MATTHEWS, N.C. (Saturday, July 18, 2026) - Crown Legacy FC bounced back with a 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire FC II on Saturday evening at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. CLFC saw three different players find the back of the net in the victory.
CLFC struck first in the 33rd minute when winger Nimfasha Berchimas rushed past his defender on the left flank and put in a cross to Nathan Richmond making a run into the box. The forward met the service with a one-time finish to give CLFC the lead.
Chicago equalized in the 41st minute when midfielder Robert Turdean found a one-on-one opportunity with Isaac Walker at a tight angle, sending his shot just under Walker's right hand while making the dive.
Just before the halftime break, Berchimas found an open chance in the box but his attempt was blocked by the keeper. Ecuadorian forward Michael Ayovi broke through a cluster of defenders to meet the ball for a follow up and send Legacy into the halftime break with a 2-1 lead.
After back-and-forth chances in the second half, centerback Wyatt Holt added to CLFC's lead in the 78th minute. Academy midfielder Sebastian Ventura flicked in a pass from outside the box, meeting the head of Holt who directed it just past the reach of Chicago's keeper.
The visitors found one more in the 82nd minute, capitalizing on chaos in the box following a corner kick, with Jason Shokalook poking the ball over the goal line.
Crown Legacy FC hits the road to begin a four-match road trip on Friday, July 24 at Red Bull New York II. Kickoff at MSU Soccer Park is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and the match can be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com or OneFootball.
Match Notes:
- CLFC improves its home record in 2026 to 7-1-2.
- Winger Nathan Richmond scored his sixth goal of the season. He is up to 14 goal contributions in his first professional season (6G+8A).
- Forward Nimfasha Berchimas notched his third assist of the season. He is up to 11 goal contributions (8G+3A).
- Academy defender Wyatt Holt recorded his first career goal.
- Forward Michael Ayovi notched his first goal with the Club since joining in April.
- Academy midfielder Sebastian Ventura registered his first career assist.
- Forward Hugo Mbongue made his return to the pitch from injury, appearing for the first time since May 22.
Scoring Summary:
- 33' - CLFC - Nathan Richmond (Nimfasha Berchimas)
- 41' - CHI - Robert Turdean (Unassisted)
- 45' - CLFC - Michael Ayovi (Unassisted)
- 78' - CLFC - Wyatt Holt (Sebastian Ventura)
- 82' - CHI - Jason Shokalook (James Field)
Disciplinary Summary:
- 45'+4 - CHI - Jason Shokalook (Caution 🟨)
- 53' - CLFC - Andrew Johnson (Caution 🟨)
