Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Preview & Prediction
As the MLS Next Pro season intensifies, the upcoming fixture between Carolina Core and Chicago Fire II promises to be a compelling contest. Currently sitting 5th with 43 points and a goal difference of -6, Carolina Core enters this match with a mixed recent form of LWWWL. Meanwhile, Chicago Fire II holds a stronger position in 3rd place, accumulating 47 points with a neutral goal difference and a form that reads WWLWL. This match is poised to be a tactical battle, with both teams eager to consolidate their standings as the season progresses.
Under the guidance of coach Ricketts, Carolina Core has demonstrated resilience and a capacity to grind out results, as reflected in their recent performances. The team’s defensive solidity has been tested, evident from their negative goal difference, but they have managed to secure important wins, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Orlando City II. Their tactical approach appears balanced, often emphasizing organized defense and opportunistic attacking transitions. However, their recent loss to Crown Legacy and a draw against Huntsville City suggest some inconsistency that Ricketts will need to address. The Carolina Core recent form indicates a side capable of both frustrating opponents and capitalizing on chances, but their home performance will be crucial against a strong opponent.
On the other hand, Chicago Fire II, coached by Matkovich, brings a more potent offensive threat to the table, showcased by high-scoring matches such as their 5-0 demolition of Columbus Crew II and a 5-1 triumph over Orlando City II. Their form guide reveals a team confident in attack but vulnerable at times, as seen in their recent narrow 0-1 loss to New England II. The away performance of Chicago Fire II is particularly noteworthy; they have displayed an ability to score freely even on the road, though defensive lapses occasionally undermine their efforts. Matkovich’s tactical setup seems to prioritize attacking fluidity and pressing, which could challenge Carolina Core’s defensive organization. This dynamic makes Chicago Fire II a formidable visitor and a real threat in this MLS Next Pro match preview.
When considering the Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II head to head record, the recent encounter on 22 April 2024 ended in a 2-1 victory for Chicago Fire II. This narrow win highlights the competitive nature of their meetings and suggests that while Chicago Fire II has the edge, Carolina Core remains a difficult opponent. The close scoreline reflects tactical nuances and the ability of both teams to exploit weaknesses, setting the stage for another tightly contested clash.
Given the current standings, recent form, and tactical considerations, the Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II prediction leans towards a draw or an away win for Chicago Fire II. Carolina Core’s home resilience and defensive discipline could frustrate the visitors, but Chicago Fire II’s attacking prowess and prior success in the head-to-head make them slight favorites to come away with points. Fans and bettors looking for Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II betting tips would do well to consider the balance of defensive solidity and offensive firepower that both teams bring to the pitch.
A hot stat to note is that Chicago Fire II has scored at least two goals in four of their last five MLS Next Pro matches, underlining their offensive strength that Carolina Core must contain. With both teams showcasing contrasting strengths and weaknesses, this fixture promises tactical intrigue and competitive intensity from kickoff.
Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Prediction
Match: Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II
Kick Off: 14 Jun 2025, 23:30 UTC
Prediction: Draw or Away

Carolina Core
vs

Chicago Fire II

Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II – MLS Next Pro Standings
Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
28 | 13 | 54 |
2 | ![]() |
28 | 18 | 52 |
3 | ![]() |
28 | 0 | 47 |
4 | ![]() |
28 | 12 | 45 |
5 | ![]() |
28 | 6 | 45 |
6 | ![]() |
28 | -5 | 40 |
7 | ![]() |
28 | -7 | 37 |
8 | ![]() |
28 | -22 | 22 |
1 | ![]() |
28 | 8 | 48 |
2 | ![]() |
28 | 11 | 46 |
3 | ![]() |
28 | 5 | 45 |
4 | ![]() |
28 | 3 | 45 |
5 | ![]() |
28 | -6 | 43 |
6 | ![]() |
28 | -22 | 32 |
7 | ![]() |
28 | -14 | 29 |
1 | ![]() |
28 | 13 | 51 |
2 | ![]() |
28 | 6 | 46 |
3 | ![]() |
28 | -3 | 45 |
4 | ![]() |
28 | 0 | 43 |
5 | ![]() |
28 | 1 | 40 |
6 | ![]() |
28 | -2 | 39 |
7 | ![]() |
28 | -2 | 38 |
1 | ![]() |
28 | 24 | 62 |
2 | ![]() |
28 | 18 | 56 |
3 | ![]() |
28 | 1 | 39 |
4 | ![]() |
28 | -4 | 38 |
5 | ![]() |
28 | -5 | 36 |
6 | ![]() |
28 | -30 | 32 |
7 | ![]() |
28 | -17 | 23 |
Carolina Core vs Chicago Fire II Head-to-Head
Date | League | Match | Score |
---|---|---|---|
14 Jun 2025 | MLS Next Pro |
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– – – |
22 Apr 2024 | MLS Next Pro |
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2 – 1 |