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!
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 as 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
We’re proud to stand with Carolina Core FC as their Official Pest Control and HVAC Partner. Go-Forth Home Services has been protecting homes and keeping families comfortable since 1959—right here in High Point.
Over the decades, we’ve grown across the Southeast, but this community remains our home turf.
Soccer is more than a game—it’s energy, unity, grit, and passion. Just like the work we do. Whether we’re keeping pests out or the air flowing just right, we bring our A-game every day, for every customer.
Supporting CCFC is our way of giving back to a community that’s always supported us—and championing a sport that brings people together across cultures and generations. Here’s to the fans, the fight, and the future of football in the Core. Go-Forth. All In. All Season.
Our City Our University - Your City Your University YOUR CITY. YOUR UNIVERSITY.
Our High Point University family and our community look forward to cheering on the team and enjoying the games!
“I feel good here at Carolina Core FC. It’s like a family club and I love that.”
A wing-back by trade, Paul-Baptiste Béhé Léonardi has brought extensive European experience to Truist Point Stadium, putting in strong performances week in, week out during MLS NEXT Pro, earning him a consistent spot in The Foxes’ starting lineup. The defender is as dynamic in attack as he is crucial in the backline, and the Frenchman has appeared in 15 matches so far this season. That consistency might create pressure for some, but not for the 25-year-old.
“For me, it’s not pressure. I enjoy my game; it’s my job. Before the game, I listen to music, and I focus on my game. I only enjoy and work for the team, so no pressure. I’m happy to play.”
Prior to arriving in High Point, Paul Léonardi worked his way through the French football pyramid. In 2017, he played for heralded French club AS Monaco U19 in the UEFA Youth League before moving to AC Ajaccio B in the fifth tier of French football. During the 2021-22 season, Léonardi was part of the team that won first place in the league with AS Furiana. Léonardi would later move to Stade Laval B, the reserve team for Ligue 2 club Stade Laval, where he made eleven starts. The Marseille native notes differences in the styles of play between France and the United States.
“It’s more physical in MLS NEXT Pro. All the teams press high every game, so the intensity is very high. I was surprised and impressed by the style of play here.”
The 25-year-old has used his experiences in France to become one of Carolina Core FC’s most productive offensive players. So far in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, Léonardi leads the team with three assists and has the highest number of successful crosses (20). The defender also ranks third on the team with 21 key passes. When the Frenchman controls the ball, it’s almost certain that The Foxes will be going forward in attack.
When asked about his favorite moment playing for Carolina Core FC so far, Léonardi had a clear answer:
“A big one is my first game against NYRB last year, where we won 4-2, but it has to be my first goal in Atlanta. My first goal for Carolina Core FC was on my birthday. (Ibrahim) Covi gave me the ball, thank you, my bro.”
Léonardi netted his first goal for Carolina Core FC earlier this year when the team traveled to take on Atlanta United 2, netting a powerful shot into the bottom left corner of the goal. The strike came in the final ten minutes and helped The Foxes an invaluable point away from home in a 2-2 draw.
The defender makes sure to find time to rest and recharge away from the lights of Truist Point Stadium. Off the field, Léonardi spends the most time with fellow Carolina Core FC defender Ibrahim Covi. The duo is inseparable, and you can almost always see them together during training or in the locker room.
“I like to learn English and pass time with my brother, Covi. Go to coffee shops. I also like to visit Charlotte and go to the mall. After away games, we visit cities like New York and Miami.”
He also makes sure to keep a close eye on his hometown team—Olympique de Marseille.
“I was born in Marseille, and I was raised in Marseille. Marseille is in my blood.”
Everything doesn’t always come easily for Léonardi, as the defender does offer some insight into the difficulties that come with being a professional soccer player and the difficulties with moving to the United States.
“The most difficult thing is staying consistent. Every day you have to improve and work hard. You need to eat well and sleep earlier. It’s difficult, but it’s my job, and I am happy to play for Carolina Core FC. The hardest non-footballing adjustment has been the language. My first time in the airport, I’m completely lost.”
Playing for Carolina Core FC is an experience that Paul Léonardi truly appreciates. Despite personal successes with the club, his favorite aspect is the community that surrounds the club and High Point. The fan clubs that come out to cheer on the team, whether they win, lose, or draw. He also highlights how close the staff of the club is to the players.
“The best feeling with Carolina Core FC is playing at home with the supporters. The atmosphere in the stadium. How you can see everyone involved on the team, like the front office. I feel good here; it’s like a family club, and I love that.”
With over 1,000 minutes played so far in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, Paul Léonardi continues to hit his stride in his first full season at Truist Point Stadium. The Frenchman is a key part of the team and looks to remain essential as The Foxes pursue what would be their first-ever playoff appearance. Based on the first half of the season, Léonardi is poised to improve further as his work rate and productivity continue to earn points for Carolina Core FC
“THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST KITS AMERICAN SOCCER HAS TO OFFER”
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 2017-2023, and the interim Head Coach for the 2022 season.
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 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 an 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.
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.
DRAKE
ANTONIO PINEDA
COREY LUNDEEN
GLORY NZINGO
MATEO SARMIENTO
IBRAHIM COVI
DEREK CUEVAS
JESUS IBARRA
FACUNDO CANETE
PAUL LEONARDI
ROBERT BAILEY
JOHNNY BAZAES
ARYEH MILLER
NEW
LITTLETON,
LEESBURG, VIRGINIA
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA
SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
MIAMI, FLORIDA
KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA
CHESTER, ENGLAND
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
KIGOMA, TANZANIA
PUERTO CORTES, HONDURAS
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
STATESVILLE, NC
ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA
DUBLIN, IRELAND
BUCARAMANGA, COLOMBIA
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
BARCELONA, SPAIN
RALEIGH, NC
CORDOBA, ARGENTINA
MARSEILLE, FRANCE
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
QUEENS, NEW YORK
HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA
ELDIN JAKUPOVIC
SCREEN
ROBERTSON
BROWN
SAR-SAR
SID MOHAND
WATSON
PLOUGMAND
NAGLESTAD
KWAK
RIMPEL NATHAN KOEHLER
STEEVE LOUIS JEAN
DANIEL MANGAROV DARWIN ORTIZ
DUDLEY
GARVANIAN
LIBERIA (U17 & U20)
UNITED STATES (U15)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (U20 & U23)
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA (SENIOR TEAM)
IRELAND (U21)
ARGENTINA (U16)
JAMAICA (U20)
wealth.us.cibc.com
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A groundbreaking initiative that is set to revolutionize youth soccer development in our region. CCFC Academy launched with the MLS NEXT league for the 2024 season starting with two teams - U13 and U14, with our U15 team coming in Fall 2025. We are proud to be the first non-MLS team to make our MLS Next Academy free for each player, aiming to break down the financial barriers 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.
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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 OPENED: MAY 2, 2019
STADIUM COST: $42M
STADIUM CAPACITY: 5,000
BUILDER: SAMET CORPORATION
WEBSITE: TRUISTPOINT.COM
SURFACE: FIELD TURF (INSTALLED FEB. 2024)
Chattanooga FC is one of two independent teams that currently play in MLS NEXT Pro. Joining MLS NEXT Pro during the 2024 season, the club based in Chattanooga, Tennessee trains and plays at Finley Stadium, which is also home to the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga’s football team. CFC is partnered with German-based club VFL Wolfsburg, which includes Wolfsburg helping out with CFC’s women’s team, youth development, and coaching education. Chattanooga FC is coached by Chris Nugent, who served as CFC’s Interim Manager at the end of the 2024 season, before being promoted to the full-time head coach for the 2025 season.
