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Match Zone: North Carolina FC vs. Indy Eleven

Game: North Carolina FC vs. Indy Eleven

Date: Saturday, Aug. 3

Box Office Opens: 2:00 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens:  3:00 p.m. ET

Parking: $10 general admission (cash/electronic)/$15 VIP (in advance)

Red & Blue Express:   https://www.northcarolinafc.com/express

Stadium Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. ET

Tickets:  http://bit.ly/NCvINDtix

Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Where to Watch: WRAL2 l http://bit.ly/NCvINDtv

Game: North Carolina FC vs. Indy Eleven

Date: Saturday, Aug. 3

Box Office Opens: 2:00 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens:  3:00 p.m. ET

Parking: $10 general admission (cash/electronic)/$15 VIP (in advance)

Red & Blue Express:   https://www.northcarolinafc.com/express

Stadium Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. ET

Tickets:  http://bit.ly/NCvINDtix

Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Where to Watch: WRAL2 l http://bit.ly/NCvINDtv

North Carolina FC Set for Home Showdown Against Indy Eleven on Saturday

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. INDY ELEVEN
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvIND

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 1, 2019) – Two of the top teams in the USL Championship Eastern Conference will do battle when North Carolina FC hosts Indy Eleven in a pivotal match on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7:00 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Fourth-place NCFC (10W-4L-7D, 37 points) and third-place Indy (11W-4L-4D, 37 points) are currently even on points in a heated race near the top of the standings, with Saturday’s visitors holding the wins tiebreaker. 

The last time the two teams met, NCFC walked away with a point following a 0-0 draw at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on May 4, as NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third clean sheet of the season with a five-save performance. 

On Saturday, NCFC will hope to replicate the offensive outburst it had in a 4-2 win over Atlanta United 2 last weekend and once again give the home fans a lot to cheer about. In its last two home matches (both wins), NCFC has scored a combined seven goals, and head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is unbeaten (6W-0L-4D) at their home ground in 2019. 

Following a two-goal, one assist-performance against Atlanta, midfielder Steven Miller – the current USL Championship Player of the Week –  leads NCFC in both goals (seven) and assists (five) on the season. As a team, NCFC ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 35 goals and has nine players with two-plus goals. A well-rounded squad, NCFC’s defense has matched its offense. With Tambakis leading the charge in goal (five clean sheets, .787 save percentage), NCFC has conceded just 18 goals, the third-fewest in the Eastern Conference. 

Indy, coached by former Carolina RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie, has likewise had a strong defense. The 14 goals given up by Indy are the fewest in the USL Championship, and goalkeepers Evan Newton and Jordan Farr have combined for 11 shutouts. 

Indy gave up a pair of goals last weekend, however, as it fell 2-0 on the road to Nashville SC. On the season, Indy is 5W-4L-0D on the road. 

Last Time Out 

NCFC picked up its 10th victory of the season and remained unbeaten at home with a 4-2 victory over Atlanta United 2 last weekend. 

A fast start and strong showings by midfielder Steven Miller and forward Donovan Ewolo helped NCFC pick up its sixth league victory at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in 2019. 

Both Miller and Ewolo recorded two-goal, one assist-performances, with Miller earning USL Championship Player of the Week honors. NCFC scored three goals in the game’s first 19 minutes, as Ewolo opened up the scoring in the seventh minute on a strike named a nominee for USL Championship Goal of the Week. 

Miller scored his first of the night in the 15th minute and secured a brace just four minutes later in the 19th minute on a goal set up by Ewolo. After Atlanta United 2 made it a one-goal game with a pair of tallies, Miller returned the favor and assisted on Ewolo’s second score of the night, this one coming in the 45th minute right before halftime. 

From that point on, NCFC maintained its multi-goal advantage and secured the win. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas
No one is more familiar with Saturday’s visitors than Speas, who is on loan this season from Indy Eleven. In his first season with NCFC, the UNC product has impressed, scoring two goals and recording four assists. Oftentimes, a successful offensive sequence for NCFC begins with Speas making a key pass, and his 50 chances created are the sixth-most in the league. Last time out, Speas recorded an assist against Atlanta United 2, and another productive performance could be difference-making on Saturday. 

Indy Eleven– #23 Tyler Pasher 
Playing in the midfield, Pasher has found a home in Indy after previously playing for a number of clubs earlier in his career, including fellow USL Championship sides Swope Park Rangers and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Now in his second year with Indy, the 25-year-old Canadian leads the team in goals with eight. Impressively, Pasher has been efficient in the attack, converting on over half of his 15 shots on target. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will hit the road to take on Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET at AutoZone Park. NCFC drew 1-1 at home against Memphis on April 13 in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. INDY ELEVEN
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvIND

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 1, 2019) – Two of the top teams in the USL Championship Eastern Conference will do battle when North Carolina FC hosts Indy Eleven in a pivotal match on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7:00 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Fourth-place NCFC (10W-4L-7D, 37 points) and third-place Indy (11W-4L-4D, 37 points) are currently even on points in a heated race near the top of the standings, with Saturday’s visitors holding the wins tiebreaker. 

The last time the two teams met, NCFC walked away with a point following a 0-0 draw at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on May 4, as NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third clean sheet of the season with a five-save performance. 

On Saturday, NCFC will hope to replicate the offensive outburst it had in a 4-2 win over Atlanta United 2 last weekend and once again give the home fans a lot to cheer about. In its last two home matches (both wins), NCFC has scored a combined seven goals, and head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is unbeaten (6W-0L-4D) at their home ground in 2019. 

Following a two-goal, one assist-performance against Atlanta, midfielder Steven Miller – the current USL Championship Player of the Week –  leads NCFC in both goals (seven) and assists (five) on the season. As a team, NCFC ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 35 goals and has nine players with two-plus goals. A well-rounded squad, NCFC’s defense has matched its offense. With Tambakis leading the charge in goal (five clean sheets, .787 save percentage), NCFC has conceded just 18 goals, the third-fewest in the Eastern Conference. 

Indy, coached by former Carolina RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie, has likewise had a strong defense. The 14 goals given up by Indy are the fewest in the USL Championship, and goalkeepers Evan Newton and Jordan Farr have combined for 11 shutouts. 

Indy gave up a pair of goals last weekend, however, as it fell 2-0 on the road to Nashville SC. On the season, Indy is 5W-4L-0D on the road. 

Last Time Out 

NCFC picked up its 10th victory of the season and remained unbeaten at home with a 4-2 victory over Atlanta United 2 last weekend. 

A fast start and strong showings by midfielder Steven Miller and forward Donovan Ewolo helped NCFC pick up its sixth league victory at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in 2019. 

Both Miller and Ewolo recorded two-goal, one assist-performances, with Miller earning USL Championship Player of the Week honors. NCFC scored three goals in the game’s first 19 minutes, as Ewolo opened up the scoring in the seventh minute on a strike named a nominee for USL Championship Goal of the Week. 

