CAROLINA CORE FC DIGITAL GAME PROGRAM - vs. FC Cincinnati, June 15, 2024

2024

THE HEART & SOUL OF THE REGION

Truist Point in High Point, NC

The vision? A movement to unify the greater NC Core area through the highest level of competitive soccer in the region –and you’re at the forefront of what happens next. Whether you grew up here or are brand new to the area, this is the time to put our home on the map in a way it’s never been before!

NOTE FROM MEGAN OGLESBY

Welcome to Truist Point, home of the Carolina Core FC (CCFC). We are so glad you are here to support the Foxes! If you are here to support the other team, although we may question your life choices, we are glad you are here, too. While these upcoming 90 plus minutes are all about soccer, CCFC is more than just a soccer club and Truist Point is more than just a stadium in a small town. Truist Point stadium was born in 2016 out of the dire need of our city to revitalize its downtown to bring people and jobs back to its core. In 2022, out of fierce passion to bring more access to opportunity and to create more jobs in our core, CCFC was started is an independent club of MLS NEXT Pro. CCFC and the league are committed to driving a new era of North American soccer and offer exciting, unprecedented opportunities to players, coaches, and sports business professionals. CCFC is dedicated to the development and career advancement of every individual that comes to and through our club, not just our players. And through the vehicle of soccer, we are bringing people, yourself included, into the heart of our city to drive upward economic mobility so that every person in our community has access to opportunities that enrich their lives. We hope that you have an exceptional experience at our stadium, and we thank you for helping us grow our Carolina Core community and through the beautiful game!

PRINCIPAL OWNER OF CAROLINA CORE FC

CCFC ACADEMY

501c(3) PUBLIC CHARITY

Welcome to Carolina Core FC Academy

A groundbreaking initiative that is set to revolutionize youth soccer development in our region. CCFC Academy is launching with the MLS NEXT league for the 2024 season starting with two teams - U13 and U14. We are proud to be the first non-MLS team to make our MLS N Academy free for each player, aiming to break down the financial typically associated with high-level youth soccer and provide young players with an unprecedented opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Operated under the Carolina Core Soccer Foundation, the Carolina Core FC Academy is committed to creating a level playing field where every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can chase their aspirations of a professional soccer career. Our academy’s revolutionary approach eliminates the pay-to-play model, ensuring that talent and potential, rather than financial means, become the primary factors in a player’s journey. This opportunity enables young athletes to compete against the best players in the country, in a league that has developed 90% of the United States Men’s National Team’s players.

CAROLINA CORE FC

FC CINCINNATI VS VS

Presented

By

Founded in 1971, Vann York Auto Group has been a pillar in the community, helping to build strong relationships and grow opportunities for all. Initially started in High Point by namesake Vann York, his son Greg York, who joined in 1987, is now a staple of the organization. With a strong community focus driving their mission and core values, Vann York Auto Group, which includes 10 car brands, has made a significant contribution to the North Carolina Core.

Luis Nunez (Sales Manager, Vann York Toyota) will participate in the ceremonial first kick on behalf of Vann York Auto Group during the start of Carolina Core FC’s home game against FC Cincinnati 2.

FEATURE

EDDIE POPE

A hometown hero from High Point is taking North Carolina by storm. Carolina Core FC’s Chief Sporting Officer, Eddie Pope, has helped to create an emerging soccer environment in the city where he’s from, helping to provide new opportunities for elite players in the area that, growing up, weren’t accessible to him.

Born in High Point, North Carolina, Eddie Pope began his career playing multiple sports for local teams, including Southwest Guilford High School, before transitioning to college, where he attended the highly renowned University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

“Growing up playing multiple sports was just something everyone did, and for me, that was football, baseball, and soccer. During my time at Southwest Guilford, I was fortunate enough to be selected for both the football and soccer high school all-star games. Getting an education was always a priority for me, along with sports, so when it was time to make my college decision, UNC Chapel Hill seemed like the perfect place for me to continue both of those things.”

