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NORTH CAROLINA FC U23 SIGNS GEORGE ACOSTA, WILL PULISIC

CARY, N.C. (July 7, 2017) – The North Carolina FC U23 have bolstered its roster with the addition of Weston FC midfielder George Acosta and Borussia Dortmund Under-19 goalkeeper Will Pulisic for the remainder of the Premier Development League season.

Acosta’s been a United States Youth National Team regular since the U14 level and is currently on the U.S. U17 National Team. In 2016, he scored 12 goals in eight games for the 2015/2016 Weston FC Academy squad and helped lead the team to the quarterfinals of U.S. Soccer’s Developmental Academy Playoffs. Acosta has already joined the NCFCU23 and played his first match with the team last weekend.

Pulisic spent last season with Borussia Dortmund’s U19 team. He helped lead the club to a U19 Bundesliga title and played in the U19 Champions League. Pulisic made five starts and earned three shutouts between the posts in league play, while making three appearances in the UEFA Youth League. The goalkeeper, who is set to join Duke University in the fall, also played in three matches for the U.S. U17 National Team during the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile.

The NCFCU23 currently sit in sixth place with three games left in the regular season. All three of their remaining matches are against teams currently sitting higher in the table, giving the NCFCU23 an opportunity to catch up with some of the division’s leaders and clinch a spot in the 2017 PDL Playoffs.

CARY, N.C. (July 7, 2017) – The North Carolina FC U23 have bolstered its roster with the addition of Weston FC midfielder George Acosta and Borussia Dortmund Under-19 goalkeeper Will Pulisic for the remainder of the Premier Development League season.

Acosta’s been a United States Youth National Team regular since the U14 level and is currently on the U.S. U17 National Team. In 2016, he scored 12 goals in eight games for the 2015/2016 Weston FC Academy squad and helped lead the team to the quarterfinals of U.S. Soccer’s Developmental Academy Playoffs. Acosta has already joined the NCFCU23 and played his first match with the team last weekend.

Pulisic spent last season with Borussia Dortmund’s U19 team. He helped lead the club to a U19 Bundesliga title and played in the U19 Champions League. Pulisic made five starts and earned three shutouts between the posts in league play, while making three appearances in the UEFA Youth League. The goalkeeper, who is set to join Duke University in the fall, also played in three matches for the U.S. U17 National Team during the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile.

The NCFCU23 currently sit in sixth place with three games left in the regular season. All three of their remaining matches are against teams currently sitting higher in the table, giving the NCFCU23 an opportunity to catch up with some of the division’s leaders and clinch a spot in the 2017 PDL Playoffs.

MATCH PREVIEW: NORTH CAROLINA FC FACES ROAD TRIP TO FC EDMONTON

MATCHDAY INFO:
FC EDMONTON VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
KICKOFF: FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017 – 9:00 P.M. ET
CLARKE STADIUM
 
DIGITAL: ESPN3
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #FCEvNCFC

CARY, N.C. (July 6, 2017) – North Carolina FC (5W-3D-6L, 18 pts, 5th place) will look to carry its momentum from the recent win over Miami FC as it travels to Clarke Stadium for a match against FC Edmonton (3W-1D-10L, 10 pts, 7th place) on Friday, July 7 at 9 p.m.

NCFC enters the match with 18 league goals scored this season – good for the third most in the NASL. Lance Laing returns to face his former club as one of NCFC’s top attacking threats with five goals and three assists in NASL play. On the defensive side, Kareem Moses is also making a return trip to Edmonton after playing with the Eddies from 2014-15. The NCFC defense and Brian Sylvestre are coming off their second shutout of the season.

This is the second time the two clubs have met in the spring season. NCFC was victorious in the first meeting, beating FC Edmonton 3-1 on April 15 with goals from Laing, Nazmi Albadawi and Matt Fondy. North Carolina FC owns a 10W-4D-8L record against FC Edmonton and will look for its first positive result at Edmonton since 2015.

Edmonton is coming off a 1-0 loss to the Jacksonville Armada last weekend. The club is in a rough run of form and has not scored or had a positive result since June 7 – a 4-2 win at home against the New York Cosmos.

Last Time Out:
NCFC squared off against NASL leading Miami FC in an Independence Day showdown. The two clubs entered the second half in a scoreless draw and NCFC broke the tie in the 65th minute as Billy Schuler slid behind the defense on a through-ball from Jose Carranza. Both Schuler and Carranza were named to the NASL Team of the Week for their performances.

Players to Watch:

#11 Tiyi Shipalane
Shipalane hopes to add another goal to his season tally. The 31-year-old midfielder has scored four goals across all competitions in 2017, with three coming from NASL play and one from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

#11 Dustin Correa
Correa has been a bright spot in an otherwise struggling offensive unit for FC Edmonton. The 25-year-old midfielder leads the team in assists with three. The Salvadorian national team member also ranks among the top five in the NASL in chances created with 22. Look for Correa to distribute the ball effectively and create chances for his teammates.

Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC returns home on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 pm to take on Puerto Rico FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling 919.459.8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:
FC EDMONTON VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
KICKOFF: FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017 – 9:00 P.M. ET
CLARKE STADIUM
 
DIGITAL: ESPN3
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #FCEvNCFC

CARY, N.C. (July 6, 2017) – North Carolina FC (5W-3D-6L, 18 pts, 5th place) will look to carry its momentum from the recent win over Miami FC as it travels to Clarke Stadium for a match against FC Edmonton (3W-1D-10L, 10 pts, 7th place) on Friday, July 7 at 9 p.m.

NCFC enters the match with 18 league goals scored this season – good for the third most in the NASL. Lance Laing returns to face his former club as one of NCFC’s top attacking threats with five goals and three assists in NASL play. On the defensive side, Kareem Moses is also making a return trip to Edmonton after playing with the Eddies from 2014-15. The NCFC defense and Brian Sylvestre are coming off their second shutout of the season.

This is the second time the two clubs have met in the spring season. NCFC was victorious in the first meeting, beating FC Edmonton 3-1 on April 15 with goals from Laing, Nazmi Albadawi and Matt Fondy. North Carolina FC owns a 10W-4D-8L record against FC Edmonton and will look for its first positive result at Edmonton since 2015.

