Becca Mitchum

2026 US Open Cup Round of 16: Atlanta United gets “hard fought” win over Charlotte FC

April 29, 2026 by Becca Mitchum

Fafa Picault of Atlanta United dribbles the ball against Jack Neeley of Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly - TheCup.us — Fafa Picault of Atlanta United dribbles the ball against Jack Neeley of Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly – TheCup.us

Atlanta United’s squad found themselves playing their Southeastern rival earlier than anticipated when they were paired against Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. In a game taking place a full three months before the Major League Soccer schedule had them meeting, it was Atlanta that was able to strike first blood. United earned a solid 2-0 victory at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, N.C. thanks to goals by Alexey Miranchuk and Cooper Sanchez and a clean sheet from goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert.

By handing Charlotte FC its first-ever home loss in Open Cup play, United advances to the Quarterfinals for the third time in club history (2019, 2024, 2026). The 2019 US Open Cup champions reach the quarters for the second tournament in a row after not entering last year’s competition due to their participation in the Leagues Cup.

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Both teams had dominant performances in the previous round of the Open Cup, with Charlotte FC winning 6-1 against Charlotte Independence, and Atlanta United winning 3-1 against Chattanooga FC. In MLS play, Charlotte FC faltered 4-2 against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC, while Atlanta United was able to secure a 2-1 win against Toronto FC.

Atlanta United came out of the gate hot, forcing Charlotte FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller to save an early shot by Atlanta’s captain Miranchuk in the 8th minute. Missed attempts by Atlanta in the 17th and 19th minutes finally cleared the way for a goal in the 22nd minute. Miranchuk and Luke Brennan led an attack through the middle of the field with Miranchuk playing the ball to Brennan, who returned it to him just inside the top of the box. The Russian international paused momentarily, surveyed the goal and chipped it into the far left corner of the goal beyond Miller’s outstretched gloves in goal.

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP — Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Atlanta United’s Assistant Coach Rodrigo Ríos, who was tied for the second leading scorer (3 goals, 3 assists) in the 2007 US Open Cup when he played for the Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL), was impressed by his team’s captain.

“I think all his talent is showing,” said Rios. “Everything that he can do with the ball, without the ball. How unselfish he is to help the team with whatever it takes.”

This is Miranchuk’s third season with Atlanta United, though this is his first year playing in the Open Cup.

The second half saw the shot counter lean in Charlotte’s favor, with their substitutions able to create more chances, but a defensive blunder between Charlotte defender Andrew Privett and goalkeeper Miller led to the second goal for the Five Stripes.

Sanchez saw his opportunity and took it in the 71st minute, only 8 minutes after having been substituted on. Sanchez has been with Atlanta United for two seasons after having played on Atlanta United 2, their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. Sanchez described the lead up to his first career Open Cup goal:

“I saw Hernandez with the ball. Brennan was staying so I decided to make a run to threaten the game. It was a little in front of me and the defender was in front of me but just never gave up on the play and ended up that they collided and just tapped it in.”

“I wouldn’t say that today was our prettiest football that we’ve played this year, but we came out with a 2-0 win – a hard fought win – and that’s the difference,” said Sanchez

After conceding two goals, the Crown couldn’t find their way back into the game. Shots by Nimfasha Berchimas and David Schnegg (both who were able to score in the Open Cup’s previous round) in stoppage time seemed like they were finally building into momentum, but it was too little too late and the final whistle blew.

Atlanta United players celebrate after scoring a goal against Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly - TheCup.us — Atlanta United players celebrate after scoring a goal against Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly – TheCup.us

Though Charlotte FC managed to possess the ball more than their southern neighbors, Atlanta United recorded more shots and in the end (10-8), their converted chances made all the difference.

Jayden Hibbert, Atlanta’s first round draft pick from 2024, had to make just two saves on the night as the United defense helped him earn a clean sheet. The Jamaican international earns his second straight Open Cup win.

Atlanta United and Charlotte FC will play again in Charlotte on Wednesday, July 22. Charlotte FC will play their next MLS game this Saturday, May 2 as they travel to play the New England Revolution. Atlanta United’s next MLS game is also this Saturday as they host CF Montreal.

Atlanta’s next US Open Cup game will be in the Quarterfinals the week of May 19-20 with their opponent to be determined. The draw for the Quarterfinals will take place on Thursday.

