Carolina Soccer Report: Charlotte Independence advances past Carolina Core, NCFC wins their Carolina Clash vs Charleston Battery, Carolina Ascent is top of the USL Super League
- Ryan Donahue
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
By Ryan Donahue
After a disappointing week on the road for Charlotte FC, fans were reminded of the drastic difference between Charlotte’s home and away form, a recurring theme that the club has struggled with since its inauguration. Charlotte heads back to the Bank this weekend in a major Eastern Conference clash against Nashville SC, who sit just behind Charlotte in sixth position. As Charlotte ramps up for this weekend's fixture, here’s how the rest of the teams around the Carolinas performed.
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North Carolina FC
Won vs Charleston Battery (2-1)
North Carolina prevailed in their home fixture this past weekend against South Carolina rivals Charleston Battery thanks to an unfortunate own goal by the Battery’s Graham Smith in the 33rd minute. North Carolina’s Evan Conway opened the scoring on the night, and despite a penalty converted by the Battery’s Cal Jennings late in the first half, Charleston did not have enough firepower to pick up the points on the road.
The result on the evening had a big impact for both teams, with NCFC moving into third position and the Battery dropping into seventh, with only four points between the two.
Charleston heads back home this upcoming weekend to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies while North Carolina FC faces off against Indy Eleven in Indianapolis on Saturday night.
Charlotte Independence
Won vs Carolina Core FC (2-1)
Drew vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (0-0)
Charlotte Independence and Chattanooga Red Wolves played to a scoreless draw on Friday night with both sides sharing the points in what many would consider a less-than-memorable match. Independence only managed two shots on target and eight shots total while the Red Wolves did not place a single shot on target. The result leaves Independence in sixth in the USL League One standings.
Last night they the Independence were able to squeak past Carolina Core FC 2-1 after extra time to advance to the third round of the US Open Cup. The Independence’s Luis Alvarez opened the scoring taking advantage of a keeper blunder in the second minute. The Core’s Joshua Rodriguez responded with a goal soon after. The winner came from Independence substitute Souaibou Marou in the opening minutes of extra time.
Greenville Triumph
Lost vs Spokane Velocity FC (0-4)
It was a tough weekend for Greenville fans as the Triumph were battered by the Spokane Velocity in front of their supporters. Luis Gil and Anuar Peláez bagged a first and second-half brace, respectively, to secure the win for Velocity.
Greenville, after getting off to a positive start this season, will look to reorganize and prepare for this week’s fixtures against One Knoxville SC and Charlotte Independence on Saturday night.
Crown Legacy FC
Lost vs Orlando City B (0-1)
Crown Legacy, despite having the lion’s share of possession against Orlando City B, was unable to secure points at home this past weekend. Orlando’s Shakur Mohammed scored a 30th-minute goal to secure the points. Things got worse for the Crown when, in the 94th minute, Jack Neeley was sent off with a red card and will now be suspended.
The Crown will prepare next for Columbus Crew 2 this upcoming Sunday with the side traveling to Ohio for the match. Both sides have struggled to get going so far this season so the match presents a great opportunity for the Crown to finally get their first win on the board.
Carolina Core FC
Lost at Charlotte Independence (2-1)
After falling short against the Charlotte Independence in the US Open Cup, the Carolina Core will look to move on quickly and prepare for their fixture against New York City FC II at home this weekend.
The Core just played NYCFC, losing 2-1 just over a week ago. They will look for some immediate revenge in their MLS NEXT Pro home opener.
North Carolina Courage
Drew at Portland Thorns (0-0)
North Carolina Courage secured a tricky point on the road this past weekend, shutting out the Portland Thorns and picking up a useful point on the road to keep the side ahead of the Thorns in the league standings. The Courage, who were arguably the better team on the night, had five shots on target and the majority of the possession but were unable to convert their chances.
The Courage now have a week off before the preparation for their mid-April fixture in New Jersey against Gotham FC.
Carolina Ascent FC
Won vs Dallas Trinity FC (3-0)
The Carolina Ascent FC continued their winning form with another comfortable 3-0 win over Dallas this past weekend. Eli Hutchinson and a brace from Mia Corbin helped lead the side to a smooth victory in front of the home supporters. Despite being outshot, Ascent were better in possession and chance conversion on the night which has helped the side jump to the top of the USL Super League.
The Ascent now prepare for their fixture next Tuesday evening against DC Power FC who sit at the bottom of the table, giving Ascent a great opportunity to further build on their momentum.
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