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. This fixture brings together two Central Division and Eastern Conference rivals in a campaign where both sides are trying to solidify their positions in the standings and build momentum for the second half of the 2026 season.

The stakes are clear: Carolina Core sit on 18 points from 19 matches, ranked 7th in the Central Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference, with a negative goal difference and no draws so far. Chicago Fire II arrive in a stronger league position, 5th in the Central Division and 10th in the Eastern Conference with 27 points from 18 matches. With the visitors showing a more balanced record and the hosts relying on home strength, this Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II stats preview underlines a matchup that could significantly impact both teams’ divisional ambitions.

Head-to-head record

The record shows a competitive and developing rivalry between Carolina Core and Chicago Fire II across MLS Next Pro fixtures.

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 begins with their earliest recorded clash on 22 April 2024 in the Regular Season - 8 round. Played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, Chicago Fire II made home advantage count with a 2-1 victory. They led 2-0 at half-time and held off a second-half response from Carolina Core to take all three points in that first documented meeting.

The rivalry intensified on 14 June 2025 in Regular Season - 18 at Truist Point. That contest finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the half-time score also 1-1. In MLS Next Pro’s penalty shootout format, Chicago Fire II edged it 5-4 on spot-kicks. Historically, this result is treated as a draw in the head-to-head record, but it underlined Chicago Fire II’s composure in shootouts and showed how finely balanced the matchup had become.

The 2026 season has already produced two more meetings. On 22 March 2026 in the Group Stage at SeatGeek Stadium, Chicago Fire II and Carolina Core played out a 0-0 draw over 90 minutes. Once again, penalties were needed, and Chicago Fire II prevailed 5-4 in the shootout after a goalless regulation time. Then, on 16 May 2026 at Truist Point, Carolina Core responded strongly, overturning a 0-1 half-time deficit to win 2-1 in the Group Stage. That comeback home victory gave Carolina Core their first outright win in this series and further balanced the Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II timeline.

Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Head to Head Overall Breakdown

Across all recorded MLS Next Pro meetings, the head-to-head shows a near-even matchup, with both sides finding ways to impose themselves either at home or away.

Overall Record & Goals:

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

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

For Carolina Core, the 2026 campaign has been challenging, and their profile is best understood through season to date statistics. They have played 19 matches, winning 5 and losing 14, with no draws. At home, they are notably stronger: 4 wins from 9 home fixtures, scoring 14 and conceding 14, while away form has been far weaker with just 1 win from 10 and a significantly higher goals against figure. Offensively, Carolina Core average 1.3 goals per match overall, but they also concede 1.9 per game, underlining defensive vulnerability despite occasional attacking promise.

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

Last 5 Chicago Fire II Matches Results and Stats

Chicago Fire II approach this fixture with a more balanced and competitive season to date profile. Over 18 matches, they have 9 wins and 9 losses, with no draws, reflecting a high-variance but ambitious style. At home they are particularly strong, winning 6 of 8 and scoring 18 while conceding only 10. Away from home they are less consistent, with 3 wins and 7 defeats across 10 matches, scoring 14 and conceding 20. Overall, Chicago Fire II average 1.8 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per match, suggesting a side that can both create and allow chances in open games.

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

Historical Statistical Verdict

The historical record between Carolina Core and Chicago Fire II is finely balanced: four meetings, one win each and two draws, with an identical goals tally of 4-4. Venue trends matter, though: Carolina Core have been competitive at Truist Point, remaining unbeaten there in this matchup with one win and one draw, while Chicago Fire II have mirrored that advantage at SeatGeek Stadium. Season to date, Chicago Fire II hold the stronger overall league position, with a positive points return and a more productive attack, whereas Carolina Core rely heavily on their home performances to offset a difficult away record. Taken together, the stats suggest a closely contested fixture where home advantage for Carolina Core is tempered by Chicago Fire II’s higher league standing and proven attacking output, setting up a balanced but tactically intriguing encounter.

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