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2017 Archive

NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB MENS COLLEGE SOCCER ROUNDUP WEEK 4

The North Carolina Football Club has over 90 soccer players with ties to the club’s NCFC Youth Academy or North Carolina FC U23 team taking part in men’s college soccer this season. This week, six teams from North Carolina – all of which have players with ties to the club – are included in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll. The week in review included the UNC/Duke Derby as well as important results for many teams attempting to improve on their NCAA Tournament resumes.

No. 7 UNC Wins Battle of the Blues Over Duke

No. 7 UNC Chapel Hill will have bragging rights over Duke after holding out for a 2-1 victory over their rivals in a neutral site matchup at MacPhearson Stadium over the weekend. A combined 17 players that have either played for NCFC Youth Academy or NCFC U23 were on the rosters for the local squads. Alan Winn (NCFC U23) scored the opening goal for UNC to help lead the Tar Heels to victory.

Following the weekend match, UNC and Duke both picked up midweek victories. UNC downed George Washington 4-1. Winn added two goals to his season tally – bringing him to six on the year, while Jeremy Kelly also scored for the Tar Heels.

Duke rebounded for a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wisconsin that saw both sides reduced to 10 men before the final whistle. NCFC U23 member Will Pulisic made four saves and logged an assist to help the Blue Devils clinch the victory.

NC State, Elon Battle to Scoreless Draw

Elon remained undefeated with a 0-0 draw against NC State in a midweek tilt. The Phoenix and Wolfpack entered the match with a combined 14 players with ties to the club. Both teams recorded eight shots each in 110 minutes of action, but neither team could find the back of the net and settled for a draw.

No. 18 UNCW Downs Delaware in Extra Time

No. 18 UNC Wilmington posted another shutout with a 1-0 (OT) victory over Delaware. The Seahawks’ backline helped former NCFC Youth Academy goalkeeper Ryan Cretens earned his fourth shutout of the season, while former Academy members Matt Gianfortone, Spencer Saunders, Huntley Munn, Ben Fisher and Jamil Gracia all saw time on the field.  

Mullins Earns Shutout for Charlotte

Austin Mullins (NCFC Youth Academy) is off to a good start between the posts for Charlotte. After a brief cameo in Charlotte’s 1-1 draw with Elon, Mullins earned the first shutout of his college career in the team’s 1-0 victory over Jacksonville. Mullins had a relatively quiet night and faced only one shot on frame to clinch the shutout.

Additional Notes:

  • Six schools from the North Carolina are included in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll. Wake Forest leads the way at No. 4, UNC Chapel Hill is ranked No. 7 and UNC Wilmington checks in at No. 18, while Duke, NC State and Charlotte are all receiving votes and on the verge of cracking into the poll’s top-25 list.
  • Kenneth Perkinson ranks fifth in the NCAA in total saves with 40 in seven matches. The Winthrop goalkeeper has also picked up an assist in a 3-0 victory over Wofford.
  • Jason McCartney (NCFC Youth Academy) scored his team-leading third goal of the year in Emory’s 3-2 victory over Sewanee.
  • Matthew Zinner (NCFC Youth Academy) provided an assist in No. 3 Tufts University’s 2-0 victory over Trinity (Conn.).
  • Baboucarr Njie (NCFC U23) powered NC Wesleyan to victory with a hat trick in his team’s 4-0 victory over Covenant.
  • Steeve Pouna scored a goal in Baker University’s 2-0 win over Clarke University and added an assist in the team’s 2-0 victory over reigning NAIA National Champions Hasting College. Baker University has moved to No. 7 in the NAIA National rankings, while Pouna has scored two goals and provided two assists this season.
     

*All rankings based on Sep. 19 United Soccer Coaches Poll

Photo by Jeffery A. Camarati

The North Carolina Football Club has over 90 soccer players with ties to the club’s NCFC Youth Academy or North Carolina FC U23 team taking part in men’s college soccer this season. This week, six teams from North Carolina – all of which have players with ties to the club – are included in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll. The week in review included the UNC/Duke Derby as well as important results for many teams attempting to improve on their NCAA Tournament resumes.

No. 7 UNC Wins Battle of the Blues Over Duke

No. 7 UNC Chapel Hill will have bragging rights over Duke after holding out for a 2-1 victory over their rivals in a neutral site matchup at MacPhearson Stadium over the weekend. A combined 17 players that have either played for NCFC Youth Academy or NCFC U23 were on the rosters for the local squads. Alan Winn (NCFC U23) scored the opening goal for UNC to help lead the Tar Heels to victory.

Following the weekend match, UNC and Duke both picked up midweek victories. UNC downed George Washington 4-1. Winn added two goals to his season tally – bringing him to six on the year, while Jeremy Kelly also scored for the Tar Heels.

Duke rebounded for a thrilling 4-3 victory over Wisconsin that saw both sides reduced to 10 men before the final whistle. NCFC U23 member Will Pulisic made four saves and logged an assist to help the Blue Devils clinch the victory.

NC State, Elon Battle to Scoreless Draw

Elon remained undefeated with a 0-0 draw against NC State in a midweek tilt. The Phoenix and Wolfpack entered the match with a combined 14 players with ties to the club. Both teams recorded eight shots each in 110 minutes of action, but neither team could find the back of the net and settled for a draw.

No. 18 UNCW Downs Delaware in Extra Time

No. 18 UNC Wilmington posted another shutout with a 1-0 (OT) victory over Delaware. The Seahawks’ backline helped former NCFC Youth Academy goalkeeper Ryan Cretens earned his fourth shutout of the season, while former Academy members Matt Gianfortone, Spencer Saunders, Huntley Munn, Ben Fisher and Jamil Gracia all saw time on the field.  

Mullins Earns Shutout for Charlotte

Austin Mullins (NCFC Youth Academy) is off to a good start between the posts for Charlotte. After a brief cameo in Charlotte’s 1-1 draw with Elon, Mullins earned the first shutout of his college career in the team’s 1-0 victory over Jacksonville. Mullins had a relatively quiet night and faced only one shot on frame to clinch the shutout.

Additional Notes:

  • Six schools from the North Carolina are included in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll. Wake Forest leads the way at No. 4, UNC Chapel Hill is ranked No. 7 and UNC Wilmington checks in at No. 18, while Duke, NC State and Charlotte are all receiving votes and on the verge of cracking into the poll’s top-25 list.
  • Kenneth Perkinson ranks fifth in the NCAA in total saves with 40 in seven matches. The Winthrop goalkeeper has also picked up an assist in a 3-0 victory over Wofford.
  • Jason McCartney (NCFC Youth Academy) scored his team-leading third goal of the year in Emory’s 3-2 victory over Sewanee.
  • Matthew Zinner (NCFC Youth Academy) provided an assist in No. 3 Tufts University’s 2-0 victory over Trinity (Conn.).
  • Baboucarr Njie (NCFC U23) powered NC Wesleyan to victory with a hat trick in his team’s 4-0 victory over Covenant.
  • Steeve Pouna scored a goal in Baker University’s 2-0 win over Clarke University and added an assist in the team’s 2-0 victory over reigning NAIA National Champions Hasting College. Baker University has moved to No. 7 in the NAIA National rankings, while Pouna has scored two goals and provided two assists this season.
     

*All rankings based on Sep. 19 United Soccer Coaches Poll

Photo by Jeffery A. Camarati

NORTH CAROLINA FC BATTLES PUERTO RICO FC TO SCORELESS DRAW

CARY, N.C. (Sep. 16, 2017) – North Carolina FC couldn’t break through a packed-in Puerto Rico defense and settled for a 0-0 draw with Puerto Rico FC on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. With the draw, the team remains in third place and in a current playoff position in the NASL combined standings with 33 points.
 
