Match Information:
MLS NEXT Pro: Matchweek 21
Date: Wednesday July 30, 2025
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Truist Point Stadium (High Point, North Carolina)
Watch: **Apple TV-MLS Season Pass**
SOCIAL TAGS:
Instagram: carolinacorefc
X: PhilaUnionII
Instagram: philaunionii
Match Overview
CCFC Record: 3-7-8 (21 points – 12th in East)
PHI Record: 9-1-7 (39 points – 2nd in East)
CCFC vs PHI All-Time: 0-1-0 (0 GF, 2 GA)
Carolina Core FC hosts its second-ever matchup against the Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT Pro. The game will be livestreamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.
STORYLINES
Gritty and United Foxes
Carolina Core FC hosted a highly competitive 1-1 draw against southern rivals, Atlanta United 2, with the visitors equalizing in the dying minutes of the match. The Foxes struck first with a header from Facundo Canete in the fourth minute of the game – a goal that would make Canete the leading goalscorer for Carolina Core FC in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. The Core stayed dangerous until a red card decision to Anthony Sumo Jr. in the 35th minute shifted the momentum of the game. Despite the decision, The Foxes remained committed to defense, with 10 tackles won and 40 duels won (both highest in the match). Atlanta United 2 rallied with an equalizer in the 90th minute. The late draw led to a penalty kick shootout, which CCFC goalkeeper Alex Sutton took over, winning 5-4 and giving The Foxes an extra point.
Player to Watch
Alex Sutton was the standout performer in Carolina Core FC’s match against Atlanta United 2. Throughout the match, the goalkeeper remained steadfast in the goal, making seven saves. His contributions extended to a huge penalty shootout win where Sutton was crucial, stopping two penalty shot attempts, including a game-deciding save. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has played every minute of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, making 39 saves in that time and leading The Foxes to four clean sheets.
Philadelphia’s Eight-Game Unbeaten Streak
Philadelphia Union II’s recent form has led to an eight-game unbeaten run, launching Union II into second place in the Eastern Conference of MLS NEXT Pro. Philly is the second-highest scoring team in the Eastern Conference with 40 goals and boasts the best goal differential (+26). Philadelphia Union II reached the MLS NEXT Pro final last season and appears determined to repeat that achievement. Cavan Sullivan is leading the Union’s offense with six goal contributions (five goals, one assist) in his eight starts for the team. Another bright spot for Union II has been Malik Jakupovic, whose clinical finishing has seen him net five goals in just four appearances for Philadelphia Union II (101 minutes played).
