CCFC Defeated by North Carolina FC 1-0 in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round

April 17, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Carolina Core FC News Release

Gary, North Carolina – Carolina Core FC fell to USL Championship side North Carolina FC on Wednesday night at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Goal-Scoring Plays

NCFC – Julian Placias, 61′ (Garrett McLaughin): Julian Placias scored a right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Garrett McLaughlin.

Postgame Notes

CCFC One of Three MLS Next Pro Clubs in 3rd Round of U.S. Open Cup

Alex Sutton with Season-High Seven Saves

Josuha Rodriguez Makes First CCFC Start

CCFC vs. NCFC ESPN Box Score

CCFC One of Three MLS NEXT Pro Clubs in 3rd Round of U.S. Open Cup

New MLS NEXT Pro independent club, Carolina Core FC participated as one of three MLS NEXT Pro teams to make it to the 3rd round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. In their inaugural season, CCFC joins fellow MLSNP sides Chicago Fire FC II and NYCFC in the 3rd round. Carolina Core faced USL Championship side North Carolina FC on Wednesday night in Cary, North Carolina. CCFC fell 1-0 on the night, marking the end of the team’s first US Open Cup run.

Goalkeeper Alex Sutton Make Season-High Seven Saves

Goalkeeper Alex Sutton was very busy in Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup match, making seven saves throughout the game. Sutton made two saves that denied North Carolina FC from scoring from close-range. The 23-year-old keeper was vital in keeping CCFC in the match until the very end.

Josuha Rodriguez Makes First CCFC Start

After scoring the game-winning goal in the CCFC’s first two U.S. Open Cup matches, Josuha Rodriguez earned his first start for the club on Wednesday evening against intrastate rivals North Carolina FC. The CCFC forward played the full 90 minutes and showcased his offensive prowess in attacking third. In the 88th minute of the match, it looked as if Josuha would have another U.S. Open Cup magic moment. The forward put the ball in the back of the net after latching on to a pass from Kai Thomas; however, the goal was disallowed for offsides.

Lineups

Carolina Core FC – Alex Sutton; Jathan Juarez, Kai Thomas, Ibraham Covi (Angel Aguas – 80′), Christian Diaz (Jeremiah White IV – 73′); Jacob Evans, Facundo Canete, David “Pachi” Polanco (Derek Cuevas – 73′); Yekeson Subah (Kiki Gregoire – 89′), Papa Ndoye (Jesus Orejuela – 73′); Josuha Rodriguez.

Substitutes not used – Andrew Pannenberg, Luis Lugo.

North Carolina FC – Jake McGuire; Bryce Washington, Daniel Navarro (Justin Malou -85′), Adrian Pelayo; Nelson Blanco, Collin…