Edmonton is coming off a 1-0 loss to the Jacksonville Armada last weekend. The club is in a rough run of form and has not scored or had a positive result since June 7 – a 4-2 win at home against the New York Cosmos.

Last Time Out:
NCFC squared off against NASL leading Miami FC in an Independence Day showdown. The two clubs entered the second half in a scoreless draw and NCFC broke the tie in the 65th minute as Billy Schuler slid behind the defense on a through-ball from Jose Carranza. Both Schuler and Carranza were named to the NASL Team of the Week for their performances.

Players to Watch:

#11 Tiyi Shipalane
Shipalane hopes to add another goal to his season tally. The 31-year-old midfielder has scored four goals across all competitions in 2017, with three coming from NASL play and one from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

#11 Dustin Correa
Correa has been a bright spot in an otherwise struggling offensive unit for FC Edmonton. The 25-year-old midfielder leads the team in assists with three. The Salvadorian national team member also ranks among the top five in the NASL in chances created with 22. Look for Correa to distribute the ball effectively and create chances for his teammates.

Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC returns home on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 pm to take on Puerto Rico FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling 919.459.8144.

NORTH CAROLINA FC DOWNS MIAMI FC 1-0 ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

CARY, N.C. (July 4, 2017) – North Carolina FC claimed a big three points with a 1-0 shutout win over NASL-leading Miami FC on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to hand Miami its first loss in nearly three months of play. The win moves NCFC within three points of the top four and denies Miami FC the NASL Spring Season title for another week.

"I thought that they put a lot of heart and a lot of hard work into it," said head coach Colin Clarke. "They really stuck together against a very good team. If you read the headlines right now, it’s the first time that they’ve been beaten since April 8. They’ve been on a good run, but I thought overall we deserved it tonight. I thought we were better, we looked hungry, and we got what we deserved at the end of the night."
 
Billy Schuler came up with the only goal of the game for his fifth tally across all competitions. Miami FC’s potent attack tested NCFC throughout the match, but Brian Sylvestre kept the visitors at bay with four strong saves.
 
Sylvestre’s night began with a diving save off of a well-placed shot from NASL’s leading scorer Vincenzo Rennella in the 12th minute. Ten minutes later, Stéfano Pinho tested Sylvestre with a shot from the right side, but the goalkeeper got a hand on the ball and pushed the shot off of the crossbar.
 
NCFC’s own attack created its fair share of chances and found the woodwork in the 40th minute. Jose Carranza played in Schuler for NCFC’s best chance of the half. Schuler’s shot beat the keeper, but clanged off the post and back into play.
 
Following the scoreless first half, NCFC came out on its front foot and held most of the possession in front of Miami’s goal. However, North Carolina couldn’t find the elusive tally, as Miami FC eased into the half.
 
The visitors tested Sylvestre again in the 56th minute, and Calvin Rezende forced the keeper to make another diving save. Three minutes later, Sylvestre came up with another stop on a goal-bound shot, diving to his right to send Ariel Martinez’s effort over the bar and out of play.
 
Making his first NASL start, Carranza led NCFC’s attacking efforts throughout the game and provided the assist on the game-winning goal.

"We all gave 100 percent to beat Miami," added Carranza. "Miami is a great team, and it feels great. I hope that I can keep providing for the team and that we can keep getting wins and that we can get momentum out of this game."
 
Carranza sent a perfectly-placed through ball to Billy Schuler behind Miami FC’s defensive line. Schuler slotted the ball past Miami goalkeeper Daniel Vega for his fourth goal of the season across all competitions.
 
The goal was enough, as NCFC denied the league leaders down the stretch to hold on for its second shutout of the season.
 
Notes:
– Jose Carranza made his first NASL start and recorded his first professional assist
– Billy Schuler scored his third NASL goal and fifth goal across all competitions with a tally in the 65th minute
– NCFC earned its second shutout of the season behind a four-save effort from Brian Sylvestre
– NCFC won its first matchup in series history against Miami. The team is now 1-4-1 overall against Miami FC
– The win denied Miami FC the Spring Season title. Miami will face San Francisco in a home and away series to decide the winner of the Spring Season
 
Box Score 
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Brad Ruhaak; James Marcelin, Austin da Luz, Lance Laing (Bolu Akinyode, 85’), Nazmi Albadawi (C), Jose Carranza (Dre Fortune, 73’); Billy Schuler (Matt Fondy, 72’)
 
Subs not used: Matias Reynares, Brian Shriver, Kareem Moses, Tiyi Shipalane
 
MIA: Mario Daniel Vega; Mason Trafford, Hunter Freeman, Rhett Bernstein (Jonathan Borrajo, 41’); Ariel Martinez (Jaime Chavez, 70’), Richie Ryan, Calvin Rezende (Michel, 83’), Blake Smith, Michael Lahoud (C); Stefano Pinho, Vicenzo Rennella
 
Subs not used: Ryan Herman, Tyler Ruthven, Jonny Steele, Gabriel Farfan
 
Score:
NCFC: 1
MIA: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: Billy Schuler (Jose Carranza, 65’)
MIA: —
 
Cautions:
NCFC: James Marcelin, 34’
MIA: Calvin Rezende, 51’, Michael Lahoud, 67’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
MIA: —
 
Attendance: 4,236

CARY, N.C. (July 4, 2017) – North Carolina FC claimed a big three points with a 1-0 shutout win over NASL-leading Miami FC on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to hand Miami its first loss in nearly three months of play. The win moves NCFC within three points of the top four and denies Miami FC the NASL Spring Season title for another week.

“I thought that they put a lot of heart and a lot of hard work into it,” said head coach Colin Clarke. “They really stuck together against a very good team. If you read the headlines right now, it’s the first time that they’ve been beaten since April 8. They’ve been on a good run, but I thought overall we deserved it tonight. I thought we were better, we looked hungry, and we got what we deserved at the end of the night.”
 
Billy Schuler came up with the only goal of the game for his fifth tally across all competitions. Miami FC’s potent attack tested NCFC throughout the match, but Brian Sylvestre kept the visitors at bay with four strong saves.
 
Sylvestre’s night began with a diving save off of a well-placed shot from NASL’s leading scorer Vincenzo Rennella in the 12th minute. Ten minutes later, Stéfano Pinho tested Sylvestre with a shot from the right side, but the goalkeeper got a hand on the ball and pushed the shot off of the crossbar.
 
