Carolina Soccer Report: Carolina Core FC makes a historic transfer, Carolina Ascent players earn Player of the Month honors, Crown Legacy FC recognized for winning preseason silverware
By Ryan Donahue
After a convincing 2-0 win at home this past weekend, Charlotte FC is sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference. Having secured a point on the road at Seattle and three points against rivals Atlanta United, Charlotte now faces off against Messi and co. this weekend on Sunday, March 9 at 4:00 pm. With vibes on high both inside the locker room and amongst the fans, here’s the latest from around the Carolinas.
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Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery kicks off their home season opener this weekend against Louisville City FC on Saturday night. The side wrapped up its last preseason fixture sharing a point with Clemson Tigers this past weekend. Juan David Torres from the Battery scored a second-half goal to help the Battery secure its result with everything to play for starting this weekend.
The Battery also released its 2025 primary and secondary kits which include their new front-of-kit sponsor The Ideal Life.
NCFC
With North Carolina FC additions settling into the side, the club formally announced its 2025 team roster ahead of kick-off this Saturday against Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 7:00 pm at home. NCFC Head Coach & Sporting Director John Bradford acknowledged that the side is composed of a strong foundation of returning players from the 2024 season, six new professional signings, and two academy signings and believes the side aims to compete for more championships moving forward.
Charlotte Independence
The Independence won its preseason fixture against Crown Legacy FC this past weekend with a 2-0 win at Charlotte FC’s training facility. With two weeks still to go until the side’s season opener, the Independence this past week celebrated Luis Alvarez (Midfielder) and Nick Spielman (Defender) who were named to the 2024 USL League One All-League teams.
Charlotte Independence will play their season opener on March 15 away to the Richmond Kickers.
Greenville Triumph
The Triumph were victorious over local South Carolina Division 1 Clemson University with the side outscoring the Tigers 4-2. Ben Zarkowski picked up a brace along with contributions from Michael Gonzales, and Sebastian Velasquez to bring in the goals on the night.
On Monday, Greenville socials announced the Club’s upcoming theme nights for the season which teased superheroes, retro night, and fresh kits.
Greenville kicks off its regular season home opener this Saturday, March 8 against Westchester SC.
Crown Legacy FC
Crown Legacy FC was recognized this past Saturday for winning the Medulin Cup in Croatia. Charlotte’s MLS Next Pro side traveled to Croatia to compete among other international teams as part of their preseason fixtures heading into the side’s season opener this weekend.
Crown Legacy will kick off it’s season home opener on Friday, March 7 at 7:00 pm against New York City FC II.
Carolina Core FC
Carolina Core wrapped up its preseason fixtures with a disappointing stoppage time 2-1 defeat to UNC Greensboro this past weekend. The club also confirmed the departure of Jeremiah White IV who joined Legia Warsaw in a historic transfer described as a new pathway for MLS NEXT Pro talent.
Carolina Core’s next fixture will be Saturday, March 14 against Inter Miami II on the road with fans having to wait until April 5 for the side's first home opener.
North Carolina Courage (W)
While NC Courage announced their new Believe secondary kit this past week, the players have also been busy on the pitch. The Courage’s Jaedyn Shaw, Manaka Matsukubo, Denise O’Sullivan, Aline Gomes, and Feli Rauch all returned from their international fixtures with the full focus now on preparing for the season ahead.
The North Carolina Courage will kick off their regular season opener against Racing Louisville on March 15.
Carolina Ascent FC (W)
Carolina Ascent’s Jenna Butler and Mia Corbin were nominated for USL Super League’s February Team of the Month. Corbin, who has been making headlines with her three goals in three games, has also helped Food Lion to donate 3,000 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Ascent was disappointed to pick up a 2-1 defeat to Fort Lauderdale United FC.
Ascent’s Rylee Baisden was awarded the Nucor Tough As Steel Player of the Match. Ascent fans will be disappointed by the result as Ascent now sit third in the league table just two points below Fort Lauderdale.
Ascent will travel to Spokane Zephyr FC this upcoming Saturday as the side looks to get back to winning ways.
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