2026 US Open Cup Round 3: Charlotte FC dominate in Queen City derby vs. Independence

April 16, 2026 by Becca Mitchum

Archie Goodwin of Charlotte FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal against Charlotte Independence in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Forrest Wimberly - TheCup.us — Archie Goodwin of Charlotte FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal against Charlotte Independence in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Forrest Wimberly – TheCup.us

MLS side Charlotte FC registered its largest win in club history with a 6-0 win over crosstown rival Charlotte Independence of USL League One in the first meeting between the two professional sides from the Queen City in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The Independence went down to 10 men in the 23rd minute, and held on defensively until Australian forward Archie Goodwin opened the scoring for Charlotte FC in the 45th minute.Then the floodgates open, with goals by Henry Kessler in the 60th minute, Nimfasha Berchimas in the 68th, David Schnegg in the 73rd, Kerwin Vargas in the 86th, and Baye Coulibaly wrapped up the scoring in the 88th minute to send the MLS side to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in four tries.

Supporters were buzzing with excitement as this much anticipated intracity rivalry finally came to fruition. And as the whistle started play, each team proved they were ready to give the fans a show.

But an early injury for the Independence forced coach Mike Jeffries to make a formation change, substituting midfielder Enzo Martinez for center back Kevin Riascos in the 16th minute. Seven minutes later, another hit to the Jacks as goalkeeper Giorgios Tasouris was sent off with a red card for denial of a goal-scoring opportunity against Charlotte FC’s Archie Goodwin.

That brought another quick pivot as young winger Viggo Ortiz (who had scored the match-winner in the previous round) was substituted out for goalkeeper Matt Levy. Both teams started to press, hoping that the other would break. As stoppage time was announced, Charlotte FC’s Goodwin scored on a quick header off a perfect shot from Rodolfo Aloko, who has just recently been signed to Charlotte FC from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Crown Legacy FC.

It had been like a dam broken open by the time Charlotte FC hit their stride in the second half. Up a goal and a man, the team was ready for a statement win. Five more players contributed goals, including United States youth standout and homegrown player Nimfasha Berchimas.

This game marks his first significant minutes with Charlotte FC this season, typically playing for Crown Legacy, where he currently has six goals and an assist. When asked about his training, Berchimas mentions he seeks advice from more established Charlotte FC players, such as Wilfried Zaha.

“He gives me advice of how to play with first-team players,” he said. “He’s an attacker as well, so how to dribble, when to dribble, when to crossover. I’m just gonna keep listening to him and doing what he says.”

He is also a player with a plan.

“Every routine is the same for me,” he said. “I’m not going to change anything it’s a cup or a league game.”

Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith knows that all games can’t be like this.

“You won’t go and win every cup game 6-nil or 5-nil,” he said. “It’ll be 11 versus 11, which is something that was the main advantage we had today. But we’ve got a squad, and we’ve got depth.”

Even with the man-up advantage, Smith expected the most from his players.

“You’ve still got to work hard, still got to run,” he said. “You’ve still got to call out the opposition, run them out of positions, and you’ve still got to do that when you’re against 10 or 11 men.”

And coming into the game, he knew better than to take his opponent lightly.

Players from Charlotte FC and Charlotte Independence battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Forrest Wimberly - TheCup.us — Players from Charlotte FC and Charlotte Independence battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Forrest Wimberly – TheCup.us

“I said to the players before, there’s an expectation tonight that you’re going to win,” he added. “If you don’t treat it with respect and the opposition with the respect they deserve, you can sometimes get egg on your face.”

Based on the draw held prior to this round, Charlotte FC has top hosting priority for the next round of the Open Cup, and will be up against Atlanta United the week of April 28-29. The club will return to MLS player Saturday, April 18th in traveling to NYCFC.

Charlotte Independence also resumes league play on the road Saturday at One Knoxville SC.

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Viggo Ortiz’s late OT goal helps Charlotte Independence disarm Charleston Battery

April 1, 2026 by Becca Mitchum

Viggo Ortiz of the Charlotte Independence dribbles the ball against the Charleston Battery in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly - TheCup.us — Viggo Ortiz of the Charlotte Independence dribbles the ball against the Charleston Battery in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Wade Wimberly – TheCup.us

Two wildly different halves saw USL League One side Charlotte Independence and USL Championship side Charleston Battery go into extra time before a late extra-time goal from Charlotte secured their spot in the next round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 3-2 win.