NCFC’s own attack created its fair share of chances and found the woodwork in the 40th minute. Jose Carranza played in Schuler for NCFC’s best chance of the half. Schuler’s shot beat the keeper, but clanged off the post and back into play.
 
Following the scoreless first half, NCFC came out on its front foot and held most of the possession in front of Miami’s goal. However, North Carolina couldn’t find the elusive tally, as Miami FC eased into the half.
 
The visitors tested Sylvestre again in the 56th minute, and Calvin Rezende forced the keeper to make another diving save. Three minutes later, Sylvestre came up with another stop on a goal-bound shot, diving to his right to send Ariel Martinez’s effort over the bar and out of play.
 
Making his first NASL start, Carranza led NCFC’s attacking efforts throughout the game and provided the assist on the game-winning goal.

“We all gave 100 percent to beat Miami,” added Carranza. “Miami is a great team, and it feels great. I hope that I can keep providing for the team and that we can keep getting wins and that we can get momentum out of this game.”
 
Carranza sent a perfectly-placed through ball to Billy Schuler behind Miami FC’s defensive line. Schuler slotted the ball past Miami goalkeeper Daniel Vega for his fourth goal of the season across all competitions.
 
The goal was enough, as NCFC denied the league leaders down the stretch to hold on for its second shutout of the season.
 
Notes:
– Jose Carranza made his first NASL start and recorded his first professional assist
– Billy Schuler scored his third NASL goal and fifth goal across all competitions with a tally in the 65th minute
– NCFC earned its second shutout of the season behind a four-save effort from Brian Sylvestre
– NCFC won its first matchup in series history against Miami. The team is now 1-4-1 overall against Miami FC
– The win denied Miami FC the Spring Season title. Miami will face San Francisco in a home and away series to decide the winner of the Spring Season
 
Box Score 
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Brad Ruhaak; James Marcelin, Austin da Luz, Lance Laing (Bolu Akinyode, 85’), Nazmi Albadawi (C), Jose Carranza (Dre Fortune, 73’); Billy Schuler (Matt Fondy, 72’)
 
Subs not used: Matias Reynares, Brian Shriver, Kareem Moses, Tiyi Shipalane
 
MIA: Mario Daniel Vega; Mason Trafford, Hunter Freeman, Rhett Bernstein (Jonathan Borrajo, 41’); Ariel Martinez (Jaime Chavez, 70’), Richie Ryan, Calvin Rezende (Michel, 83’), Blake Smith, Michael Lahoud (C); Stefano Pinho, Vicenzo Rennella
 
Subs not used: Ryan Herman, Tyler Ruthven, Jonny Steele, Gabriel Farfan
 
Score:
NCFC: 1
MIA: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: Billy Schuler (Jose Carranza, 65’)
MIA: —
 
Cautions:
NCFC: James Marcelin, 34’
MIA: Calvin Rezende, 51’, Michael Lahoud, 67’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
MIA: —
 
Attendance: 4,236

MATCH PREVIEW: NORTH CAROLINA FC HOSTS MIAMI FC FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY MATCH

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. MIAMI FC
KICKOFF: TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN'S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
 
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10
DIGITAL:WRAL.COM, ESPN3
RADIO: 95.7 The Ticket (95.7 FM, 1550 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvMIA
 
CARY, N.C. (July 3, 2017) – North Carolina FC (4-3-6, 5th place, 15 pts) welcomes Miami FC (9-3-1, 1st place, 30 points) in a clash between two of the top offenses in the NASL on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match is presented by Advance Auto Parts.
 
The night has been dubbed Heroes Appreciation Night and features free tickets for all current and former military and first responders. There will also be a fireworks show after the match to cap off the Independence Day celebrations. Click here for more info on Heroes Appreciation Night.
 
North Carolina aims to cool down a red-hot Miami side that has won six in a row and hasn’t lost a match in nearly two months. The NASL leaders are led offensively by an attacking force that has registered a league-leading 23 goals. Vincenzo Rennella leads the team with eight goals scored this season. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Daniel Vega and the Miami defense have combined for six clean sheets.
 
NCFC will look to its deep attacking unit for goals. This season, seven players have found the back of the net and four players have scored at least three goals. Lance Laing leads the attack with six goals and three assists. The team will also aim to find consistency on the backline after injuries have forced NCFC to start a different back four in six of its last seven matches.
 
The two teams have already met twice this season and battled to a pair of 1-1 draws. The overall series history has been very close since Miami joined the league in 2016. Miami FC holds the lone win in the overall series, earning a 1-0 victory at home last season, while the other four meetings have resulted in draws.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC is coming off a loss to the Indy Eleven last weekend. Tiyi Shipalane scored an early goal off a rebound from Billy Schuler’s shot in the ninth minute. However, Indy responded quickly, scoring in the 21st and 23rdminutes to take the lead. NCFC fought hard the remainder of the match, but could not find the back of the net.
 
Players to Watch:
#2 Paul Black
Black has recently returned from injury to take on his permanent role in the left back position. The defender has won 72 percent of his tackles and has recorded 16 interceptions through nine appearances this season. Look for Black to slow down a potent Miami offense.
 
#7 Dylan Mares
Mares has provided a variety of offense for the first-place Miami FC. The 25-year-old midfielder has recorded three goals and two assists through 13 games. He has scored using both feet as well as one header, proving to be a threat from anywhere on the field.
 
Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC will head to FC Edmonton for a single game road trip on Friday, July 9 at 9 p.m. NCFC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. to take on Puerto Rico FC. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTix.com or by calling the box office at 919.459.8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. MIAMI FC
KICKOFF: TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
 
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10
DIGITAL:WRAL.COM, ESPN3
RADIO: 95.7 The Ticket (95.7 FM, 1550 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvMIA
 
CARY, N.C. (July 3, 2017) – North Carolina FC (4-3-6, 5th place, 15 pts) welcomes Miami FC (9-3-1, 1st place, 30 points) in a clash between two of the top offenses in the NASL on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match is presented by Advance Auto Parts.
 
The night has been dubbed Heroes Appreciation Night and features free tickets for all current and former military and first responders. There will also be a fireworks show after the match to cap off the Independence Day celebrations. Click here for more info on Heroes Appreciation Night.
 
