Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs Charlotte Independence
Friday, June 30, at 7:00 p.m. ET | WakeMed Soccer Park | Cary, North Carolina
Broadcast: ESPN+
Social Media: @NorthCarolinaFC
CARY, N.C. (June 29, 2023) – North Carolina FC host instate rival Charlotte Independence in the third iteration of the 2023 Dogwood Derby this Friday, June 30, at 7:00 PM ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. Coming off a bye week, North Carolina still sits atop the USL League One table, tied at 23 points with second-place Charlotte heading into the weekend.
North Carolina FC had an early one goal deficit in the first half against Lexington Sporting Club two Sundays ago before Louis Perez answered right away with a gorgeous left-footed goal to equalize before half time. Minutes later, Garrett McLaughlin put a rolling corner into the net for the lead. Lexington came back with a free kick that led to the match to a draw. North Carolina is looking for a win at home after a draw and a loss to Charlotte in the Dogwood Derby
Scouting Charlotte Independence
Charlotte Independence sits right below North Carolina FC in the USL League One although tied in points. The Independence are 1-1-1 in the past three matches but have a big opportunity to go unbeaten in this rivalry on Sunday. With a 48% possession rate and over 63 shots on target, Charlotte is lethal in the attacking third. These two teams will duke it out to see who reigns the top in the state.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – Forward Garrett McLaughlin
After appearing in thirteen games this season Garrett McLaughlin is making his mark late in the season. McLaughlin has had two goals and three assists so far this season. He showed off his skills against Lexington SC after having an assist and a goal in the same game. The forward looks to create as many opportunities as possible with seven of his ten shots on target. McLaughlin is a staple to the North Carolina front line and will continue to challenge his opponents.
Charlotte Independence –Forward Khori Bennett
Khori Bennett is no stranger to scoring, as last time he appeared in a match against North Carolina he had a diving header to win the match. Bennett has created eight big chances and has scored in two of them and has a total of three goals on the season. His high intensity and energy will put the pressure on the North Carolina defense.
Next Up
North Carolina FC will head to One Knoxville SC on Saturday, July 8, at 7:30 PM ET. The match will stream live on ESPN+.