Sergio Guerra, Sports Editor/Photographer 

Two North Carolina professional soccer teams kicked off their seasons recently: Carolina Core FC and Charlotte FC. Carolina Core FC, located in High Point, NC, competes in the MLS NEXT Pro – the third tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid. The Foxes faced off and lost 3-2 against Orlando City B in its home opener at Truist Point Stadium. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC plays at the highest level of U.S. soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS) and recently played its third regular season match against Inter Miami CF which ended in a scoreless draw. 

The Foxes Fall in Home Opener 

Carolina Core FC has begun its third season in MLS NEXT Pro with back-to-back losses. The Core’s first loss was 2-1 road defeat to Atlanta United 2 on Sunday, March 8 in its season opener. Atlanta United 2 struck first in the 32^nd minute through Cayman Togashi, and the hosts took a 1-0 lead into halftime. However, just one minute after the break, the Foxes were able to equalize thanks to their own goal by Atlanta’s Matthew Senanou. In the 62^nd minute of the match, ex-Carolina Core FC defender Daniel Chica dribbled through multiple defenders and found the back of net to secure a victory for Atlanta United 2. 

The Foxes’ home opener against Orlando City B on March 14, in front of 4,000+ fans, seemed poised to take a different turn than its previous match. In the 31^st minute, Anthony Sumo Jr. pounced on a loose ball in the six-yard box to score Carolina Core FC’s first home goal of the season. Ricardo Montenegro doubled the lead with a delicate touch over Orlando City B’s keeper thanks to an assist from Thomas Raimbault. Carolina Core FC held a 2-0 lead up until the 75^th minute, when Orlando City B flipped the match on its head.  

Two goals in five minutes from Harvey Sarajian and Justin Ellis for Orlando City B equalized the match. The game seemed destined to go to penalty kicks, but Orlando’s Caleb Trombino broke CCFC hearts with a goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, spoiling the Foxes’ home opener. The result leaves Carolina Core FC in 15^th place in the Eastern Conference with no points in the season so far. 

Luis Suarez and Inter Miami Visit Charlotte FC 

Charlotte FC has kicked off the MLS regular season with mixed results, playing four matches and earning five points from a possible 12. Charlotte’s most recent match resulted in a scoreless draw against a Luis Suarez-led Inter Miami CF on March 14 at Bank of America Stadium.  

Much to the disappointment of Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi fans in the Carolinas, the legendary Argentinian did not travel to Charlotte and did not feature in match. Most sources speculate that Inter Miami CF manager, Javier Mascherano, rested Messi for the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup second leg against Nashville FC later this week.  

The absence of the storied player had a negative impact on Inter Miami’s performance in Charlotte. While holding 54% of the possession, the visitors were able to create many clear-cut chances. Charlotte FC created the most shots with nine (four shots on target). Inter Miami’s biggest chance came in the 34^th minute through Ian Fray’s header from inside the 18-yard box which was saved by Kristijan Kahlina. 

The result leaves Charlotte FC in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with five points. There’s still plenty of season left for the black and blue, and these first few matches might still be about the squad finding its rhythm.