Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs Richmond Kickers
Wednesday, August 9, 7:00 p.m. ET | City Stadium| Richmond, Virginia
Broadcast: ESPN+
Social Media: @NorthCarolinaFC
RICHMOND, Va. (August 8, 2023) – North Carolina FC wrap up a three-match road stretch as they head to Richmond, Virginia for a mid-week match-up against the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. ET at City Stadium. North Carolina FC is unbeaten in seven straight matches and sits first in the USL League One table with 37 points entering the first of two meetings with Richmond in a 10-day span.
North Carolina FC jumped back into the league lead with a come-from-behind win over defending USL League One Champions South Georgia Tormenta FC, 3-2, on the road last Saturday. This is North Carolina’s longest unbeaten streak since September 16th to October 29th in 2017 when they won 7 matches consecutively. Rafa Mentzingen twice converted penalties after South Georgia had taken a lead in the first half to send the match to half time level at 2-2. Then, Oalex Anderson rocketed home the game-winner in the 76’ for his 11th goal of the season to take home all three points.
North Carolina has scored in seven straight matches and the team ranks fourth in the league with 32 goals and second in shots with 283. With a high- scoring offense always looking to strike, North Carolina will need to bring the intensity against a Richmond side that is fighting for a playoff spot.
Scouting the Richmond Kickers
North Carolina and the Kickers will face each other for the second time this season, as NCFC took the first match up, 3-2, at home in May. Richmond sits seventh in the league table and has struggled a bit as of late, going winless in six straight matches dating back to July 1st.
Richmond leads the league in passing accuracy at 82%. Richmond also had two players earn Team of the Week honors last week. The Kickers have 25 goals on the season and nine of them have come from Emiliano Terzaghi, who is tied for fourth in the league in scoring. Although they sit in the middle of the table, Richmond is an experienced and proud club that will fight to the end for a playoff spot.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – Forward Rafa Mentzingen
Mentzingen seems to prove himself time and time again. His brace Saturday earned his place on the USL League One Team of the Week for the eighth time this season and he’s now tied for fourth in the Golden Boot race with nine goals this season. His pace, agility and movement both on and off the ball are a matchup nightmare, making him impossible to mark and leading to constant opportunities to find the back of the net.
Richmond Kickers – Forward Emiliano Terzaghi
The three-time USL League One MVP is having yet another successful season. Terzaghi earned his third-straight Golden Boot award in the 2022 season and is tied for 4th in the league in goals this season. Terzaghi has had 8 goals in 11 matches since June 4th. The Forward is the focal point of Richmond’s offense and his race for a fourth Golden Boot will be a huge deciding factor in the Kickers’ playoff push.
Next Up
North Carolina FC will return home to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Greenville Triumph on Saturday, August 12th, with a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff. The match will stream on ESPN+ and @NorthCarolinaFC will provide social media updates.