As a freshman, Pope practiced with the UNC Tar Heels football team as a place kicker, but ultimately chose to concentrate on soccer. During his time as a Tar Heel, the talented young center back started every game of his collegiate career. Despite being a defender, Pope was a natural standout in the collegiate ranks, being named to the second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 1993 and to the first-team All-ACC, All-South Region, and NCAA All-America in 1994.

Everything truly kicked off in the fall of 1996, which saw Eddie get drafted by Major League Soccer’s (MLS) D.C. United in the first round (2nd overall) of the very first college draft of the MLS. Transitioning from the college game to pro, Pope made a seamless transition from Chapel Hill, NC, to Washington, DC.

In his first season with D.C. United, Pope played in 18 games after splitting time with the US Olympic Team (preparing for the 1996 Olympics), and scored the golden goal to win the first-ever MLS Cup against Los Angeles Galaxy. That was a pivotal year for the young defender, as he also made his first appearance with the U.S. Men’s National Team in a 2-0 victory in a friendly versus Trinidad & Tobago.

CAROLINA CORE FC CHIEF SPORTING OFFICER

“At that time in my career, I was still going to school at UNC and playing for DC United so it was a very unique experience. From scoring the golden goal in the MLS Cup final as a rookie to making my debut with the U.S. Men’s National Team, 1996 will always be a very special year to me. Being able to play for club and country at that age is something that I’m very proud of and don’t take for granted.”

Despite being just 23 years old, Pope went on to win MLS Defender of the Year the next year in 1997 and earned a place in the MLS Best XI on the way to becoming a two-time MLS Cup Champion. With a solid foundation built, Pope would go on to have an illustrious MLS career, including a third MLS Cup (1999), one U.S. Open Cup (1996), two Supporter’s Shields (1997 and 1999), a Copa Interamericana (1998), and the CONCACAF Champions League (1998). Pope would also go on to become a four-time MLS All-Star (1997–2000), a fourtime MLS Best XI (1997-1998, 2003-2004), and a recipient of the 2004 MLS Fair Play Award.

Dominant and ever-present in the MLS, Pope used his domestic success to launch his international career with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Starting every game, Pope made 82 appearances with the national team over an 11-year period, scoring eight goals, which was uncommon for defenders at the time. During his time with the national team, Pope helped lead the United States to three different World Cups, including a 2002 run that saw the United States’ best performance in modern history. Pope helped the team advance to the quarterfinals, where they suffered a narrow defeat to Germany. During his time with the national team, Pope was also pivotal in leading the United States to victory in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“My time with the U.S. national team was really special. I started off playing with the U.S. Olympic team, so making the transition to the full team was great. I’m proud to say that I was able to play and represent my country for over 11 years. It was a fantastic experience and truly something I won’t forget. The players around me were so talented and that’s a major reason we were so successful, including making it to three World Cup’s in our cycle. Beating Mexico in the 2002 World Cup was very special for me personally. Defeating them and moving onto the quarterfinals was a truly unforgettable experience.”

As Pope’s career wound down, he announced his retirement in 2007. The heralded defender knew that it was his goal to give back to the sport that gave so much to him. Pope would go on to be named to the MLS All-Time Best XI (Starting Eleven), and in 2011, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

“I am truly grateful for my career and all the time I spent in Major League Soccer and with the U.S. Men’s National Team. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade my playing time for anything. Inclusion in the MLS All-Time Best XI and my induction into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame are truly special accomplishments and things that my family

and I can be proud of. Growing up in High Point, not necessarily having major opportunities, and seeing the point the game is at now is phenomenal. I’m proud to be a representative of the MLS and the Hall of Fame and hope to continue giving back in the same way the game gave to me.”

Pope went on to work in the MLS Players Union following his playing retirement, serving as the Director of Player Relations where he helped to negotiate and bargain for the fair treatment of MLS Players. In 2015, Pope would leave his post with MLS Players Union to work at Octagon sports agency, but always knew he wanted to find his way back home.

“For me, helping to grow the game and being a strong advocate for players has always been important. Supporting those two causes that are close to me are why I chose to work in player relations for the MLS Players Union. From my work in the Players Union to Octagon as an agent, I knew there was something missing for me, which ended up leading me here.”

