High Point, NC (May 30, 2026) - Carolina Core FC battled to a 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls II on Saturday night, earning a hard-fought point.
The Core came come out with intent, looking to set the tone early by controlling possession in the attacking third and putting pressure on the Red Bulls' backline. Despite the strong start, New York would strike first with Benjamin Rodriguez finding the breakthrough in the 12th minute to give the visitors an early lead.
Nelson Martinez played a key role in The Foxes buildup throughout the first half, consistently getting on ball and helping link play as they worked their way forward. CCFC would find the equalizer in the 29th minute when Antonio Pineda timed his run to the back post perfectly and finished from close range to bring the match level.
Despite finding themselves on the defensive in the closing stages of the half, the Core’s backline stood firm, repeatedly denying New York any clear route to goal. The sides would go into the break level after a tightly contested first half.
The visitors emerged from the break with renewed energy, forcing the Foxes to weather a sustained spell of pressure. Time and again, though, Holliday and the Carolina Core defense answered the challenge, standing tall to deny New York a way back in front. The Foxes would reverse the pressure from the Red Bulls and test their backline when Arnaud Tattevin would set up Antonio Pineda for a shot on goal that would just miss the mark.
Both sides continued to battle for control as the match entered its final stages, with each team pushing forward in search of a breakthrough. The Foxes were close to finding the winner when a perfect through ball split the Red Bulls' backline and set Arnaud Tattevin in on goal, but the deadlock remained intact.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal in regulation, the match was settled from a penalty shootout. The Foxes appeared poised to seize the advantage after Nick Holliday came up with a crucial save during the shootout, but New York responded under pressure and ultimately edged The Core 6-5 in a dramatic finish. Despite the result, the match was a tightly contested battle that remained in the balance until the final kick.
The Core will be away for their next match on June 7th against Orlando City B at 7 p.m.
MATCH DETAILS
Date: May 30, 2026
Competition: MLS NEXT Pro
Venue: Truist Point Stadium | High Point, NC
Kickoff: 6.00 p.m. ET
Weather: 80 degrees, Cloudy
SCORING SUMMARY
FT 1-1
RBNY - 12' Benjamin Rodriguez
CCFC - 29' Antonio Pineda
LINEUPS
Carolina Core FC: Nick Holliday; Charles Orbaugh (45' Mohamed Diakite) (80' Grayson Rockhill), Nolan Evers, Jair Caiza, Nelson Martinez (74' Dominique Colon); Tim Zeegers (64' Corey Lundeen), Robert Montenegro, Thomas Raimbault; Antonio Pineda (88' David Díaz), Arnaud Tattevin, Anthony Sumo Jr.
Substitutes not used: Alenga Charles, Robinson Aguirre, Trevor Jackson, Dyllan John
Red Bull New York II: Aidan Stokes; Aimar Modelo, Aimar Sanchez, Joshua Munson (67' Paul Sokoloff), Connor Faello (73' Akheem Wilson); Benjamin Rodriguez, Joyeux Masanka Bungi (82' Caleb Simmons), Deven Cadigan, Dennis Nelich (67' Christian Gallagher); Nate Worth, Mijahir Jimenez (72' Sean Baitinger)
Substitutes not used: Nasser Dine, Sekou Kone, Malik Odeylnka, Aidan Betances
STATS SUMMARY
CCFC / RBNY
Shots: 8 / 16
Shots on Goal: 4 / 6
Saves: 5 / 3
Corners: 3 / 5
Possession: 0%/ 0%
Fouls: 6 / 5
Yellow Cards: 1 / 1
Red Cards: 0 / 0
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
CCFC - 5' Nelson Martinez (Yellow)
RBNY - 29' Aimar Sanchez (Yellow)
