Match Info:
North Carolina FC hostForward Madison FC
Saturday, July 15, at 7:00 p.m. ET | WakeMed Soccer Park| Cary, North Carolina
Broadcast: ESPN+
Social Media: @NorthCarolinaFC
CARY, N.C. (July 14, 2023) – North Carolina FC heads home to host Forward Madison FC this Saturday, July 15, at 7:00 PM ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. After a tough fought match, North Carolina walked away with a draw this past Saturday in Knoxville. NCFC is currently sitting third in the USL League One table with 27 points.
Last weekend North Carolina FC traveled to One Knoxville SC for the second time and came home with a 2-2 draw. North Carolina came out with a dramatic start as Rafa Mentzingen back heeled a ball for Oalex Anderson who hit it out of the air into the back of the net for the lead four minutes into the match. However Knoxville came back in the first half with a free kick to make it even, and moments later doubled their lead.
However North Carolina didn’t settle for a loss and came back with more power in the second half. DJ Benton hit a perfect cross to Garrett McLaughlin who dove for a header and tied up the match. After a grueling physical match, North Carolina returned home with a point.
Scouting Forward Madison FC
Forward Madison currently sits 2nd in the USL League One standings, trailing the Northern Colorado Hailstorm by one point. They are coming off a 1-0 win against Central Valley Fuego. With the jump in the standings Forward Madison is looking to stay ahead. They have a winning record against North Carolina with 2 wins, both home and away. Madison’s head coach Matt Claeser was just named June coach of the month after they racked up 12 points this past month. The Flamingos are looking to go three for three against NCFC.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – Luis Arriaga
Starting in fourteen out of his fifteen games appeared in, midfielder Luis Arriaga is holding his own in the midfield. At only 22 years old he just played his 100th match in June. Arriaga is a mainstay for the North Carolina offense and defense. He works both sides of the field, and allows his fellow midfielders to move up and down the field to play the ball. NCFC looks to use Arriaga as a forced to be reckoned within the midfield.
Forward Madison FC– Forward Derek Gebhard
Coming off of a game winning goal last Saturday against Central Valley Fuego FC, Gebhard is worth watching. He is using his speed to his advantage when taking on players in the attacking third. North Carolina will look to stop him coming down the line and shut down his offensive attack.
Next Up
North Carolina FC will host an exhibition match against Sunderland on Friday, July 21, at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets HERE.