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FOUNDATION SET, LEGACY BUILDING

A look back on Crown Legacy FC's Inaugural Season

By Charlotte FC

January 4^th, 2024

Two years in the making, Crown Legacy FC’s inaugural year commenced in March 2023 and exceeded all expectations. With an undefeated home record, earning the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference, a passionate fan base that is growing by the minute and a team that doesn’t have an ounce of quit in them, Crown Legacy FC has established itself as one of the premier clubs in MLS NEXT Pro.

The Inaugural Match

On a mild, rainy March afternoon, Crown Legacy stepped onto the pitch for the first time against fellow expansion side, Huntsville City FC.

Over 3,000 fans charged with the excitement of seeing the next generation of Charlotte FC, filled Mecklenburg County Sportsplex and became part of the momentous start of the team.

CLFC came back not once but twice to equalize the match and force a shootout, but ultimately failed to earn the additional point. Despite the loss, there were many takeaways that show what Crown Legacy would soon become.

From Brandon Cambridge’s poise from the penalty mark,

to Nick Scardina’s clutch stoppage-time finish,

a “never-say-die” mentality and an unwavering bond between team and fans was formed.

One Team, One Legacy

From the very first match, Crown Legacy FC made it clear the fans are not just there to watch but to be part of the journey. For every step a player makes in their soccer career, it is always vital to remember the pathway that got them there. That means remembering what it was like when they were eight, nine or ten years old going to their first professional soccer match thinking the players on that field were bigger than life itself.

After every match, Crown Legacy players keep those memories in mind as they are exiting the pitch with cheering fans lined up on the Legacy Lawn itching to see their favorite players.

There aren’t many places other than Legacy Lawn where autographing fans' foreheads, dollar bills and babies are considered the norm.

Always having new fan-made artwork that tells the stories of the season and many, many selfies. With such a tight knit fan base, players are able to form connections with fans and are met with the same warmth and joy after every win.

Milestones

In just the first season, Crown Legacy FC accomplished a great deal. Players graduated from the Sportsplex to Bank of America Stadium. Some garnered international attention and others were recognized as the best at their position. No matter how one looks at it, there was plenty to cheer about in 2023.

Isaac Walker put CLFC on the map, bringing back a championship belt to the Club in front of a global audience.

João Pedro made waves all season and became the first player in Club history to win a postseason award.

Ultimately, when a player steps onto the pitch for CLFC, they know they are one step closer to their end goal - suiting up for Charlotte FC in Uptown Charlotte. CLTFC working in conjunction with Crown Legacy FC, allows young players to develop their skill and experience to step onto the pitch for the first team. That is what CLFC is all about.

Playoffs Clinched

In the thick of the heat of a North Carolina Summer, Crown Legacy FC faced off against a familiar foe, Huntsville City FC. This would be the third and final time the clubs faced off this season, and CLFC was still looking for their first victory over Huntsville.

In typical Crown Legacy fashion, Iuri Tavares broke the stalemate in stoppage time.

Tavares’ goal was not only the decider in the 1-0 victory over the bitter rivals, but gave the Club one more thing... A playoff berth.

The Decision

Clinching playoffs in the inaugural season is not an easy feat. Not only did they make the playoffs, Crown Legacy FC finished the regular season atop the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference. This accolade came with not only a first-round bye but the ability to choose its opponent in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. An unconventional structure. The Club’s thought process in making the decision? “To develop a winning mentality, we need to play against the best.”

Conference Semifinals

In front of thousands of fans, Crown Legacy FC left their hearts out on the pitch. Controlling the flow of the game and out-shooting Crew 2, the boys did everything they could but could not find the breakthrough.

Columbus were able to sneak a goal in the 50th minute and hung onto the 1-0 lead, clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference Final.

When a new club is being built there is much that rides on the first season. Will you be satisfied with a couple of wins or strive for more? How will you handle defeat? How do you want to lay the foundation for years to come? What legacy will you leave?

Crown Legacy FC has proven this year the pillars of this club: fighting as one unit, celebrating every win, never giving in to the temptation of complacency and above all, having the mentality to come back stronger and better for the seasons to come.