NCFC spent most of its time in front of the PRFC goal, but it couldn’t find the target. The club outshot Puerto Rico 20-4 and posted a 55.8-44.2 percent advantage in possession, while dominating chances and time on the ball for long stretches of the match.
 
“We’re playing some of the best soccer in these last four or five games that we’ve played in a long time," said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. "I know they’re frustrated in there but they’re playing well and they believe they’re good enough. We believe they’re good enough to go win this championship. We have to continue to believe it and go to our next game in New York and look to get three points.”

North Carolina seemed set for a quick start when Tiyi Shipalane’s volley rattled the crossbar in the fourth minute. However, Puerto Rico would tighten up its defensive lines and shut out the home side for the rest of the half.
 
Following the break, NCFC’s offense sparked back to life and created several strong chances. Shipalane continued his dangerous play on the wing and sent a cross towards Renan Gorne in the 52nd minute. The Brazilian did well to put his shot on target, but he couldn’t sneak the ball past PRFC goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg who made the save.
 
In the 54th minute, NCFC hit the woodwork for the second time of the night, as Lance Laing found a few feet of space and sent a hard-hit ball off the post and away from danger.
 
The club poured numbers forward in search of the elusive tally, but the PRFC defense dropped numbers back to keep the home side at bay. NCFC closed out the final part of the match with several good looks, but the side couldn’t break through.
 
On the opposite side of the pitch, Brian Sylvestre had a quiet night in goal. The goalkeeper faced zero shots on target, while NCFC’s defense handled PRFC’s attack.
 
North Carolina FC will hit the road for another crucial match in the playoff race, as it travels to face the New York Cosmos on Saturday, Sep. 23 at MCU Park at 7 p.m. The club will return home to take on the Indy Eleven on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.

“We’ll keep going," Clarke concluded. "We’ll be fighting until the end. We've got six games left and we’ll be looking to win them all."
 
Notes:

  • Brian Sylvestre earned his fourth shutout of the season
  • NCFC allowed a season low four shots including zero shots on target
  • NCFC was held scoreless for only the fifth time this season
  • The match was the first scoreless draw for NCFC in 2017

Box Score
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Steven Miller; Lance Laing (Alex Molano, 67’), Dre Fortune (Bolu Akinyode, 84’), Marcel Kandziora, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Tiyi Shipalane (Jonathan Glenn, 78’); Renan Gorne
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Austin da Luz, Matt Fondy, Kareem Moses
 
PRFC: Trevor Spangenberg; Kyle Culbertson, Ramon Soria, Seth Moses, Phanuel Kavita; Jordi Quintilla, Mario Martinez Rubio (Jorge Rivera, 75’), Jairo Puerto, Yuma ©; Hector Ramos (Jackie Marrero, 64’), Giuseppe Gentile (Sidney Rivera, 85’)
 
Subs not used: Austin Pack, Rudy Dawson, Walter Ramirez
 
Score:
NCFC: 0
PRFC: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: —
PRFC: —
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Tiyi Shipalane (23’)
PRFC: Mario Martinez Rubio (59’), Seth Moses (72’)
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
PRFC: —
 
Attendance: 5,027

CARY, N.C. (Sep. 16, 2017) – North Carolina FC couldn’t break through a packed-in Puerto Rico defense and settled for a 0-0 draw with Puerto Rico FC on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. With the draw, the team remains in third place and in a current playoff position in the NASL combined standings with 33 points.
 
NCFC spent most of its time in front of the PRFC goal, but it couldn’t find the target. The club outshot Puerto Rico 20-4 and posted a 55.8-44.2 percent advantage in possession, while dominating chances and time on the ball for long stretches of the match.
 
“We’re playing some of the best soccer in these last four or five games that we’ve played in a long time,” said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “I know they’re frustrated in there but they’re playing well and they believe they’re good enough. We believe they’re good enough to go win this championship. We have to continue to believe it and go to our next game in New York and look to get three points.”

North Carolina seemed set for a quick start when Tiyi Shipalane’s volley rattled the crossbar in the fourth minute. However, Puerto Rico would tighten up its defensive lines and shut out the home side for the rest of the half.
 
Following the break, NCFC’s offense sparked back to life and created several strong chances. Shipalane continued his dangerous play on the wing and sent a cross towards Renan Gorne in the 52nd minute. The Brazilian did well to put his shot on target, but he couldn’t sneak the ball past PRFC goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg who made the save.
 
In the 54th minute, NCFC hit the woodwork for the second time of the night, as Lance Laing found a few feet of space and sent a hard-hit ball off the post and away from danger.
 
The club poured numbers forward in search of the elusive tally, but the PRFC defense dropped numbers back to keep the home side at bay. NCFC closed out the final part of the match with several good looks, but the side couldn’t break through.
 
On the opposite side of the pitch, Brian Sylvestre had a quiet night in goal. The goalkeeper faced zero shots on target, while NCFC’s defense handled PRFC’s attack.
 
North Carolina FC will hit the road for another crucial match in the playoff race, as it travels to face the New York Cosmos on Saturday, Sep. 23 at MCU Park at 7 p.m. The club will return home to take on the Indy Eleven on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.

“We’ll keep going,” Clarke concluded. “We’ll be fighting until the end. We’ve got six games left and we’ll be looking to win them all.”
 
Notes:

  • Brian Sylvestre earned his fourth shutout of the season
  • NCFC allowed a season low four shots including zero shots on target
  • NCFC was held scoreless for only the fifth time this season
  • The match was the first scoreless draw for NCFC in 2017

Box Score
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Steven Miller; Lance Laing (Alex Molano, 67’), Dre Fortune (Bolu Akinyode, 84’), Marcel Kandziora, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Tiyi Shipalane (Jonathan Glenn, 78’); Renan Gorne
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Austin da Luz, Matt Fondy, Kareem Moses
 
PRFC: Trevor Spangenberg; Kyle Culbertson, Ramon Soria, Seth Moses, Phanuel Kavita; Jordi Quintilla, Mario Martinez Rubio (Jorge Rivera, 75’), Jairo Puerto, Yuma ©; Hector Ramos (Jackie Marrero, 64’), Giuseppe Gentile (Sidney Rivera, 85’)
 
Subs not used: Austin Pack, Rudy Dawson, Walter Ramirez
 
Score:
NCFC: 0
PRFC: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: —
PRFC: —
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Tiyi Shipalane (23’)
PRFC: Mario Martinez Rubio (59’), Seth Moses (72’)
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
PRFC: —
 
Attendance: 5,027

RENEW OR BUY NEW SEASON TICKETS NOW AND GET A FREE TICKET TO THE NC COURAGE'S HOME SEMI-FINAL PLAYOFF MATCH ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

Cary, NC (September 15, 2017) – 2018 season tickets for North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage are on sale now.  Fans who renew or buy new NC Courage or NCFC season tickets by Friday, October 6 will receive a free North Stand ticket to the NC Courage home semi-final playoff game on Sunday, October 8 at 3:30 p.m.  Current NC Courage Season Ticket Members already have this playoff game in their 2017 season ticket package and should use the "Game A" ticket in their ticket booklet.
 
In addition, fans who renew or purchase new season tickets by Friday, October 6 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a free trip for two to the NWSL Championship game in Orlando on Saturday, October 14 (includes airfare, hotel and game tickets).
 
There are many benefits to becoming a Season Ticket Member, from experiential opportunities on game-day, to priority purchasing for international exhibitions. Arguably one of the most important benefits to becoming a Member of North Carolina Football Club is the priority purchasing for MLS seating, once a franchise is awarded. A full list of member benefits can be found below.
 