Miller scored his first of the night in the 15th minute and secured a brace just four minutes later in the 19th minute on a goal set up by Ewolo. After Atlanta United 2 made it a one-goal game with a pair of tallies, Miller returned the favor and assisted on Ewolo’s second score of the night, this one coming in the 45th minute right before halftime. 

From that point on, NCFC maintained its multi-goal advantage and secured the win. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas
No one is more familiar with Saturday’s visitors than Speas, who is on loan this season from Indy Eleven. In his first season with NCFC, the UNC product has impressed, scoring two goals and recording four assists. Oftentimes, a successful offensive sequence for NCFC begins with Speas making a key pass, and his 50 chances created are the sixth-most in the league. Last time out, Speas recorded an assist against Atlanta United 2, and another productive performance could be difference-making on Saturday. 

Indy Eleven– #23 Tyler Pasher 
Playing in the midfield, Pasher has found a home in Indy after previously playing for a number of clubs earlier in his career, including fellow USL Championship sides Swope Park Rangers and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Now in his second year with Indy, the 25-year-old Canadian leads the team in goals with eight. Impressively, Pasher has been efficient in the attack, converting on over half of his 15 shots on target. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will hit the road to take on Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET at AutoZone Park. NCFC drew 1-1 at home against Memphis on April 13 in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

North Carolina FC Acquires U.S. U-20 National Team Standout Justin Rennicks on Loan From New England Revolution

CARY, N.C. (August 1, 2019)– North Carolina FC announced on Thursday the addition of forward Justin Rennicks on a loan deal with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer through the end of the 2019 season, pending federation approval. Per club policy, no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

Rennicks, a 20-year-old native of Beverly, Mass., has extensive international experience with the U.S. U-18 and U-20 national teams, most recently playing in four matches at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. On June 4, Rennicks helped the U.S. reach the quarterfinals of the competition with the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over France in the Round of 16. 

Following four seasons in the Revolution Academy – which included two Academy Player of the Year nods –  and two collegiate seasons at Indiana University, Rennicks signed with New England as a Homegrown Player in January. 

Across all competitions, Rennicks has appeared in three matches in his rookie season, making his debut as a second-half substitute against the Columbus Crew on March 9. On June 19, Rennicks scored his first professional goal in extra time of New England’s Round of 16 match against Orlando City SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

Rennicks was given his first MLS start by New England head coach Bruce Arena on June 29, playing 61 minutes in a 2-1 win against the Houston Dynamo. Earlier this week, Rennicks played in the 2019 MLS Homegrown Game, helping his team advance past Chivas Guadalajara U-20 on penalty kicks. 

With his move to NCFC through the end of the season, Rennicks is set to reunite with former Indiana teammates Austin Panchot and Timmy Mehl, also in their rookie seasons. In two years with the Hoosiers, Rennicks made 29 appearances and scored six goals. 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Player Profile:

Name: Justin Rennicks 

Position: Forward

Birthdate: 03/20/1999 (Age 20)

Birthplace: Beverly, Mass.

Height: 5’11’

Weight: 165 lbs.

Citizenship: American

College: Indiana

Previous Club: New England Revolution

Transaction: North Carolina FC acquires forward Justin Rennicks on loan from New England Revolution.

###

CARY, N.C. (August 1, 2019)– North Carolina FC announced on Thursday the addition of forward Justin Rennicks on a loan deal with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer through the end of the 2019 season, pending federation approval. Per club policy, no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

Rennicks, a 20-year-old native of Beverly, Mass., has extensive international experience with the U.S. U-18 and U-20 national teams, most recently playing in four matches at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. On June 4, Rennicks helped the U.S. reach the quarterfinals of the competition with the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over France in the Round of 16. 

Following four seasons in the Revolution Academy – which included two Academy Player of the Year nods –  and two collegiate seasons at Indiana University, Rennicks signed with New England as a Homegrown Player in January. 

Across all competitions, Rennicks has appeared in three matches in his rookie season, making his debut as a second-half substitute against the Columbus Crew on March 9. On June 19, Rennicks scored his first professional goal in extra time of New England’s Round of 16 match against Orlando City SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

Rennicks was given his first MLS start by New England head coach Bruce Arena on June 29, playing 61 minutes in a 2-1 win against the Houston Dynamo. Earlier this week, Rennicks played in the 2019 MLS Homegrown Game, helping his team advance past Chivas Guadalajara U-20 on penalty kicks. 

With his move to NCFC through the end of the season, Rennicks is set to reunite with former Indiana teammates Austin Panchot and Timmy Mehl, also in their rookie seasons. In two years with the Hoosiers, Rennicks made 29 appearances and scored six goals. 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Player Profile:

Name: Justin Rennicks 

Position: Forward

Birthdate: 03/20/1999 (Age 20)

Birthplace: Beverly, Mass.

Height: 5’11’

Weight: 165 lbs.

Citizenship: American

College: Indiana

Previous Club: New England Revolution

Transaction: North Carolina FC acquires forward Justin Rennicks on loan from New England Revolution.

###

North Carolina FC Midfielder Steven Miller Voted USL Championship Player of the Week

TAMPA, Fla. (July 30, 2019)– North Carolina FC midfielder Steven Miller has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 21 of the 2019 season. Miller recorded two goals and one assist to help lead NCFC to a 4-2 victory against ATL UTD 2 on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The performance marked the third time this season Miller both scored and assisted in the same match, and Miller now leads NCFC in goals (seven) and assists (five) on the season. 

Miller received 40 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market. Orange County SC’s Darwin Jones finished second on 30 percent after recording two goals and one assist to lead OCSC to a 4-1 victory against Reno 1868 FC last Wednesday.

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Diego Restrepo, Austin Bold FC: Restrepo recorded a five-save shutout as Bold FC solidified its top-four position with a 1-0 victory against third-place Fresno FC at Bold Stadium.
D – Kyle Hyland, OKC Energy FC: Hyland scored the opening goal, had four shots overall, one key pass and completed 26 of 35 passes as Energy FC took victory on the road against Tacoma Defiance.
D – Duke Lacroix, Reno 1868 FC: Lacroix scored once, had four key passes, completed 39 of 46 passes overall and recorded two interceptions, two tackles and four clearances in Reno’s victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
D – Mikey Lopez, Birmingham Legion FC: Lopez recorded six clearances, five recoveries, two interceptions, won 8 of 13 duels and completed 35 of 45 passes as Legion FC defeated the Charlotte Independence.
M – Darwin Jones, Orange County SC: Jones notched two goals, one assist and three key passes as Orange County defeated Reno 1868 FC 4-1 last Wednesday to end Reno’s five-game winning streak.
M – Steven Miller, North Carolina FC: Miller recorded two goals, one assist, completed 27 of 29 passes and won 9 of 14 duels in NCFC’s 4-2 victory against ATL UTD 2 on Saturday night.
M – Antonio Bustamante, Loudoun United FC: Bustamante had one goal, one assist and completed 42 of 47 passes as Loudoun took a 3-0 victory against Louisville City FC on Sunday night.
M – Jorge Hernandez, LA Galaxy II: Hernandez had a goal and assist to lead Los Dos to a midweek road victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC and had eight key passes across the Galaxy II’s two victories on the week.
M – Alan Winn, Nashville SC: Winn recorded one goal, had three key passes, completed 37 of 40 passes overall and completed 6 of 7 dribbles in NSC’s victory against Indy Eleven.
F – Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Tacoma Defiance: Ocampo-Chavez recorded two goals, one assist and had three key passes as the Defiance took a 4-1 win against Las Vegas Lights FC last Wednesday night.
F – Mathias Jørgensen, New York Red Bulls II: Jørgensen scored both goals and completed 78 percent of his passes as the Red Bulls II defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a top-two Eastern Conference matchup.

