Carolina Soccer Report: Charleston Battery and NCFC advance in the US Open Cup, Carolina Ascent stay top of the USL Super League with another big win

By Ryan Donahue

*MD Myers scored his second career US Open Cup hat-trick, both against Tormenta FC (Photo courtesy of Charleston Battery)*

It was another big weekend for Charlotte FC supporters as the side picked up its first-ever home win in Montreal this past weekend. Pep Biel, assisted by Liel Abada, slid one back post early in the first half. That goal and valiant defending from Charlotte’s back line, including a stand-out performance from Adilson Malanda to keep the clean sheet, and Charlotte now sit second in the East.

While the result and early-season form are setting records in Charlotte’s short history, it was a tough week for many teams around the Carolinas. Here’s how things shaped up this past week.

Charleston Battery

Charleston Battery vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-1 Win

Charleston Battery vs Tormenta FC 4-0 Win

Charleston Battery picked up another win at home with Aaron Molloy and Cal Jennings each getting on the scoresheet in the second half to pull the Battery back from a short 1-0 deficit. The Battery’s win on Saturday night now moves the club into fourth position in the USL Championship.

Last night, the Battery beat Tormenta 4-0 in the US Open Cup. Midfielder Chris Allan opened the scoring, and then forward MD Myers followed that up with a hat-trick. With those three goals, Myers is now tied for the lead in the US Open Cup Golden Boot race.

Charleston’s Jennings is also in contention for a Golden Boot as he is tied for the most goals in USL Championship right now with five.

The Battery hit the road this weekend to face Indy Eleven.

North Carolina FC

New Mexico United vs North Carolina FC 1-0 Loss

Charlotte Independence vs North Carolina FC 1-3 Win

New Mexico’s Thomas Amang broke Carolina FC fans hearts on Saturday with a stoppage time winner to take home all three points. NC now sit just one point behind the Battery but the Battery do have a game in hand.

NCFC won 3-1 in their US Open Cup match last night versus the Charlotte Independence. The Independence took the lead early in the Carolina Clash, but NCFC found three goals in seven minutes down the stretch to seal the comeback win. Rodrigo da Costa had a brace, with Oalex Anderson opening the scoring for NCFC.

North Carolina is back on the road this weekend as the side heads south to take on Miami FC.

Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence vs Forward Madison FC 1-1 Draw

Charlotte Independence vs North Carolina FC 1-3 Loss

The Independence drew against Forward Madison this past weekend in a 1-1 draw. Independence’s Luis Alvarez scored in the 83rd minute, giving Independence what many thought would surely be the three points, but were left disappointed after Nazeem Bartman scored just before the 90-minute mark to leave fans wanting more.

Charlotte opened the scoring in their US Open Cup match versus NCFC with a goal from Jon Bakero early in the second half, but they couldn’t weather the storm as they allowed three goals in seven minutes late.

This weekend, the Independence hosts Tormenta FC on Sunday afternoon.

Greenville Triumph

Greenville Triumph vs One Knoxville SC 0-1 Loss

Tough weekend in Greenville as Tennessee rivals One Knoxville bagged a goal in the 37th minute through Mark Doyle. Things went from bad to worse for Greenville fans as midfielder Chapa Herrera was sent off in the 91st minute, concluding the game in an all-around disappointing night down south.

Greenville now prepares for Chattanooga Red Wolves on the road this upcoming weekend as the side looks to regenerate some of its early-season momentum. Greenville now sits sixth in the standings but is tied for fourth on points, so a win this weekend could be key to get their season back on track.

Crown Legacy FC

Crown Legacy FC vs Huntsville City 1-1 (3-4) Penalties for a 1 point draw

The Crown Legacy’s tough times continue as the side pick up another draw this season against Huntsville City with the side eventually losing 3-4 on penalties. Jamie Smith brought the Crown back into the match late in the second half forcing the penalty shootout. Overall, the side did not produce enough firepower to get more than a point out of the result.

Crown Legacy now prepares to take on league leaders Chattanooga on the road this weekend, which presents a great opportunity for the Crown to finally kick-start their season.

Carolina Core FC

Carolina Core vs Chattanooga 1-4 Loss

After last week’s big win for the Core, the side was reminded of what good teams in MLS NEXT Pro can do in a heavy defeat to Chattanooga this weekend. The Core scored early in the first half but struggled to convert their chances.

With a lot of positives happening on and off the field around the Core, fans shouldn't dwell too much on this result as the side prepares next for TFC II this Friday night in a road match for the squad.

North Carolina Courage

Gotham FC vs North Carolina Courage 3-1 Loss

On the road, the Courage struggled to find their foothold in the game. Gotham FC scored three goals all within minutes of halftime, putting the result out of reach for the Courage despite late efforts from Brianna Pinto in stoppage time.

The Courage will search to get back on track this weekend with the side set to host Bay FC at 7:00 PM EST.

Carolina Ascent FC

Carolina Ascent vs Brooklyn FC 5-0 Win

Carolina Ascent thrashed Brooklyn FC this past weekend to continue their reign at the top of the USL Super League in a 5-0 victory for Ascent. Jenna Butler kicked off the scoring festivities in the 18th minute. Butler’s teammates joined in on the fun with Addisyn Merrick, Jilienne Aguilera, Audrey Harding, and Chloe Hylton each adding their names to the scoresheet in what was a dominant second-half display.

The Ascent will now host Spokane Zephyr FC this upcoming Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.