CARY, N.C. (May 5, 2025) — North Carolina FC returns home for the Round of 32 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, hosting Charlotte FC on Tuesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. ET at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. NCFC welcomes Charlotte back to Cary after the two faced off in a preseason friendly back in February, which ended in a 1-0 NCFC win.
NCFC entered the Open Cup in the third round, collecting a win over USL League One Charlotte Independence. NCFC has collected wins over MLS level clubs in the cup, including three over LA Galaxy.
NCFC will have a quick turnaround after picking up a 2-0 Week 9 road win over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Louis Perez and Pedro Dolabella headlined the NCFC attack by tallying goals while Jake McGuire earned his second clean sheet of the season. This marked Perez’s first goal of the season and Dolabella’s second.
NCFC remains in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings at 4W-3L-2D (11 points).
SCOUTING CHARLOTTE
Charlotte FC enters the Open Cup in the Round of 32, along with 15 other MLS clubs. Charlotte returns to the tournament after not competing in 2024, making its third appearance.
In its fourth season, Charlotte has its best start to a season entering May. Charlotte sits in fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, with a record of 6W-4L-1D (19 points).
Kristijan Kahlina, 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, has carried his success to 2025. Kahlina has played every minute so far this season, collecting 47 saves and four clean sheets, while conceding 12 goals.
The Charlotte attack ranks in the top 10 in scoring with 18 goals through 11 games. It is headlined by forwards Liel Abada and Wilfried Zaha, along with midfielder Pep Biel, who all have three goals on the season. Zaha was acquired on loan from Galatasaray and has spent time with Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Cardiff City.
UP NEXT
North Carolina FC returns to regular season play, hosting Orange County SC on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. ET at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. OCSC posts a record of 3W-3L-1D and sits in seventh in the Western Conference standings with 10 points. Tickets for the match are available here.
