Carolina Core FC Fall to Orlando City B in Close Contest

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

High Point, North Carolina – Despite scoring a goal late, Carolina Core FC were defeated narrowly by Orlando City B, 2-1.

Goal-Scoring Plays

OCB – Jackson Platts, 22nd minute: Orlando City B launched a long lofted ball over the CCFC defense, which found Luca Petrasso, who played the ball across the box to defender Jackson Platts, who finished into an open goal.

OCB – Shakur Mohammed, 45th minute: An Orlando City B through ball found Shakur Mohammed, who lifted the ball over goalkeeper Alex Sutton to find the back of the net.

CCFC – David “Pachi” Polanco, 78th minute: Following a floated cross by substitute Luis Lugo, striker David “Pachi” Polanco headed the ball past OCB goalkeeper Carlos Mercado.

Postgame Notes

Johnny On The Spot

Midfielder Jonathan Bazaes made his first start in MLS NEXT Pro for CCFC against Orlando City B. The Chilean midfielder started at right wingback, a position he has slotted into multiple times this season. Bazaes would play 45 minutes in his first MLSNP start, registering one shot during the game.

Hadeed Is Home

16-year-old Drake Hadeed made his home debut for CCFC in Saturday night’s defeat. The Antigua and Barbuda international came on in the 67th minute of the match, replacing defender Aryeh Miller. Hadeed was an immediate impact player off the bench for The Foxes, totaling 2 shots on target in addition to completing 91% of his passes.

Pachi Back In Style

Substitute David “Pachi” Polanco netted his third goal of the season against Orlando City B. The two CCFC substitutes would combine for the goal as midfielder Luis Lugo crossed a ball into the box, in which Pachi would leap into the air and head the ball underneath OCB goalkeeper Carlos Mercado. The former Barry University striker played 23 minutes in the match, totaling four shots and four touches in the opponent’s penalty area.

Lineups

Carolina Core FC – Alex Sutton; Aryeh Miller (Drake Hadeed – 67′), Angel Aguas, Kai Thomas; Jonathan Bazaes (Derek Cuevas – 46′), Alenga Charles (David “Pachi” Polanco – 67′), Santiago Cambindo, Jathan Juarez (Cristian Gregoire – 78′); Jacob Evans, Facundo Canete (Luis Lugo – 78′); Josuha Rodriguez.

Substitutes not used – Robert Bailey, Papa Ndoye, Jesus Orejuela, J.P. Rodriguez.

Orlando City B – Carlos Mercado; Jackson Platts (Juan Quevedo – 90+2′), Nabilai Kibunguchy, Thomas Williams, Tahir Reid-Brown (Justin Ellis – 65′); Wilfredo Rivera, Jorge Almaguer, Favian Loyola, Jhon…