North Carolina Football Club Member Benefits
 

  • Approx. 30% off regular individual game-day ticket pricing
  • Priority purchasing opportunity for MLS seating (upon franchise being awarded)*
  • Discounted pricing on individual game tickets (at the season ticket member rate)
  • General Admission Parking included in all Season Ticket Member packages
  • 4+ season tickets receive VIP parking pass
  • Exchange unused tickets for any NCFC and NC Courage games (exchange is specific to each team)
  • Ticket to all home US Open Cup matches (excluding semi-final and final)
  • Priority purchasing for additional tickets to US Open Cup games
  • Priority purchasing for International Exhibitions (e.g., West Ham United, Toluca FC)
  • Invitation to off-season winter party
  • Access to NCFC and NC Courage pre-season scrimmages
  • Season Ticket Member gift
  • Flexible interest-free payment plan
  • Invitation to Meet-the-Team event
  • Dedicated North Carolina Football Club ticket representative
  • Ability to donate unused tickets to charitable Kicks for Kids Night (tax deductible)
  • Voting rights and input on selected matters that primarily affect fan experience
  • Choice of three of the following experience items:
    • Child participates in pre-game Fan Tunnel
    • Have your child participate as a Player Companion
    • Pre-game field visit
    • Special gift delivered to seat
    • Photo on the video board
    • Pre-game soccer clinic with NCFC and NC Courage players
    • Luncheon with the head coach
    • Meet and greet with team captain
    • Holiday card photo op
    • One complimentary seat upgrade on game day
    • Ceremonial coin flip/first kick/Starting XI photo
    • Merchandise or concessions coupon

* Priority placement is determined by longevity and price level of seat purchased.
To renew or purchase NC Courage and/or NCFC season tickets, simply go to sth or call the ticket office at 919-459-8144.
 
North Carolina FC continue their playoff run as they host PRFC this Saturday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park The NC Courage returns to NWSL play, following an international break, on Sunday, September 24, with a visit to Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. The team will return home for its final regular season home game as it hosts Alex Morgan and the Orlando Pride on Saturday, October 1, at 7:30 p.m.

Cary, NC (September 15, 2017) – 2018 season tickets for North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage are on sale now.  Fans who renew or buy new NC Courage or NCFC season tickets by Friday, October 6 will receive a free North Stand ticket to the NC Courage home semi-final playoff game on Sunday, October 8 at 3:30 p.m.  Current NC Courage Season Ticket Members already have this playoff game in their 2017 season ticket package and should use the “Game A” ticket in their ticket booklet.
 
In addition, fans who renew or purchase new season tickets by Friday, October 6 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a free trip for two to the NWSL Championship game in Orlando on Saturday, October 14 (includes airfare, hotel and game tickets).
 
There are many benefits to becoming a Season Ticket Member, from experiential opportunities on game-day, to priority purchasing for international exhibitions. Arguably one of the most important benefits to becoming a Member of North Carolina Football Club is the priority purchasing for MLS seating, once a franchise is awarded. A full list of member benefits can be found below.
 
North Carolina Football Club Member Benefits
 

  • Approx. 30% off regular individual game-day ticket pricing
  • Priority purchasing opportunity for MLS seating (upon franchise being awarded)*
  • Discounted pricing on individual game tickets (at the season ticket member rate)
  • General Admission Parking included in all Season Ticket Member packages
  • 4+ season tickets receive VIP parking pass
  • Exchange unused tickets for any NCFC and NC Courage games (exchange is specific to each team)
  • Ticket to all home US Open Cup matches (excluding semi-final and final)
  • Priority purchasing for additional tickets to US Open Cup games
  • Priority purchasing for International Exhibitions (e.g., West Ham United, Toluca FC)
  • Invitation to off-season winter party
  • Access to NCFC and NC Courage pre-season scrimmages
  • Season Ticket Member gift
  • Flexible interest-free payment plan
  • Invitation to Meet-the-Team event
  • Dedicated North Carolina Football Club ticket representative
  • Ability to donate unused tickets to charitable Kicks for Kids Night (tax deductible)
  • Voting rights and input on selected matters that primarily affect fan experience
  • Choice of three of the following experience items:
    • Child participates in pre-game Fan Tunnel
    • Have your child participate as a Player Companion
    • Pre-game field visit
    • Special gift delivered to seat
    • Photo on the video board
    • Pre-game soccer clinic with NCFC and NC Courage players
    • Luncheon with the head coach
    • Meet and greet with team captain
    • Holiday card photo op
    • One complimentary seat upgrade on game day
    • Ceremonial coin flip/first kick/Starting XI photo
    • Merchandise or concessions coupon

* Priority placement is determined by longevity and price level of seat purchased.
To renew or purchase NC Courage and/or NCFC season tickets, simply go to sth or call the ticket office at 919-459-8144.
 
North Carolina FC continue their playoff run as they host PRFC this Saturday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park The NC Courage returns to NWSL play, following an international break, on Sunday, September 24, with a visit to Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. The team will return home for its final regular season home game as it hosts Alex Morgan and the Orlando Pride on Saturday, October 1, at 7:30 p.m.

NORTH CAROLINA FC CONTINUES PLAYOFF PUSH AT HOME AGAINST PUERTO RICO FC THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS PUERTO RICO FC
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
 
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10, beIN SPORTS en ES
DIGITAL: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, WRAL.COM
RADIO: 95.7 THE TICKET (95.7 FM & 1330 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvPRFC
 
CARY, N.C. (Sep. 15, 2017) – After two matches on the road, North Carolina FC (8W-8D-9L, 32 points, third place) will return home to face Puerto Rico FC (3W-9D-11L, 18 points, eighth place) on Saturday, Sep. 16 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in its third match in seven days. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will be presented by Ipreo.
 
The club enters another important matchup in NASL Fall Season with a chance to improve its standing in the NASL playoff race. NCFC sits in third place and is level on points with Jacksonville Armada FC and one point ahead of the New York Cosmos.
 
NCFC will take on a familiar opponent in PRFC. The club has won three times and drawn once against Puerto Rico in 2017. PRFC entered the Fall Season on fire, earning points in their first three contests, however, the club has fallen to fifth in the Fall table after going winless in its last three and coming off two losses to Miami FC.
 
With Lance Laing’s eight goals leading the way, and four strikers that have combined to score 12 times, North Carolina will need to find the right options to provide offense. Nazmi Albadawi, Renan Gorne and Steven Miller have all scored this week, helping the team route FC Edmonton 3-0 in the largest margin of victory this NASL Season for the club.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC dropped a defensive battle with the Indy Eleven on Wednesday night, falling 1-0 after the Eleven scored a goal in stoppage time. The club faced a tough task of playing most of the match with 10 men after James Marcelin was sent off in the 40th minute. North Carolina played well under pressure, but a perfectly-placed header to the far post saw Indy take all three points from the match.
 
Players to Watch:
No. 26 Renan Gorne
The young Brazilian on loan from Botofogo has impressed during his time with the club, tallying two goals and an assist in six matches. Look for Gorne and his knack for making plays to provide offense chances against Puerto Rico.
 
No. 24 Yuma
A midfield maestro, Yuma has caused NCFC problems before. The veteran midfielder picked up an assist in Puerto Rico’s 1-1 draw with NCFC on July 29. Yuma usually stays in the middle of the pitch to control PRFC’s possession and disrupt the opposition’s distribution. While he may not find the scoresheet regularly, look for the Spaniard to be a force in the middle of the park.
 
Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC will hit the road for another crucial match in the playoff race, as it travels to face the New York Cosmos on Saturday, Sep. 23 at MCU Park at 7 p.m. The club will return home to take on the Indy Eleven on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS PUERTO RICO FC
KICKOFF: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 – 7:30 P.M. ET
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
 
TV: WRAL2, WILM-TV10, beIN SPORTS en ES
DIGITAL: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, WRAL.COM
RADIO: 95.7 THE TICKET (95.7 FM & 1330 AM)
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCFCvPRFC
 
CARY, N.C. (Sep. 15, 2017) – After two matches on the road, North Carolina FC (8W-8D-9L, 32 points, third place) will return home to face Puerto Rico FC (3W-9D-11L, 18 points, eighth place) on Saturday, Sep. 16 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in its third match in seven days. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will be presented by Ipreo.
 
The club enters another important matchup in NASL Fall Season with a chance to improve its standing in the NASL playoff race. NCFC sits in third place and is level on points with Jacksonville Armada FC and one point ahead of the New York Cosmos.
 
NCFC will take on a familiar opponent in PRFC. The club has won three times and drawn once against Puerto Rico in 2017. PRFC entered the Fall Season on fire, earning points in their first three contests, however, the club has fallen to fifth in the Fall table after going winless in its last three and coming off two losses to Miami FC.
 
With Lance Laing’s eight goals leading the way, and four strikers that have combined to score 12 times, North Carolina will need to find the right options to provide offense. Nazmi Albadawi, Renan Gorne and Steven Miller have all scored this week, helping the team route FC Edmonton 3-0 in the largest margin of victory this NASL Season for the club.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC dropped a defensive battle with the Indy Eleven on Wednesday night, falling 1-0 after the Eleven scored a goal in stoppage time. The club faced a tough task of playing most of the match with 10 men after James Marcelin was sent off in the 40th minute. North Carolina played well under pressure, but a perfectly-placed header to the far post saw Indy take all three points from the match.
 
Players to Watch:
No. 26 Renan Gorne
The young Brazilian on loan from Botofogo has impressed during his time with the club, tallying two goals and an assist in six matches. Look for Gorne and his knack for making plays to provide offense chances against Puerto Rico.
 
No. 24 Yuma
A midfield maestro, Yuma has caused NCFC problems before. The veteran midfielder picked up an assist in Puerto Rico’s 1-1 draw with NCFC on July 29. Yuma usually stays in the middle of the pitch to control PRFC’s possession and disrupt the opposition’s distribution. While he may not find the scoresheet regularly, look for the Spaniard to be a force in the middle of the park.
 
Coming Up Next:
North Carolina FC will hit the road for another crucial match in the playoff race, as it travels to face the New York Cosmos on Saturday, Sep. 23 at MCU Park at 7 p.m. The club will return home to take on the Indy Eleven on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.

NCFC YOUTH ACADEMY BEGINS DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY SEASON

The NCFC Youth Academy and its 10 Boys Developmental Academy teams have started the 2017-18 season. The teams debuted on Sep. 2 and continued their season the following weekend on Sep. 10, competing against regional opponents from across the Southeast Division.

The club went 8W-2D-3L in its opening weekend, defeating teams from Charlotte Soccer Academy, ISL FC and the NC Fusion. 

The weekend’s biggest win came from NCFC North U14 in an 8-1 result over NC Fusion U14. Marvin Mariche led the way, tallying four goals. Osvaldo Monreal added a hat trick, while Yekeson Subah also recorded a goal. NCFC U17 also earned a big win with a 5-2 result over NC Fusion to highlight the weekend.

The youngsters in the U12 ranks posted an undefeated weekend, going a combined 4W-2D-0L, while out scoring its opponents 24-11.

The following weekend featured an impressive outing to Cumming, Ga., against the United Futbol Academy (UFA), as well as an intra-club matchup between NCFC Del Sol U12 and NCFC North U12.

The club posted a 2W-1D-1L record against UFA. NCFC North U14 added the biggest win of the weekend once again, defeating UFA U14 6-1 with a hat trick from Tyden Frame, a brace from Marvin Mariche and a goal from Jesus Bustos. NCFC U17 also picked up a result, downing UFA U17 2-1 with two goals from Justin Stone.

Back in Raleigh, NCFC North U12 won two matches against NCFC Del Sol U12 to extended its winning streak to four matches. NCFC North U12 won 6-1 and 4-2 over its counterparts from Del Sol.

Most of the Academy teams will make their home debuts over the weekend, facing the Carolina Rapids on Saturday, Sep. 16 at WRAL Soccer Center. Two NCFC South Academy Teams will travel to Cumming, Ga., to face United Futbol Academy, while NCFC Del Sol and NCFC South U12 will face each other at WRAL Soccer Park.

Results from Sep. 2:
NCFC Del Sol U12: 2
Charlotte Soccer Academy U12: 2

NCFC Del Sol U12: 5
Charlotte Soccer Academy U12: 0

NCFC South U12: 3
ISL FC U12: 3

NCFC South U12: 4
ISL FC U12: 2

NCFC South U13: 3
ISL FC U13: 2

NCFC South U14: 1
ISL FC U14: 2

NCFC North U12: 5
NC Fusion U12: 1

NCFC North U12: 5
NC Fusion U12: 3

NCFC North U13: 2
NC Fusion U13: 1

NCFC North U14: 8
NC Fusion U14: 1

NCFC U15: 0
NC Fusion U15: 1

NCFC U17: 5
NC Fusion U17: 2

NCFC U19: 1
NC Fusion U19: 3

Results from Sep. 10
NCFC North U12: 6
NCFC Del Sol U12: 1

NCFC North U12: 4
NCFC Del Sol U12: 2

NCFC North U13: 2
United Futbol Academy U13: 2

NCFC North U14: 6
United Futbol Academy U14: 1

NCFC U15: 1
United Futbol Academy U15: 4

NCFC North U17: 2
United Futbol Academy U17: 1

The NCFC Youth Academy and its 10 Boys Developmental Academy teams have started the 2017-18 season. The teams debuted on Sep. 2 and continued their season the following weekend on Sep. 10, competing against regional opponents from across the Southeast Division.

The club went 8W-2D-3L in its opening weekend, defeating teams from Charlotte Soccer Academy, ISL FC and the NC Fusion. 

The weekend’s biggest win came from NCFC North U14 in an 8-1 result over NC Fusion U14. Marvin Mariche led the way, tallying four goals. Osvaldo Monreal added a hat trick, while Yekeson Subah also recorded a goal. NCFC U17 also earned a big win with a 5-2 result over NC Fusion to highlight the weekend.

The youngsters in the U12 ranks posted an undefeated weekend, going a combined 4W-2D-0L, while out scoring its opponents 24-11.

The following weekend featured an impressive outing to Cumming, Ga., against the United Futbol Academy (UFA), as well as an intra-club matchup between NCFC Del Sol U12 and NCFC North U12.

The club posted a 2W-1D-1L record against UFA. NCFC North U14 added the biggest win of the weekend once again, defeating UFA U14 6-1 with a hat trick from Tyden Frame, a brace from Marvin Mariche and a goal from Jesus Bustos. NCFC U17 also picked up a result, downing UFA U17 2-1 with two goals from Justin Stone.

Back in Raleigh, NCFC North U12 won two matches against NCFC Del Sol U12 to extended its winning streak to four matches. NCFC North U12 won 6-1 and 4-2 over its counterparts from Del Sol.

Most of the Academy teams will make their home debuts over the weekend, facing the Carolina Rapids on Saturday, Sep. 16 at WRAL Soccer Center. Two NCFC South Academy Teams will travel to Cumming, Ga., to face United Futbol Academy, while NCFC Del Sol and NCFC South U12 will face each other at WRAL Soccer Park.