The Jacks went up 2-0 with goals by Souaibou Marou in the 37^th minute and Luis Alvarez in the 58^th minute before the Battery came back with two of their own from Houssou Landry in the 70^th minute and Maalique Foster in the 77^th minute. But it was Viggo Ortiz, a former Charleston Battery player, scoring in the 119^th minute for Charlotte that broke the stalemate which led to the victory.

With the win, Charlotte advances to the Third Round where they will face a team from Major League Soccer. The Independence have faced MLS opposition three times in US Open Cup play but have only won once. That win came in their inaugural season in 2015 when they went on the road and upset the New England Revolution.

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These teams have previously met at the US Open Cup in 2023, with Charleston winning 1-0 in Round 3 of the Open Cup. So far this year, the Charlotte Independence put up a strong 4-1 showing against debutante team Ristozi FC, while Charleston won 2-1 against the UPSL team Florida Badgers FC.

A fresh face contributed to the Jacks’ Cup run as Thabo Nare, one of two South Georgia Tormenta players that are on short-term contracts with the Independence (the other being Jonathan Nyandjo, who was subbed on in the 56^th minute). When asked about his time with the Independence, Nare was all smiles.

“It was a little bit unexpected, but I signed a 25-day contract here about five days ago,” he said. Nare played the full game against Spokane Velocity FC in league play just one day after signing. “I didn’t expect to play as much as I have been, but honestly, I’m just excited to be back on the field with a good group of guys and a great coaching staff.”

Marou scored the sole goal in the first half, a left-footed shot assisted by Alvarez in the 37^th minute. Unfortunately, his game was cut short by injury in the 56^th minute. Alvarez kept the momentum going, scoring as play resumed, with Enzo Martinez getting the assist.

But Charleston Battery have overcome a 2-0 deficit this season already, and were ready to do it again. Landry slotted one in the bottom right of the net in the 70^th minute. This was quickly followed by an open-net goal walked in by Foster in the 77^th minute. It was the last goal either team saw in regular time.

Charleston’s Jeremy Kelly would earn his second yellow of the night in the eighth out of 13 minutes of stoppage time, forcing the Battery to go into extra time down a man. The two 15-minute halves might have felt like a slog, but neither team was willing to concede so easily. Each call was argued, players knowing that they couldn’t squander the possessions given to them, as the threat of a shootout lingered above them.

It was Ortiz who brought much needed relief to Charlotte, who crowded the young forward after his shot made it in.

“There are no words to describe how proud I am of this team and the fight we put out for 120 minutes,” said Charlotte’s captain, Clay Dimick. “Obviously, we went up 2-0 and it would have been nice to close it out 2-0, but to come back and get scored on twice, it shows that our mentality is everything this year.”

They’ll need that mentality to continue their undefeated status this season in league and cup play. Riddled with injuries, the Jacks are missing several key players. Head coach Mike Jeffries said that his players, “have a good spirit and we’ll fight through whatever.”

Charlotte will continue to the Round of 32, scheduled for the week of April 14-15. They will travel for their next USL League One game on Friday, April 3against New York Cosmos. Charleston Battery will travel for their next game as well on Saturday, April 4 against Louisville City FC.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: 2nd half push sends Charlotte Independence past Ristozi FC

March 20, 2026 by Becca Mitchum

Players from the Charlotte Independence celebrate after scoring a goal against Ristozi FC in the FIrst Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte Independence

It was a thrilling debut for NPSL side Ristozi FC as they played their first Open Cup match against the USL League One team Charlotte Independence. Each team managed to find the back of the net in the first half, with an early goal by Charlotte’s Captain Clay Dimick in the 4^th minute, and Ristozi’s Yohsuke Ono scoring in the 38^th minute. The second half was all Jacks, however, with a go-ahead goal by Enzo Martinez in the 69^th minute, and icing on the cake by Fabrice Ngah in the 87^th minute and Christopher Jaime in the 89^th minute to close out their 4-1 win.

The Baltimore-based Ristozi FC qualified for the Open Cup based on winning both the NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference championship and the East Region Championship in their first year in the league. As one of four NPSL National semifinalists, Ristozi FC gained an automatic spot in the first round. Last season, Charlotte Independence made it to the Third Round of the Open Cup, winning against the Long Island Rough Riders and Carolina Core FC before defeat by North Carolina FC. This is Charlotte Independence’s 10th appearance in the Open Cup.