North Carolina aims to cool down a red-hot Miami side that has won six in a row and hasn’t lost a match in nearly two months. The NASL leaders are led offensively by an attacking force that has registered a league-leading 23 goals. Vincenzo Rennella leads the team with eight goals scored this season. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Daniel Vega and the Miami defense have combined for six clean sheets.
 
NCFC will look to its deep attacking unit for goals. This season, seven players have found the back of the net and four players have scored at least three goals. Lance Laing leads the attack with six goals and three assists. The team will also aim to find consistency on the backline after injuries have forced NCFC to start a different back four in six of its last seven matches.
 
The two teams have already met twice this season and battled to a pair of 1-1 draws. The overall series history has been very close since Miami joined the league in 2016. Miami FC holds the lone win in the overall series, earning a 1-0 victory at home last season, while the other four meetings have resulted in draws.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC is coming off a loss to the Indy Eleven last weekend. Tiyi Shipalane scored an early goal off a rebound from Billy Schuler’s shot in the ninth minute. However, Indy responded quickly, scoring in the 21st and 23rdminutes to take the lead. NCFC fought hard the remainder of the match, but could not find the back of the net.
 
Players to Watch:
#2 Paul Black
Black has recently returned from injury to take on his permanent role in the left back position. The defender has won 72 percent of his tackles and has recorded 16 interceptions through nine appearances this season. Look for Black to slow down a potent Miami offense.
 
#7 Dylan Mares
Mares has provided a variety of offense for the first-place Miami FC. The 25-year-old midfielder has recorded three goals and two assists through 13 games. He has scored using both feet as well as one header, proving to be a threat from anywhere on the field.
 
Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC will head to FC Edmonton for a single game road trip on Friday, July 9 at 9 p.m. NCFC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. to take on Puerto Rico FC. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTix.com or by calling the box office at 919.459.8144.

MACKLIN ROBINSON OUT ON LOAN

North Carolina FC announced today that goalkeeper Macklin Robinson has been sent on a short-term loan to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper signed his first professional contract with NCFC before the 2016 season. This year, Robinson has appeared in one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against the Carolina Dynamo, playing the full 90 minutes in a 6-1 win.

The goalkeeper will return to the club upon expiration of the loan.

North Carolina FC announced today that goalkeeper Macklin Robinson has been sent on a short-term loan to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper signed his first professional contract with NCFC before the 2016 season. This year, Robinson has appeared in one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against the Carolina Dynamo, playing the full 90 minutes in a 6-1 win.

The goalkeeper will return to the club upon expiration of the loan.

NORTH CAROLINA FC U23 WINS 5-3 THRILLER OVER TOBACCO ROAD FC

CARY, N.C. (June 29, 2017) – North Carolina FC U23 emerged victorious in an action-packed game over Tobacco Road FC Thursday night at WakeMed Soccer Park. In a match that featured eight goals, five yellow cards and one red card, NCFCU23 earned a critical three points over its rival to jump from seventh to fourth and back into the playoff hunt in the South Atlantic PDL standings.
 
The teams traded early goals, as NCFCU23 struck first in the ninth minute with a goal from Ryan Spaulding and an assist from Nick Retzlaff. Just four minutes later, Tobacco Road evened the score after Henry Hannepel finished off Zach Wright’s cross from close range.
 
Despite a handful of chances, NCFCU23 was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities and entered halftime level at 1-1.
 
Following the break, the teams exploded for a combined six second-half goals. TRFC opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a goal from Nils Bruening off an assist from Jon Ray. NCFCU23 then rattled off three-straight goals to take a 4-2 lead in the 67th minute.
 
Spaulding completed his brace, converting a penalty kick in the 56th minute for his team-leading fifth goal of the season. Cody Brinkman then scored twice in quick sucession, adding long-range goals in the 62nd and 67th minutes.
 
TRFC reduced the deficit to 4-3 in the 69th minute, as Bruening converted a penalty. However, NCFCU23 put the game out of reach with a final goal in the 81st minute from Cameron Steele.
 
Notes:
NCFCU23’s lineup featured eight former Capital Area RailHawks Academy members in Caleb Duvernay, Nick Retzlaff, Vinnie Durand, Ryan Spaulding, Jamil Gracia, Dom Jenson, Cody Brinkman and Matt Gianfortone.
TRFC’s backup goal keeper, Hawthorne Jackson, is also a former Capital Area RailHawks Academy member.
John Nelson and Christop Schuneuwly both made their first starts for NCFCU23
Spaulding scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season to become the team’s top goal scorer.
Brinkman added a brace within five minutes for his first and second goals of the season.
Cameron Steele scored his first goal of the year
Duvernay, Retzlaff, and Fernando Castellanos all recorded assists in the win.
 
Box Score:
 
NCFCU23: Vinnie Durand, Christop Schuneuwly (Jamil Garcia, 70’), Matt Arnone, Alex Comisa, John Nelson; Cody Brinkman, Cameron Steele (Ian Bennett, 82’), Nick Retzlaff (Caleb Duvernay, 78’), Ryan Spaulding (Matt Gianfortone 63’), Dean Rutherford (Dom Jenson, 70’) Damien Thomas (Fernando Castellanos, 17’)
 
Subs not used: Bardia Asefina,
 
TRFC: Sam Bissett; James Carroll (Tyler Aglovlassitis 60’), Jared Rist, Liam Williams, Jason McCartney; Henry Hannapel Teddy Mullin (German Mendoza, 46’), Zach Wright (Marshall Hodge 82’), Alan Winn (Joaquin del Rosario 68’, Nils Bruening; Thomas Garner (Jon Ray 46’)
 
Subs not used: Hawthorne Jackson, Michael Bamber
 
Score:
NCFCU23: 5
TRFC: 3
 
Goals:
NCFCU23: Ryan Spualding (Nick Retzlaff 9’), Ryan Spaulding (PK, 56’), Cody Brinkman (unassisted 65’), Cody Brinkman (Fernando Castellanos, 67’), Cameron Steele (Caleb Duvernay, 81’)
TRFC: Henry Hannepel (Zach Wright 13’), Nils Bruening (Jon Ray 52’), Nils Bruening, (PK 69’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Christop Schuneuwly 45+, Matt Gianfortone 73’
TRFC: Jared Rist 48’ Jason McCarthey 55’ Jon Ray 78’
 
Ejections:
NCFCU23: —
TRFC: Henry Hannepel 62’

CARY, N.C. (June 29, 2017) – North Carolina FC U23 emerged victorious in an action-packed game over Tobacco Road FC Thursday night at WakeMed Soccer Park. In a match that featured eight goals, five yellow cards and one red card, NCFCU23 earned a critical three points over its rival to jump from seventh to fourth and back into the playoff hunt in the South Atlantic PDL standings.
 