Results from Sep. 2:
NCFC Del Sol U12: 2
Charlotte Soccer Academy U12: 2

NCFC Del Sol U12: 5
Charlotte Soccer Academy U12: 0

NCFC South U12: 3
ISL FC U12: 3

NCFC South U12: 4
ISL FC U12: 2

NCFC South U13: 3
ISL FC U13: 2

NCFC South U14: 1
ISL FC U14: 2

NCFC North U12: 5
NC Fusion U12: 1

NCFC North U12: 5
NC Fusion U12: 3

NCFC North U13: 2
NC Fusion U13: 1

NCFC North U14: 8
NC Fusion U14: 1

NCFC U15: 0
NC Fusion U15: 1

NCFC U17: 5
NC Fusion U17: 2

NCFC U19: 1
NC Fusion U19: 3

Results from Sep. 10
NCFC North U12: 6
NCFC Del Sol U12: 1

NCFC North U12: 4
NCFC Del Sol U12: 2

NCFC North U13: 2
United Futbol Academy U13: 2

NCFC North U14: 6
United Futbol Academy U14: 1

NCFC U15: 1
United Futbol Academy U15: 4

NCFC North U17: 2
United Futbol Academy U17: 1

NORTH CAROLINA FC FALLS LATE AT INDY ELEVEN

INDIANAPOLIS (Sep. 13, 2017) – North Carolina FC suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss on Wednesday night at Michael A. Carroll Stadium against the Indy Eleven. The team dug deep and nearly left Indianapolis with a point despite being reduced to 10 men for much of the game, however, a stoppage-time goal from Eamon Zayed clinched a 1-0 result for the home side. Despite the loss, NCFC remains in third place in the combined NASL standings, as it continues the hunt for a post-season berth.
 
The chances came few and far between for both sides throughout the match. Nazmi Albadawi had the best chance of the first 45 minutes when Renan Gorne played him open inside the box. Veteran goalkeeper Jon Busch made a fantastic diving save to stop the only goal-bound shot for either team in the first half.
 
The match changed in the 40th minute, when James Marcelin was sent off after he was judged for a high elbow.
 
After going down to 10 men, North Carolina FC nearly clinched the draw. Its defensive front stood strong to deny Indy for much of the match. When called upon, Brian Sylvestre was also up to the task. The goalkeeper added four saves, including two diving saves late in the match.
 
The 10-man NCFC side would come just minutes away from the draw, as Indy scored at the beginning of stoppage time. Zayed headed a perfectly-placed ball into the back corner of the net off a cross from Marco Franco.
 
NCFC had a chance to equalize late in the match, but the Indy defense blocked several late passes and shots inside the box to hold on for the win.
 
Coming Up Next:
In its third game in seven days, NCFC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.
 
Notes:
James Marcelin was shown a red card in the 40th minute, which was the first red card a player from NCFC has seen all year.
 
Box Score
 
Lineups
IND: Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Cory Miller, Colin Falvey ©, Marco Franco; Ben Speas (Don Smart, 81’), Gerardo Torrado (David Goldsmith, 65’), Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Eamon Zayed, Paulo Junior
 
Subs not used: Keith Cardona, Christian Lomeli, Tanner Thompson, Kwame Watson-Siriboe
 
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Kareem Moses; Austin da Luz (Matt Fondy, 90+’), Dre Fortune (Bolu Akinyode,44’), James Marcelin, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Steven Miller; Renan Gorne (Lance Laing, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Tiyi Shipalane, Alex Molano, Jonathan Glenn
 
Score:
IND: 1
NCFC: 0
 
Goals:
IND: Eamon Zayed (Marco Franco, 90+’)
NCFC: —
 
Cautions:
IND: Gerardo Torrado (32’)
NCFC: Austin da Luz (80’)
 
Ejections:
IND: —
NCFC: James Marceiln (40’)
 
Attendance: 7,798

INDIANAPOLIS (Sep. 13, 2017) – North Carolina FC suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss on Wednesday night at Michael A. Carroll Stadium against the Indy Eleven. The team dug deep and nearly left Indianapolis with a point despite being reduced to 10 men for much of the game, however, a stoppage-time goal from Eamon Zayed clinched a 1-0 result for the home side. Despite the loss, NCFC remains in third place in the combined NASL standings, as it continues the hunt for a post-season berth.
 
The chances came few and far between for both sides throughout the match. Nazmi Albadawi had the best chance of the first 45 minutes when Renan Gorne played him open inside the box. Veteran goalkeeper Jon Busch made a fantastic diving save to stop the only goal-bound shot for either team in the first half.
 
The match changed in the 40th minute, when James Marcelin was sent off after he was judged for a high elbow.
 
After going down to 10 men, North Carolina FC nearly clinched the draw. Its defensive front stood strong to deny Indy for much of the match. When called upon, Brian Sylvestre was also up to the task. The goalkeeper added four saves, including two diving saves late in the match.
 
The 10-man NCFC side would come just minutes away from the draw, as Indy scored at the beginning of stoppage time. Zayed headed a perfectly-placed ball into the back corner of the net off a cross from Marco Franco.
 
NCFC had a chance to equalize late in the match, but the Indy defense blocked several late passes and shots inside the box to hold on for the win.
 
Coming Up Next:
In its third game in seven days, NCFC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.
 
Notes:
James Marcelin was shown a red card in the 40th minute, which was the first red card a player from NCFC has seen all year.
 
Box Score
 
Lineups
IND: Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Cory Miller, Colin Falvey ©, Marco Franco; Ben Speas (Don Smart, 81’), Gerardo Torrado (David Goldsmith, 65’), Brad Ring, Sinisa Ubiparipovic; Eamon Zayed, Paulo Junior
 
Subs not used: Keith Cardona, Christian Lomeli, Tanner Thompson, Kwame Watson-Siriboe
 
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Kareem Moses; Austin da Luz (Matt Fondy, 90+’), Dre Fortune (Bolu Akinyode,44’), James Marcelin, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Steven Miller; Renan Gorne (Lance Laing, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Tiyi Shipalane, Alex Molano, Jonathan Glenn
 
Score:
IND: 1
NCFC: 0
 
Goals:
IND: Eamon Zayed (Marco Franco, 90+’)
NCFC: —
 
Cautions:
IND: Gerardo Torrado (32’)
NCFC: Austin da Luz (80’)
 
Ejections:
IND: —
NCFC: James Marceiln (40’)
 
Attendance: 7,798

NORTH CAROLINA FC COLLEGE ROUND UP: WEEK 3

The North Carolina Football Club has over 90 soccer players with ties to the club’s NCFC Youth Academy or North Carolina FC U23 team taking part in men’s college soccer this season. Conference play has started for most teams around the country, and all three Triangle ACC schools opened ACC play with victories. The club’s young stars are continuing to perform at an elite level and are also earning national recognition for themselves and their teams.

Agu Paces Elon to Another Victory

Elijah Agu (NCFC Youth Academy) added a goal and an assist in Elon’s 3-0 victory over High Point. The Academy product is up to two goals and two assists this season. After a 1-1 draw with Charlotte, Elon is undefeated in its first five matches with a 3W-0L-2D record. Fellow Academy graduates, John Walden and Mikey Thomas are also contributing big minutes as regular starters in the midfield for Elon.

Wolfpack Posts Undefeated Weekend

Manny Perez continues to lead NC State in his freshman season with the Pack. The NCFC Youth Academy graduate scored the game-winning goal, as NC State posted a 1-0 win over then No. 3 Clemson. His play earned him a spot on Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Week and he was also voted the NCAA’s Player of the Week. The Pack also knocked off Longwood 2-1 later in the weekend. Caleb Duvernay (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23), Nick Retzlaff (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23), Christoph Schneuwly (NCFC U23), Clayton Sparks (NCFC U23) and Ade Taiwo (NCFC U23) all saw the field over the weekend for the Pack.