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Both teams were eager as the game whistled to a start, and Charlotte Independence struck first. Ristozi FC’s goalkeeper Jermaine Fordah blocked two quick shots from Luis Alvarez and Viggo Ortiz in the 3^rd and 4^th minutes, but Clay Dimick’s rebound shot stuck, giving the Jacks an early lead. Ristozi FC’s attempts over the next 30 minutes were varied and often, with most being waved away by the offside flag. It took a poorly aimed clearance to give Ristozi hope and a tying goal in the 38^th minute, scored by midfielder Yohsuke Ono. It was obvious that a locker room rallying cry was needed at halftime for each time, the second half was up for grabs.

Charlotte Independence captain Clay Dimick knew just how to light that spark. “These games are tough for us,” he remarked. “The team we play against gives everything they have, and we have to treat it like business as usual. And the scoreline says just that. I’m really proud of the guys and the mentality we went out with to get the job done.” After losing the lead, mentality was the name of the game.

Head coach Mike Jeffries agrees. “We came in at halftime and just made sure that we picked our heads up .” Jeffries has quite a lot of history with teams in the Open Cup. This win marks the 18^th time that he has been able to lead his team to the next round of the Open Cup competition.

The second half ramped up, and Ristozi FC’s Keeper Fordah was up against a tall task. The English keeper was pelted with 16 shots on goal, with 10 of those being in the second half. Enzo Martinez, returning to the Charlotte Independence after four seasons away, wasn’t happy enough with the tie, and took advantage of an open net in the 69^th minute, easily pulling Charlotte ahead. For Martinez, it was his seventh career US Open Cup goal, and his third career game-winning goal in tournament play.

Fordah kept the game close, but Ristozi’s offense just couldn’t make it happen before tiring out. The Jacks took their time, and struck as the game was nearing its end, with two goals in quick succession by Fabrice Ngah and Christopher Jaime in the 87^th and 89^th minutes, respectively. Players from the Independence were happy to speak with the NPSL side after the final whistle, remarking on their first appearance in the competition.

Enzo Martinez of the Charlotte Independence celebrates after scoring a goal against Ristozi FC in the FIrst Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte Independence

Charlotte Independence will compete in the next round of the Open Cup, scheduled for the week of March 31 – April 1. Their USL League One home opener is scheduled for Friday, March 27 against Spokane Velocity. The NPSL Mid-Atlantic Conference schedule has not yet been released, but aims for a start in May 2026.

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Charlotte FC offense erupts in OT with 4-1 win over North Carolina FC

May 7, 2025 by Becca Mitchum

Liel Abada of Charlotte FC celebrates after scoring a goal against North Carolina FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Taylor Banner

The first official meeting between MLS’ Charlotte FC and USL Championship side North Carolina FC provided plenty of drama for North Carolinian fans of either team, but everyone needed to wait until extra time for the scoreline to move.

A goal by Charlotte FC’s Liel Abada in the 97th minute was equalized in the 99th by Rafa Mentzingen of NCFC, leading towards more of stalemate before Charlotte FC score three more by the final whistle, with goals by Patrick Agyemang in the 104th, Nikola Petkovic in the 119th, and Kerwin Vargas ending the game with a goal at 120’+3 for a 4-1 Charlotte win in Round 4 of the 2025 US Open Cup on Tuesday night.

The five total goals in extra is just one shy of the Modern Era record of six, which was set back in the Third Round of the 2012 US Open Cup. That year, the Harrisburg City Islanders and New England Revolution scored three extra time goals each and went to penalty kicks where Harrisburg prevailed 4-3.

Chances for both teams began early, with Charlotte FC’s duo of Tyger Smalls and Idan Toklomati almost scoring in the third and North Carolina FC’s corner in the seventh that led to a skillful Conor Donovan header. Tempers flared early, leading to several on-field confrontations from both sides. The chances continued, but no goals were to be found during the first half. Most notable was a run by NCFC’s Oalex Anderson in the 22nd that was deemed offside, and another chance by Idan Toklomati of CLTFC in the 33rd, going just wide of the goal.

Coming into the second half, both teams knew they had missed earlier chances and were seeking to end this game in regulation. Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith even admits that things needed to change coming out of the locker room.

“I just felt the first half was a little bit too slow,” Smith said. “I thought the tempo of the game wasn’t good enough. I thought we were a lot slicker in the second half.”

