Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs. Toronto FC II
Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m. ET
BMO Training Ground & Academy
Toronto, ON
CARY, NC (September 29, 2021) — North Carolina FC will look to secure three points as they face off against Toronto FC II for the second time this season on Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m. ET at BMO Training Ground & Academy. The match will air live on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC fell to the visiting North Texas SC in a hard-fought, physical match whose result was decided by a single goal. The contest featured several impressive saves from goalkeeper Nicholas Holliday and standout performances from Aziel Jackson, Britton Fischer, and Luis Arriaga, who made his debut as team captain in the match. Despite several near-chances to erase the deficit in added time, the North Carolina side was unable to find an equalizer as time expired.
“I thought we found our way and were the better team for the majority of the first half, up until the last five minutes,” said Head Coach John Bradford following the match. “Disappointed with the goal we gave up, I think it was avoidable. Obviously, it was a good strike, but our positioning and help defensively [could be improved].”
When asked about the decision to give the captain’s band to Arriaga, Bradford had high praise for the midfielder: “I’ve been a Luis Arriaga fan for many years, that’s part of the reason he’s here. He leads by example, he is a tireless worker, he keeps going for the entirety of [the game]. He doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does, it carries more weight.”
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #22 Aziel Jackson
Despite an unfortunate result against North Texas SC last week, Aziel Jackson shone in the attacking third, creating several chances for the North Carolina side throughout the match. When combining Jackson’s speed on and off the ball, passing precision, and ability to get in front of the net, the 19-year-old will prove a significant challenge to the Toronto defense and will look to bag his first goal in a North Carolina FC kit in Friday’s contest.
Toronto FC II – #49 Garrett McLaughlin
In the last meeting between these two sides, McLaughlin tallied a hat trick and was subsequently named to USL League One’s Team of the Week for leading his squad to a 4-2 win. With eight goals this season, McLaughlin is one of the league’s top scorers and will look to add to his season goal total in Friday’s match on Toronto’s home pitch. As things stand currently, the Canadian squad has fallen to eleventh place in the table, making three points against North Carolina FC on Friday all the more necessary.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will return home to face the league-leading Chattanooga Red Wolves on Saturday, October 9 at 7 p.m. ET at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The club will also celebrate a RailHawks Throwback event at this game, featuring several alumni in attendance and a special recognition of Nazmi Albadawi. Tickets are available here.
Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs. Toronto FC II
Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m. ET
BMO Training Ground & Academy
Toronto, ON
CARY, NC (September 29, 2021) — North Carolina FC will look to secure three points as they face off against Toronto FC II for the second time this season on Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m. ET at BMO Training Ground & Academy. The match will air live on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC fell to the visiting North Texas SC in a hard-fought, physical match whose result was decided by a single goal. The contest featured several impressive saves from goalkeeper Nicholas Holliday and standout performances from Aziel Jackson, Britton Fischer, and Luis Arriaga, who made his debut as team captain in the match. Despite several near-chances to erase the deficit in added time, the North Carolina side was unable to find an equalizer as time expired.
“I thought we found our way and were the better team for the majority of the first half, up until the last five minutes,” said Head Coach John Bradford following the match. “Disappointed with the goal we gave up, I think it was avoidable. Obviously, it was a good strike, but our positioning and help defensively [could be improved].”
When asked about the decision to give the captain’s band to Arriaga, Bradford had high praise for the midfielder: “I’ve been a Luis Arriaga fan for many years, that’s part of the reason he’s here. He leads by example, he is a tireless worker, he keeps going for the entirety of [the game]. He doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does, it carries more weight.”
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #22 Aziel Jackson
Despite an unfortunate result against North Texas SC last week, Aziel Jackson shone in the attacking third, creating several chances for the North Carolina side throughout the match. When combining Jackson’s speed on and off the ball, passing precision, and ability to get in front of the net, the 19-year-old will prove a significant challenge to the Toronto defense and will look to bag his first goal in a North Carolina FC kit in Friday’s contest.
Toronto FC II – #49 Garrett McLaughlin
In the last meeting between these two sides, McLaughlin tallied a hat trick and was subsequently named to USL League One’s Team of the Week for leading his squad to a 4-2 win. With eight goals this season, McLaughlin is one of the league’s top scorers and will look to add to his season goal total in Friday’s match on Toronto’s home pitch. As things stand currently, the Canadian squad has fallen to eleventh place in the table, making three points against North Carolina FC on Friday all the more necessary.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will return home to face the league-leading Chattanooga Red Wolves on Saturday, October 9 at 7 p.m. ET at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The club will also celebrate a RailHawks Throwback event at this game, featuring several alumni in attendance and a special recognition of Nazmi Albadawi. Tickets are available here.
