MATCH PREVIEW: North Carolina FC to Visit Central Valley Fuego FC for First Time
Match Info:
North Carolina FC at Central Valley Fuego FC
Saturday, June 25 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Fresno State Soccer Stadium | Fresno, CA
CARY, NC (June 23, 2022) – North Carolina FC will travel to take on Central Valley Fuego FC in Fresno, CA, on Saturday, June 25, at 10:30 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC bested their in-state rivals, the Charlotte Independence, 2-0 in front of a home crowd at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 18. The win featured goals from Nicolas Molina — also making his season debut for the club — and Garrett McLaughlin, and marked the second clean sheet of the season for keeper Will Pulisic.
“Certainly pleased for the group to get a good result tonight,” Head Coach John Bradford said. “I thought defensively, to play against a group that has a lot of talent like [Charlotte] … I thought we weathered the storm and kind of grew into the game.”
Held scoreless through the first half, NCFC broke the ice in the 62nd minute when McLaughlin crossed the ball to Molina, who slotted it home. McLaughlin netted a goal of his own on a successful PK conversion in the 88th minute.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #19 Garrett McLaughlin
North Carolina FC forward Garrett McLaughlin earned one assist and scored his seventh goal of the season on Saturday night, extending his lead in this season’s Golden Boot race to two goals over the next highest. McLaughlin lends experience, intelligence and finesse to the young North Carolina squad and has brought an offensive drive that is hard to stop.
Central Valley Fuego FC – #20 Villyan Bijev
Central Valley Fuego FC midfielder Villyan Bijev is locked in a battle for second place in the league’s Golden Boot race with five goals on the season thus far. Bijev also ranks tied for second in the league in shots with 23 on the season thus far.
Up Next: North Carolina FC stays on the road with a quick turnaround to take on Greenville Triumph SC on Wednesday, June 29, at 7 p.m. ET.
