MATTHEWS, N.C. (Sunday, October 18, 2026) - Crown Legacy FC defeated No. 8 seed Red Bull New York II in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals 2-1 on Sunday night at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. CLTFC winger Nathan Richmond scored his 10th of 2026 while Adrian Mendoza became the first Academy player in Club history to score in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Playoffs.
CLFC struck 13 minutes into the contest, setting the tone early. Mendoza received a through ball in the box, setting him up for a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper. The Academy product had his attempt saved, but fell to the feet of Richmond at the back post who gave Legacy the lead with a left-footed strike.
Mendoza went on to double Crown Legacy's lead in the 31st minute. The midfielder collected a pass from fullback Mikah Thomas before carrying it into the opposing penalty area, dribbling around his defender and ripping a shot that dipped below the keeper's grasp and into goal.
Red Bull pulled a goal back in the 78th minute thanks to a pair of substitutes linking up. Tanner Rosborough met a pass sent in by Christian Gallagher near the center of the penalty area, getting off a shot that took a deflection off two defenders and preventing Jahiem Wickham from making a save and finding its way into the back of the goal.
Crown Legacy FC will select its Eastern Conference Semifinal opponent this Tuesday, October 20 and will host its selection at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on October 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Match Notes:
- CLFC claimed its first home playoff victory in Club history.
- The Club will select between Columbus Crew 2 and Connecticut United FC on Tuesday, October 20 to host for the Eastern Conference Semifinal at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on October 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
- Charlotte FC forward Nathan Richmond scored his 10th goal of the 2026 campaign, bringing his goal contribution tally to 20 (10G+10A). He is the first player in Club history to reach the mark.
- Academy midfielder Adrian Mendoza scored his fourth goal of the year with his strike in the 31st minute.
- Mendoza's goal marks the first scored by an Academy player in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Playoffs in Club history.
- Goalkeeper Jahiem Wickham posted a career-high eight saves on the night.
- Defender Mikah Thomas notched his fourth assist of the year.
Scoring Summary:
- 12' - CLFC - Nathan Richmond (Assist: N/A)
- 31' - CLFC - Adrian Mendoza (Assist: Mikah Thomas)
- 78' - RBNY - Tanner Rosborough (Assist: Christian Gallagher)
Disciplinary Summary:
- 31' - RBNY - Leonardo Dieujuste (Caution 🟨)
- 34' - CLFC - Adrian Mendoza (Caution 🟨)
- 48' - RBNY - Kevin (Caution 🟨)
