**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: crownlegacyfc
Instagram: crownlegacyfc
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 3-6-6 (17 points – 13th in East)
CLFC Record: 3-5-7 (19 points – 10th in East)
CCFC vs CLFC All-Time: 2-1-1 (6 GF, 5 GA)
Carolina Core FC travels to Matthews, North Carolina to take on Crown Legacy FC in the latest intrastate derby. The game will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 pm ET.
STORYLINES
North Carolina Derby
Carolina Core FC hosted Inter Miami II last Friday, falling at home 2-1, despite an equalizer from Derek Cuevas at the end of the first half. Carolina Core FC aims to gain some momentum in their next game, which will be the latest edition of the North Carolina derby in MLS NEXT Pro against Crown Legacy FC. The Foxes will travel to Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in what will be their second meeting of 2025 against the Charlotte-based side, after Crown Legacy FC secured a 2-1 win earlier this season at Truist Point Stadium. The last meeting was the first time Crown Legacy FC managed to get the upper hand over The Foxes, as Carolina Core FC was previously unbeaten against their rivals (2-0-1 in MLS NEXT Pro). The Core will be eager to return to winning ways in the midweek matchup.
Player to Watch
Derek Cuevas was one of the most dangerous players in Carolina Core FC’s last match against Inter Miami II. The midfielder managed to beat his defender to wrap a curling shot past Inter Miami II’s shot stopper and pull The Foxes level at the end of the first half. With that, Cuevas registered his second goal of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season in just his second start. In addition to his goal, the 21-year-old was able to create two chances in the game—tied for the second most on the night. Cuevas has demonstrated that he can be a crucial piece in Carolina Core FC’s attack and will be looking to feature in the upcoming intrastate derby.
Crown Legacy FC Aiming for Three Points
Crown Legacy FC is currently in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, just three points below the playoff positions in MLS NEXT Pro. However, Crown Legacy FC’s recent run of form has them unbeaten in their last three matches, most recently picking up a point in a 2-2 draw against Orlando City B at home. Crown Legacy’s home record may inspire some confidence heading into their match against Carolina Core FC, with the side having lost just two home games during the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. The team’s standout player this campaign has been Andrej Subotić, whose goal against Orlando helped secure a point. The 16-year-old midfielder has six goal contributions (four goals, two assists) in eight starts for Crown Legacy FC.
