MATTHEWS, N.C. (Sunday, March 22, 2026) - Crown Legacy FC continued its four-match home slate with a 2-0 victory over Atlanta United 2 at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. CLFC saw three separate goal scorers, including Nimfasha Berchimas and Rodolfo Aloko who each scored in their fourth-straight match, and Academy forward Magic Smalls.
After a scoreless first half, Atlanta United 2 midfielder Adrian Gill picked up two yellows within five minutes early in the second to give CLFC a man advantage for the rest of the match.
In the 61st minute, forward Nathan Richmond collected the ball on the right flank before cutting inside and curling a shot to the far post. Atlanta's keeper met the ball but Berchimas crashed the goal to clean up the opportunity and give Crown Legacy a 1-0 lead.
CLFC doubled the lead in the 85th minute when captain Willian Sangoquiza made a big tackle in the midfield before picking out Academy player Simon Tonidandel. The midfielder slipped a pass to Aloko who was in a one-on-one opportunity in the box, calmly finishing with his right foot.
Smalls capped off the scoring in the 90th minute when Homegrown winger Brian Romero picked out Smalls from the right flank, where the Englishman sent the ball into the upper left corner of the goal with a one-time finish.
Crown Legacy FC returns to action on Friday, April 3, when the Club rounds out its four-match homestand against Atlanta United 2. Kickoff at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and admission to the match is free.
Match Notes:
- CLFC ends the month of March with a 4-0-0 record (12 points) and +14 goal differential, best in MLS NEXT Pro.
- Rodolfo Aloko scored his sixth goal of the season, bringing his total goal contribtion tally to eight through four matches (6G/2A). It is his fourth straight match with a goal.
- Homegrown forward Nimfasha Berchimas scored his fourth goal of the season. It was his fourth straight match with a goal.
- Academy winger Magic Smalls scored his first goal of 2026.
- Academy midfielder Simon Tonidandel notched his first assist of the season.
- Homegrown forward Brian Romero tallied his first assist of the year.
- Charlotte FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller made his Club debut with his appearance in the starting XI.
- CLFC kept its second-straight clean sheet.
Scoring Summary:
- 61' - CLFC - Nimfasha Berchimas (Unassisted)
- 84' - CLFC- Rodolfo Aloko (Simon Tonidandel)
- 90' - CLFC - Magic Smalls (Brian Romero)
Disciplinary Summary:
- 20' - CLFC - Nathan Richmond (Caution 🟨)
- 27' - CLFC - Simon Tonidandel (Caution 🟨)
- 45'+1 - CLFC - Baye Coulibaly (Caution 🟨)
- 50' - ATL - Adrian Gill (Caution 🟨)
- 55' - ATL - Adrian Gill (Caution 🟨 / Ejection 🟥)
