CCFC Defeats Vermont Green FC 2-1 on the Road in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round

April 3, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Carolina Core FC News Release

Burlington, Vermont – Carolina Core FC defeated USL League Two side Vermont Green FC on Wednesday night at Virtue Field.

Carolina Core FC Against Vermont Green FC

Wednesday’s match marked Carolina Core FC’s second game in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, after defeating Nova FC 3-2 in the first round. CCFC is one of seven MLSNP sides to make the U.S. Open Cup second round. After overcoming Nova FC in the first round 3-2, CCFC faced USL League 2 side Vermont Green FC on a rainy evening in Burlington, VT. The squad went behind in the 28th minute of the match due to a penalty kick scored by VGFC forward Yaniv Bazini. CCFC would score a penalty kick of their own in the 60th minute to bring the game level at 1-1. Forward Papa Ndoye slotted home a left-footed strike from the spot, scoring his first goal for CCFC in the process. In the 70th minute, super-sub Josuha Rodriguez scored the game-winning goal off of a rebound with a strike into the roof of the net. This was Josuha Rodriguez’s second goal in the competition, having also scored the winner against Nova FC in the first round.

Goal-Scoring Plays

VGFC – Yaniv Bazini, 28th Minute: Bazini scores from the penalty spot.

CCFC – Papa Ndoye, 60th Minute: Forward Papa Ndoye scores from the penalty spot.

CCFC – Josuha Rodriguez, 70th Minute: Forward Josuha Rodriguez scored off a rebound with a right footed shot to the right side of the goal.

Postgame Notes

Mr. Open Cup

Papa’s First Goal

GK Andrew Pannenberg makes CCFC debut

CCFC vs. VGFC ESPN Box Score

Back-to-Back

Forward Josuha Rodriguez scores his second U.S. Open Cup goal in as many games. The Honduran striker is seemingly made for the big moments as his two goals this season have come as game-winners. Rodriguez, who came off the bench, made an immediate impact in the game, drawing a penalty which led to a goal from Papa Ndoye. Continuing his goal-scoring ways, Rodriguez immediately pounced on a parried shot and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

Papa Ndoye Scores First CCFC Goal

Forward Papa Ndoye scored his first goal for Carolina Core FC against Vermont Green FC. The penalty was awarded after VGFC center back Zach Barrett conceded a foul on Josuha Rodriguez in the penalty area in the 59th minute of the match. Papa Ndoye stepped up and converted the penalty with a left-footed strike to the center of the goal. Ndoye’s penalty served as the much-needed equalizer in the match, tying the game at 1-1…