Bench: Zac Lubin (PHX), Anthony Velarde (PIT), Lindo Mfeka (RNO), Bienvenue Kanakimana (ATL), Kyle Greig (STL), Frank Lopez (SA), Chris Wehan (NM)

###

 

TAMPA, Fla. (July 30, 2019)– North Carolina FC midfielder Steven Miller has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 21 of the 2019 season. Miller recorded two goals and one assist to help lead NCFC to a 4-2 victory against ATL UTD 2 on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The performance marked the third time this season Miller both scored and assisted in the same match, and Miller now leads NCFC in goals (seven) and assists (five) on the season. 

Miller received 40 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market. Orange County SC’s Darwin Jones finished second on 30 percent after recording two goals and one assist to lead OCSC to a 4-1 victory against Reno 1868 FC last Wednesday.

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Diego Restrepo, Austin Bold FC: Restrepo recorded a five-save shutout as Bold FC solidified its top-four position with a 1-0 victory against third-place Fresno FC at Bold Stadium.
D – Kyle Hyland, OKC Energy FC: Hyland scored the opening goal, had four shots overall, one key pass and completed 26 of 35 passes as Energy FC took victory on the road against Tacoma Defiance.
D – Duke Lacroix, Reno 1868 FC: Lacroix scored once, had four key passes, completed 39 of 46 passes overall and recorded two interceptions, two tackles and four clearances in Reno’s victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
D – Mikey Lopez, Birmingham Legion FC: Lopez recorded six clearances, five recoveries, two interceptions, won 8 of 13 duels and completed 35 of 45 passes as Legion FC defeated the Charlotte Independence.
M – Darwin Jones, Orange County SC: Jones notched two goals, one assist and three key passes as Orange County defeated Reno 1868 FC 4-1 last Wednesday to end Reno’s five-game winning streak.
M – Steven Miller, North Carolina FC: Miller recorded two goals, one assist, completed 27 of 29 passes and won 9 of 14 duels in NCFC’s 4-2 victory against ATL UTD 2 on Saturday night.
M – Antonio Bustamante, Loudoun United FC: Bustamante had one goal, one assist and completed 42 of 47 passes as Loudoun took a 3-0 victory against Louisville City FC on Sunday night.
M – Jorge Hernandez, LA Galaxy II: Hernandez had a goal and assist to lead Los Dos to a midweek road victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC and had eight key passes across the Galaxy II’s two victories on the week.
M – Alan Winn, Nashville SC: Winn recorded one goal, had three key passes, completed 37 of 40 passes overall and completed 6 of 7 dribbles in NSC’s victory against Indy Eleven.
F – Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Tacoma Defiance: Ocampo-Chavez recorded two goals, one assist and had three key passes as the Defiance took a 4-1 win against Las Vegas Lights FC last Wednesday night.
F – Mathias Jørgensen, New York Red Bulls II: Jørgensen scored both goals and completed 78 percent of his passes as the Red Bulls II defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies in a top-two Eastern Conference matchup.

Bench: Zac Lubin (PHX), Anthony Velarde (PIT), Lindo Mfeka (RNO), Bienvenue Kanakimana (ATL), Kyle Greig (STL), Frank Lopez (SA), Chris Wehan (NM)

###

 

Strong Start Powers NCFC to 4-2 Win Over Atlanta United 2

CARY, N.C. (July 27, 2019) – North Carolina FC remained unbeaten at home and tied its season-high in scoring with a 4-2 win over Atlanta United 2 Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Two-goal performances by forward Donovan Ewolo and midfielder Steven Miller powered NCFC to its sixth home win in 2019, and the team now holds an overall record of 10W-4L-7D (37 points), good for fourth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. 

“Obviously getting three goals early was very good,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “I thought we created good chances. I thought our ball movement, our possession, our combination play was good.”

Entering the match, Ewolo already had a track record of performing well against Atlanta. The Cameroonian striker scored four times in a match against Atlanta United 2 in September 2018, and it didn’t take long for him to get going Saturday night. 

In just the seventh minute, Ewolo beat an offside trap by Atlanta and volleyed home a lofted service from midfielder Ben Speas for the game’s opening goal, the beginning of a bright start for the home team. 

Only eight minutes later, Miller scored the first of his two goals as he slotted a shot past Atlanta goalkeeper Dylan Castanheira in the 15th minute after being set up with a pass from midfielder Nazmi Albadawi. Miller’s strong night was only getting started, and the man who captained NCFC Saturday night scored his team-leading seventh goal of the year in the 19th minute, a tap-in that came following a one-timed cross by Ewolo on the endline. 

Not wanting to go away easily, Atlanta made it a 3-2 game with goals from Will Vint and Bienvenue Kanakimana in the 34th and 41st minutes, respectively. 

NCFC was able to restore its two-goal lead right before the halftime break with Donovan Ewolo’s second goal of the night, this one coming in the 45th minute off a cross from Miller. 

Scoring chances continued to come for the home side in the second half, with forward Yamikani Chester making a dangerous run on goal in the 68th minute, and midfielder Dre Fortune hitting the post in the 85th minute. 

With goalkeeper Alex Tambakis leading the way, Atlanta was kept scoreless following halftime, and NCFC’s four first-half goals proved to be enough to secure all three points. 

Fact To Know 

NCFC has scored four-plus goals in three of its four matches against Atlanta United 2 since 2018.

Notes 

– Following his two-goal, one-assist performance, Steven Miller now leads NCFC in both goals (seven) and assists (five). Saturday’s game also marked the third time this season that Miller has both scored and assisted in the same match this season. 

– Donovan Ewolo now has four goals in 2019, the fourth-most on NCFC. Saturday’s game marked the first time Ewolo has scored multiple times in a match this season. 

-NCFC improved to 6W-0L-4D in home games this season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as was former NCFC U23 standout Nazmi Albadawi. Caleb Duvernay, a former NCFC Academy standout, came on as a second-half substitute. 

– Atlanta United 2 head coach Stephen Glass played for the Carolina RailHawks in 2011. 