Pope has now taken on the project of helping to bring professional soccer to his hometown of High Point, NC, in the form of Carolina Core FC. The new team has started out flying, defeating Crown Legacy FC in a 3-2 penalty shootout in its inaugural match and making it to the Third Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as one of just three MLS NEXT Pro teams, where they were defeated by USL Championship side North Carolina FC.

As the team embarks on the start of its stretch of home games, there is a lot of optimism surrounding the club and its prospects for the rest of the season.

“There is nothing like helping to bring professional soccer to the city where I grew up. We’re building an organization with high-level people, whether that be the coaching staff, the players, the front office, or ownership. I’m very proud to be a part of Carolina Core FC and know the community support will make a big difference. Growing up, I didn’t see a professional pathway for myself, so being able to go through MLS as a player, then with the Players Union, and now operating as a team in the league is a dream beyond belief. I’m excited to see what the future holds, not just for this season but for Carolina Core and MLS NEXT Pro as a whole.”

Welcome Home

COACHING STAFF

ROY LASSITER

HEAD COACH

Growing up in North Carolina, Head Coach Roy has developed strong connections to the local community. He is a proud alum of NC State University, where he led the Wolfpack to the 1988 NCAA Championship Game. Following a prolific college career, he joined Major League Soccer, where he would go on to hold the MLS single-season scoring record with 27 goals until the record was broken in 2018. A regular for both club and country, Lassiter represented the US Men’s National Team, making 34 appearances and scoring four goals over the span of eight years. Beginning his post-playing career, Lassiter was the assistant coach for Houston Dynamo 2, as well as the Head Coach for the Houston Dynamo U-20 team for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, prior to joining Carolina Core FC.

AMADO GUEVARA

ASSISTANT COACH

A former international soccer star, Amado represented the Honduras National Team as captain and all-time cap leader. Guevara made an impressive 139 appearances scoring 27 goals for the Honduran National Team. Leading Honduras to a successful qualification campaign, Amado captained the side during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Very successful internationally, Guevara has many accolades domestically, including: MLS Best XI, MLS All-Star selection, MLS Golden Boot, and the MLS MVP award in 2004. An MLS legend, during his time in MLS, Amado scored an astounding 41 goals. Following his retirement, Guevara seamlessly transitioned into a coaching role, showcasing his passion for the sport. After coaching at various youth academy’s, Amado then became the Head Coach of Puerto Rico’s U20 team, eventually ascending into the position of Head Coach for the senior side.

JC MARTINEZ

ASSISTANT COACH

JC Martinez brings a wealth of experience after being part of the Houston Dynamo’s Academy for seven years. Coach Martinez was the Head Coach of the MLS NEXT U13 Academy team, as well as an assistant coach for the Dynamo’s U20 team for 2 years. Martinez served as Roy’s assistant coach for Houston Dynamo U20s where he helped the team towards their first conference title and Round of 16 appearance. Coach Martinez has assisted with every age group in the academy level, and will bring his expertise to help as the team’s analyst.

ANDY WILLIAMS

ASSISTANT COACH

Williams starred in Major League Soccer for Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, MetroStars, Chicago Fire - winning the Open Cup Championship in 2003. Williams would eventually join Real Salt Lake, leading them to the MLS Cup win in 2009. With 97 appearances and 13 goals, Williams was an integral member of the Jamaican Men’s National Team. Williams joins CCFC with ample experience as a Technical Director with FC Arizona, where he was responsible for the management and organization of the team as well as the dayto-day operations of the entire club. Williams also led the scouting department for Real Salt Lake, where he scouted and procured international and domestic talent.

DONOVAN RICKETTS

GOALKEEPING COACH

After playing professionally in Jamaica, Ricketts moved to England to play for Bradford City AFC, making 108 total appearances over four years. Having started his international career in 1998, Ricketts made 100 appearances for the Jamaican National Team between 1998 and 2013. In the midst of a fantastic international career, he joined the LA Galaxy in 2010, and after a sensational first season in MLS, was awarded MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2010.The following year Ricketts helped lead the LA Galaxy to win the MLS Cup, alongside superstar teammates Landon Donovan and David Beckham. Ricketts would go on to win his second MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2013 while playing for the Portland Timbers. Following his retirement in 2017, Ricketts embarked on his managerial career, serving as the Goalkeeper Coach for FC Tulsa from 20172023, and the interim Head Coach for the 2022 season.

