MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS NEW YORK COSMOS
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10
DIGITAL: ESPN3, WRAL.COM
RADIO: 95.7 THE TICKET (95.7 FM & 1330 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvNYC
CARY, N.C. (Aug. 26, 2017) – With time winding down on the 2017 NASL Regular Season, the playoff race is heating up. North Carolina FC (7W-6D-8L, 27 points, 4th place) and the New York Cosmos (7W-8D-5L, 29 points, 3rd place) are two of seven teams still searching for three remaining bids to the 2017 playoffs. The two teams will meet on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to continue the fight for the playoffs. The match will be presented by Northwestern Mutual.
Only two points separate NCFC and the Cosmos, setting up a match that could go a long way in deciding which teams claim the final playoff spots. Historically, New York has owned the matchup, winning six of the last eight matches in the series. However, NCFC most recently battled New York to a 2-2 draw in Brooklyn on June 10 with superb goals from Billy Schuler and Lance Laing.
The hosts will look to its talented attacking unit to fuel its playoff hopes. Laing leads the way with eight goals, including two in his last three matches. NCFC’s newest striker, Renan Gorne, earned his first start last week, while Schuler and Matt Fondy have also been relied on for goals this season.
Despite New York’s strong Spring Season, the side’s form has dropped recently. The team opened the Fall Season with a win over Miami, but lost to San Francisco in its next match. In its last two matches, New York has drawn with lower-table sides FC Edmonton and the Indy Eleven.
Emmanuel Ledesma is the talisman for New York’s attack with six goals, but the team has used a variety of options to find the back of the net. In addition to Ledesma, 13 players have scored at least one goal this season for the Cosmos.
Last Time Out:
NCFC drew 1-1 with the San Francisco Deltas last weekend at Kezar Stadium. After conceding in the 60thminute, Lance Laing rescued a point by converting a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre also had a great match, accumulating six saves against a determined Deltas attack.
Players to Watch:
No. 17 Billy Schuler
Schuler emerged as a starter midway through the Fall Season and provided North Carolina with a big boost in the attack. The forward has totaled four league goals and an assist before an injury sidelined him for over a month. Look for him to regain his form against a New York Cosmos side that he’s already scored against this season.
No. 26 Eric Calvillo
After making a name for himself with the U.S. Youth National Team, Calvillo is emerging as an attacking threat for the New York Cosmos this season. The 19-year-old had scored three times and added one assist in just 527 minutes of play. Cavillo is part of dangerous New York attacking unit, which has caused problems for NCFC in the past. Look for Calvillo to make plays all over the field as a box-to-box midfielder with a knack for finishing.
Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC will remain at home for another week as it takes on FC Edmonton on Saturday, Sep. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match will be presented by WakeMed Health and Hospitals. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.
MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS NEW YORK COSMOS
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10
DIGITAL: ESPN3, WRAL.COM
RADIO: 95.7 THE TICKET (95.7 FM & 1330 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvNYC
CARY, N.C. (Aug. 26, 2017) – With time winding down on the 2017 NASL Regular Season, the playoff race is heating up. North Carolina FC (7W-6D-8L, 27 points, 4th place) and the New York Cosmos (7W-8D-5L, 29 points, 3rd place) are two of seven teams still searching for three remaining bids to the 2017 playoffs. The two teams will meet on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to continue the fight for the playoffs. The match will be presented by Northwestern Mutual.
Only two points separate NCFC and the Cosmos, setting up a match that could go a long way in deciding which teams claim the final playoff spots. Historically, New York has owned the matchup, winning six of the last eight matches in the series. However, NCFC most recently battled New York to a 2-2 draw in Brooklyn on June 10 with superb goals from Billy Schuler and Lance Laing.
The hosts will look to its talented attacking unit to fuel its playoff hopes. Laing leads the way with eight goals, including two in his last three matches. NCFC’s newest striker, Renan Gorne, earned his first start last week, while Schuler and Matt Fondy have also been relied on for goals this season.
Despite New York’s strong Spring Season, the side’s form has dropped recently. The team opened the Fall Season with a win over Miami, but lost to San Francisco in its next match. In its last two matches, New York has drawn with lower-table sides FC Edmonton and the Indy Eleven.
Emmanuel Ledesma is the talisman for New York’s attack with six goals, but the team has used a variety of options to find the back of the net. In addition to Ledesma, 13 players have scored at least one goal this season for the Cosmos.
Last Time Out:
NCFC drew 1-1 with the San Francisco Deltas last weekend at Kezar Stadium. After conceding in the 60thminute, Lance Laing rescued a point by converting a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre also had a great match, accumulating six saves against a determined Deltas attack.
Players to Watch:
No. 17 Billy Schuler
Schuler emerged as a starter midway through the Fall Season and provided North Carolina with a big boost in the attack. The forward has totaled four league goals and an assist before an injury sidelined him for over a month. Look for him to regain his form against a New York Cosmos side that he’s already scored against this season.
No. 26 Eric Calvillo
After making a name for himself with the U.S. Youth National Team, Calvillo is emerging as an attacking threat for the New York Cosmos this season. The 19-year-old had scored three times and added one assist in just 527 minutes of play. Cavillo is part of dangerous New York attacking unit, which has caused problems for NCFC in the past. Look for Calvillo to make plays all over the field as a box-to-box midfielder with a knack for finishing.
Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC will remain at home for another week as it takes on FC Edmonton on Saturday, Sep. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match will be presented by WakeMed Health and Hospitals. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.