The teams traded early goals, as NCFCU23 struck first in the ninth minute with a goal from Ryan Spaulding and an assist from Nick Retzlaff. Just four minutes later, Tobacco Road evened the score after Henry Hannepel finished off Zach Wright’s cross from close range.
 
Despite a handful of chances, NCFCU23 was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities and entered halftime level at 1-1.
 
Following the break, the teams exploded for a combined six second-half goals. TRFC opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a goal from Nils Bruening off an assist from Jon Ray. NCFCU23 then rattled off three-straight goals to take a 4-2 lead in the 67th minute.
 
Spaulding completed his brace, converting a penalty kick in the 56th minute for his team-leading fifth goal of the season. Cody Brinkman then scored twice in quick sucession, adding long-range goals in the 62nd and 67th minutes.
 
TRFC reduced the deficit to 4-3 in the 69th minute, as Bruening converted a penalty. However, NCFCU23 put the game out of reach with a final goal in the 81st minute from Cameron Steele.
 
Notes:
NCFCU23’s lineup featured eight former Capital Area RailHawks Academy members in Caleb Duvernay, Nick Retzlaff, Vinnie Durand, Ryan Spaulding, Jamil Gracia, Dom Jenson, Cody Brinkman and Matt Gianfortone.
TRFC’s backup goal keeper, Hawthorne Jackson, is also a former Capital Area RailHawks Academy member.
John Nelson and Christop Schuneuwly both made their first starts for NCFCU23
Spaulding scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season to become the team’s top goal scorer.
Brinkman added a brace within five minutes for his first and second goals of the season.
Cameron Steele scored his first goal of the year
Duvernay, Retzlaff, and Fernando Castellanos all recorded assists in the win.
 
Box Score:
 
NCFCU23: Vinnie Durand, Christop Schuneuwly (Jamil Garcia, 70’), Matt Arnone, Alex Comisa, John Nelson; Cody Brinkman, Cameron Steele (Ian Bennett, 82’), Nick Retzlaff (Caleb Duvernay, 78’), Ryan Spaulding (Matt Gianfortone 63’), Dean Rutherford (Dom Jenson, 70’) Damien Thomas (Fernando Castellanos, 17’)
 
Subs not used: Bardia Asefina,
 
TRFC: Sam Bissett; James Carroll (Tyler Aglovlassitis 60’), Jared Rist, Liam Williams, Jason McCartney; Henry Hannapel Teddy Mullin (German Mendoza, 46’), Zach Wright (Marshall Hodge 82’), Alan Winn (Joaquin del Rosario 68’, Nils Bruening; Thomas Garner (Jon Ray 46’)
 
Subs not used: Hawthorne Jackson, Michael Bamber
 
Score:
NCFCU23: 5
TRFC: 3
 
Goals:
NCFCU23: Ryan Spualding (Nick Retzlaff 9’), Ryan Spaulding (PK, 56’), Cody Brinkman (unassisted 65’), Cody Brinkman (Fernando Castellanos, 67’), Cameron Steele (Caleb Duvernay, 81’)
TRFC: Henry Hannepel (Zach Wright 13’), Nils Bruening (Jon Ray 52’), Nils Bruening, (PK 69’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Christop Schuneuwly 45+, Matt Gianfortone 73’
TRFC: Jared Rist 48’ Jason McCarthey 55’ Jon Ray 78’
 
Ejections:
NCFCU23: —
TRFC: Henry Hannepel 62’

NORTH CAROLINA FC FALLS 2-1 TO INDY

CARY, N.C. (June 24, 2017) – North Carolina FC dropped a 2-1 result to the Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. After the Eleven scored a pair of first-half goals, NCFC couldn’t breakdown the visitor’s stout defense.

“I thought we created enough chances to get something from the game,” said head coach Colin Clarke. “It was a pretty open game. Overall, we weren’t clinical enough in front of goal. It’s disappointing.”
 
The weather, which delayed the start of the match by 75 minutes, didn’t deter NCFC’s quick start to the match, as Shipalane opened the scoring in the ninth minute. NCFC’s first real chance of the night began with Nazmi Albadawi feeding Billy Schuler inside the box. Schuler’s shot beat the keeper, and bounced off the post directly to a wide open Tiyi Shipalane who converted the easy finish for his third goal of the NASL season.
 
The visitors responded in the 21st minute when Marco Franco’s cross found Justin Braun in the box. Braun, one of the top attackers in the NASL, scored his sixth goal of the year with a well-placed header into the bottom corner.
 
Indy struck again to take the lead just two minutes later when Braun played Eamon Zayed behind the defense. The forward took advantage of a deflected ball that wrong-footed Brian Sylvestre and converted the chance to give Indy a 2-1 lead.
 
NCFC searched for an equalizer and had quality chances in the 32nd, 37th and 40th minutes, but couldn’t put it past Jon Busch, who made several quality saves to preserve Indy’s lead.
 
Following the break, Indy had the first big chance of the half, as it earned a penalty kick in the 56th minute. Sylvestre came up with a big save on the penalty kick to deny Zayed from the spot, keeping NCFC within striking distance.
 
The goalkeeping clinic continued on the opposite side, as Busch and the Indiana defense came up with three big saves in the 60th minute. Busch was there to deny Schuler’s first effort, his defense followed up with a goal-line clearance on Albadawi’s shot and Busch crossed his line to save a blast from Saeed Robinson just moments later.
 
