CAROLINA CORE FC DIGITAL GAME PROGRAM - vs. Atlanta United 2, September 13, 2025
2025 SIGNATURE PARTNERS
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 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
OF CAROLINA CORE FC
VS. ATLANTA UNITED 2
Since 1962, Skyla Credit Union has been dedicated to empowering our communities with smart financial solutions across the Carolinas. Serving as a trusted financial partner, Skyla offers individuals and families a wide range of solutions designed to strengthen their financial well-being. Guided by strong community values, Skyla helps members build budgets, grow savings, and access flexible loan options tailored to their needs. With unwavering dedication, Skyla continues to be a reliable source of support in the Triad and beyond, ensuring members thrive both financially and personally.
Our City Our University - Your City Your University YOUR CITY. YOUR UNIVERSITY.
HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY
Welcomes Carolina Core FC to High Point!
Our High Point University family and our community look forward to cheering on the team and enjoying the games!
FEATURE
“It’s all about staying focused, staying competitive, and working hard together as a team.”
In his first season at Carolina Core FC, 26-year-old forward Anthony Sumo Jr. has made a significant transition into the professional football world after previously playing in the semi-professional United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) and National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The Monrovia, Liberia, native has met this challenge with eagerness and a cool head.
“Leaving the UPSL and transitioning to MLS NEXT Pro was a major step into the professional ranks, but football is the same everywhere you go and everywhere you play. The same way you shoot, the same way you dribble the ball, it’s all the same wherever you go.”
However, the journey to the professional tier has not been without its challenges and hardships. Sumo Jr. fought relentlessly early on, as he spent a large portion of the season searching for that goal while also trying to contribute to the team’s success.
“I was a little bit desperate. I remember I got a red card against Atlanta United, and it was very hard for me to get a red card before my first professional goal.”
ANTHONY SUMO JR. FORWARD | CAROLINA CORE FC
The 26-year-old striker would find the back of the net for the first time on August 10, 2025, in a match against playoff side Huntsville City FC.
“After I got that first goal, all my confidence went back to where it needed to be.”
That breakthrough has seen Sumo Jr. hit his stride at the perfect time as Carolina Core FC is making a playoff push in the final few games of the season. The Liberian has scored two goals and registered one assist in his last four MLS NEXT Pro games. Sumo Jr. also found the back of the net in Carolina Core FC’s historic international friendly against Tigres UANL U23.
“Right now, I feel great. I feel good about helping my team win games and putting us in the right spot to be successful in the future. That’s all that matters to me – helping the team and getting us results.”
Anthony Sumo Jr. has worked hard to break into the team at Carolina Core FC. It hasn’t been easy, but he knows that that’s normal when moving into something completely different.
“It’s normal to face difficulties in a new environment and especially in a new team. You have to prove to the team in training that you are a great player so they can trust you and trust in your abilities.”
When asked about his biggest takeaway from his time with Carolina Core FC, Sumo Jr. replied with, “Togetherness.”
“There have been a lot of ups and downs in the season. We have struggled, but we’ve also reached the highest of highs. It’s been a transition where it’s all about staying focused, staying competitive, and working hard together as a team.”
There is one name that sticks out on that team roster that has helped the 26-year-old’s move to Carolina Core FC. Defender Zion Scarlett, who is also in his first season at The Core, had professional experience before his time in High Point—experience that proved invaluable to Sumo Jr.
“He helped me a lot during the transition to life in High Point and with Carolina Core FC. We helped each other out, and he is like my little brother now. You can always find us at each other’s house.”
Off the pitch, Sumo Jr. enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, playing video games, and watching soccer.
“When I’m on my own, it’s either playing video games or watching soccer on the team couch. I play Call of Duty and FIFA, of course.” He jokingly claims, “My life is pretty boring outside soccer.”
The 26-year-old is also a big fan of FC Barcelona and has followed them since he was a boy.
Sumo Jr.’s journey across the world and to becoming a professional footballer has taught him a lot of things, including how to navigate new environments.
“There was a point in my life when I went through a lot of hard times. It was hard moving from Africa to the United States.”
When asked what advice he would give to his younger self if given the chance, Sumo Jr. answered:
“I always wanted to be a professional football player, and I wanted it to happen so fast, at a certain time and at a certain age. When things didn’t work out, it led to some challenging times mentally. I would tell my younger self to have more patience.”
As Carolina Core FC continues to make a final push for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, Anthony Sumo Jr. will be hoping to continue his impressive form and help the team get over the line. The 26-year-old forward is full of confidence going into the final stretch of regular-season games.
“We are going to be in the playoffs, and it’s going to be amazing.”
“THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST KITS AMERICAN SOCCER HAS TO OFFER”
-ESPN
SHOP JERSEYS
COACHING STAFF
DONOVAN RICKETTS
HEAD 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 2017-2023, and the interim Head Coach for the 2022 season.
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
MATCH ANALYST
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.
ANDY WILLIAMS
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER | HEAD SCOUT
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.
2025 ROSTER
ANTHONY
ALENGA
JOSUHA
JATHAN
ANTONIO
COREY LUNDEEN
GLORY NZINGO
MATEO SARMIENTO
IBRAHIM COVI
DEREK CUEVAS
JESUS IBARRA
FACUNDO CANETE
PAUL LEONARDI
ROBERT BAILEY
JOHNNY BAZAES
ARYEH MILLER
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
LITTLETON, COLORADO
LEESBURG, VIRGINIA
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA
SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA
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
NATIONAL TEAM CALL-UPS
ARYEH MILLER
LIBERIA (U17 & U20)
DAVID ‘PACHI’ POLANCO
UNITED STATES (U15)
DEREK CUEVAS
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (U20 & U23)
DRAKE HADEED
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA (SENIOR TEAM)
GLORY NZINGO
IRELAND (U21)
JUAN PABLO RODRIGUEZ
ARGENTINA (U16)
ZION SCARLETT
JAMAICA (U20)
wealth.us.cibc.com
CCFC AND MLS ECOSYSTEM
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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 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.
OUR PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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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 BROKE GROUND: APRIL 11TH, 2018
STADIUM OPENED: MAY 2, 2019
STADIUM COST: $42M
STADIUM CAPACITY: 5,000
BUILDER: SAMET CORPORATION
WEBSITE: TRUISTPOINT.COM
SURFACE: FIELD TURF (INSTALLED FEB. 2024)
ATLANTA UNITED 2
Atlanta United 2 is the MLS NEXT Pro team of Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United. The team plays its home matches at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, located in Kennesaw, Georgia. The club trains at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta, Georgia. The 33acre training site serves as the club’s headquarters for its First Team, Second Team, and Academy, as well as the technical and front office staff. Atlanta United 2 is currently being led on an interim basis by current Assistant Coach Jose Silva. Having been with the Atlanta United Academy since 2021, Silva coached the Under 19s, which won the Georgia Conference Regular Season Championship in 2022.