Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Stats: Head-to-head Overview

Carolina Core and Chicago Fire II meet again in MLS Next Pro Group Stage action on 25 July 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 23:30 UTC at Truist Point. The fixture brings together two Central Division rivals in the 2026 season, adding extra weight to an already competitive matchup between these developing sides.

In the current standings, Carolina Core sit 7th in the Central Division with 18 points from 19 matches, while Chicago Fire II are 5th with 27 points from 18 games. With Carolina Core trying to climb away from the lower reaches of both the Central Division and Eastern Conference tables, and Chicago Fire II targeting a stronger playoff position, this clash carries clear implications. For supporters and analysts alike, this is a key opportunity to dig into Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II stats ahead of a pivotal Group Stage encounter.

Head-to-head record

The record shows a compact but revealing series of meetings between Carolina Core and Chicago Fire II across MLS Next Pro competition.

Previous meetings: 4
Carolina Core wins: 1
Draws: 2
Chicago Fire II wins: 1

Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Timeline & Historical Context

The Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II timeline in MLS Next Pro is short but already marked by tight margins and decisive moments. Every match in the series has been played in league competition, with both regular-time victories and penalty shootouts shaping the narrative between these clubs.

The earliest meeting in this dataset came on 22 April 2024 in the MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 8 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. On that occasion, Chicago Fire II, playing at home, defeated Carolina Core 2-1, having led 2-0 at half-time. That home success for Chicago Fire II established an early edge in the rivalry and underlined their strength on their own pitch.

On 14 June 2025, the matchup moved to Truist Point for MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 18. Carolina Core and Chicago Fire II drew 1-1 in regular time, with the score also 1-1 at half-time. The contest was decided from the spot, where Chicago Fire II prevailed 5-4 on penalties. Historically, that match is recorded as a draw in the head-to-head ledger, but the shootout win gave Chicago Fire II another psychological boost in knockout-style pressure.

The 2026 season has already produced two further meetings. On 22 March 2026 in the MLS Next Pro Group Stage at SeatGeek Stadium, Chicago Fire II and Carolina Core played out a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes (0-0 at half-time and full-time), before Chicago Fire II again edged the shootout 5-4 on penalties. Later, on 16 May 2026, the fixture returned to Truist Point for another Group Stage clash. This time Carolina Core turned the tables, overturning a 0-1 half-time deficit to win 2-1 in regular time. That comeback victory marked Carolina Core’s first outright win in this series and showed their ability to respond at home. Overall, the Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II timeline highlights a rivalry defined by close scores, two penalty shootouts, and a growing competitive edge on both sides.

Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Head to Head Overall Breakdown

The overall Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II stats point to a finely balanced matchup with a slight scoring edge for the visitors over the full series.

Overall Record & Goals:

Total Goals Scored: Carolina Core 4 - 5 Chicago Fire II
Average Goals per Match: Carolina Core 1.00 vs Chicago Fire II 1.25

Venue Split Performance:

At Truist Point: 2 matches played here — Carolina Core won 1 (as home side), Chicago Fire II won 0 (as away side), 1 draw
At SeatGeek Stadium: 2 matches played here — Chicago Fire II won 1 (as home side), Carolina Core won 0 (as away side), 1 draw

Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Last Results: Past Direct Meetings

Here are the Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II last results in recent competitive fixtures:

16 May 2026: Carolina Core 2-1 Chicago Fire II (Half-time: 0-1) – MLS Next Pro Group Stage
22 March 2026: Chicago Fire II 0-0 Carolina Core (Half-time: 0-0) – MLS Next Pro Group Stage (Chicago Fire II won 5-4 on penalties)
14 June 2025: Carolina Core 1-1 Chicago Fire II (Half-time: 1-1) – MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 18 (Chicago Fire II won 5-4 on penalties)
22 April 2024: Chicago Fire II 2-1 Carolina Core (Half-time: 2-0) – MLS Next Pro Regular Season - 8

Recent Form: Last 5 Matches Breakdown

Last 5 Carolina Core Matches Results and Stats

Carolina Core’s 2026 MLS Next Pro campaign has been challenging, with 5 wins and 14 losses from 19 matches and no draws. Their overall goal difference is -10 in the Central Division standings, and season-to-date numbers show a team that concedes more than it scores. Across the season, Carolina Core average 1.3 goals scored per match and 1.9 conceded, with a stronger return at home (1.6 goals scored on average) than away. Despite a difficult run, they have managed 3 clean sheets and have rarely failed to score at home, indicating some attacking potential at Truist Point ahead of this fixture.

Recent Results Summary: Win 5, Draw 0, Lose 14 (season to date)

Last 5 Chicago Fire II Matches Results and Stats

Chicago Fire II arrive with a more balanced season profile. In 18 MLS Next Pro matches, they have 9 wins and 9 losses with no draws, and a positive goal difference of +2 in the Central Division. Season-to-date, they average 1.8 goals scored per match and 1.7 conceded, reflecting a side that is generally more potent going forward but can be exposed defensively. Their home form is particularly strong with 6 wins from 8 and 18 goals scored, while away they have 3 wins from 10 and 14 goals scored, alongside 20 conceded. With 4 clean sheets and only 2 matches without a goal across the season, Chicago Fire II bring consistent attacking threat into this matchup.

Recent Results Summary: Win 9, Draw 0, Lose 9 (season to date)

Historical Statistical Verdict

Across four MLS Next Pro meetings, the historical record between Carolina Core and Chicago Fire II is almost perfectly balanced: one win each and two draws, with Chicago Fire II holding a narrow 5-4 edge in total goals. Venue splits underline the importance of home advantage, with Carolina Core unbeaten in regular time at Truist Point in this series and Chicago Fire II similarly strong at SeatGeek Stadium. Season-to-date form suggests Chicago Fire II have been the more consistent side, especially in attack, while Carolina Core’s home numbers and their 2-1 win on 16 May 2026 indicate they are capable of matching their rivals on their own turf. Overall, the trends point toward another tight contest, with small margins, set-piece efficiency, and defensive concentration likely to determine which way this Group Stage fixture tilts.

Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II H2H Statistics updated on 20 July 2026.