Match Preview: Charlotte FC at North Carolina FC: U.S. Open Cup Round of 32
MLS Charlotte FC

Match Preview: Charlotte FC at North Carolina FC: U.S. Open Cup Round of 32

Published on May 5, 2025 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release


Charlotte FC won't have to travel far for their first U.S Open Cup match of 2025, as they head to Cary, North Carolina to face North Carolina FC in the Round of 32. NCFC competes in the United Soccer Leage (USL) Championship, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 3-3-2 record.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday's match:

Match: Charlotte FC vs North Carolina FC (USL-C)

When: Tuesday, May 6

Where: FirstHorizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: Paramount Plus and CBS Golazo Network - How to Watch & Listen

U.S. Open Cup: Brief Rundown

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is an annual knockout tournament that crowned its first ever champion in 1914. The tournament is open to all affiliated amateur teams that meet the eligibility criteria. Amateur teams that advance through the qualifying rounds in the Fall, move on to compete against the qualifying professional clubs for the Tournament Proper in the Spring.

Charlotte FC was put in the 'Clint Dempsey Group' with D.C. United, Charleston Battery, and NCFC. Hosting priorities were set during the draw on April 17th, 2025. If Charlotte FC advances, they will travel to the winner of Charleston Battery vs. D.C. United.

All U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 matches will be streamed live on Paramount+ and you can learn more about the U.S. Open Cup here.

Conquering the Carolinas

Charlotte FC have a shot at earning their first trophy in the Club's short history, so what must they do to advance to the Round of 16? Organization and recovery will be key if the Crown wants to move on in the tournament. Though both teams met in preseason this year, this will be the first time the two teams match up against each other in a competitive match.

CLTFC has a quick turnaround as they face NCFC on Tuesday. The Crown is coming off a road loss against the Columbus Crew and will face Nashville SC just four days after NCFC. Rest and recovery will be essential to a Charlotte FC squad that is already facing quite a few injuries.

A consistent performance is a must for Tuesday's match up. Charlotte FC has had the best start to a season they've ever had -- having kicked off the 2025 season with 18 goals through 11 games, 10 of which have come from a different scorer. Pep Biel is The Crown's leading goal scorer with three. Biel also leads the team and sits atop MLS with six assists, but he will miss Tuesday's match through injury.

NEXT AT HOME

CHARLOTTE VS. CHICAGO FIRE

Charlotte FC take on Chicago Fire at Bank of America Stadium on May 17 at 7:30 p.m. The first fans to arrive will receive a limited-edition party shirt presented by Daimler Truck North America.

Check out the Charlotte FC Statistics

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 5, 2025


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