No. 8 UNC-Chapel Hill Downs Pitt in ACC Opener

Five players with ties to the club earned playing time as No. 8 UNC Chapel Hill defeated Pitt 2-1 in its ACC season opener. Former NCFC U23 player Alan Winn recorded an assist on the Tar Heels’ opening goal. NCFC Youth Academy products Alex Comsia, Jeremy Kelly and Lucas del Rosario along with NCFC U23 member John Nelson also earned playing time in the victory.

White Leads No. 23 Duke to 3-1 Win in ACC Opener

Brian White, a former NCFC U23 player, led Duke with a goal and an assist in the Blue Devils’ 3-1 victory over Virginia Tech. White was named to Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Week for his performance. Will Pulisic (NCFC U23), Cody Brinkman (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23) and Colby Agu (NCFC Youth Academy) also earned playing time in the victory. Duke has moved to No. 23 in the latest poll after the win.

No. 22 UNCW Continues Strong Form, Defeats Longwood

Former Academy members continue to lead No. 22 UNC Wilmington to an impressive start to the season. UNCW defeated Longwood University 2-0 over the weekend. Ben Fisher scored off an assist from Matt Gianfortone to seal the victory for the Seahawks, while Ryan Cretens earned his third shutout of the season in goal. Jamil Gracia, Huntley Munn and Kalvin Kromer also appeared in the victory.

Additional Notes:

  • Bardia Asefnia (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23) earned a shutout this week, helping UMass down Boston University.
  • Matt Zinner (NCFC Youth Academy) has started in all three matches of the season for No. 1 Tufts University. The defender is a mainstay in the lineup of the NCAA D-III powerhouse that is aiming to repeat as national champions.
  • Arty Kouzine (NCFC U23) picked up his first assist of the season for Penn University. However, Kouzine and the Quakers ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 result against Seton Hall.
  • Sheriff Secka (NCFC U23) added an assist in NC Wesleyan’s narrow 2-1 loss against Mary Washington.
  • Robert Smith (NCFC Youth and NCFC Communications) played the entire 110 minutes in Drexel’s 0-0 draw with William & Mary.

* current rankings based on Sep. 12th United Soccer Coaches Poll

** previous rankings based on Sep. 5th United Soccer Coaches Poll

(Photo by Tim Cowie)

The North Carolina Football Club has over 90 soccer players with ties to the club’s NCFC Youth Academy or North Carolina FC U23 team taking part in men’s college soccer this season. Conference play has started for most teams around the country, and all three Triangle ACC schools opened ACC play with victories. The club’s young stars are continuing to perform at an elite level and are also earning national recognition for themselves and their teams.

Agu Paces Elon to Another Victory

Elijah Agu (NCFC Youth Academy) added a goal and an assist in Elon’s 3-0 victory over High Point. The Academy product is up to two goals and two assists this season. After a 1-1 draw with Charlotte, Elon is undefeated in its first five matches with a 3W-0L-2D record. Fellow Academy graduates, John Walden and Mikey Thomas are also contributing big minutes as regular starters in the midfield for Elon.

Wolfpack Posts Undefeated Weekend

Manny Perez continues to lead NC State in his freshman season with the Pack. The NCFC Youth Academy graduate scored the game-winning goal, as NC State posted a 1-0 win over then No. 3 Clemson. His play earned him a spot on Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Week and he was also voted the NCAA’s Player of the Week. The Pack also knocked off Longwood 2-1 later in the weekend. Caleb Duvernay (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23), Nick Retzlaff (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23), Christoph Schneuwly (NCFC U23), Clayton Sparks (NCFC U23) and Ade Taiwo (NCFC U23) all saw the field over the weekend for the Pack.

No. 8 UNC-Chapel Hill Downs Pitt in ACC Opener

Five players with ties to the club earned playing time as No. 8 UNC Chapel Hill defeated Pitt 2-1 in its ACC season opener. Former NCFC U23 player Alan Winn recorded an assist on the Tar Heels’ opening goal. NCFC Youth Academy products Alex Comsia, Jeremy Kelly and Lucas del Rosario along with NCFC U23 member John Nelson also earned playing time in the victory.

White Leads No. 23 Duke to 3-1 Win in ACC Opener

Brian White, a former NCFC U23 player, led Duke with a goal and an assist in the Blue Devils’ 3-1 victory over Virginia Tech. White was named to Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Week for his performance. Will Pulisic (NCFC U23), Cody Brinkman (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23) and Colby Agu (NCFC Youth Academy) also earned playing time in the victory. Duke has moved to No. 23 in the latest poll after the win.

No. 22 UNCW Continues Strong Form, Defeats Longwood

Former Academy members continue to lead No. 22 UNC Wilmington to an impressive start to the season. UNCW defeated Longwood University 2-0 over the weekend. Ben Fisher scored off an assist from Matt Gianfortone to seal the victory for the Seahawks, while Ryan Cretens earned his third shutout of the season in goal. Jamil Gracia, Huntley Munn and Kalvin Kromer also appeared in the victory.

Additional Notes:

  • Bardia Asefnia (NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23) earned a shutout this week, helping UMass down Boston University.
  • Matt Zinner (NCFC Youth Academy) has started in all three matches of the season for No. 1 Tufts University. The defender is a mainstay in the lineup of the NCAA D-III powerhouse that is aiming to repeat as national champions.
  • Arty Kouzine (NCFC U23) picked up his first assist of the season for Penn University. However, Kouzine and the Quakers ended up on the wrong side of a 2-1 result against Seton Hall.
  • Sheriff Secka (NCFC U23) added an assist in NC Wesleyan’s narrow 2-1 loss against Mary Washington.
  • Robert Smith (NCFC Youth and NCFC Communications) played the entire 110 minutes in Drexel’s 0-0 draw with William & Mary.

* current rankings based on Sep. 12th United Soccer Coaches Poll

** previous rankings based on Sep. 5th United Soccer Coaches Poll

(Photo by Tim Cowie)

NORTH CAROLINA FC FACES MIDWEEK TILT AGAINST INDY ELEVEN

MATCHDAY INFO:
INDY ELEVEN VS NORTH CAROLINA FC
KICKOFF: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 – 7 P.M. ET
MICHAEL A. CARROLL STADIUM
 
TV: beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS EN ES,
DIGITAL: beIN SPORTS CONNECT
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #INDvNCFC
 
CARY, N.C. (Sep. 12, 2017) – Following a commanding performance that resulted in a 3-0 victory at FC Edmonton, North Carolina FC (8W-8D-8L, 32 points, third place) will continue its road trip with a visit to Indy Eleven (5W-9D-8L, 24 points, sixth place) at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
 
The club’s victory over FC Edmonton helped claim an important three points in the playoff battle. The team is currently level on points with Jacksonville Armada FC and one point ahead of the New York Cosmos. The three teams have spent most of the Fall Season battling it out for the third and fourth spots in the table.
 
Indy has gotten the best of NCFC in 2017, taking all six points from the series so far. The Eleven won two consecutive matches against NCFC, posting a 2-0 victory at home on June 17 and a 2-1 win away on June 24. However, Indy enters the match with just one point from its last five matches. The club has dropped all three of its home matches since the start of the Fall Season.
 
North Carolina will look towards its depth and good health to get through the tight turnaround of two matches in four days. James Marcelin, Lance Laing and Tiyi Shipalane are all coming off rest after not featuring in the match against Edmonton.
 
