Carolina Soccer Report: Ronaldinho in South Carolina, Charleston Battery reinforce their roster with young prospects, NC Courage award Jessica McDonald with Ring of Honor induction
By Ryan Donahue
After a frustrating Sunday, for Charlotte FC fans, the side was disappointed to return home with no points against an absent Messi and Inter Miami. The side conceded a goal directly from the start of the second half, in what Dean Smith described as a lack of focus from his senior players, otherwise, Smith felt his team were the better side for large stretches of the game. Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Oscar Usteri’s red card challenge on Wilfried Zaha looked to be a momentum swinger that most fans believed would allow Charlotte to go on to win the game but were left disappointed in the end.
Charlotte, who now dropped to sixth position in the Eastern Conference standings will need to use the week to regroup and prepare for next weekend’s fixture at home against Evander and FC Cincinnati who will present another tough Eastern Conference clash.
With anticipation for Charlotte’s first evening fixture at the Bank. Soccer in the Carolinas is officially back with other clubs around both states kicking off their seasons this past weekend. Here is a recap of what happened.
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Charleston Battery
Lost vs Louisville City FC (1-2) on March 8
It was a difficult start to the Battery’s season home opener as the side lost to Louisville City FC in a 1-2 defeat. Louisville strikers Ray Serrano and Adrien Perez capped off a goal each for Louisville with Juan Torres getting on the scoresheet for Charleston.
While not all bad for Charleston fans, the club announced the signings of two new young players. Mexican youth international, Vigo Ortiz (16) signed a multi-year professional contract with the Battery after previously playing on an Academy contract. The Battery also signed Diego Rodriguez (18) to a USL Academy contract The eighteen-year-old is the brother of current Battery midfielder Arturo Rodriguez and a prospect of the FC Dallas Academy he won the 2024 Dallas Cup.
The Battery will look to get their first result next Saturday when Rhode Island travels to Patriots Point.
North Carolina FC
Drew vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds (1-1) on March 8
North Carolina FC (NCFC) shared a point with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Saturday night’s home fixture. NCFC struggled to match Pittsburgh in shots, possession, number of passes, and pass accuracy but a goal from Evan Conway in the 22nd minute was enough to secure the draw.
NCFC is another Carolina side that reinforced their roster in the past week. The club announced the additions of two young Academy standouts Finn Sundstrom and Jayson Quintanilla who signed contracts this past week.
NCFC hosts Loudoun United FC next weekend with the side looking to get its first win of the season.
Charlotte Independence
In anticipation of the Charlotte Independence season and home opener this weekend against Richmond Kickers, the side announced this past week its official renewed partnership with Novant Health as the club’s official healthcare provider. Novant Health will be the official kit sponsor for the Independence this upcoming season and both parties are excited to continue its impact on the local community.
Greenville Triumph
Drew vs Westchester SC (1-1) on March 8
Greenville Triumph secured a 1-1 draw this past Saturday evening against Westchester SC. Sebastian Velasquez's penalty kick conversion in the 31st minute was enough to cancel out Westchester’s Juan Obregon’s goal 14th-minute penalty kick earlier on.
Greenville Triumph will host Union Omaha on Wednesday night with a special appearance from former Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho who will be in attendance for the groundbreaking ceremony of the club’s new stadium in Mauldin, South Carolina. Ronaldinho joined Greenville Triumph as a partial owner of the club and will be honored with a pre-match recognition before kick-off.
Crown Legacy FC
Drew vs NYCFC (2-2) lost in PKs (1 point earned) on March 7
Crown Legacy FC kicked off their home opener this past Friday night against NYC FC which ended in a 2-2 draw with NYC FC winning the penalty shootout. The Crown was the first to strike with goals from Rocket Ritarita and a potential goal-of-the-season contender from Brian Romero, however, NYCFC’s Seymour Garfield-Reid’s stoppage-time equalizer was enough to prevent Crown Legacy from taking all three points. Crown Legacy lost in penalties so they only secured one point out of the performance.
As Legacy looks to bounce back with their next match at the end of March, the club announced the signing of new UNC Charlotte defender Daniel Moore who signs for the 2025 season with an option to extend through 2026. Assistant General Manager Bobby Belair expressed his satisfaction with the addition of another local Carolina player to join the roster.
Carolina Core FC
Ahead of this upcoming weekend's season opener on the road, Carolina Core has continued to bolster its roster. The side has added more additions with forward Anthony Sumo Jr. and midfielder Mateo Sarmiento announced this past week. Sumo Jr joins the Core from Kalonji Pro from the United Premier Soccer League and Sarmiento joins from Inter Miami’s academy. Head coach Donovan Ricketts acknowledged that both players will bring unique qualities to the first team.
Carolina Core will face Inter Miami this upcoming weekend in Miami as the side looks to get off to a strong start this season.
North Carolina Courage (W)
North Carolina Courage in anticipation of their upcoming kick-off this weekend, announced that the side has added Katelyn Rowland as an assistant goalkeeper coach. Rowland joins Nathan Thackery’s goalkeeper staff after a very successful career in NWSL which included six seasons with the Courage.
NC Courage also announced that Jessica McDonald will be inducted into the 2025 Ring of Honor and will be honored at the side’s home opener on March 22.
The North Carolina Courage will kick off their regular season opener against Racing Louisville on March 15.
Carolina Ascent FC (W)
Won vs Spokane Zephyr FC (2-1) on March 8
Carolina Ascent picked up a win this past weekend against Spokane Zephyr. Ascent FC got on the scoresheet early in the second half with Elianna Hutchinson and Jenna Butler scoring in the fifth and thirtieth minute. Spokane’s, Ally Cook scored a late penalty but in the end, was not enough as the Ascent picked up another win putting them third in the league
Ascent now travels south this weekend to face off against Tampa Bay Sun FC as they look to climb further up the table.
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