Both teams were giving it their all, with North Carolina FC dominating both possession and chances created, but nothing was able to come through. With 15 minutes left in regulation, NCFC brought in fresh legs, giving the chance for Oalex Anderson to create more opportunities in the 80th and 89th. Charlotte FC started to slowly bring in their regular starting players, with their most effective chances both in stoppage time by Agyemang. The whistle blew, and extra time was nigh.

As players got ready for the additional time, fanbases on each side of the stadium revved up, anxious to see what their teams would bring as play started once again. Jack Neeley, a staple in Charlotte FC’s Next Pro team Crown Legacy FC — and earning his Charlotte FC debut — was in awe of the atmosphere.

“Playing with Legacy, it’s quiet on the road a lot, so having this is really cool,” he said.

Halfway through the first period of extra time, scoring finally opened up. In the 97th, Abada’s goal was quickly answered from North Carolina’s Mentzingen. A header in the 104th by Charlotte’s Agyemang created the lead for the MLS side. NCFC needed to get back into this if they were intent on making it through to the Round of 16, but was unable to find another equalizer in the last 15 minutes of the match. Charlotte scored twice in the dying moments of the game, with Petkovic scoring in the 119th, and Vargas scoring three minutes into stoppage time.

NCFC will play again at home May 9 against Orange County SC. Charlotte FC’s season continues May 10 as it travels to Nashville SC.

Charlotte will travel to play DC United as it continues its Cup journey either May 20 or 21.

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: North Carolina FC wins Dogwood Derby with Charlotte Independence

April 16, 2025 by Becca Mitchum

North Carolina FC players celebrate after defeating Charlotte Independence 3-1 in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: North Carolina FC

The heated “Dogwood Derby” between USL Championship team North Carolina FC and USL League One team Charlotte Independence lived up to its name in the Third Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. While NCFC was ahead in shots and possession, it was Independence’s Jon Baquero who struck first in the 49^th minute. North Carolina was soon to answer with three goals in quick succession. A goal in the 71^st minute by Oalex Anderson and a brace by Rodrigo Da Costa in the 74^th and 77^th minute made for smooth sailing into the next round for NCFC, with the final score being 3-1.

As the match began, both teams saw quite a few chances, with NCFC striking with a shot in the first minute. Independence struck back with two back-to-back chances in the 8^th and 9^th minutes – both with Luis Alvarez involved.

Independence’s next big chance was in the 39^th minute, with Souaibou Marou’s shot sailing just over the crossbar. Plenty of set pieces were afforded to NCFC, but none were able to find the back of the net. And so, halftime came with a 0-0 stalemate.

The second half began just as strongly as the first, with Oalex Anderson giving two shots in rapid succession within the first two minutes. As hot as NCFC started, Independence answered right back.

Jon Baquero’s shot at close range hit true, with an assist from Luis Alvarez. Now North Carolina was on the hunt for an equalizer and almost had one with a shot from Ahmad Al-Qaq in the 59th minute.

There wasn’t much time to wait for that equalizer, with one of Anderson’s many shots on the night finally finding its target in the 71st minute. Control of the field shifted once again, punctuated by another goal from North Carolina, this time from Da Costa in the 74th minute, followed by another in the 77th minute, a brace for the Brazilian.

For the remainder of the game, the Independence just couldn’t find the answer to such a quick cluster of goals. Once the final whistle blew, it was North Carolina heading into the next round.

North Carolina FC Sporting Director and Head Coach John Bradford was proud of his team’s accomplishments.

“It was a quick turn-around for us having played in New Mexico this weekend and to get down here yesterday to play tonight. The guys did well after conceding a goal against the run of play – to stay disciplined and then get to respond – was positive and a whole team effort. The who came on really impacted the game.”

And about this particular match-up, Bradford had this to say:

“It’s a good group, a well coached group, there’s a lot of respect for the Independence and we knew tonight was going to be a situation where we had to come in and try to be the aggressor and dictate the game and I thought we did that. And it won’t be long until we see them again.”

This is Bradford’s second time bringing NCFC to the round of 32 as Head Coach, and he has high hopes for his team.

“I’ve followed the Open Cup for years, as well as the history of it, and so for us to be able to compete in it, is a privilege that we don’t take lightly. The opportunity for us to win, whether it be the league, the Jägermeister Cup, or the Open Cup, is something we want our players to value, and they do.”

