MATTHEWS, N.C. (Sunday, October 25, 2026) - Crown Legacy FC fell 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday night at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex.
After a scoreless first half, Columbus broke the deadlock in the 49th minutes after capitalizing on a counter attack opportunity. Forward Jamil Danjaji broke past CLFC's backline on a counter, carrying the ball over the midfield line before picking out Prince Forfor waiting unmarked on the back post, sending it over the line for a lead over the home side.
CLFC earned an opportunity to equalize the contest in the 56th after winger Magic Smalls drew a penalty kick after being taken down in the box. Hugo Mbongue stepped up to the spot and slotted his shot to the bottom left corner, bringing things level 1-1 with 30 minutes to play.
Columbus retook the lead in the 72nd minute. After dribbling past his defender, Forfor cut in towards the end line and flicked a cross towards the back post, meeting the foot of Brent Adu-Gyamfi who finished with a one-time strike with his right foot.
Match Notes:
- Crown Legacy FC ends its season with an Eastern Conference Semifinal exit with Kevin Sawchak's first full-time season at the helm. He has led the team to the semifinals twice (2024 and 2026).
- Charlotte FC striker Hugo Mbongue scored his 15th goal of the 2026 campaign. The Canadian is a perfect 5/5 on penalty kicks this season.
- Charlotte FC Academy forward Daniel Brown made an appearance off the bench in the second half, making him the youngest player in Club history to appear in an MLS NEXT Pro Playoff match (15 years, 5 months, 17 days).
Scoring Summary:
- 49' - CLB - Prince Forfor (Assist: Jamil Danjaji)
- 58' - CLFC - Hugo Mbongue (Penalty)
- 72' - CLB - Brent Adu-Gyamfi (Assist: Prince Forfor)
Disciplinary Summary:
- 45'+1' - CLB - Johann Chirinos (Caution 🟨)
- 46' - CLFC - Nathan Richmond (Caution 🟨)
- 51' - CLB - Brent Adu Gyamfi (Caution 🟨)
- 87' - CLFC - Wyatt Holt (Caution 🟨)
