There was considerable hype surrounding the off-season signing of new North Carolina FC midfielder Kyle Bekker. After the first leg of the season, it’s clear that the Canadian international has certainly delivered on the excitement.
The veteran has been a tremendous addition to an experienced midfield alongside NCFC stalwarts Austin da Luz, Steven Miller, rookie Graham Smith and NCFC regulars Marcel Kandziora and Dre Fortune.
Bekker brings an attacking element to an already productive midfield that has transformed the group into one of the more dynamic units in the USL.
Starting in each of North Carolina FC’s first 11 matches of the season, Bekker has scored one goal and recorded a team-high five assists. His attacking prowess has improved the NCFC attack as he has provided quality services on set pieces and become a go-to option when the team is on the counter.
Bekker found the scoresheet for the first time with NCFC against Penn FC on April 28. His goal and two assists earned him USL Player of the Week honors for Week 7, while NCFC rolled to a 3-0 victory. He assisted Austin da Luz on the first goal, scored the second goal and then added an assist to Daniel Rios to cap off his breakthrough performance. From there, the midfielder has continued to find ways to help NCFC to victory.
Bekker has made an immediate impact in the beginning of NCFC’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run, as the team opened with a second-round victory against Lansdowne Bhoys FC. His two assists were key moments in the match. He helped NCFC open the scoring just two minutes in with a curling ball from a corner that found Connor Tobin near the six-yard box for the header. His second assist came as NCFC looked to put an end to the match when he found a streaking Bernhard Luxbacher, who rounded the keeper and finished the team’s third goal of the game.
Most recently, Bekker picked up an assist against FC Cincinnati on May 19. The contribution marked his third game in a row with an assist after providing the service for Marios Lomis’ goal.
Experience gained from four years in the MLS, as well as his 18 appearances with the Canadian National Team has aided Bekker in becoming an instant leader in the NCFC midfield. Those leadership qualities and proven success throughout his career will continue to help NCFC build a winning culture in the locker room and find success on the pitch.
NCFC enters the weekend with a four-match home winning streak. The side will look to keep that momentum going on Saturday night (June 2) against Bethlehem Steel FC at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.
There was considerable hype surrounding the off-season signing of new North Carolina FC midfielder Kyle Bekker. After the first leg of the season, it’s clear that the Canadian international has certainly delivered on the excitement.
The veteran has been a tremendous addition to an experienced midfield alongside NCFC stalwarts Austin da Luz, Steven Miller, rookie Graham Smith and NCFC regulars Marcel Kandziora and Dre Fortune.
Bekker brings an attacking element to an already productive midfield that has transformed the group into one of the more dynamic units in the USL.
Starting in each of North Carolina FC’s first 11 matches of the season, Bekker has scored one goal and recorded a team-high five assists. His attacking prowess has improved the NCFC attack as he has provided quality services on set pieces and become a go-to option when the team is on the counter.
Bekker found the scoresheet for the first time with NCFC against Penn FC on April 28. His goal and two assists earned him USL Player of the Week honors for Week 7, while NCFC rolled to a 3-0 victory. He assisted Austin da Luz on the first goal, scored the second goal and then added an assist to Daniel Rios to cap off his breakthrough performance. From there, the midfielder has continued to find ways to help NCFC to victory.
Bekker has made an immediate impact in the beginning of NCFC’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run, as the team opened with a second-round victory against Lansdowne Bhoys FC. His two assists were key moments in the match. He helped NCFC open the scoring just two minutes in with a curling ball from a corner that found Connor Tobin near the six-yard box for the header. His second assist came as NCFC looked to put an end to the match when he found a streaking Bernhard Luxbacher, who rounded the keeper and finished the team’s third goal of the game.
Most recently, Bekker picked up an assist against FC Cincinnati on May 19. The contribution marked his third game in a row with an assist after providing the service for Marios Lomis’ goal.
Experience gained from four years in the MLS, as well as his 18 appearances with the Canadian National Team has aided Bekker in becoming an instant leader in the NCFC midfield. Those leadership qualities and proven success throughout his career will continue to help NCFC build a winning culture in the locker room and find success on the pitch.
NCFC enters the weekend with a four-match home winning streak. The side will look to keep that momentum going on Saturday night (June 2) against Bethlehem Steel FC at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.