NCFC travels south this weekend to play against Miami FC Saturday, April 19, and Charlotte Independence will host South Georgia Tormenta this Sunday in league play. Another instance of this rivalry looms close, with these teams meeting each other again in Cary, NC for the USL Jägermeister Cup opening match on April 26. North Carolina FC will play in the next round of the Open Cup on May 6 or 7. The draw for the next round will be this Thursday, April 17.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Marou’s OT goal gives Charlotte Independence first pro win in 10 years

April 2, 2025 by Becca Mitchum

Souaibou Marou of the Charlotte Independence celebrates after scoring a goal against Carolina Core FC in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Charlotte Independence

While USL League One side Charlotte Independence and MLS NEXT Pro team Carolina Core FC have only met in preseason matches prior to the 2025 US Open Cup, the tension on the field was that of storied rivals that had something to prove. A hectic start saw goals on each side after only ten minutes on Tuesday night, but the game was pulled into extra time before the game winner by Souiabou Marou in the 93rd minute.

Mike Jeffries, head coach of the Charlotte Independence, has spent a lot of time in and around the US Open Cup. Tuesday’s 2-1 extra time win was the 17th time in his career that he has led a team to the next round of the competition, which is tied for 10th most of any coach in the Modern Era (1995-present).

“I love the Open Cup, because it’s fun, and I’ve been on both sides of the coin, being the underdog with the amateur team and trying to figure out how to get a result, and then also being the favorite in a game, or being an MLS club that’s expected to win some of the games,” said Jeffries.

With this mindset, it’s easy to see the intensity that Jeffries instills in players season after season with the club.

An unfortunate goalkeeping error by Andrew Pannenburg led to an early lead by the Independence, with Luis Alvarez scoring easily on an empty net in only the 2nd minute of the game. Carolina Core responded numerous times over the next few minutes, most notably with a blocked shot on goal in the 7th minute. So it’s no wonder that they were able to equalize in the 10th minute with a goal from Josuha Rodriguez, assisted by Derek Cuevas. A grueling pace was set for the rest of the half, both teams urging each other to get ahead once more.

As the second half began the tone on the field seemed more subdued, with less urgency seen from both teams. There were plenty of shots taken, each player itching for that winning goal, with a free kick in the 58th minute giving Carolina Core their most clear cut chance. But no goals were given, and extra time loomed in Matthews, N.C.

In almost a repeat of the beginning of the game, the deciding goal was scored within the first three minutes of extra time. Souaibou Marou, in his first season with the team, made the angles work for him and brought Charlotte Independence one step closer to the next round of the Cup. All they had to do was survive the remainder of the extra time, and Carolina Core wasn’t going to make it easy for them. Tensions rose, tempers flared, and after a few small scuffles, the final whistle blew.

Independence Captain Clay Dimick was proud of his teammates’ performance.

“The team did everything you could ask from them,” said Dimick. “Mentality was the biggest thing we wanted to harp on going into this game and from minute one to minute 120 the mentality was there. is a way to see how far you can go … the players, the staff, we believe that we have a lot of quality and can play with teams in the higher divisions than us, and it’s a good chance to showcase that.”

With the win, Charlotte wins back-to-back extra time games to advance to Round 3 which is scheduled for the week of April 15-16. Tuesday’s win marked the first time they have elimated a pro team in the Open Cup without the use of penalty kicks since the club’s inaugural season in 2015. That year, Charlotte upset the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL (now North Carolina FC) and the New England Revolution (MLS) to reach the Fifth Round. The only pro team Charlotte has eliminated since then was last year when they beat Rhode Island FC (USL Championship) 5-4 in a PK shootout after a 4-4 draw.

Charlotte Independence will compete in the next round of the Open Cup, which is scheduled for the week of April 15-16. In regular league play, they will visit Greenville Triumph on Saturday. Carolina Core will have their home opener for the MLS NEXT Pro season this Saturday against NYCFC II.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Joshua Rodriguez sparks Carolina Core to 4-2 win over Soda City

March 21, 2025 by Becca Mitchum

Players from Carolina Core FC celebrate after scoring a goal against Soda City FC in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Carolina Core FC

A thrilling team performance saw MLS NEXT Pro team Carolina Core FC continue to the next round of the 2025 US Open Cup after defeating back-to-back UPSL Champion Soda City FC. An early penalty in the 18th minute by Joshua Rodriguez laid the groundwork for Carolina Core’s dominant performance throughout the game, leading to a final score of 4-2 after eventually conceding two late goals to the visiting Soda City FC.