ANGEL AGUAS

JUAN PABLO RODRIGUEZ

YEKESON SUBAH

JESUS OREJUELA

PAPA NDOYE

JACOB EVANS

LUIS LUGO

ALENGA CHARLES

DAVID “PACHITTOO” POLANCO

CARLOS MARIO DIAZ

JEREMIAH WHITE IV

NICHOLAS PECHENYI

IBRAHIM COVI

DEREK CUEVAS

KIKI GREGOIRE

TYLER FREEMAN

FACUNDO CANETE

DRAKE HADEED

FEDERICO STACHUK

SANTIAGO CAMBINDO

ROBERT BAILEY

CHRISTIAN DIAZ

OZZIE CISNEROS

JOHNNY BAZAES

ARYEH MILLER

HOUSTON, TEXAS

SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA

MONROVIA, LIBERIA

JAMUNDE, COLOMBIA

TIVAOUANE, SENEGAL

CHESTER, ENGLAND

VALENCIA, VENEZUELA

KIGOMA, TANZANIA

KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA

IBAGUE, COLOMBIA

POTTSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

PARIS, FRANCE

BARCELONA, SPAIN

KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN

OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS

CORDOBA, ARGENTINA

MIAMI, FLORIDA

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

IBAGUE, COLOMBIA

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

SAN BERNADINO, CALIFORNIA

OMAHA, NEBRASKA

QUEENS, NEW YORK

HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA

ALEC KANN

NICK HAGGLUND

YAMIL ASAD

HUNTER MORSE

ISAIAH FOSTER

LONDON AGHEDO

KENJI MBOMA DEM

STIVEN JIMENEZ

BRIAN SHAEFER

ALEJANDRO GUIDO

NICO BENALCAZAR

AMIR DALEY

JESUS CASTELLANO BEN STITZ

TABLANTE

SANTOS JUAN MACHADO PETER MANGIONE

YEINER VALOYES

YAIR RAMOS

ILLIA TYRKUS

NICHOAS SAMWAYS

HAROUN CONTEH

CONNOR STOUT

JIO GABRIEL MORA

BLAKE BAYLESS

JUSTIN HYLTON

NICK MCHENRY

STEFAN CHIRILA

LINCOLN MATUSKIEWICZ

RYAN BELAL

JOEL INEH LUKE LARAMORE

GIBERT

NATIONAL TEAM CALL-UPS

ARYEH MILLER

LIBERIA (U17)

CHRISTIAN DIAZ

UNITED STATES (U17)

DAVID ‘PACHI’ POLANCO

UNITED STATES (U15)

DRAKE HADEED

DEREK CUEVAS

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (U20 & U23)

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA (SENIOR TEAM)

JEREMIAH WHITE IV

UNITED STATES (U17)

JUAN PABLO RODRIGUEZ

ARGENTINA (U16)

TYLER FREEMAN

UNITED STATES (U16 & U17)

OZZIE CISNEROS

UNITED STATES (U15)

OUR SPONSORS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

CCFC AND MLS ECOSYSTEM

Truist Point is a multipurpose stadium located in High Point, NC and is home to your Carolina Core FC professional soccer team. The multipurpose stadium is bordered by Elm, Gatewood, and Lindsay Streets. Truist (formerly BB&T Corporation) is the facility naming rights partner – this landmark naming rights agreement began in 2019 and is a 15-year naming rights partnership.

STADIUM GUIDE

BATHROOMS CONCESSIONS

CREATION OF OUR CREST

It started with a vision– A symbol to promote community, unify all groups, and also look really cool on a soccer kit.

Introducing Matthew Wolff, graphic design and branding maestro with experience ranging from the design of World Cup kits for France and Nigeria to helping launch the first collaboration between Paris Saint-Germain and the Jordan Brand. After experiencing a cultured upbringing spanning multiple continents, Wolff drew inspiration for his work from his soccer career and surroundings.

