MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE
KICKOFF: WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
BROADCAST INFO:
DIGITAL: USSOCCER.COM, www.northcarolinafc.com
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCDerby, #NCFCvCLT
CARY, N.C. (May 30, 2017) – North Carolina FC continues its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign as it hosts the Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League (USL) in the North Carolina Derby at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in on Wednesday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m.
The quickly-growing local rivalry has turned into a key Open Cup matchup for both teams. The teams have met twice in Open Cup history, playing each of the last two seasons. Charlotte won 1-0 in 2015, and North Carolina FC won the most recent matchup 5-0 in 2016, setting an Open Cup record for most goals scored in extra time. Each season, the winner has gone on to face an MLS opponent in the next round of the Open Cup.
The same prize is in the sights of both teams this year, as the winner of Wednesday’s match will advance to the fourth round to host the Houston Dynamo of the MLS on June 14. NCFC has advanced out of the third round of the Open Cup five times in seven appearances.
The club has played well in its Open Cup season so far, defeating the Carolina Dynamo 6-1 in the second round with goals from Brian Shriver, Matt Fondy, Tiyi Shipalane, Jonny Orlando, and a second half brace from Billy Schuler.
Last Time Out:
NCFC dropped a 2-1 result in Jacksonville last Saturday, as the team couldn’t complete a late comeback. Shipalane notched an impressive goal from distance for his third goal of the season to provide NCFC’s only goal of the match.
Players to Watch:
#17 Billy Schuler
Schuler has four goals in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, two of which came against the Independence in 2016. He has three goals and one assist in his last four appearances and looks to continue his strong offensive play into the third round of the Open Cup.
#19 Enzo Martinez
Martinez scored two goals in the Independence’s second round Open Cup match against the Charlotte Eagles, including a game-winner in the 88th minute. He played for the RailHawks from 2013-2014 where he scored a combined nine goals in 36 appearances. Martinez is a key player in the Independence attack and is the first player in Independence club history to score multiple goals in a game more than one time.
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will continue its NASL season this weekend, as it welcomes the New York Cosmos to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, June 4 at 4 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club Box Office at 919-459-8144.
MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE
KICKOFF: WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
BROADCAST INFO:
DIGITAL: USSOCCER.COM, www.northcarolinafc.com
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCDerby, #NCFCvCLT
CARY, N.C. (May 30, 2017) – North Carolina FC continues its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign as it hosts the Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League (USL) in the North Carolina Derby at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in on Wednesday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m.
The quickly-growing local rivalry has turned into a key Open Cup matchup for both teams. The teams have met twice in Open Cup history, playing each of the last two seasons. Charlotte won 1-0 in 2015, and North Carolina FC won the most recent matchup 5-0 in 2016, setting an Open Cup record for most goals scored in extra time. Each season, the winner has gone on to face an MLS opponent in the next round of the Open Cup.
The same prize is in the sights of both teams this year, as the winner of Wednesday’s match will advance to the fourth round to host the Houston Dynamo of the MLS on June 14. NCFC has advanced out of the third round of the Open Cup five times in seven appearances.
The club has played well in its Open Cup season so far, defeating the Carolina Dynamo 6-1 in the second round with goals from Brian Shriver, Matt Fondy, Tiyi Shipalane, Jonny Orlando, and a second half brace from Billy Schuler.
Last Time Out:
NCFC dropped a 2-1 result in Jacksonville last Saturday, as the team couldn’t complete a late comeback. Shipalane notched an impressive goal from distance for his third goal of the season to provide NCFC’s only goal of the match.
Players to Watch:
#17 Billy Schuler
Schuler has four goals in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, two of which came against the Independence in 2016. He has three goals and one assist in his last four appearances and looks to continue his strong offensive play into the third round of the Open Cup.
#19 Enzo Martinez
Martinez scored two goals in the Independence’s second round Open Cup match against the Charlotte Eagles, including a game-winner in the 88th minute. He played for the RailHawks from 2013-2014 where he scored a combined nine goals in 36 appearances. Martinez is a key player in the Independence attack and is the first player in Independence club history to score multiple goals in a game more than one time.
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will continue its NASL season this weekend, as it welcomes the New York Cosmos to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, June 4 at 4 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club Box Office at 919-459-8144.
