Carolina Soccer Report: Crown Legacy signs a high-level prospect, Charlotte Independence adds more reinforcements, US Open Cup action begins this week
By Ryan Donahue
After Saturday night's statement victory over FC Cincinnati in front of their home supporters, Charlotte finished the weekend amongst the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. As teams around the Carolinas conclude their weekend fixtures here’s how things shaped up.
Top Stories of the Week
Charleston Battery
Won vs Rhode Island FC (2-0) on March 15
The Charleston Battery picked up their first win of the season against mid-table side Rhode Island. Battery striker Cal Jennings scored a first-half brace and his first goals in Battery colors sealed the three points for Charleston.
Charleston’s next matchup on March 29, won't be far from home as the club is set to head north to Cary to take on North Carolina FC.
North Carolina FC
Lost vs Loudoun United FC (1-2) on March 15
It was a difficult evening at home for the NCFC supporters as Loudoun United came away with three points on the night. NCFC’s Rafael Mentzingen opened the scoring in the 32nd minute of the match but was quickly canceled out by a 40th-minute goal from Loudoun’s Abdellatif Aboukoura. In the second half, Loudoun went on to find the second goal thanks to second-half substitute Riley Bidois who found the back of the net in the 63rd minute.
With NCFC getting off to an underwhelming start this season, the side have a big opportunity to redeem themselves when they face the Battery at the end of the month.
Charlotte Independence
Won vs Richmond Kickers (1-0) on March 15
Charlotte Independence won their season opener over Richmond Kickers on Saturday night thanks to defender Anthony Sorenson's goal in the second half along with a five-save clean sheet from Independence goalkeeper Matt Levy. The Jacks had the lion's share of opportunities but were contested on multiple situations with Levy making a 1 on 1 save and a missed penalty opportunity that gave Independence enough to get the result over the line.
Off the pitch, it was a busy week for the Independence who announced the additions of several new players to their roster. The recruits for Charlotte Independence include Cameroonian forward Souaibou Marou who joins from the South African side Orlando Pirates. Veteran striker Christian Chaney who is pending league approval will join the side after two seasons with Forward Madison FC. The Jacks also announced the signing of Cameroonian defender Pele Ousmanou on a season-long loan from Hartford Athletic. The Jacks also continue to make moves in their Academy with the additions of new prospects joining on academy contracts.
The Independence will travel on the road this week to face Rough Riders in the First Round of the US Open Cup with the kickoff scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 PM EST.
Greenville Triumph
Won vs Union Omaha (3-0) on March 12
It was a glorious night in Greenville as the Triumph defeated Union Omaha in front of a great group of supporters including part owner Ronaldinho who was in attendance for the event. Triumph’s Leonardo Castro opened the scoring in the 36th minute followed by Benjamin Zakowski who scored in the 45th minute to put Triumph in the driver's seat heading into the second half. Castro added to his tally with an early second-half goal which all but secured the result for Triumph and moved them to the top of the USL 1 standings.
Triumph also advanced in the US Open Cup match after winning in PKs versus Asheville City SC last night.
Crown Legacy FC
Ahead of Crown Legacy’s fixture next Wednesday against Orlando City U-23, the side announced an addition in the past week: Nigerian winger Emmanuel Uchegbu, who joins from Slovakian side AS Trencin. The winger signed his MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2028 with an option to extend through 2029.
Assistant General Manager Bobby Beliar spoke highly of Uchegbu acknowledging his experience in top-flight football from a young age and believes the player will be a great addition to the squad.
Carolina Core
Earned 2 points vs Inter Miami II (1-1) (4-2P) on March 13
The Carolina Core drew 1-1 with Inter Miami II this past weekend but were the fortunate side in the overtime penalty shootout. Jacob Alexander Evans opened the scoring for the Core in the 22nd minute which was canceled out by Daniel Pinter’s second-half equalizer.
The Core’s next fixture is this Thursday’s US Open Cup First Round against Soda City at home with kickoff set for 7:30 PM EST.
North Carolina Courage (W)
Drew vs Racing Louisville (1-1) on March 15
NC Courage salvaged a point on the road against Racing Louisville who opened the scoring early in the 13th minute. US international Emma Sears opened the scoring which was canceled out by a second-half equalizer from another US under-20 international, Riley Jackson. The result leaves both sides at the start of the season tied in fourth position.
The Courage will look to get their first win this upcoming weekend with the side hosting Seattle Reign FC on Saturday night.
Carolina Ascent FC
Lost vs Tampa Bay Sun FC (0-1) on March 15
An early goal from Tampa Bay’s Natasha Flint in the 14th minute was enough to give Tampa all three points over Carolina Ascent despite the Charlotte side having more possession and greater passing throughout the match. Ascent still sit third in the USL Super League and will travel south to Lexington next Sunday where they will look to get back to winning ways.
