Following North Carolina FC’s opening match of the season against Louisville City FC, Manny Perez was asked by a reporter what his “secret sauce” was.
Perez offered a wry smile before answering, perhaps a bit amused at the idea of having a “secret sauce.” He then talked about the element of his game that isn’t much of a secret and was on full display this past Saturday.
“I just use my pace,” said Perez, the 20-year-old Garner native in his second year on loan with NCFC from Scottish megaclub Celtic F.C.
While NCFC came up short in a narrowly decided contest against Louisville City FC, Perez was undoubtedly a bright spot for the home team. A menace on the right flank, the agile and speedy Perez caused problems for Louisville throughout the first half and offered a preview of what’s to come this season following a five-assist 2019 campaign.
Whether he was taking on defenders one-on-one with the ball at his feet or gliding past his marker to chase down services, Perez was the most active playmaker for either side for a good portion of Saturday’s match.
Just three minutes into the action, Perez cut into the box and laid off a ball to Nazmi Albadawi, who had his shot blocked – a good early chance and the first of several occasions Perez was active in the final third.
Not long after, Perez beat his man off the ball before being dragged down in the box by Louisville City’s Jimmy Ockford, nearly drawing a penalty.
Time after time, Perez found himself in dangerous positions, as he regularly linked up with outside back DJ Taylor.
“You know, the right side has speed,” NCFC head coach said of Perez and Taylor, two of his team’s quickest weapons. “I thought the first 45 minutes they were somewhat dangerous.”
Perez credits the chemistry he has with Taylor to the experience the two have with one another from playing in the NCFC Youth Academy for several years. Just in their second season together professionally, the duo goes way back.
“We have a really strong connection on and off the field,” Perez said. “I think that he’s a pacey player just like me, and we understand each other making runs off the ball – he makes runs inside, I make runs outside. The connection is there, and I played with him in Academy as well. We’ve always had a strong connection there, and it’s just carried on to the professional level.”
As far as that secret sauce goes?
“Using my pace and going at defenders one-v-one,” Perez said.
That’s no secret, but it is something NCFC hopes he continues to do.
Following North Carolina FC’s opening match of the season against Louisville City FC, Manny Perez was asked by a reporter what his “secret sauce” was.
Perez offered a wry smile before answering, perhaps a bit amused at the idea of having a “secret sauce.” He then talked about the element of his game that isn’t much of a secret and was on full display this past Saturday.
“I just use my pace,” said Perez, the 20-year-old Garner native in his second year on loan with NCFC from Scottish megaclub Celtic F.C.
While NCFC came up short in a narrowly decided contest against Louisville City FC, Perez was undoubtedly a bright spot for the home team. A menace on the right flank, the agile and speedy Perez caused problems for Louisville throughout the first half and offered a preview of what’s to come this season following a five-assist 2019 campaign.
Whether he was taking on defenders one-on-one with the ball at his feet or gliding past his marker to chase down services, Perez was the most active playmaker for either side for a good portion of Saturday’s match.
Just three minutes into the action, Perez cut into the box and laid off a ball to Nazmi Albadawi, who had his shot blocked – a good early chance and the first of several occasions Perez was active in the final third.
Not long after, Perez beat his man off the ball before being dragged down in the box by Louisville City’s Jimmy Ockford, nearly drawing a penalty.
Time after time, Perez found himself in dangerous positions, as he regularly linked up with outside back DJ Taylor.
“You know, the right side has speed,” NCFC head coach said of Perez and Taylor, two of his team’s quickest weapons. “I thought the first 45 minutes they were somewhat dangerous.”
Perez credits the chemistry he has with Taylor to the experience the two have with one another from playing in the NCFC Youth Academy for several years. Just in their second season together professionally, the duo goes way back.
“We have a really strong connection on and off the field,” Perez said. “I think that he’s a pacey player just like me, and we understand each other making runs off the ball – he makes runs inside, I make runs outside. The connection is there, and I played with him in Academy as well. We’ve always had a strong connection there, and it’s just carried on to the professional level.”
As far as that secret sauce goes?
“Using my pace and going at defenders one-v-one,” Perez said.
That’s no secret, but it is something NCFC hopes he continues to do.
