By Nicole Caporaso
On Saturday night, North Carolina FC played to a 1-1 draw in the club’s long awaited NASL regular season home opener against Miami FC at WakeMed Soccer Park. Here’s a more in depth look at the game.
What happened?
North Carolina FC earned one point at home in a hard-fought match that showcased the club’s defensive determination, in holding Miami to just one goal, but also showed offensive prowess in matching the visitors’ 11 shots.
Who stood out?
Forward Matt Fondy picked up right where he left off with his quick goal in the 4th minute of the game. Despite joining the club about halfway through 2016, the California native went on a tear, providing seven goals and two assists to become the leading goal scorer. With one goal and 25 touches on Saturday, his 2017 seems promising already.
Despite Saturday’s game being the first of the season, goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre appeared to be in full-season form already, as he made four saves and allowed NCFC to earn one point in the standings. Last season, the 24-year-old was nominated for the League’s Young Player of the Year award and he demonstrated why on Saturday night as he stifled all but one of Miami’s chances.
Finally, James Marcelin played as a midfielder and had a standout game. Throughout the match, he played strong in the midfield, shutting down Miami’s attack in front of Sylvestre, while also winning all his tackles, completing three interceptions, and winning seven out of nine duels.
When was it decided?
This game was decided in the 14th minute with Miami FC’s equalizer from Kwadwo Poku. Though Sylvestre did well to block Poku’s first attempt, the following shot found its way past the 6-foot-4 keeper. With Fondy’s goal 10 minutes earlier, the score was tied, and despite opportunities from both sides, the rest of the game was a stalemate.
Why does it matter?
It’s important to start the season off on the right foot and with a draw against a deep Miami team that boasts Stefano Pinho, Dylan Mares and Michael Lahoud, it provides NCFC confidence moving forward. This year’s Championship will feature the winners of the Spring and Fall Seasons, as well as the two clubs with the best combined records, and in an ultra-competitive league, it is imperative that North Carolina FC starts strong.
What was said?
Kareem Moses on the fans:
"The fans were amazing today, and they always are, and we're just frustrated because we couldn't win in front of the fans."
Colin Clarke on the game:
"Another good game, and obviously we started the game well and got the goal. They're a good team if you give them time on the ball, and allow some passing they can get it into good spots and give us some trouble. We talked at halftime about what we needed to do and I thought we responded very well. I thought in the second half we deserved to win the game.”
What’s next?
North Carolina FC is currently on a bye-week, and is looking ahead to their April 8 visit at Kezar Stadium for their first-ever match with the San Francisco Deltas. The club will return home for an April 15 matchup against FC Edmonton at 7:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park.
By Nicole Caporaso
On Saturday night, North Carolina FC played to a 1-1 draw in the club’s long awaited NASL regular season home opener against Miami FC at WakeMed Soccer Park. Here’s a more in depth look at the game.
What happened?
North Carolina FC earned one point at home in a hard-fought match that showcased the club’s defensive determination, in holding Miami to just one goal, but also showed offensive prowess in matching the visitors’ 11 shots.
Who stood out?
Forward Matt Fondy picked up right where he left off with his quick goal in the 4th minute of the game. Despite joining the club about halfway through 2016, the California native went on a tear, providing seven goals and two assists to become the leading goal scorer. With one goal and 25 touches on Saturday, his 2017 seems promising already.
Despite Saturday’s game being the first of the season, goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre appeared to be in full-season form already, as he made four saves and allowed NCFC to earn one point in the standings. Last season, the 24-year-old was nominated for the League’s Young Player of the Year award and he demonstrated why on Saturday night as he stifled all but one of Miami’s chances.
Finally, James Marcelin played as a midfielder and had a standout game. Throughout the match, he played strong in the midfield, shutting down Miami’s attack in front of Sylvestre, while also winning all his tackles, completing three interceptions, and winning seven out of nine duels.
When was it decided?
This game was decided in the 14th minute with Miami FC’s equalizer from Kwadwo Poku. Though Sylvestre did well to block Poku’s first attempt, the following shot found its way past the 6-foot-4 keeper. With Fondy’s goal 10 minutes earlier, the score was tied, and despite opportunities from both sides, the rest of the game was a stalemate.
Why does it matter?
It’s important to start the season off on the right foot and with a draw against a deep Miami team that boasts Stefano Pinho, Dylan Mares and Michael Lahoud, it provides NCFC confidence moving forward. This year’s Championship will feature the winners of the Spring and Fall Seasons, as well as the two clubs with the best combined records, and in an ultra-competitive league, it is imperative that North Carolina FC starts strong.
What was said?
Kareem Moses on the fans:
“The fans were amazing today, and they always are, and we’re just frustrated because we couldn’t win in front of the fans.”
Colin Clarke on the game:
“Another good game, and obviously we started the game well and got the goal. They’re a good team if you give them time on the ball, and allow some passing they can get it into good spots and give us some trouble. We talked at halftime about what we needed to do and I thought we responded very well. I thought in the second half we deserved to win the game.”
What’s next?
North Carolina FC is currently on a bye-week, and is looking ahead to their April 8 visit at Kezar Stadium for their first-ever match with the San Francisco Deltas. The club will return home for an April 15 matchup against FC Edmonton at 7:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park.