-NCFC scored four-plus goals in a half for the first time since scoring five before halftime in a 6-1 win against Atlanta United 2 in September 2018. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against third-place Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. The two teams are even on points, and they played to a scoreless draw the last time they met in early May. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Victor Igbekoyi (Caleb Duvernay, 86’), DJ Taylor; Nazmi Albadawi (Graham Smith, 81’), Dre Fortune; Yamikani Chester (Austin daLuz, 79’), Ben Speas, Steven Miller ©; Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Austin Panchot, Duval Wapiwo, Robert Kristo
 
ATL (4-3-3): Dylan Castanheira ©; Guillermo Benitez, Wesly Decas, Kendall Edwards (Garrison Tubbs, 71’), Brandon Clagette,; Will Vint, Will Riley, Kevin Barajas (Luiz Fernando Nascimento, 70’); Andrew Carleton, Bienvenue Kanakimana, Patrick Okonkwo (Laurent Kissiedou, 46’)

Subs not used: Paul Christensen, Allesandro Castro

Score:
NCFC: 4
ATL: 2

Goals:
NCFC: Donovan Ewolo (Ben Speas, 7’, Steven Miller, 45’), Steven Miller (Nazmi Albadawi, 15’, Donovan Ewolo 19’)
ATL: Will Vint (Kevin Barajas, 34’), Bienvenue Kanakimana (Wesly Dejas, 41’)

Cautions:
NCFC:
ATL: Andrew Carleton 66’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
ATL: —

Attendance: 4,175

CARY, N.C. (July 27, 2019) – North Carolina FC remained unbeaten at home and tied its season-high in scoring with a 4-2 win over Atlanta United 2 Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Two-goal performances by forward Donovan Ewolo and midfielder Steven Miller powered NCFC to its sixth home win in 2019, and the team now holds an overall record of 10W-4L-7D (37 points), good for fourth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. 

“Obviously getting three goals early was very good,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “I thought we created good chances. I thought our ball movement, our possession, our combination play was good.”

Entering the match, Ewolo already had a track record of performing well against Atlanta. The Cameroonian striker scored four times in a match against Atlanta United 2 in September 2018, and it didn’t take long for him to get going Saturday night. 

In just the seventh minute, Ewolo beat an offside trap by Atlanta and volleyed home a lofted service from midfielder Ben Speas for the game’s opening goal, the beginning of a bright start for the home team. 

Only eight minutes later, Miller scored the first of his two goals as he slotted a shot past Atlanta goalkeeper Dylan Castanheira in the 15th minute after being set up with a pass from midfielder Nazmi Albadawi. Miller’s strong night was only getting started, and the man who captained NCFC Saturday night scored his team-leading seventh goal of the year in the 19th minute, a tap-in that came following a one-timed cross by Ewolo on the endline. 

Not wanting to go away easily, Atlanta made it a 3-2 game with goals from Will Vint and Bienvenue Kanakimana in the 34th and 41st minutes, respectively. 

NCFC was able to restore its two-goal lead right before the halftime break with Donovan Ewolo’s second goal of the night, this one coming in the 45th minute off a cross from Miller. 

Scoring chances continued to come for the home side in the second half, with forward Yamikani Chester making a dangerous run on goal in the 68th minute, and midfielder Dre Fortune hitting the post in the 85th minute. 

With goalkeeper Alex Tambakis leading the way, Atlanta was kept scoreless following halftime, and NCFC’s four first-half goals proved to be enough to secure all three points. 

Fact To Know 

NCFC has scored four-plus goals in three of its four matches against Atlanta United 2 since 2018.

Notes 

– Following his two-goal, one-assist performance, Steven Miller now leads NCFC in both goals (seven) and assists (five). Saturday’s game also marked the third time this season that Miller has both scored and assisted in the same match this season. 

– Donovan Ewolo now has four goals in 2019, the fourth-most on NCFC. Saturday’s game marked the first time Ewolo has scored multiple times in a match this season. 

-NCFC improved to 6W-0L-4D in home games this season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as was former NCFC U23 standout Nazmi Albadawi. Caleb Duvernay, a former NCFC Academy standout, came on as a second-half substitute. 

– Atlanta United 2 head coach Stephen Glass played for the Carolina RailHawks in 2011. 

-NCFC scored four-plus goals in a half for the first time since scoring five before halftime in a 6-1 win against Atlanta United 2 in September 2018. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against third-place Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. The two teams are even on points, and they played to a scoreless draw the last time they met in early May. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Victor Igbekoyi (Caleb Duvernay, 86’), DJ Taylor; Nazmi Albadawi (Graham Smith, 81’), Dre Fortune; Yamikani Chester (Austin daLuz, 79’), Ben Speas, Steven Miller ©; Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Austin Panchot, Duval Wapiwo, Robert Kristo
 
ATL (4-3-3): Dylan Castanheira ©; Guillermo Benitez, Wesly Decas, Kendall Edwards (Garrison Tubbs, 71’), Brandon Clagette,; Will Vint, Will Riley, Kevin Barajas (Luiz Fernando Nascimento, 70’); Andrew Carleton, Bienvenue Kanakimana, Patrick Okonkwo (Laurent Kissiedou, 46’)

Subs not used: Paul Christensen, Allesandro Castro

Score:
NCFC: 4
ATL: 2

Goals:
NCFC: Donovan Ewolo (Ben Speas, 7’, Steven Miller, 45’), Steven Miller (Nazmi Albadawi, 15’, Donovan Ewolo 19’)
ATL: Will Vint (Kevin Barajas, 34’), Bienvenue Kanakimana (Wesly Dejas, 41’)

Cautions:
NCFC:
ATL: Andrew Carleton 66’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
ATL: —

Attendance: 4,175

Match Zone: North Carolina FC vs. Atlanta United 2

Game: North Carolina FC vs. Atlanta United 2

Date: Saturday, July 27

Box Office Opens: 2:00 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens:  3:00 p.m. ET

Parking: $10 general admission (cash/electronic)/$15 VIP (in advance)

Red & Blue Express:   https://www.northcarolinafc.com/express

Stadium Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. ET

Tickets:  http://bit.ly/NCvATLtix

Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Where to Watch: WRAL2 l http://bit.ly/NCvATLtv

Game: North Carolina FC vs. Atlanta United 2

Date: Saturday, July 27

Box Office Opens: 2:00 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens:  3:00 p.m. ET

Parking: $10 general admission (cash/electronic)/$15 VIP (in advance)

Red & Blue Express:   https://www.northcarolinafc.com/express

Stadium Gates Open: 6:00 p.m. ET

Tickets:  http://bit.ly/NCvATLtix

Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Where to Watch: WRAL2 l http://bit.ly/NCvATLtv

North Carolina FC Returns Home to Face Atlanta United 2 on Saturday

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. ATLANTA UNITED 2
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
SATURDAY, JULY 27 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvATL

Cary, N.C. (July 25, 2019) – North Carolina FC will play the first of two consecutive home matches when it hosts Atlanta United 2 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. ET. 

NCFC, which was narrowly defeated 1-0 on the road this past weekend against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, holds a 9W-4L-7D record (34 points) and finds itself in fourth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. Head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is just three points behind third-place Indy Eleven, who NCFC hosts on Aug. 3. 

