Carolina Core FC Win Third Consecutive Match, Fifth Straight Unbeaten

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

After winning back-to-back games for the first time in Carolina Core FC history, CCFC extended its hot streak to three as they defeated Chattanooga FC 2-1 in the third matchup of the “Battle of the Independents.” The Foxes would open the scoring in the 38th minute of the match with a penalty kick from defender Ibrahim Covi. The Foxes would double their lead in the 65th minute of the match thanks to a left-footed shot from captain Jacob Evans. Chattanooga FC would get a goal back late in the match, but it would not prove to be enough as CCFC ended the match with all three points.

Captain Evans Strikes Again

Midfielder Jacob Evans bagged his fourth goal of the season on Wednesday evening as he fired The Core into a 2-0 lead during the second half of the match. Following a defensive sequence, the ball fell to Derek Cuevas, who found space and played Evans into the penalty area. The Englishman took a touch and slid a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net. The goal is Evans’ fourth goal of the MLS NEXT Pro campaign, with the captain scoring for the first time since May in a matchup against Inter Miami CF II.

Aryeh Miller Earns Second Start

Primarily serving as a substitute early in the season, defender Aryeh Miller earned his second consecutive start and second victory on Wednesday night. The U-20 Liberian international has become a vital part of a surging CCFC team at the midway point of the season. In his past two starts, Miller has completed 87% of his passes, in addition to allowing only two goals. The young defender also played a key role in CCFC’s 2-1 victory over Orlando City B earlier this month, playing the entire second half.

Lineups

Carolina Core FC – Alex Sutton; Aryeh Miller, Ibrahim Covi, Kai Thomas; Carlos Mario Diaz (Jonathan Bazaes – 80′), Alenga Charles, Santiago Cambindo, Jathan Juarez (Jesus Orejuela – 87′); Jacob Evans (Luis Lugo – 90+4′), Derek Cuevas; Josuha Rodriguez (David “Pachi” Polanco – 80′).

Substitutes not used – Robert Bailey, Drake Hadeed, Papa Ndoye, Federico Stachuk, Yekeson Subah.

Chattanooga FC – Jon Burke; Farid Sar-Sar, Anatolie Prepelita, Duvan Viafara (Joseph Perez – 67′); Callum Watson (Milo Garvanian – 74′), Jude Arthur, Andres Jimenez, Alex McGrath; Min-Jae Kwak (Luis Garcia Sosa – 51′), Mehdi Ouamri (Jalen James – 74′), Taylor Gray.

Substitutes not used – Michael Barrueta, Logan Brown, Ethan Koren.

Next Game

Carolina Core FC hosts New York…