Virginia Dream FC (UPSL) took on Carolina Core FC (MLS Next Pro) in the first round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Virginia Dream secured the win 2-1, to move onto the second round. The match took place at Truist Point Stadium in High Point, N.C., Thursday night.
Zoumana Diarra and Akingbolahan Akinkoye led the way for Virginia with one goal each while Tim Zeegers netted Carolina’s lone goal.
“This is what the Open Cup is all about,” said Virginia Dream Head Coach Charles Taylor. “Cup magic, amateur teams trying to get themselves tested against these pro teams in the first, second round, and for us last year, we were able to get past another professional team in the first round. So we knew what it was going to take coming back on the road here again down in North Carolina against a very strong Carolina Core team. We couldn’t be more proud of the things that we’ve been training and things we’ve been working on, coming down here with the mentality to compete and showcase what our club is all about. We are super excited for the second round, and we can’t wait to showcase to the nation what Virginia Dream is about.”
Carolina Core was able to keep the ball on the offensive side of the field, but Virginia Dream’s defense was able to stay strong early on, with a very patient pace, not letting anyone through.
CCFC had chances to take a first-half lead, as a shot just under the 36th minute hit the left post, just missing. A diving save from goalkeeper Nick Holliday stopped a Virginia Dream chance to score first in the match. Anthony Sumo Jr. had a shot on goal, but it was denied. Both teams went into halftime tied 0-0.
Carolina Core received two yellow cards in the first half, but Virginia Dream could not capitalize.
The second half would get off to a raucous start. A Dominique Colon throw-in saw Ricardo Montenegro find Zeegers for the lead to give Carolina Core a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute. However, Virginia Dream responded quickly in the 58th minute, as Elijah Amo found Diarra in space to tie the game.
Multiple subs were made by Carolina after the Virginia goal as the squad looked to regain the lead. Jesus Ibarra subbed in for Dyllan John, but received a yellow card quickly. Virginia was able to capitalize as Akinkoye, who continues to see success in the Open Cup, put the ball in the back of the net with his right foot to take a 2-1 lead in the 78th minute.
Despite having more corner kicks and a yellow card issued to Hector Guerrero in the 95th minute, it was too late for Carolina as Virginia held on to win by one.
Carolina finished with six yellow cards while Virginia only had two. Virginia Dream moves onto the Second Round for the second consecutive year. Last year, they knocked of the Richmond Kickers of USL League One.