It was another tough night at the office for North Carolina FC as they fell to the Charleston Battery 3-0. Despite the loss, one player that stood out was central defender was Conor Donovan.
In the first half, Donovan did well keeping the forwards from Charleston in check, not allowing them to get on the ball in and around the final third. When they were able to get on the ball, Donovan was able to close down the space face, coming up with a big block in the penalty area and preventing Charleston from taking a first-half lead.
Despite the goals that were given up in the second half, Donovan was, by and large, solid, especially in his own penalty area. He was not afraid to put his body in front of the ball, preventing shots and crosses from getting close to goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.
Donovan gained possession for NCFC eight times, which was tied for the team lead. He had 74 touches on the ball and completed 96.7% of his passes, which was the highest percentage among North Carolina FC starters. The 24-year-old North Carolina native made his third straight start for Dave Sarachan and is proving to be a defensive leader for North Carolina FC. Donovan grew up playing with the North Carolina FC Youth Academy and shines as one of the top players to come out of the program. NCFC will look to bounce back on August 26 against the Charlotte Independence.
It was another tough night at the office for North Carolina FC as they fell to the Charleston Battery 3-0. Despite the loss, one player that stood out was central defender was Conor Donovan.
In the first half, Donovan did well keeping the forwards from Charleston in check, not allowing them to get on the ball in and around the final third. When they were able to get on the ball, Donovan was able to close down the space face, coming up with a big block in the penalty area and preventing Charleston from taking a first-half lead.
Despite the goals that were given up in the second half, Donovan was, by and large, solid, especially in his own penalty area. He was not afraid to put his body in front of the ball, preventing shots and crosses from getting close to goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.
Donovan gained possession for NCFC eight times, which was tied for the team lead. He had 74 touches on the ball and completed 96.7% of his passes, which was the highest percentage among North Carolina FC starters. The 24-year-old North Carolina native made his third straight start for Dave Sarachan and is proving to be a defensive leader for North Carolina FC. Donovan grew up playing with the North Carolina FC Youth Academy and shines as one of the top players to come out of the program. NCFC will look to bounce back on August 26 against the Charlotte Independence.