Atlanta United 2 (3W-11L-5D, 14 points), coached by former Carolina RailHawk Stephen Glass, is in 17th place in the Eastern Conference and is coming off a 2-2 draw at home against at Charlotte Independence. NCFC holds the all-time series lead (2W-1L-0D) against Atlanta, and a win on Saturday would extend NCFC’s unbeaten run at home this season. NCFC is one of just three teams in the Eastern Conference to have avoided defeat at its home ground in 2019, with a 5W-0L-4D record at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Part of NCFC’s success at home can be contributed to its strong defensive play. Goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Darrin MacLeod have combined to keep a clean sheet in four of NCFC’s last five home matches, dating back to May 18. As a team, NCFC has conceded just 16 goals through 20 matches, the third-lowest total in the league. Tambakis, who’s in his second year with NCFC, has five shutouts and his save percentage (.806) is the second-highest in the USL Championship. 

Offensively, NCFC has scored the fifth-most goals (31) in the Eastern Conference. In doing so, Sarachan’s team has shown how much depth it has. While the injured Marios Lomis leads NCFC with six goals, midfielder Steven Miller and forward Yamikani Chester are tied for second with five tallies apiece. 

NCFC will hope to capitalize at home against an Atlanta United 2 side that is 1W-5L-4D on the road this season and playing away from home for the fifth time in six matches. 

Last Time Out 

Facing one of the league’s toughest defenses, NCFC fell 1-0 last Saturday on the road against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC despite a strong performance from goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, who tied his season-high with six saves. 

Midfielder Graham Smith nearly gave NCFC the lead in the 26th minute, as his shot from the top of the 18-yard-box rolled just wide to the left. Moments later, Pittsburgh scored the game’s only goal on a strike by midfielder Robbie Mertz in the 27th minute. 

Despite trailing at the break, NCFC mounted pressure as the game progressed in the second half. After coming on as a second-half substitute in the 62nd minute, NCFC’s Donovan Ewolo continuously caused problems for Pittsburgh’s backline. In the 70th minute, the Cameroonian forward was in on goal but had his shot deflected at the last moment by Ryan James of the Riverhounds. Despite a late push, NCFC couldn’t find an equalizer. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #7 Donovan Ewolo
A season ago, Ewolo showed that he enjoys playing against Atlanta United 2. In two games against Atlanta in 2018, the Cameroonian striker scored five goals, four of which came in a 6-1 win last September. This season, Ewolo has two goals to his name and nearly added another last time out against Pittsburgh. If past performance is an indicator, Ewolo could have a big day on Saturday. 

Atlanta United 2– #36 Jackson Conway
Just 17 years old, Conway is already in his second season with Atlanta United 2. A product of Atlanta United’s academy setup, Conway plays at forward and has made an impact this season. Of the active members of the team, Conway is in a four-way tie for leading scorer with two goals. In Atlanta’s last game against Charlotte, the youngster recorded an assist. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. Just three points separate the two teams in the Eastern Conference standings, and they played to a scoreless draw the last time they met in early May. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. ATLANTA UNITED 2
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
SATURDAY, JULY 27 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvATL

Cary, N.C. (July 25, 2019) – North Carolina FC will play the first of two consecutive home matches when it hosts Atlanta United 2 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. ET. 

NCFC, which was narrowly defeated 1-0 on the road this past weekend against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, holds a 9W-4L-7D record (34 points) and finds itself in fourth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. Head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is just three points behind third-place Indy Eleven, who NCFC hosts on Aug. 3. 

Atlanta United 2 (3W-11L-5D, 14 points), coached by former Carolina RailHawk Stephen Glass, is in 17th place in the Eastern Conference and is coming off a 2-2 draw at home against at Charlotte Independence. NCFC holds the all-time series lead (2W-1L-0D) against Atlanta, and a win on Saturday would extend NCFC’s unbeaten run at home this season. NCFC is one of just three teams in the Eastern Conference to have avoided defeat at its home ground in 2019, with a 5W-0L-4D record at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Part of NCFC’s success at home can be contributed to its strong defensive play. Goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Darrin MacLeod have combined to keep a clean sheet in four of NCFC’s last five home matches, dating back to May 18. As a team, NCFC has conceded just 16 goals through 20 matches, the third-lowest total in the league. Tambakis, who’s in his second year with NCFC, has five shutouts and his save percentage (.806) is the second-highest in the USL Championship. 

Offensively, NCFC has scored the fifth-most goals (31) in the Eastern Conference. In doing so, Sarachan’s team has shown how much depth it has. While the injured Marios Lomis leads NCFC with six goals, midfielder Steven Miller and forward Yamikani Chester are tied for second with five tallies apiece. 

NCFC will hope to capitalize at home against an Atlanta United 2 side that is 1W-5L-4D on the road this season and playing away from home for the fifth time in six matches. 

Last Time Out 

Facing one of the league’s toughest defenses, NCFC fell 1-0 last Saturday on the road against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC despite a strong performance from goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, who tied his season-high with six saves. 

Midfielder Graham Smith nearly gave NCFC the lead in the 26th minute, as his shot from the top of the 18-yard-box rolled just wide to the left. Moments later, Pittsburgh scored the game’s only goal on a strike by midfielder Robbie Mertz in the 27th minute. 

Despite trailing at the break, NCFC mounted pressure as the game progressed in the second half. After coming on as a second-half substitute in the 62nd minute, NCFC’s Donovan Ewolo continuously caused problems for Pittsburgh’s backline. In the 70th minute, the Cameroonian forward was in on goal but had his shot deflected at the last moment by Ryan James of the Riverhounds. Despite a late push, NCFC couldn’t find an equalizer. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #7 Donovan Ewolo
A season ago, Ewolo showed that he enjoys playing against Atlanta United 2. In two games against Atlanta in 2018, the Cameroonian striker scored five goals, four of which came in a 6-1 win last September. This season, Ewolo has two goals to his name and nearly added another last time out against Pittsburgh. If past performance is an indicator, Ewolo could have a big day on Saturday. 

Atlanta United 2– #36 Jackson Conway
Just 17 years old, Conway is already in his second season with Atlanta United 2. A product of Atlanta United’s academy setup, Conway plays at forward and has made an impact this season. Of the active members of the team, Conway is in a four-way tie for leading scorer with two goals. In Atlanta’s last game against Charlotte, the youngster recorded an assist. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. Just three points separate the two teams in the Eastern Conference standings, and they played to a scoreless draw the last time they met in early May. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 

North Carolina FC's Adam Armour Named to U.S. U-17 National Team

CHICAGO (July 23, 2019) – North Carolina FC’s Adam Armour has been included in the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team squad for a domestic training camp at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. from July 26 to Aug. 7. 

The 16-year-old Armour is currently on an academy contract with NCFC and also plays for the NCFC Academy’s U-18/19 squad and the NCFC U23 team, a leading example of the club’s youth-to-pro pipeline. 

Fourteen players return from the USA’s 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship squad that clinched a record 17th qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in May. Earlier this month, the U.S. was drawn into Group D for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil alongside Senegal, Japan and the Netherlands.