For the second-straight week, Busch and the Indiana defense denied NCFC the result it searched for and concluded the match with its second straight win.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will finish its two-game home stand against NASL leader Miami FC in an Independence Day matchup on Tuesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the box office at 919.459.8144
 
Notes:

  • The match was delayed 75 minutes due to a thunderstorm.
  • Indy won a match at Sahlen’s Stadium WakeMed Soccer Park for the first time since July 12, 2014.
  • NCFC continued its trend of scoring early goals with its eighth tally before the 30-minute mark this season.
  • Tiyi Shipalane scored his third goal of the NASL season.
  • Dre Fortune, the first Academy player to sign a contract with the first team in NCFC history, made his home NASL debut, coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute

Box Score 
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Christian Ibeagha, Connor Tobin, Kareem Moses; Tiyi Shipalane, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Austin da Luz (James Marcelin, 77’), Lance Laing (Saeed Robinson, 46’); Matt Fondy (Dre Fortune, 73’), Billy Schuler
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Brad Ruhaak, Bolu Akinyode, Brian Shriver
 
IND: Jon Busch; Marco Franco, Daniel Keller (Anthony Manning, 84’), Colin Falvey, Nemanja Vukovic, Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Craig Henderson, 66’), Don Smart, Ben Speas, Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed (David Goldsmith, 76’)
 
Subs not used: Keith Cardona, Tanner Thompson, Jason Plumhoff
 
Score:
NCFC: 1
IND: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Tiyi Shipalane (unassisted, 9’)
IND: Justin Braun (Marco Franco, 21’) Eamon Zayed (Justin Braun, 28’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Christian Ibeagha, 29’, Kareem Moses, 56’
IND: Don Smart, 45’, Jon Busch 88’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
IND: —
 
Attendance: 3,494

CARY, N.C. (June 24, 2017) – North Carolina FC dropped a 2-1 result to the Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. After the Eleven scored a pair of first-half goals, NCFC couldn’t breakdown the visitor’s stout defense.

“I thought we created enough chances to get something from the game,” said head coach Colin Clarke. “It was a pretty open game. Overall, we weren’t clinical enough in front of goal. It’s disappointing.”
 
The weather, which delayed the start of the match by 75 minutes, didn’t deter NCFC’s quick start to the match, as Shipalane opened the scoring in the ninth minute. NCFC’s first real chance of the night began with Nazmi Albadawi feeding Billy Schuler inside the box. Schuler’s shot beat the keeper, and bounced off the post directly to a wide open Tiyi Shipalane who converted the easy finish for his third goal of the NASL season.
 
The visitors responded in the 21st minute when Marco Franco’s cross found Justin Braun in the box. Braun, one of the top attackers in the NASL, scored his sixth goal of the year with a well-placed header into the bottom corner.
 
Indy struck again to take the lead just two minutes later when Braun played Eamon Zayed behind the defense. The forward took advantage of a deflected ball that wrong-footed Brian Sylvestre and converted the chance to give Indy a 2-1 lead.
 
NCFC searched for an equalizer and had quality chances in the 32nd, 37th and 40th minutes, but couldn’t put it past Jon Busch, who made several quality saves to preserve Indy’s lead.
 
Following the break, Indy had the first big chance of the half, as it earned a penalty kick in the 56th minute. Sylvestre came up with a big save on the penalty kick to deny Zayed from the spot, keeping NCFC within striking distance.
 
The goalkeeping clinic continued on the opposite side, as Busch and the Indiana defense came up with three big saves in the 60th minute. Busch was there to deny Schuler’s first effort, his defense followed up with a goal-line clearance on Albadawi’s shot and Busch crossed his line to save a blast from Saeed Robinson just moments later.
 
For the second-straight week, Busch and the Indiana defense denied NCFC the result it searched for and concluded the match with its second straight win.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will finish its two-game home stand against NASL leader Miami FC in an Independence Day matchup on Tuesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the box office at 919.459.8144
 
Notes:

  • The match was delayed 75 minutes due to a thunderstorm.
  • Indy won a match at Sahlen’s Stadium WakeMed Soccer Park for the first time since July 12, 2014.
  • NCFC continued its trend of scoring early goals with its eighth tally before the 30-minute mark this season.
  • Tiyi Shipalane scored his third goal of the NASL season.
  • Dre Fortune, the first Academy player to sign a contract with the first team in NCFC history, made his home NASL debut, coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute

Box Score 
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Christian Ibeagha, Connor Tobin, Kareem Moses; Tiyi Shipalane, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Austin da Luz (James Marcelin, 77’), Lance Laing (Saeed Robinson, 46’); Matt Fondy (Dre Fortune, 73’), Billy Schuler
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Brad Ruhaak, Bolu Akinyode, Brian Shriver
 
IND: Jon Busch; Marco Franco, Daniel Keller (Anthony Manning, 84’), Colin Falvey, Nemanja Vukovic, Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Craig Henderson, 66’), Don Smart, Ben Speas, Justin Braun, Eamon Zayed (David Goldsmith, 76’)
 
Subs not used: Keith Cardona, Tanner Thompson, Jason Plumhoff
 
Score:
NCFC: 1
IND: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Tiyi Shipalane (unassisted, 9’)
IND: Justin Braun (Marco Franco, 21’) Eamon Zayed (Justin Braun, 28’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Christian Ibeagha, 29’, Kareem Moses, 56’
IND: Don Smart, 45’, Jon Busch 88’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
IND: —
 
Attendance: 3,494

SWANSEA CITY EXHIBITION EVENTS AND TIMES ANNOUNCED

Excitement continues to rise as the North Carolina Football Club nears its upcoming marquee international exhibition with English Premier League (EPL) club Swansea City AFC. The Swans will visit Cary, N.C. to conclude their three-game preseason tour, and NCFC will play host at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Members of the EPL side will be available at select events in the community in the days before the match. Fans of NCFC and Swansea City are encouraged to participate in these unique events to get an inside look at the EPL side.

Fans have the option of participating in a wide range of activities through three unique ticket packages.

  • Swansea VIP Experience Package
  • Swansea Youth Fantasy Camp Pack
  • Swansea/NCFC 3-Game Pack
  • Each package includes, but is not limited to a ticket to the Swansea City match, access to a Swansea training session and a one-of-a-kind chance to go behind the scenes with Swansea City and experience the club in a new way. These packages are available for purchase at NCFCTix.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club Box Office at 919.459.8144.

The first exclusive event that will be offered is part of the Swansea VIP Experience Package. The package allows fans to catch a showing of the Swansea documentary, “Jack to a King” with an opportunity to meet some of the Swans immediately following the documentary.

  • The film will be shown at the Cary Theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 17
  • Immediately following the 100-minute film, fans have the exciting opportunity to meet Swansea players for an autograph and photo session.

Buy Your Tickets Here

Fans who ordered the Swansea Youth Fantasy Camp package will experience a special meet-and-greet with Swansea players after participating in a youth clinic.

