Chicago Fire FC II delivered one of its most complete performances of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season on Saturday night, rolling to a commanding 5-1 victory over Carolina Core FC at Truist Point in High Point, North Carolina.
Five different players found the back of the net as Fire II controlled the match from start to finish, moving to 33 points and keeping pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Fire II Takes Control Early
Chicago wasted little time asserting itself.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Oscar Pineda collected a pass from Dean Boltz before drilling a low right-footed finish into the bottom corner for his first goal of the season.
The momentum continued just 11 minutes later.
Damian Nigg doubled Chicago’s advantage with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area after being set up by Vitaliy Hlyut, giving Carolina Core FC plenty of work to do before halftime.
Fire II made it 3-0 in the 34th minute when Hlyut capped another flowing attack. After combining with Turdean and Damian, Hlyut calmly finished from the middle of the box to put the visitors firmly in control heading into the break.
Second Half Leaves No Doubt
Chicago refused to ease off after halftime.
Midfielder Trip Flemming added a fourth goal in the 55th minute, finishing a well-worked move created by Damyan Villanueva and Dean Boltz.
Carolina Core FC finally got on the scoresheet in the 80th minute when leading scorer Jacob Tattevin netted his 10th goal of the season after an assist from Diego Pineda, briefly giving the home crowd something to cheer.
Any hopes of a comeback disappeared in stoppage time.
Substitute Tidiane Diawara completed the scoring in the first minute of added time after another assist from Damian Nigg, sealing an emphatic 5-1 victory for the visitors.
Balanced Team Performance
Chicago Fire FC II showcased its attacking depth with five different goalscorers while matching Carolina Core FC in possession and finishing chances more efficiently.
The visitors held slight edges in passing accuracy (83.5% to 82.4%) and shots on target (7-4), converting their opportunities with clinical precision.
The victory provides valuable momentum as Chicago prepares for a three-match homestand, while Carolina Core FC will look to regroup after another difficult result.
What’s Next?
Chicago Fire FC II opens a three-match home stand on Sunday, August 2, when it hosts FC Cincinnati 2 at SeatGeek Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT, with the match available worldwide on OneFootball and MLSNEXTPro.com.
Carolina Core FC will aim to bounce back as it continues its push through the remainder of the MLS NEXT Pro season.
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Join the Conversation
Chicago Fire FC II delivered one of its strongest performances of the season. Can they carry this momentum into their upcoming homestand and strengthen their playoff push? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.