U.S. U-17 MNT Roster by Position (Club; Hometown)
GOALKEEPERS (4): Aaron Cervantes (Orange County Soccer Club; Chino Hills, Calif.), Bryan Dowd (FC United; Willow Springs, Ill.), Damian Las (Chicago Fire; Norridge, Ill.), Seth Wilson (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas)

DEFENDERS (10): Axel Alejandre (FC United; Chicago, Ill.), Sebastian Anderson (Colorado Rapids; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.), Nicolas Carrera (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas), Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.), Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Mason Judge (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Tampa, Fla.), Joshua Ramsey (Solar Soccer Club; Plano, Texas), Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City FC/ENG; Plano, Texas)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Maximilian Dietz (SC Freiburg/GER; Frankfurt, Germany), Ethan Dobbelaere (Seattle Sounders FC; Seattle, Wash.), Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes; Tracy, Calif.), Bryang Kayo (D.C. United; Poolesville, Md.), Daniel Leyva (Seattle Sounders FC; Las Vegas, Nev.), Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.)    

FORWARDS (6): Jack de Vries (Philadelphia Union; Wayne, Pa.), Tyler Freeman (Sporting Kansas City; Shawnee, Kan.), Andres Jasson (New York City FC; Greenwich, Conn.), Noah Jones (RB Leipzig/GER; Berlin, Germany), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Seattle Sounders FC; Kent, Wash.), Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.)                                
                        
Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 are age-eligible for the U-17 World Cup. Wicky has called 23 players born in 2002 and three born in 2003: defender Mauricio Cuevas, midfielder Daniel Leyva and forward Tyler Freeman.
        
The U-17s will face two USL Championship teams during its training camp in Southern California: Orange County Soccer Club on July 31 at 11:30 a.m. at the Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif. and LA Galaxy II on Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park. Both matches will be open to the public.    

Twenty-four of the 26 players headed to Carson have spent at least one season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Many just wrapped up postseason campaigns with their clubs at the Academy Playoffs and Championships. Defender Tayvon Gray and midfielder Andres Jasson helped New York City FC U-18/19 to its second-straight national title, while defender Joshua Ramsey helped Solar Soccer Club U-16/17 to the Academy Championship.

ROSTER NOTES:
•    Eighteen clubs are represented on the roster, with 22 players coming from domestic teams and four based abroad: Germany (three), England (one).
•    The most players come from LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC with three players each. D.C. United, FC Dallas, FC United (Chicago) and New York City FC each have two players on the roster.
•    Goalkeeper Seth Wilson, defenders Nicolas Carrera, Jonathan Tomkinson and Joshua Ramsey as well as forward Noah Jones make their camp debut with the U-17s. Defender Sebastian Anderson was called into camp before the 2018 Nike International Friendlies but did not make the final tournament roster.
•    Dating back to the 2017 Nike International Friendlies, defenders Axel Alejandre and Adam Saldana along with goalkeeper Damian Las have appeared in all 11 U-17 camps this cycle.
•    Thirteen players have logged pro minutes this season in MLS, USL Championship or USL League 1. 
•    Three players have made pro debuts since May’s Concacaf U-17 Championship. Mauricio Cuevas earned his first pro start with LA Galaxy II on May 30 vs. Tacoma, Daniel Leyva made his first MLS start for Seattle on June 6 vs. Montreal and Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez made his MLS debut for Seattle on June 30 vs. Vancouver.
•    Anderson scored his first MLS goal on July 21 vs. New York City. 
•    Goalkeeper Aaron Cervantes has started the last two games for Orange County SC, keeping a clean sheet against San Antonio on July 21. 
•    Forward Tyler Freeman scored his first pro goal on July 18 for Swope Park Rangers vs. Hartford. 
•    Defender Jonathan Tomkinson recently completed a move from Solar Soccer Club to England’s Norwich City. 

ACADEMY NOTES:
•    Twenty-three of 26 players played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy during the recently-concluded 2018-19 season [2019 Award Winners]. 
•    Kobe Hernandez was named DA West Conference Player of the Year. 
•    Andres Jasson took home the Golden Boot at the U-18/19 Academy Playoffs as the postseason’s leading scorer, helping NYCFC to back-to-back national titles. 
•    Five players were named to conference Best XI’s: defenders Adam Armour and Tayvon Gray plus midfielder Bryang Kayo (East), defender Jonathan Tomkinson (Central) and defenders Mauricio Cuevas and Hernandez (West).
•    Cuevas, Hernandez and midfielder Adam Saldana helped LA Galaxy U-16/17 to the Academy semifinals. 

CHICAGO (July 23, 2019) – North Carolina FC’s Adam Armour has been included in the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team squad for a domestic training camp at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. from July 26 to Aug. 7. 

The 16-year-old Armour is currently on an academy contract with NCFC and also plays for the NCFC Academy’s U-18/19 squad and the NCFC U23 team, a leading example of the club’s youth-to-pro pipeline. 

Fourteen players return from the USA’s 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship squad that clinched a record 17th qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in May. Earlier this month, the U.S. was drawn into Group D for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil alongside Senegal, Japan and the Netherlands.

U.S. U-17 MNT Roster by Position (Club; Hometown)
GOALKEEPERS (4): Aaron Cervantes (Orange County Soccer Club; Chino Hills, Calif.), Bryan Dowd (FC United; Willow Springs, Ill.), Damian Las (Chicago Fire; Norridge, Ill.), Seth Wilson (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas)

DEFENDERS (10): Axel Alejandre (FC United; Chicago, Ill.), Sebastian Anderson (Colorado Rapids; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.), Nicolas Carrera (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas), Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.), Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Mason Judge (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Tampa, Fla.), Joshua Ramsey (Solar Soccer Club; Plano, Texas), Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City FC/ENG; Plano, Texas)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Maximilian Dietz (SC Freiburg/GER; Frankfurt, Germany), Ethan Dobbelaere (Seattle Sounders FC; Seattle, Wash.), Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes; Tracy, Calif.), Bryang Kayo (D.C. United; Poolesville, Md.), Daniel Leyva (Seattle Sounders FC; Las Vegas, Nev.), Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.)    

FORWARDS (6): Jack de Vries (Philadelphia Union; Wayne, Pa.), Tyler Freeman (Sporting Kansas City; Shawnee, Kan.), Andres Jasson (New York City FC; Greenwich, Conn.), Noah Jones (RB Leipzig/GER; Berlin, Germany), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Seattle Sounders FC; Kent, Wash.), Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.)                                
                        
Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 are age-eligible for the U-17 World Cup. Wicky has called 23 players born in 2002 and three born in 2003: defender Mauricio Cuevas, midfielder Daniel Leyva and forward Tyler Freeman.
        
The U-17s will face two USL Championship teams during its training camp in Southern California: Orange County Soccer Club on July 31 at 11:30 a.m. at the Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif. and LA Galaxy II on Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park. Both matches will be open to the public.    

Twenty-four of the 26 players headed to Carson have spent at least one season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Many just wrapped up postseason campaigns with their clubs at the Academy Playoffs and Championships. Defender Tayvon Gray and midfielder Andres Jasson helped New York City FC U-18/19 to its second-straight national title, while defender Joshua Ramsey helped Solar Soccer Club U-16/17 to the Academy Championship.