  • The kids will participate in an NCFC youth soccer clinic on Tuesday, July 18 at 5:15 p.m.
  • When their clinic ends at 6:15 p.m., participants will be allowed to watch the end of the Swansea practice.
  • Following the practice, players from Swansea will come over to meet the kids, sign autographs and take pictures with the young fans.

Buy Your Tickets Here

Fans can also purchase the Swansea/NCFC 3-Game Pack experience, which includes a ticket to the Swansea City match and a ticket to two North Carolina FC Regular Season matches.

Buy Your Tickets Here

On Thursday, July 20, the Swans will hold an Open Practice at a time to be determined. Fans who purchased any of the three Swansea Ticket Packages will be allowed to watch the Swansea City practice and see first-hand how the team is run. Following the practice, fans will be able to meet with players to get autographs and experience the players up close.

For all information regarding the match, visit www.northcarolinafc.com/Swansea.

Excitement continues to rise as the North Carolina Football Club nears its upcoming marquee international exhibition with English Premier League (EPL) club Swansea City AFC. The Swans will visit Cary, N.C. to conclude their three-game preseason tour, and NCFC will play host at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Members of the EPL side will be available at select events in the community in the days before the match. Fans of NCFC and Swansea City are encouraged to participate in these unique events to get an inside look at the EPL side.

Fans have the option of participating in a wide range of activities through three unique ticket packages.

  • Swansea VIP Experience Package
  • Swansea Youth Fantasy Camp Pack
  • Swansea/NCFC 3-Game Pack
  • Each package includes, but is not limited to a ticket to the Swansea City match, access to a Swansea training session and a one-of-a-kind chance to go behind the scenes with Swansea City and experience the club in a new way. These packages are available for purchase at NCFCTix.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club Box Office at 919.459.8144.

The first exclusive event that will be offered is part of the Swansea VIP Experience Package. The package allows fans to catch a showing of the Swansea documentary, “Jack to a King” with an opportunity to meet some of the Swans immediately following the documentary.

  • The film will be shown at the Cary Theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 17
  • Immediately following the 100-minute film, fans have the exciting opportunity to meet Swansea players for an autograph and photo session.

Buy Your Tickets Here

Fans who ordered the Swansea Youth Fantasy Camp package will experience a special meet-and-greet with Swansea players after participating in a youth clinic.

  • The kids will participate in an NCFC youth soccer clinic on Tuesday, July 18 at 5:15 p.m.
  • When their clinic ends at 6:15 p.m., participants will be allowed to watch the end of the Swansea practice.
  • Following the practice, players from Swansea will come over to meet the kids, sign autographs and take pictures with the young fans.

Buy Your Tickets Here

Fans can also purchase the Swansea/NCFC 3-Game Pack experience, which includes a ticket to the Swansea City match and a ticket to two North Carolina FC Regular Season matches.

Buy Your Tickets Here

On Thursday, July 20, the Swans will hold an Open Practice at a time to be determined. Fans who purchased any of the three Swansea Ticket Packages will be allowed to watch the Swansea City practice and see first-hand how the team is run. Following the practice, fans will be able to meet with players to get autographs and experience the players up close.

For all information regarding the match, visit www.northcarolinafc.com/Swansea.

NORTH CAROLINA FC RETURNS HOME TO FACE INDY ELEVEN

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. INDY ELEVEN
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN'S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
 
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10
DIGITAL: ESPN3, WRAL.COM
RADIO: 95.7 The Ticket (95.7 FM, 1550 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvIND
 
CARY, N.C. (June 23, 2017) – North Carolina FC (4W-3D-5L; 15 points; 5th place) hosts the Indy Eleven (1W-7D-4L; 10 points; 6th place) Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match gives NCFC a key opportunity to return to form and move up the NASL table.
 
This game marks the second consecutive meeting between the two clubs. NCFC is riding a three-year unbeaten streak against Indy at home. However, the Indy Eleven won the first matchup between the teams this season with a 2-0 victory in Indianapolis last week.
 
NCFC’s high-powered offense returns home after two straight league matches on the road. NCFC has played well at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park this season, logging two wins and a draw in five league matches. The club earned a point on it's two-game road trip with a 2-2 draw at the New York Cosmos.
 
North Carolina FC enters the match in fifth place in the NASL table, but is just five points out of second place. With four games left in the first half of the season, NCFC enters a critical stretch of matches with a big opportunity to gain ground in the league, playing three of its last four matches against teams in the bottom half of the NASL.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC fell on the road to the Indy Eleven on Saturday, June 17. North Carolina failed to find the back of the net for just the second time this season coming off a quick turnaround from a midweek Open Cup game. The Indy Eleven converted second-half goals from Justin Braun and Ben Speas.
 
Players to Watch:
#6 Austin da Luz
Da Luz enters the matchup as one of the key distributors in the NASL this season. The midfielder has completed 618 passes this year, ranking him seventh in the NASL through 10 games. The Wake Forest product also boasts an 83.8 percent passing accuracy.
 
#19 Ben Speas
Speas comes into this week’s game fresh off his second goal of the season. The former Tar Heel will be looking to capitalize on his recent success and find the back of the net once more. His ability to score with either foot from the midfield position makes him a threat anywhere on the field.
 
Pride Night:
North Carolina Football Club is partnering with Equality NC and the Human Rights Campaign to support the LGBTQ community through a Pride Week celebration, culminating with Saturday’s match. NCFC’s Austin da Luz has also started his own foundation, ‘Playing for Pride’ to show his support. So far, da Luz’s campaign has raised close to $9,000 for the Human Rights Campaign. To learn more about Austin’s campaign or to make a donation, visit www.crowdrise.com/playing-for-pride.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will finish its two-game home stand against NASL leader Miami FC in an Independence Day matchup on Tuesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the box office at 919.459.8144

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. INDY ELEVEN
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
 
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10
DIGITAL: ESPN3, WRAL.COM
RADIO: 95.7 The Ticket (95.7 FM, 1550 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvIND
 
CARY, N.C. (June 23, 2017) – North Carolina FC (4W-3D-5L; 15 points; 5th place) hosts the Indy Eleven (1W-7D-4L; 10 points; 6th place) Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match gives NCFC a key opportunity to return to form and move up the NASL table.
 
