Carolina Core FC Sign Forward Antonio Pineda
Published on August 8, 2025 under MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Carolina Core FC News Release
HIGH POINT, NC - Carolina Core FC today announced that the club has signed forward Antonio Pineda.
Pineda, 25, joins Carolina Core FC after having played with Hickory FC (2025) in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), Richmond Kickers (2024-25) in USL League One, Kings Hammer FC (2022) in USL League Two, and collegiately with High Point University (2018; 2022-23) and West Virginia University (2019-2021). Most recently, Pineda appeared for Hickory FC during their championship run in the 2025 NPSL season.
"Antonio is a good addition to our squad, bringing a sharp instinct for finding the back of the net and pace to help stretch opposing defenses," said Carolina Core FC Head Coach Donovan Ricketts. "He's the kind of player who can add a different dimension to our game."
The Statesville, North Carolina, native joins the club after spending the past season with newly created NPSL side Hickory FC. During his time in Hickory, NC, Pineda was named the Select 2025 NPSL Golden Ball along with the Capelli Sport 2025 NPSL Conference MVP title for the Southeast Conference, scoring seven goals in regular season play after an undefeated regular season campaign en route to an NPSL Championship victory, which included two decisive goals from the forward. Prior to his time with Hickory, Pineda competed in USL League One for a season with the Richmond Kickers, making 18 total appearances for the club. At the collegiate level, Pineda played for both West Virginia University (2019-2021) and local powerhouse High Point University (2018; 2022-23).
Transaction: Carolina Core FC sign forward Antonio Pineda.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Antonio Pineda
Position: Forward
Height: 5-10
Weight: 145
Date Of Birth: November 23, 1999
Age: 25
Birthplace: Statesville, North Carolina
Nationality: American
Last Club: Hickory FC
Transaction: Carolina Core FC sign forward Antonio Pineda on a free contract.
MLS NEXT Pro Stories from August 8, 2025
- Match Preview: St Louis CITY2 Chases 12-Game Unbeaten Streak against Colorado Rapids 2 at Energizer Park - St. Louis City SC 2
- Chicago Fire FC II Earns Extra Point in 3-3 Draw at New York City FC II - Chicago Fire FC II
- Medgy Alexandre Bags Second Brace of Season in 3-2 SKC II Defeat at MNUFC 2 - Sporting Kansas City II
- Toronto FC II Dropped by Atlanta United 2 - Toronto FC II
- Chicago Wins 4-1 on Penalties - New York City FC II
- Colorado Rapids 2 Take on Top Contenders in the Western Conference, St. Louis CITY2 - Colorado Rapids 2
- Huntsville City FC Hosts Carolina Core FC on Sunday - Huntsville City Football Club
- Match Preview: Chattanooga FC at Orlando City B - Chattanooga FC
- Carolina Core FC Sign Forward Antonio Pineda - Carolina Core FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Carolina Core FC Stories
- Carolina Core FC Continues Unbeaten Run in Six-Goal Draw Against Orlando City B
- Carolina Core FC Earns Clean Sheet and Extra Point in Highly Contested Road Matchup against Chattanooga FC
- Carolina Core FC Scores Four Goals to Defeat Atlanta United 2 in Emphatic Display at Home
- Carolina Core FC Routs Crown Legacy on the Road in Seven Goal Shootout
- Carolina Core FC Part Ways with Subah