“I grew up in Minneapolis and fell in love with soccer through playing and going to Minnesota Thunder (USL First Division) matches. When I was 10, my family moved to North London, and my love of soccer was taken to new heights,” articulated Wolff. “I returned to Minnesota for my last three years of high school and realized that soccer in America was still in its infancy compared to soccer in Europe. Over the years, I realized I wanted to help grow the game here in the US.”

Wolff finished his college playing career and graduated with a degree from Skidmore College. Following his undergrad career, Wolff went and obtained a degree from the world-renowned New York, Parsons School of Design in graphic design that helped further his passion for creating.

“Towards the end of college it became clear that my ability to impact American soccer was not going to be on the pitch, but in the design studio. I realized I wanted to combine my two loves — soccer and design — and try to pursue them as a career. I held design jobs at NYCFC and Nike Football before going out on my own,” said the Vermont Green FC co-founder.

With many projects available to take on and a lifetime’s worth of experience under his belt, Wolff found the inspiration to collaborate with Carolina Core FC in the way most ideas are conceived.

“I was out on a walk! Evan Mitz — who I’d met a few years prior — gave me a call and told me all about the vision for the club. It really interested me and I was keen to work with Evan,” noted the Minnesota native. “Shortly thereafter I was introduced to Ramsey and collectively we worked for a few months crafting the CCFC crest, colors, apparel and various other branding assets.”

MATTHEW WOLFF CCFC LOGO DESIGNER

Wolff has done tremendous work in helping to progress US Soccer at all levels. The talented graphic designer has worked with the United Soccer League, National Women’s Soccer League, and the highest level of professional soccer in the country, Major League Soccer. With soccer at the forefront of all his creations, his work with Carolina Core FC proved to be another monumental step in his career as it was the first MLS NEXT Pro team he’s worked with. The creation of a club’s crest can serve as a catalyst for many organization’s ascent or demise, so it was imperative that this high-level of responsibility was entrusted to the right person.

“Like any relationship, communication and trust are key. I’m grateful that CCFC were wonderful partners throughout this process. The CCFC team put a lot of trust in me and the design process was a smooth one,” said the former Nike designer. “I think it’s important to understand the community that the crest will represent. Ideally the club (and by extension the crest) will represent something greater than the 11 players on the pitch.”

With the club entering the MLS NEXT Pro league for its inaugural season as an independent club, establishing its own unique identity was key. The crest has to repress soccer while still maintaining the creative lifestyle branding associated with things off the pitch, helping to explain what led to the now prominent fox.

“Soccer crests are avatars of self-identification. I believe that someone who looks at the crest of their local team should see some of themselves and their community in it,” explained Wolff. As CCFC embarks on its inaugural set of home matches, the newly created crest looks to serve as a point of unity that everyone can look toward as a beacon of light. “I believe that football clubs should be a reflection of their community. The crest is an illustration of that reflection,” said the heralded graphic designer.

MATTHEW WOLFF: NOTABLE CLIENTS

TONIGHT’S OPPONENT

FC CINCINNATI

MLS NEXT Pro serves as the bridge between the FC Cincinnati Academy and the first team, with FC Cincinnati 2 beginning play in 2022. The club trains at Mercy Health Training Center, and the venue for the club’s home matches are played at NKU Soccer Stadium. The club’s crest is similar to the first team logo, with Gary the Lion being replaced by a block number “2” in the bottom half of the crest. The club dons the newly released orange Juncta Juvant kits along with the navy-blue Dynamic Kit, and both kits will feature the FC Cincinnati 2 badge. FC Cincinnati 2 is led by Head Coach Tyrone Marshall. Marshall joined FC Cincinnati’s Academy coaching staff from Real Salt Lake, where he had been an assistant coach for the Utah MLS club since 2015. In his playing career, Marshall made over 300 MLS appearances with five different clubs between 1998 and 2012. He is a two-time winner of MLS Cup (2002 and 2005 – LA Galaxy) and a three-time Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winner (2005 – LA Galaxy, 2009 and 2010 – Seattle Sounders FC). The Jamaican international appeared over 85 times in his career with the national team, scoring five goals.

FOR KIDS