ROSTER NOTES:
•    Eighteen clubs are represented on the roster, with 22 players coming from domestic teams and four based abroad: Germany (three), England (one).
•    The most players come from LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC with three players each. D.C. United, FC Dallas, FC United (Chicago) and New York City FC each have two players on the roster.
•    Goalkeeper Seth Wilson, defenders Nicolas Carrera, Jonathan Tomkinson and Joshua Ramsey as well as forward Noah Jones make their camp debut with the U-17s. Defender Sebastian Anderson was called into camp before the 2018 Nike International Friendlies but did not make the final tournament roster.
•    Dating back to the 2017 Nike International Friendlies, defenders Axel Alejandre and Adam Saldana along with goalkeeper Damian Las have appeared in all 11 U-17 camps this cycle.
•    Thirteen players have logged pro minutes this season in MLS, USL Championship or USL League 1. 
•    Three players have made pro debuts since May’s Concacaf U-17 Championship. Mauricio Cuevas earned his first pro start with LA Galaxy II on May 30 vs. Tacoma, Daniel Leyva made his first MLS start for Seattle on June 6 vs. Montreal and Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez made his MLS debut for Seattle on June 30 vs. Vancouver.
•    Anderson scored his first MLS goal on July 21 vs. New York City. 
•    Goalkeeper Aaron Cervantes has started the last two games for Orange County SC, keeping a clean sheet against San Antonio on July 21. 
•    Forward Tyler Freeman scored his first pro goal on July 18 for Swope Park Rangers vs. Hartford. 
•    Defender Jonathan Tomkinson recently completed a move from Solar Soccer Club to England’s Norwich City. 

ACADEMY NOTES:
•    Twenty-three of 26 players played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy during the recently-concluded 2018-19 season [2019 Award Winners]. 
•    Kobe Hernandez was named DA West Conference Player of the Year. 
•    Andres Jasson took home the Golden Boot at the U-18/19 Academy Playoffs as the postseason’s leading scorer, helping NYCFC to back-to-back national titles. 
•    Five players were named to conference Best XI’s: defenders Adam Armour and Tayvon Gray plus midfielder Bryang Kayo (East), defender Jonathan Tomkinson (Central) and defenders Mauricio Cuevas and Hernandez (West).
•    Cuevas, Hernandez and midfielder Adam Saldana helped LA Galaxy U-16/17 to the Academy semifinals. 

North Carolina FC Forward Yamikani Chester Named to USL Championship Team of the Week

TAMPA, Fla. (July 23, 2019)– North Carolina FC forward Yamikani Chester has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 20, the league announced Tuesday. 

Chester, a 25-year-old Malawi international in his first season with NCFC, recorded a brace in NCFC’s 3-0 win against Loudoun United on July 17 after coming on as a substitute to start the second half. Chester’s pair of goals came in a two-minute span, as he became the second NCFC player to score twice in a match this season. Chester has scored five times this season, the second-highest mark on the team. 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Tomas Romero, Bethlehem Steel FC: Romero recorded an 11-save shutout – tied for the most saves in a shutout in Championship history – as Steel FC defeated Louisville City FC 1-0 at Slugger Field.
D – Carl Haworth, Ottawa Fury FC: Haworth had a goal and assist, made three key passes and won 14 of 17 duels in Fury FC’s 4-0 victory against the Swope Park Rangers at TD Place.
D – Mathieu Laurent, Birmingham Legion FC: Laurent won 6 of 7 duels and made 10 recoveries while also finding the back of the net in Legion FC’s 4-0 victory against ATL UTD 2.
D – Ish Jome, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Jome scored the lone goal, and also made a crucial goal line clearance, as the Switchbacks took victory against OKC Energy FC.
M – Raul Mendiola, Reno 1868 FC: Mendiola recorded two assists and four key passes, completing 22 of 26 passes overall as he contributed to a pair of victories against OKC Energy FC and the LA Galaxy II.
M – Kelyn Rowe, Swope Park Rangers: Rowe scored a pair of goals, completed 34 of 41 passes and 2 of 3 dribbles and made three recoveries in Swope Park’s 4-3 win against Hartford Athletic.
M – Yamikani Chester, North Carolina FC: Chester made a major impact after coming on as a halftime substitute, scoring a pair of goals on four shots overall while completing 16 of 19 passes.
M – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings notched two assists in a strong two-way game that also saw him win 12 of 16 duels and record 11 recoveries in Phoenix’s victory against Austin Bold FC.
F – Frank Lopez, San Antonio FC: Lopez immediately made himself at home with San Antonio, scoring twice on his debut for the club in a 3-1 Copa Tejas victory against El Paso Locomotive FC last Wednesday night. 
F – Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising FC: Asante recorded two goals and one assist as Phoenix tied the Championship record with a 10th consecutive victory in a 6-0 win against Austin Bold FC.
F – Sebastian Guenzatti, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Guenzatti scored two first-half goals and then added an assist as the Rowdies swept to a 4-1 victory against Saint Louis FC at Al Lang Stadium.

Bench: Matt Cardone (SA), Zeiko Lewis (CHS), Arun Basuljevic (FRS), Kyle Adams (RGV), Alan Winn (NSH), Brandon Allen (MEM), Thomas Enevoldsen (IND)

###

TAMPA, Fla. (July 23, 2019)– North Carolina FC forward Yamikani Chester has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 20, the league announced Tuesday. 

Chester, a 25-year-old Malawi international in his first season with NCFC, recorded a brace in NCFC’s 3-0 win against Loudoun United on July 17 after coming on as a substitute to start the second half. Chester’s pair of goals came in a two-minute span, as he became the second NCFC player to score twice in a match this season. Chester has scored five times this season, the second-highest mark on the team. 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Tomas Romero, Bethlehem Steel FC: Romero recorded an 11-save shutout – tied for the most saves in a shutout in Championship history – as Steel FC defeated Louisville City FC 1-0 at Slugger Field.
D – Carl Haworth, Ottawa Fury FC: Haworth had a goal and assist, made three key passes and won 14 of 17 duels in Fury FC’s 4-0 victory against the Swope Park Rangers at TD Place.
D – Mathieu Laurent, Birmingham Legion FC: Laurent won 6 of 7 duels and made 10 recoveries while also finding the back of the net in Legion FC’s 4-0 victory against ATL UTD 2.
D – Ish Jome, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Jome scored the lone goal, and also made a crucial goal line clearance, as the Switchbacks took victory against OKC Energy FC.
M – Raul Mendiola, Reno 1868 FC: Mendiola recorded two assists and four key passes, completing 22 of 26 passes overall as he contributed to a pair of victories against OKC Energy FC and the LA Galaxy II.
M – Kelyn Rowe, Swope Park Rangers: Rowe scored a pair of goals, completed 34 of 41 passes and 2 of 3 dribbles and made three recoveries in Swope Park’s 4-3 win against Hartford Athletic.
M – Yamikani Chester, North Carolina FC: Chester made a major impact after coming on as a halftime substitute, scoring a pair of goals on four shots overall while completing 16 of 19 passes.
M – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings notched two assists in a strong two-way game that also saw him win 12 of 16 duels and record 11 recoveries in Phoenix’s victory against Austin Bold FC.
F – Frank Lopez, San Antonio FC: Lopez immediately made himself at home with San Antonio, scoring twice on his debut for the club in a 3-1 Copa Tejas victory against El Paso Locomotive FC last Wednesday night. 
F – Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising FC: Asante recorded two goals and one assist as Phoenix tied the Championship record with a 10th consecutive victory in a 6-0 win against Austin Bold FC.
F – Sebastian Guenzatti, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Guenzatti scored two first-half goals and then added an assist as the Rowdies swept to a 4-1 victory against Saint Louis FC at Al Lang Stadium.

