MATTHEWS, N.C. (Sunday, August 23, 2026) - Crown Legacy FC took down independent side Chattanooga FC 3-1 at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on Sunday night. With the victory, Crown Legacy clinched their spot in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, becoming the first team in the Eastern Conference to punch their ticket.
CLFC got on the board in the 26th minute when defender Mikah Thomas whipped a cross from the left flank to the back post of goal, meeting the head of midfielder Andrej Subotic by the goal line to give the home side an early advantage.
Five minutes into the contest's second half, Hugo Mbongue pounced on the ball after being poorly passed back to Chattanooga's goalkeeper. The Canadian calmly intercepted the play and sent his shot past the reach of Eldin Jakoupovic, doubling Leagcy's lead.
Chattanooga pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute when forward Daniel Mangarov followed up a saved shot from the top of the box, striking it into the top right corner of goal.
CLFC closed out the scoring in the 83rd minute when Mbongue combined with winger Nathan Richmond on the break, with Mbongue making a swift run into the box for a one-on-one with the keeper.
Crown Legacy FC returns to action on Sunday, August 30, when the Club travels to take on Orlando City B. Kickoff at Osceola Heritage Park is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and the match can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com or OneFootball.
Match Notes:
- CLFC clinched their spot in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, becoming the first team in the Eastern Conference to punch their ticket.
- Forward Hugo Mbongue scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season. He has now tied Nathan Richmond for most goal contributions on the team with 16.
- Nathan Richmond tallied his ninth assist of the season. He is now tied for second in assists among all MLS NEXT Pro players
- Midfielder Andrej Subotic scored his third goal of 2026.
- Defender Mikah Thomas notched his second assist of the season.
Scoring Summary:
- 26' - CLFC - Andrej Subotic (Mikah Thomas)
- 50' - CLFC - Hugo Mbongue (Unassisted)
- 63' - CFC - Daniel Mangarov (Unassisted)
- 83' - CLFC - Hugo Mbongue (Nathan Richmond)
Disciplinary Summary:
- 11' - CLFC - Willian Sangoquiza (Caution 🟨)
- 36' - CFC - Damien Barker John (Caution 🟨)
- 37' - CLFC - Magic Smalls (Caution 🟨)
- 56' - CFC - Tate Robertson (Caution 🟨)
- 62' - CFC - Antony Sorenson (Caution 🟨)
- 64' - CLFC - Hugo Mbongue (Caution 🟨)
- 72' - CLFC - Mikah Thomas (Caution 🟨)