Last Time Out:
Nazmi Albadawi, Renan Gorne, and Steven Miller all scored for the club in a dominating 3-0 win at FC Edmonton. The result marked the first time that the club had earned three points at Edmonton since 2011 and the franchise’s first ever victory at Clarke Stadium.
 
Player to Watch:
No. 10 Nazmi Albadawi
Albadawi’s finishing touch is starting to heat up after scoring two goals in his last three matches. The midfielder has generally been called on to create the chances for the club this season, but as of late, the Raleigh native is the one finding the back of the net. Look for his recent run of form to continue against an Indy side that has conceded a league-high 37 goals.
 
No. 9 Eamon Zayed
Zayed starred in 2016 for Indy, scoring 15 goals to capture the team’s single-season scoring record. While the forward hasn’t been as prolific in 2017, he’s still tallied a respectable six goals, including one against NCFC. Look for Zayed and his natural goal-scoring to ability to test the backline.
 
Coming Up Next:
In its third game in seven days, NCFC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:
INDY ELEVEN VS NORTH CAROLINA FC
KICKOFF: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 – 7 P.M. ET
MICHAEL A. CARROLL STADIUM
 
TV: beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS EN ES,
DIGITAL: beIN SPORTS CONNECT
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #INDvNCFC
 
CARY, N.C. (Sep. 12, 2017) – Following a commanding performance that resulted in a 3-0 victory at FC Edmonton, North Carolina FC (8W-8D-8L, 32 points, third place) will continue its road trip with a visit to Indy Eleven (5W-9D-8L, 24 points, sixth place) at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
 
The club’s victory over FC Edmonton helped claim an important three points in the playoff battle. The team is currently level on points with Jacksonville Armada FC and one point ahead of the New York Cosmos. The three teams have spent most of the Fall Season battling it out for the third and fourth spots in the table.
 
Indy has gotten the best of NCFC in 2017, taking all six points from the series so far. The Eleven won two consecutive matches against NCFC, posting a 2-0 victory at home on June 17 and a 2-1 win away on June 24. However, Indy enters the match with just one point from its last five matches. The club has dropped all three of its home matches since the start of the Fall Season.
 
North Carolina will look towards its depth and good health to get through the tight turnaround of two matches in four days. James Marcelin, Lance Laing and Tiyi Shipalane are all coming off rest after not featuring in the match against Edmonton.
 
Last Time Out:
Nazmi Albadawi, Renan Gorne, and Steven Miller all scored for the club in a dominating 3-0 win at FC Edmonton. The result marked the first time that the club had earned three points at Edmonton since 2011 and the franchise’s first ever victory at Clarke Stadium.
 
Player to Watch:
No. 10 Nazmi Albadawi
Albadawi’s finishing touch is starting to heat up after scoring two goals in his last three matches. The midfielder has generally been called on to create the chances for the club this season, but as of late, the Raleigh native is the one finding the back of the net. Look for his recent run of form to continue against an Indy side that has conceded a league-high 37 goals.
 
No. 9 Eamon Zayed
Zayed starred in 2016 for Indy, scoring 15 goals to capture the team’s single-season scoring record. While the forward hasn’t been as prolific in 2017, he’s still tallied a respectable six goals, including one against NCFC. Look for Zayed and his natural goal-scoring to ability to test the backline.
 
Coming Up Next:
In its third game in seven days, NCFC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.

NORTH CAROLINA FC WINS 3-0 AT FC EDMONTON

EDMONTON (Sep. 10, 2017) – North Carolina FC grabbed a decisive 3-0 result against FC Edmonton on Sunday afternoon at Clarke Stadium to earn a vital three points in the 2017 NASL playoff race.
 
The victory moves NCFC back into playoff contention and to third in the NASL’s combined table with 32 points. The team is level on points with Jacksonville Armada FC, while holding the tiebreaker in goal differential. The New York Cosmos sit just one point behind both teams in fifth place.
 
In a venue that North Carolina FC has regularly struggled at, the side looked at home, winning its first match at Clarke Stadium and taking three points from Edmonton for the first time since a 2011 victory at Foote Field.
 
Nazmi Albadawi got the action started quickly, scoring in the 12th minute with a curling strike from 26 yards out. Renan Gorne’s hold up play drew in the defenders before he dropped the ball to Albadawi. The Raleigh native made no mistake on the shot to score his third goal of the season.
 
Gorne doubled NCFC’s lead nine minutes later, heading home a goal from Dre Fortune’s corner kick. Gorne found himself unmarked inside the six-yard box and placed his header into the far corner of the goal for his second tally of the season.
 
Edmonton placed just two shots on target in the first half, as NCFC’s defense stifled the Eddies’ attacking unit. By halftime, NCFC had jumped out to a 53-47 percent advantage in possession and a 7-3 advantage in total shots.
 
The dominant showing continued into the second half with another scoreless 45 minutes from the NCFC defense. The team waited late for its offensive push. Albadawi hit the post in the 77th minute before Steven Miller gave NCFC a 3-0 lead in the 86th minute.
 
Miller stole the ball near midfield from an Eddies’ defender and broke away for an untouched 40-yard run before slipping the ball past the Eddies’ goalkeeper for his second league goal of the year.
 
NCFC played out the final minutes to clinch the result in its largest margin of victory in a league match this season.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will continue its road trip and face the Indy Eleven on Wednesday, Sep. 13 before returning to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.
 
Notes:

  • Nazmi Albadawi scored his third goal of the season with a strike assisted by Renan Gorne in the 12thminute.
  • Gorne added the second goal for NCFC, heading home a corner kick from Dre Fortune in the 21st minute.
  • Steven Miller scored on an unassisted breakaway in the 86th minute for his second NASL goal of the season.
  • North Carolina FC earned its first win at Clarke Stadium in franchise history and its first win in Edmonton since June 10, 2011 when it won 1-0 win at Foote Field.
  • NCFC ended FC Edmonton’s unbeaten streak, which had reached five matches.
  • The shutout was NCFC’s third of 2017 and the win was the club’s largest NASL margin of victory of the season

Box Score
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Kareem Moses; Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora (Brad Ruhaak 90+), Nazmi Albadawi (C) (Alex Molano 90+), Steven Miller; Renan Gorne (Jonathan Glenn 69’)
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Tiyi Shipalane, Lance Laing, Matt Fondy
 
FCE: Tyson Farago; Sainey Nyassi, Netan Sansara (Albert Watson 46’), Shawn Nicklaw, Pedro Galvao, Abdoulaye Diakite; Dustin Corea Allan Zebie, Ben McKendry, Ben Fisk (Sainey Nyassi 69’); Tomi Amoebi ©, Jake Keegan (Daryl Fordyce 56’)
 
Subs not used: Nathan Ingham, Nicolas Di Biase, Mauro Eustaquio, Nik Ledgerwood
 
Score:
FCE: 0
NCFC: 3
 
Goals:
FCE: —
NCFC: Albadawi (Gorne, 12’), Gorne (Fortune, 21’) Miller (unassisted 86')
 
Cautions:
FCE: Nicklaw 59’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
FCE: —
NCFC: —

EDMONTON (Sep. 10, 2017) – North Carolina FC grabbed a decisive 3-0 result against FC Edmonton on Sunday afternoon at Clarke Stadium to earn a vital three points in the 2017 NASL playoff race.
 
The victory moves NCFC back into playoff contention and to third in the NASL’s combined table with 32 points. The team is level on points with Jacksonville Armada FC, while holding the tiebreaker in goal differential. The New York Cosmos sit just one point behind both teams in fifth place.
 
In a venue that North Carolina FC has regularly struggled at, the side looked at home, winning its first match at Clarke Stadium and taking three points from Edmonton for the first time since a 2011 victory at Foote Field.
 
