Carolina Soccer Report: Charlotte Independence and Carolina Core FC set to face off in US Open Cup Round 2, Carolina Ascent has a chance to be top of the table

4 days ago

By Ryan Donahue

Photo Courtesy of Francisco Diaz/Topbin90

Charlotte FC’s winning form continues as the side shook San Jose last Saturday night in a 4-1 home win in front of another packed home support. Charlotte now sits second in the Eastern Conference, chasing table leaders Philadelphia by only two points. As the club continues to catch the eye of both pundits and players alike, Dean Smith’s side continues their preparation with another opportunity to obtain three points against the Colorado Rapids this weekend on the road. As Charlotte prepares for Colorado, here’s how teams around the Carolinas performed across the past weekend.

Charleston Battery

Upcoming: Charleston Battery vs North Carolina FC

The Charleston Battery were off this past weekend but will be gearing up for their fixture against North Carolina FC this Saturday.

North Carolina FC

Won vs FC Tulsa (1-0) on March 22

North Carolina FC picked up three points on the road this past weekend against FC Tulsa. The visitors secured a late 82nd minute goal thanks to the contributions of Pedro Dolabella to get the win on the night. North Carolina, despite having less of the ball and fewer shots helped move their position in the table up to the fourth in the USL Championship.

Next up, North Carolina will take on their Carolinian rivals from Charleston hosting the Battery this Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park in a match that will have a big impact on either side's table standings.

Charlotte Independence

Won vs Rough Riders (3-2)

The Independence’s US Open Cup campaign started this past week with the side facing off against Rough Riders in an action-packed shootout. Rough Riders opened the scoring first with a 49th-minute goal from Riders Jacob Woznicki. Independence’s Rafael Jauregui helped to pull the side level in the 79th minute before heading into extra time, where an additional goal from Jauregui and Christian Chaney was enough to seal the deal despite a late goal from Riders’ Elias Khodri.

The Independence getting off to a good start should help the side carry some momentum into the weekend with the Independence hosting Chattanooga Red Wolves on Friday night at 7:00 PM ET.

Greenville Triumph

Upcoming: Greenville Triumph vs Spokane Velocity FC

The Greenville Triumph had a bye after advancing in the US Open Cup past Asheville City SC.

Greenville Triumph will host Spokane Velocity FC on Saturday at 7:00 PM ET as the side looks to chase down league leaders FC Naples and Richmond Kickers, each only one result above them.

Crown Legacy FC

Upcoming: Crown Legacy FC vs Orlando City U-23

Crown Legacy takes on Orlando City U-23 tonight at 7:00 PM ET. Despite a deflating draw in their opener, Legacy aims to ignite its season against an unbeaten Orlando City side.

Carolina Core FC

Lost vs NYCFC II (1-2)

It was a disappointing end to the night for the High Point side, who were defeated by NYCFC II. NYC’s Camilo Ponce and an own goal from Kai Thomas were too much to overcome despite a late goal from Jacob Evans.

The Core will not have time to dwell too much on the result however as the side will begin its preparation for Charlotte Independence next week in the U.S. Open Cup Round 2, which will surely be a highly anticipated matchup in the Carolinas.

North Carolina Courage (W)

Lost vs Seattle Reign (1-2)

After two matches, the Courage are still searching for their first three points of the 2025 season. The side struggled this past weekend against the Seattle Reign. The Courage’s Aline Gomes scored a goal in the second half to give supporters hope that a potential comeback was possible; however, the goals from Jess Fishlock and defender Jordyn Bugg were enough to keep the Courage out of the match.

As the Courage continues to search for their first win of the season, they will have a good test ahead this weekend with the side traveling to Portland to take on the Thorns. The Thorns currently sit below the Courage in the NWSL conference and will be a competitive fixture that the Courage will want to get all three points from.

Carolina Ascent FC

Won vs Lexington SC (4-0)

It was a dominant evening for the Carolina Ascent FC who beat up on Lexington Sunday evening in a 4-0 win on the road. Ascent had 24 shots and 12 on target, leaving Sarah Cox with plenty to do throughout the match. Ascent eventually was too much for Lexington to handle as Riley Parker, Mia Corbin, and a brace from Audrey Harding were more than enough to win the match.

This Saturday, Ascent will host Dallas Trinity Club on Saturday at 7:00 PM ET. With both teams being close in the table and the first-place spot within reach, a win for Ascent has the potential to carry them to the top of the USL Super League.