CLFC falls in penalty shootout after drawing opening match of 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season
CHARLOTTE, NC (Sunday, March 17, 2024) - Crown Legacy FC kicked off the Club's second year in MLS NEXT Pro on Sunday afternoon, matching up with expansion side Carolina Core FC at Matthews Sportsplex.
Following a 1-1 draw in regulation, Legacy fell in a penalty shootout to Carolina Core. Per MLS NEXT Pro rules, all draws in the regular season move directly to a penalty shootout for an extra point.
Nick Scardina opened the scoring early in the first half. The second-year player finished a long, pinpoint cross from defender Joao Pedro, who had an MLS NEXT Pro Best XI year in 2023 and earned a first team contract for 2024.
Crown Legacy held the lead for the entire 90 minutes before Carolina Core found their equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time. The last-gasp goal sent the match to a penalty shootout, with Carolina Core winning despite a save from Legacy goalkeeper Chituru Odunze on the first penalty.