Nazmi Albadawi got the action started quickly, scoring in the 12th minute with a curling strike from 26 yards out. Renan Gorne’s hold up play drew in the defenders before he dropped the ball to Albadawi. The Raleigh native made no mistake on the shot to score his third goal of the season.
 
Gorne doubled NCFC’s lead nine minutes later, heading home a goal from Dre Fortune’s corner kick. Gorne found himself unmarked inside the six-yard box and placed his header into the far corner of the goal for his second tally of the season.
 
Edmonton placed just two shots on target in the first half, as NCFC’s defense stifled the Eddies’ attacking unit. By halftime, NCFC had jumped out to a 53-47 percent advantage in possession and a 7-3 advantage in total shots.
 
The dominant showing continued into the second half with another scoreless 45 minutes from the NCFC defense. The team waited late for its offensive push. Albadawi hit the post in the 77th minute before Steven Miller gave NCFC a 3-0 lead in the 86th minute.
 
Miller stole the ball near midfield from an Eddies’ defender and broke away for an untouched 40-yard run before slipping the ball past the Eddies’ goalkeeper for his second league goal of the year.
 
NCFC played out the final minutes to clinch the result in its largest margin of victory in a league match this season.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will continue its road trip and face the Indy Eleven on Wednesday, Sep. 13 before returning to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.
 
Notes:

  • Nazmi Albadawi scored his third goal of the season with a strike assisted by Renan Gorne in the 12thminute.
  • Gorne added the second goal for NCFC, heading home a corner kick from Dre Fortune in the 21st minute.
  • Steven Miller scored on an unassisted breakaway in the 86th minute for his second NASL goal of the season.
  • North Carolina FC earned its first win at Clarke Stadium in franchise history and its first win in Edmonton since June 10, 2011 when it won 1-0 win at Foote Field.
  • NCFC ended FC Edmonton’s unbeaten streak, which had reached five matches.
  • The shutout was NCFC’s third of 2017 and the win was the club’s largest NASL margin of victory of the season

Box Score
 
Lineups
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre; Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Kareem Moses; Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora (Brad Ruhaak 90+), Nazmi Albadawi (C) (Alex Molano 90+), Steven Miller; Renan Gorne (Jonathan Glenn 69’)
 
Subs not used: Macklin Robinson, Tiyi Shipalane, Lance Laing, Matt Fondy
 
FCE: Tyson Farago; Sainey Nyassi, Netan Sansara (Albert Watson 46’), Shawn Nicklaw, Pedro Galvao, Abdoulaye Diakite; Dustin Corea Allan Zebie, Ben McKendry, Ben Fisk (Sainey Nyassi 69’); Tomi Amoebi ©, Jake Keegan (Daryl Fordyce 56’)
 
Subs not used: Nathan Ingham, Nicolas Di Biase, Mauro Eustaquio, Nik Ledgerwood
 
Score:
FCE: 0
NCFC: 3
 
Goals:
FCE: —
NCFC: Albadawi (Gorne, 12’), Gorne (Fortune, 21’) Miller (unassisted 86′)
 
Cautions:
FCE: Nicklaw 59’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
FCE: —
NCFC: —

NORTH CAROLINA FC TO VISIT FC EDMONTON ON SUNDAY

MATCHDAY INFO:
FC EDMONTON VS NORTH CAROLINA FC
KICKOFF: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 – 4 P.M. ET
CLARKE STADIUM
 
DIGITAL: ESPN3
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #FCEvNCFC
 
CARY, N.C. (Sep. 8, 2017) – North Carolina FC (7W-8D-8L, 29 points, 5th place) enters the seventh week of the NASL Fall Season on a three-match unbeaten run. The team will travel to Clarke Stadium on Sunday, Sep. 10 at 4 p.m. ET to face FC Edmonton (6W-4D-12L, 22 points, 7th place) with another chance to gain ground in the NASL playoff race.
 
Sitting just three points from third place, a victory could see NCFC move back into a playoff position. The club is just two points behind the New York Cosmos and three points back from Jacksonville Armada FC.
 
Lance Laing and company are set to lead the charge toward a playoff spot with a strong offensive front featuring several proven goal scorers. The club has seven players that have scored more than one goal this season. Led by Laing’s eight goals, NCFC has scored 31 goals, which rank third in the league.
 
The club will need a complete effort to win at a venue that has provided challenges in the past. NCFC holds a 1W-4D-8L overall record in Edmonton. The team dropped a 2-1 result on July 7 in its last visit to Clarke Stadium.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC drew 1-1 with FC Edmonton in its last match. Christian Ibeagha secured the point with an early goal. The Eddies responded in the second half to split the points. With the result, NCFC extended its unbeaten streak to three matches.
 
Players to Watch:
No. 15 Christian Ibeagha
After just one goal in his first six seasons of professional soccer, Ibeagha has tallied two goals this season, both headers in the box. The central defender has played nearly every minute of the season so far with 1,890 minutes in 21 games. Look for Ibeagaha to challenge Edmonton’s center backs on set pieces in the box.
 
No. 16 Daryl Fordyce
Some fans may recognize Fordyce from years past. The talented striker is the Eddies all-time leading goal scorer with 29 goals. In 2017, Fordyce spent half a season with FC Cincinnati before returning to Edmonton. Since his return, Fordyce has scored once in five appearances.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will continue its road trip and face the Indy Eleven on Wednesday, Sep. 13 before returning to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:
FC EDMONTON VS NORTH CAROLINA FC
KICKOFF: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 – 4 P.M. ET
CLARKE STADIUM
 
DIGITAL: ESPN3
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #FCEvNCFC
 
CARY, N.C. (Sep. 8, 2017) – North Carolina FC (7W-8D-8L, 29 points, 5th place) enters the seventh week of the NASL Fall Season on a three-match unbeaten run. The team will travel to Clarke Stadium on Sunday, Sep. 10 at 4 p.m. ET to face FC Edmonton (6W-4D-12L, 22 points, 7th place) with another chance to gain ground in the NASL playoff race.
 
Sitting just three points from third place, a victory could see NCFC move back into a playoff position. The club is just two points behind the New York Cosmos and three points back from Jacksonville Armada FC.
 
Lance Laing and company are set to lead the charge toward a playoff spot with a strong offensive front featuring several proven goal scorers. The club has seven players that have scored more than one goal this season. Led by Laing’s eight goals, NCFC has scored 31 goals, which rank third in the league.
 
The club will need a complete effort to win at a venue that has provided challenges in the past. NCFC holds a 1W-4D-8L overall record in Edmonton. The team dropped a 2-1 result on July 7 in its last visit to Clarke Stadium.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC drew 1-1 with FC Edmonton in its last match. Christian Ibeagha secured the point with an early goal. The Eddies responded in the second half to split the points. With the result, NCFC extended its unbeaten streak to three matches.
 
Players to Watch:
No. 15 Christian Ibeagha
After just one goal in his first six seasons of professional soccer, Ibeagha has tallied two goals this season, both headers in the box. The central defender has played nearly every minute of the season so far with 1,890 minutes in 21 games. Look for Ibeagaha to challenge Edmonton’s center backs on set pieces in the box.
 
No. 16 Daryl Fordyce
Some fans may recognize Fordyce from years past. The talented striker is the Eddies all-time leading goal scorer with 29 goals. In 2017, Fordyce spent half a season with FC Cincinnati before returning to Edmonton. Since his return, Fordyce has scored once in five appearances.
 
Coming Up Next:
NCFC will continue its road trip and face the Indy Eleven on Wednesday, Sep. 13 before returning to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sep. 16 to take on Puerto Rico FC at 7:30 p.m. The match will be presented by Ipreo. Tickets are available online at NCFCTIX.com or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.459.8144.