With this game being the last chance of a first-round cupset in the Carolinas, eyes turned to Soda City to see if they had the little bit of Open Cup magic needed to make it happen. But Carolina Core, one of the two independent MLS NEXT Pro teams, had the first opportunity as Joshua Rodriguez was fouled in the box, quickly converting the penalty awarded to them.

The High Point, North Carolina-based team continued to keep control of the ball, achieving 75% possession in the first half. Each team had chances of their own before halftime came; Soda City with strong free kicks in the 34th and 39th minutes, and a Carolina shot on goal was deftly saved by Soda City goalkeeper Jacob Cotton in the 36th to keep it 1-0 at the break.

As the players returned to the field, it was palpable how much Carolina wanted another goal, and how hard Soda City was going to try to keep that from happening. In the 59th minute, Rodriguez achieved a brace (assisted by Facundo Canete) and added an extra air of confidence to the Next Pro side. Canete scored a goal of his own in the 69^th minute, followed closely by Jacob Evans’s free kick goal in the 72^nd.

It seemed like a clean sheet was inevitable, and possibly even more goals to add to the tally for Carolina when a pair of goals in the 80^th and 84^th minute from Soda City forwards Lamar Thompson and Rauf Salifu, respectively, kept the amateur team’s hope alive. But there simply wasn’t enough time as the final whistle blew.

In winning this game and continuing to the next round of the US Open Cup, coaches and players alike aim to give Open Cup matches the same strength as regular league play.

Evans, in his second year with the team, said that the team “can become complacent if we try and treat a little bit different, so we just went into it like a normal game, and I think that’s what helped to win tonight.”

The Core has made it at least past the First Round in both years of competing in the Cup, but coach Donovan Ricketts has his sights set on making it at least to the Round of 32.

“These competitions are one game at a time, because if you lose, you go home.” Ricketts said. “This is a competition that we want to push as far as we can and we earmark this competition because we want to face an MLS opponent this year, so we’re taking it seriously.”

Carolina have its next MLS NEXT Pro league game on March 24, visiting NYCFC II, before it will play in the Second Round on either April 1 or 2. Soda City FC will play SCU Heat in Columbia, South Carolina on March 30.

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: One Knoxville “tickled pink” with road win over Appalachian FC

March 20, 2025 by Becca Mitchum

A crisp mountain backdrop set the scene as NPSL side Appalachian FC and USL League One team One Knoxville met on the second night of the 2025 US Open Cup. The teams seemed equally matched, but goals from Leo Santos (16’), Babacar Diene (63’), and Scott McLeod (74’), as well as a clean sheet from Knoxville’s goalkeeper Johan Garibay ensured their place in the next round with a 3-0 victory.

The teams wasted no time showing their strength, but a corner kick given in the 15th minute to One Knoxville led to the sole goal of the first half. A right-footed strike by Santos found the back of the net, with a headed assist from Dani Fernandez.

When asked about the match, defender Dani Fernandez said it was tough with this being their second away game in a row.

“We just came from Seattle, and winning and having a clean sheet on the road is very special,” he said. Fernandez also credited Appalachian FC, saying that this was a very competitive match.

Coming into the second half, One Knoxville heavily rotated its squad, using all five substitutions to bring out fresh legs from the locker room. Even so, Appalachian made it clear that they weren’t giving up without a fight, pressing against the professional team when possible.

In the 63rd minute, Knoxville doubled the lead from a free kick taken by Diene. Chances continued to come for Appalachian, but the second goal was joined by a third just 11 minutes later, with Diene assisting McLeod’s strike in the 74th minute. Eventually, it was Appalachian substitute Jeremiah Luoma (one of the team’s returning players) with the biggest chance for ruining a clean sheet: a powerful header that sailed just over the crossbar in the 85th minute.

One Knoxville’s coach Ian Fuller cited the team’s travel earlier this week against Spokane Velocity FC and praised his club for its resilience.

“This isn’t an easy competition to win in – you saw it last night – teams in the higher divisions have lost, so it’s not easy to come on the road after our travel and the preparation,” Fuller said. “We were finally able to break through with three set piece goals and (we’re) tickled pink to have a shutout.

“But you have to give App FC a lot of credit. They fought really, really hard and made it really difficult on us. We’re happy to move on.”

What’s next for these teams? Appalachian FC’s NPSL season begins May 10 at home against Port City FC and One Knoxville will visit Texoma FC this Saturday. One Knoxville will continue its Open Cup journey in the next round on either April 1 or 2.