This game marks the second consecutive meeting between the two clubs. NCFC is riding a three-year unbeaten streak against Indy at home. However, the Indy Eleven won the first matchup between the teams this season with a 2-0 victory in Indianapolis last week.
 
NCFC’s high-powered offense returns home after two straight league matches on the road. NCFC has played well at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park this season, logging two wins and a draw in five league matches. The club earned a point on it’s two-game road trip with a 2-2 draw at the New York Cosmos.
 
North Carolina FC enters the match in fifth place in the NASL table, but is just five points out of second place. With four games left in the first half of the season, NCFC enters a critical stretch of matches with a big opportunity to gain ground in the league, playing three of its last four matches against teams in the bottom half of the NASL.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC fell on the road to the Indy Eleven on Saturday, June 17. North Carolina failed to find the back of the net for just the second time this season coming off a quick turnaround from a midweek Open Cup game. The Indy Eleven converted second-half goals from Justin Braun and Ben Speas.
 
Players to Watch:
#6 Austin da Luz
Da Luz enters the matchup as one of the key distributors in the NASL this season. The midfielder has completed 618 passes this year, ranking him seventh in the NASL through 10 games. The Wake Forest product also boasts an 83.8 percent passing accuracy.
 
#19 Ben Speas
Speas comes into this week’s game fresh off his second goal of the season. The former Tar Heel will be looking to capitalize on his recent success and find the back of the net once more. His ability to score with either foot from the midfield position makes him a threat anywhere on the field.
 
Pride Night:
North Carolina Football Club is partnering with Equality NC and the Human Rights Campaign to support the LGBTQ community through a Pride Week celebration, culminating with Saturday’s match. NCFC’s Austin da Luz has also started his own foundation, ‘Playing for Pride’ to show his support. So far, da Luz’s campaign has raised close to $9,000 for the Human Rights Campaign. To learn more about Austin’s campaign or to make a donation, visit www.crowdrise.com/playing-for-pride.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will finish its two-game home stand against NASL leader Miami FC in an Independence Day matchup on Tuesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can purchase tickets at NCFCTIX.com or by calling the box office at 919.459.8144

PLAYING FOR PRIDE GROWS UNDER DA LUZS DIRECTION

With North Carolina FC locked into its NASL spring season campaign, veteran midfielder Austin da Luz is leading a campaign of his own off the pitch. Da Luz took it upon himself to use his platform as a professional athlete to promote awareness and equality for the rights of the LGBTQ community through Playing for Pride, a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign.

Nearly four months into Playing for Pride, the movement has raised $8,732 and has grown into a platform to raise support for the LGBTQ community.

“I’m really happy with it,” said da Luz. “Obviously we’ve raised a good amount of money, which is great, but to me the most important thing and the thing I’m most excited about is the message we’ve been able to send to people and the positive message that we’ve been able to amplify from the soccer community.”

Members of NCFC and the NC Courage have shown their support for this movement from its infancy, and support has quickly spread outside of our local soccer community and made its way all around the world. Multiple players from the MLS, NASL, NWSL, USL, as well as players from various European soccer leagues have pledged their support for the movement going forward.

“I think it speaks to the nature of the community that we have in the sport,” da Luz added. "There are so many people that are for equality and against discrimination, but the key is getting them to speak up about it. You can see it snowball. Once a few people in one league did it, then some other people latched on, and then it traveled to another league.  Just through word of mouth people have gotten more comfortable taking this position.”

North Carolina FC has also stepped in from a club level to support the cause by hosting of two “Pride Nights” during the June 17 and June 24 home matches for the Courage and NCFC. The club has also established an entire Pride Week that is packed with events, parties, giveaways, and player appearances. The club will also donate a portion of Pride Night ticket sales to the Human Rights Campaign.

“I think it’s incredible the way the club has taken to cause and supported it. I think you’d be hard pressed to find a club that’s doing more for pride month than we are. I know how much it means to the LGBTQ community to know that they’re welcome at our stadium. That they’re safe and free to be themselves.”

Da Luz and NCFC will be back in action this Saturday for Pride Night against the Indy Eleven at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can purchase tickets for Pride Night here. Use the code: PRIDE17 to donate to the Human Rights Campaign and receive a 20% discount.

To learn more about Playing for Pride and donate to the cause, click here.

With North Carolina FC locked into its NASL spring season campaign, veteran midfielder Austin da Luz is leading a campaign of his own off the pitch. Da Luz took it upon himself to use his platform as a professional athlete to promote awareness and equality for the rights of the LGBTQ community through Playing for Pride, a fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign.

Nearly four months into Playing for Pride, the movement has raised $8,732 and has grown into a platform to raise support for the LGBTQ community.

“I’m really happy with it,” said da Luz. “Obviously we’ve raised a good amount of money, which is great, but to me the most important thing and the thing I’m most excited about is the message we’ve been able to send to people and the positive message that we’ve been able to amplify from the soccer community.”

Members of NCFC and the NC Courage have shown their support for this movement from its infancy, and support has quickly spread outside of our local soccer community and made its way all around the world. Multiple players from the MLS, NASL, NWSL, USL, as well as players from various European soccer leagues have pledged their support for the movement going forward.

“I think it speaks to the nature of the community that we have in the sport,” da Luz added. “There are so many people that are for equality and against discrimination, but the key is getting them to speak up about it. You can see it snowball. Once a few people in one league did it, then some other people latched on, and then it traveled to another league.  Just through word of mouth people have gotten more comfortable taking this position.”

North Carolina FC has also stepped in from a club level to support the cause by hosting of two “Pride Nights” during the June 17 and June 24 home matches for the Courage and NCFC. The club has also established an entire Pride Week that is packed with events, parties, giveaways, and player appearances. The club will also donate a portion of Pride Night ticket sales to the Human Rights Campaign.

“I think it’s incredible the way the club has taken to cause and supported it. I think you’d be hard pressed to find a club that’s doing more for pride month than we are. I know how much it means to the LGBTQ community to know that they’re welcome at our stadium. That they’re safe and free to be themselves.”

Da Luz and NCFC will be back in action this Saturday for Pride Night against the Indy Eleven at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can purchase tickets for Pride Night here. Use the code: PRIDE17 to donate to the Human Rights Campaign and receive a 20% discount.

To learn more about Playing for Pride and donate to the cause, click here.