Last night’s international exhibition against Atlas FC of Liga MX not only served as a final tune up for North Carolina FC in advance of the season opener on March 25 against Miami FC (kickoff 7:30 p.m. WakeMed Soccer Park), but it also allowed two Capital Area RailHawks Academy standouts to measure up against seasoned professionals.
Delasi Batse and Manny Perez both saw playing time in the match with the former appearing for more than 35 minutes in the game.
“It’s a tangible opportunity for our academy players to get on the field in these types of games,” said Capital Area RailHawks Academy Director John Bradford. “It shows they are mature enough and have the responsibility to rise up to the occasion. It is also a good environment for them to be in as the NCFC coaches put their trust in the players to be able to make a difference on the pitch. Additionally, I think it opens their eyes to what a professional environment looks like as they develop into future professional players.”
Batse is a 17-year-old defender who came through the Triangle United Soccer ranks before joining CASL. He joined the academy at the age of 14, and this season with the U17/18s has appeared in 22 matches scoring two goals. Batse has committed to play for UNC Charlotte for the fall of 2017.
Perez is no stranger to appearing in big matches for the club as he played 10 minutes in the summer international exhibition match against West Ham United of the English Premier League in 2016. The 18-year-old midfielder featured in the last few minutes of the game against Atlas FC, coming on for Marcel Kandziora. Perez has appeared in 20 games for the U18s this year, recording six goals.
In addition to Batse and Perez, other Academy players who appeared on the NCFC official roster for Wednesday’s international exhibition match include Aidan Foster, Lucas Del Rosario, Jose Morales, George Marks, and Alex Rose.
To learn more about the Capital Area RailHawks Academy and its long-standing relationship with the North Carolina Football Club, please visit http://www.capitalarearailhawks.com/.
Last night’s international exhibition against Atlas FC of Liga MX not only served as a final tune up for North Carolina FC in advance of the season opener on March 25 against Miami FC (kickoff 7:30 p.m. WakeMed Soccer Park), but it also allowed two Capital Area RailHawks Academy standouts to measure up against seasoned professionals.
Delasi Batse and Manny Perez both saw playing time in the match with the former appearing for more than 35 minutes in the game.
“It’s a tangible opportunity for our academy players to get on the field in these types of games,” said Capital Area RailHawks Academy Director John Bradford. “It shows they are mature enough and have the responsibility to rise up to the occasion. It is also a good environment for them to be in as the NCFC coaches put their trust in the players to be able to make a difference on the pitch. Additionally, I think it opens their eyes to what a professional environment looks like as they develop into future professional players.”
Batse is a 17-year-old defender who came through the Triangle United Soccer ranks before joining CASL. He joined the academy at the age of 14, and this season with the U17/18s has appeared in 22 matches scoring two goals. Batse has committed to play for UNC Charlotte for the fall of 2017.
Perez is no stranger to appearing in big matches for the club as he played 10 minutes in the summer international exhibition match against West Ham United of the English Premier League in 2016. The 18-year-old midfielder featured in the last few minutes of the game against Atlas FC, coming on for Marcel Kandziora. Perez has appeared in 20 games for the U18s this year, recording six goals.
In addition to Batse and Perez, other Academy players who appeared on the NCFC official roster for Wednesday’s international exhibition match include Aidan Foster, Lucas Del Rosario, Jose Morales, George Marks, and Alex Rose.
To learn more about the Capital Area RailHawks Academy and its long-standing relationship with the North Carolina Football Club, please visit http://www.capitalarearailhawks.com/.