GREELEY, CO (June 8, 2022) – The points were shared on Wednesday night as North Carolina FC traveled to face Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, drawing with the Hailstorm 1-1. Showkat Tahir scored his first professional goal during the match, and Irvin Parra tallied the equalizer for the home side. With tonight’s result, there is now a three-way tie for first place in the USL League One standings amongst the Greenville Triumph, the Charlotte Independence, and North Carolina FC.
“I was really pleased with the way our group battled on the road tonight, particularly in the second half,” said Head Coach John Bradford following the match. “I thought we defended collectively well and we were determined to not give any goals away. As the game wore on, we continued to create quality chances and I know our locker room feels unlucky to not come away with all three points. Congratulations to Showkat on his first professional goal and a strong performance overall.”
Tahir opened the scoring for NCFC, taking a pass from Luis Arriaga in stride, beating his defender to place a shot just over the fingertips of Colorado goalkeeper Johan Penaranda and into the back of the net. The goal was Tahir’s first of his professional career and his first of the regular season, edging the North Carolina side into a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute. Arriaga collected the assist, now registering three on the season.
Later, in the 37th minute, Colorado forward Trevor Amann lofted a ball toward the NCFC box, finding Parra outside the eighteen. Trapping the service with his chest, Parra put away a one-touch volley to equalize for the Hailstorm, scoring his fourth goal of the season just before the first half concluded. A scoreless second half ensued, marked by several key saves between Will Pulisic and Penaranda to preserve the 1-1 scoreline despite a flurry of chances for both sides to score the go-ahead goal.
“Tonight’s performance is one we are proud of,” said Will Pulisic. “Missing three guys due to international duty was never going to be easy, but we had multiple people step up today. We were putting everything we had in for three points, but when on the road we’ll take the point and move forward. Lots still to play for this season, and I like the direction the group is going.”
Up Next: North Carolina FC will return to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on the Charlotte Independence for the first time this season on Saturday, June 18 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets to the match are available here, and the contest will be available to stream on ESPN+. Ahead of the match, the club will host its Juneteenth Festival in partnership with Our Stop Shop at the stadium from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET, featuring exhibitors, food and beverages, and live entertainment. While admission to the festival is free and open to the public, parking for the festival and game is $10.
Match Notes:
- Showkat Tahir scored his first professional goal in tonight’s match.
- Luis Arriaga collected his third assist of the season, servicing Tahir’s goal.
- Between the two sides, seven yellow cards were administered during the match.
Box Score:
NCFC (4-4-2): Will Pulisic, Christian Lue Young, Jordan Skelton ©, Britton Fischer, Nelson Flores Blanco, Showkat Tahir (Pecka – 88’), Luis Arriaga, Gustavo Fernandes (Max Flick – 70’), Nelson Martinez, Garrett McLaughlin, Cole Frame
Subs Not Used: Nicholas Holliday, Drew Kerr, Caden Tolentino, Marvin Mariche
NCO (4-4-2): Johan Penaranda, Denso Ulysse (Owen Damm – 61’), Robert Cornwall, Brecc Evans, Arthur Rogers, Ethan Vanacore-Decker (Jerry Desdunes – 74’), Nordei Nortey (Destan Norma – 73’), Danny Robles, Daniel Scally, Irvin Parra, Trevor Amann (Stefan Lukic – 78’)
Subs Not Used: Thomas Olsen, Mark Hernandez, Leo Folla
Score:
NCFC: 1
NCO: 1
Goals:
NCFC: Showkat Tahir (Luis Arriaga) – 16’
NCO: Irvin Parra (Trevor Amann) – 37’
Cautions:
NCFC: Christian Lue Young – 22’, Nelson Martinez – 28’,
NCO: Denso Ulysse – 39’, Arthur Rogers – 45’, Robert Cornwall – 51’, Irvin Parra – 81’, Daniel Scally – 84’
Ejections:
NCFC: —
NCO: —