MATTHEWS, N.C. (Friday, September 4, 2026) - Crown Legacy FC bounced back with a 4-0 victory over division opponents Chicago Fire FC II on Friday night at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. Winger Nathan Richmond tallied a goal and assist, bringing his season contribution tally to 18.
CLFC took the lead immediately coming out of the first half hydration break in the 34th minute. After returning to a dangerous free kick earned before the stop in play, Richmond flicked in a cross to Andrew Johnson in the box, who sent it into the roof of goal for a first half lead.
Legacy doubled its lead just before the halftime whistle. After receiving a throw in by the midfield line, Andrej Subotic turned to lose his defender and found a wide open Richmond ready to run towards goal. The winger turned and ran for a one-on-one opportunity, blowing past his defender and sending a shot low and wide past Chicago's keeper.
Forward Barzee Blama scored in his first home appearance since May 19, 2025 after suffering a knee injury. In Blama's second match back this season, the striker found a clear opportunity in front of goal after being set up by Academy midfielder Sebastian Ventura at the top of the penalty area, making a run into the box and ripping a shot to the near post past Chicago's keeper.
Academy midfielder Adrian Mendoza capped off the scoring in the seventh minute of stoppage, faking his defender to open up space in the box, ricocheting his shot off the post and into the back of the net.
Crown Legacy FC hosts in-state rivals Carolina Core FC for the Club's home regular season finale next Saturday, September 12. The match also marks the annual Pups at the Pitch event presented by Rugs.com. Kickoff at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and admission to the match is free.
Match Notes:
- Crown Legacy FC notched its 14th victory of the season, its ninth at home.
- CLFC kept its eighth clean sheet of the season. It marks the 10th of Isaac Walker's MLS NEXT Pro career.
- Charlotte FC defender Andrew Johnson scored his third goal of the season.
- Winger Nathan Richmond tallied his 10th assist of the year. He is the third player in MLS NEXT Pro this year to reach the double-digit mark.
- Richmond also scored his eighth goal of 2026, bringing his goal contribution tally to 18.
- Striker Barzee Blama scored his first first professional goal. It was his second match this season and first appearance at home since May 19, 2025.
- Adrian Mendoza scored his third goal of the year, bagging a goal in back-to-back matches.
- Academy midfielder Sebastian Ventura and CLTFC midfielder Baye Coulibaly each tallied their second assists of the season.
- Midfielder Andrej Subotic notched his fifth assist of the year.
- Free agent signing Ty Barnett made his debut with the Club after coming on as a second half substitute.
Scoring Summary:
- 34' - CLFC - Andrew Johnson (Nathan Richmond)
- 42' - CLFC - Nathan Richmond (Andrej Subotic)
- 90'+5' - CLFC - Barzee Blama (Sebastian Ventura)
- 90'+7' - CLFC - Adrian Mendoza (Baye Coulibaly)
Disciplinary Summary:
- 31' - CHI - Brody Williams (Caution 🟨)
- 43' - CHI - Vitaliy Hlyut (Caution 🟨)
- 63' - CHI - Damian Nigg (Ejection 🟥)
- 68' - CLFC - Hugo Mbongue (Caution 🟨)
- 72' - CLFC - Baye Coulibaly (Caution 🟨)
- 74' - CLFC - Nathan Richmond (Caution 🟨)
- 84' - CLFC - Barzee Blama (Caution 🟨)
- 86' - CHI - Harrison Bernhardt (Caution 🟨)
