Wrap it up: Crown Legacy FC clinches playoff berth

CROWN LEGACY FC

Crown Legacy FC clinched a berth in the MLS Next Pro playoffs Sunday with a 1-0 win against Huntsville City FC. Crown Legacy, a first-year side, leads the Eastern Conference with 50 points with six matches left in the regular season.

Crown Legacy FC’s inaugural season includes a spot in the 2023 MLS Next Pro playoffs.

A stoppage-time goal by Iuri Tavares in the 91st minutes pushed Charlotte to a 1-0 win against Huntsville City FC Sunday at Matthews Sportsplex to clinch a postseason berth. Crown Legacy FC (15-4-3) has the best record in the Eastern Conference and 50 points to lead the table with six games remaining.

“The boys work so hard every day,” midfielder David Poreba said. “At training, we give 100% on and off the field. We have an amazing coaching staff alongside amazing players. I think this is going to be a special year.”

The two division winners in each conference and the next five clubs with the most points will advance to the postseason. The playoffs will consist of three rounds over four weeks beginning Sept. 29 with the MLS Next Pro Cup on Oct. 22.

“It’s a good feeling,” Crown Legacy coach Jose Tavares said. “It wasn’t one of our goals for this season. It’s really interesting that we have so many games left, and we are already there. We don’t think on the playoffs. We think on a daily basis how we can be better; we think how we can grow on this moment and perform in a better way.”

Goalkeeper Isaac Walker earned his fourth clean sheet to keep Crown Legacy undefeated at home while persevering against a Huntsville City side that has put up a stiff challenge in each of their three fixtures. Each side has a win and share a draw.

“They’re a good team,” Poreba said. “They have a lot of experienced players that have played in good leagues around the world, and they have a good coaching staff as well, so that’s why they’re a tougher team for us.”

Said Tavares: “We knew it was going to be a difficult game against a good opponent with some experienced players and style of play. Sometimes we need to give credit to the players to see how the game is going to be. They took some time on the top level, and with young players it’s even more important to feel the game. They felt it and they understood how we could create damage better on our end.”

Coming off a 3-1 loss to Atlanta United 2 that broke a two-game win streak, Crown Legacy was looking to return to form.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Poreba said. “The boys showed amazing character and mentality. The last game, we weren’t focused in all aspects of the game for all 90 minutes, but today we were.”

Comments