Bench: Matt Cardone (SA), Zeiko Lewis (CHS), Arun Basuljevic (FRS), Kyle Adams (RGV), Alan Winn (NSH), Brandon Allen (MEM), Thomas Enevoldsen (IND)

###

North Carolina FC Narrowly Defeated 1-0 in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (July 20, 2019) – Despite a strong performance by goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and a second-half push, North Carolina FC was narrowly defeated 1-0 Saturday night by Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium. 

Following the result, NCFC is now 9W-4L-7D on the season and remains in fourth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. 

NCFC’s first true scoring chance came about in the 26th minute, as midfielder Graham Smith’s effort from the edge of the 18-yard box narrowly bounced wide left. 

Pittsburgh opened up the scoring in the 27th minute with a goal through Robbie Mertz. However, that was the only time the hosts found a way past NCFC’s Tambakis, who tied his season-high with six saves. 

Down a goal following the halftime break, NCFC created multiple scoring opportunities as the second half progressed. After good hold-up play by forward Robert Kristo, midfielder Ben Speas saw his shot on target saved by Pittsburgh’s Kyle Morton in the 48th minute. 

After coming on as a second-half substitute in the 62nd minute, NCFC’s Donovan Ewolo continuously caused problems for Pittsburgh’s backline. In the 70th minute, the Cameroonian forward was in on goal but had his shot deflected at the last moment by Ryan James of the Riverhounds. 

In the 82nd minute, the match was delayed for 37 minutes due to inclement weather. Following the restart, Tambakis made his biggest stop of the night when he denied Pittsburgh’s Kenardo Forbes from the penalty spot in the 88th minute to keep NCFC in the match. 

Despite a late push, NCFC couldn’t find an equalizer. 

Notes 

– Alex Tambakis’ six saves tied his season-high. 

– NCFC outshot Pittsburgh 9-8 in the second half. 

– NCFC midfielder Ben Speas recorded two shots on goal. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was evident on Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as was former NCFC U23 standout Nazmi Albadawi. 

– Yamikani Chester, Donovan Ewolo and Duval Wapiwo appeared as second-half substitutes for NCFC. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. The last time the two teams met in Cary, NCFC earned a 4-0 victory on May 25, 2018. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

PIT (5-1-3-1): Kyle Morton; Ryan James, Tobi Adewole, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Joseph Greenspan, Jordan Dover; Kenardo Forbes ©; Robbie Mertz, Steevan Dos Santos, Kevin Kerr (Sammy Kahsai, 63’); Neco Brett (Christian Volesky, 63’)
 
Subs not used: Uchenna Uzo, Mouhamed Dabo, Austin Pack, Noah Franke, Anthony Velarde
 
NCFC (3-4-2-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Victor Igbekoyi; Steven Miller ©, Nazmi Albadawi, Graham Smith (Duval Wapiwo, 90+1’), DJ Taylor; Ben Speas, Dre Fortune (Yamikani Chester, 62’); Robert Kristo (Donovan Ewolo, 62’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Austin Panchot, Timmy Mehl
 
Score:
PIT: 1
NCFC: — 
 
Goals:
PIT: Robbie Mertz (Neco Brett, 27’)
NCFC: 
 
Cautions:
PIT: Steevan Dos Sanots, 75’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
PIT: —
NCFC: —

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (July 20, 2019) – Despite a strong performance by goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and a second-half push, North Carolina FC was narrowly defeated 1-0 Saturday night by Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium. 

Following the result, NCFC is now 9W-4L-7D on the season and remains in fourth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. 

NCFC’s first true scoring chance came about in the 26th minute, as midfielder Graham Smith’s effort from the edge of the 18-yard box narrowly bounced wide left. 

Pittsburgh opened up the scoring in the 27th minute with a goal through Robbie Mertz. However, that was the only time the hosts found a way past NCFC’s Tambakis, who tied his season-high with six saves. 

Down a goal following the halftime break, NCFC created multiple scoring opportunities as the second half progressed. After good hold-up play by forward Robert Kristo, midfielder Ben Speas saw his shot on target saved by Pittsburgh’s Kyle Morton in the 48th minute. 

After coming on as a second-half substitute in the 62nd minute, NCFC’s Donovan Ewolo continuously caused problems for Pittsburgh’s backline. In the 70th minute, the Cameroonian forward was in on goal but had his shot deflected at the last moment by Ryan James of the Riverhounds. 

In the 82nd minute, the match was delayed for 37 minutes due to inclement weather. Following the restart, Tambakis made his biggest stop of the night when he denied Pittsburgh’s Kenardo Forbes from the penalty spot in the 88th minute to keep NCFC in the match. 

Despite a late push, NCFC couldn’t find an equalizer. 

Notes 

– Alex Tambakis’ six saves tied his season-high. 

– NCFC outshot Pittsburgh 9-8 in the second half. 

– NCFC midfielder Ben Speas recorded two shots on goal. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was evident on Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as was former NCFC U23 standout Nazmi Albadawi. 

– Yamikani Chester, Donovan Ewolo and Duval Wapiwo appeared as second-half substitutes for NCFC. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. The last time the two teams met in Cary, NCFC earned a 4-0 victory on May 25, 2018. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

PIT (5-1-3-1): Kyle Morton; Ryan James, Tobi Adewole, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Joseph Greenspan, Jordan Dover; Kenardo Forbes ©; Robbie Mertz, Steevan Dos Santos, Kevin Kerr (Sammy Kahsai, 63’); Neco Brett (Christian Volesky, 63’)
 
Subs not used: Uchenna Uzo, Mouhamed Dabo, Austin Pack, Noah Franke, Anthony Velarde
 
NCFC (3-4-2-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Victor Igbekoyi; Steven Miller ©, Nazmi Albadawi, Graham Smith (Duval Wapiwo, 90+1’), DJ Taylor; Ben Speas, Dre Fortune (Yamikani Chester, 62’); Robert Kristo (Donovan Ewolo, 62’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Austin Panchot, Timmy Mehl
 
Score:
PIT: 1
NCFC: — 
 
Goals:
PIT: Robbie Mertz (Neco Brett, 27’)
NCFC: 
 
Cautions:
PIT: Steevan Dos Sanots, 75’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
PIT: —
NCFC: —