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CARY, N.C. (August 25, 2018) – Zach Steinberger could do no wrong on his club debut, and North Carolina FC continued its dominance over its biggest rival in a 6-2 Southern Derby rivalry victory over the Charlotte Independence Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 
 
Less than 48 hours after arriving on a season-long loan from Indy Eleven, Steinberger stole the show, scoring a pair of goals and assisting on another. 

With the result, NCFC (9W-9L-7D, 34 points) picked up three critical points in the USL Eastern Conference playoff race, and improved to 2W-0L-0D against Charlotte in 2018. Dating back to June 13, NCFC is unbeaten in its seven latest home matches (4W-0L-3D). 

“Great response. We came in at halftime and we just talked about doing things simply and moving the ball quickly and as efficient as possible,” NCFC coach Colin Clarke said. “And we knew we would create chances, and we created plenty. So full credit to the boys.”

In addition to Steinberger, forward Daniel Rios (two goals) and midfielder Steven Miller (one goal, two assists) also starred for NCFC, as the club moved into first place in the Southern Derby standings. 
 
In the ninth minute, the visitors nearly took an early lead as Charlotte forward Caleb Calvert’s effort hit the left post, and forward Yann Ekra’s follow-up was cleared off the line by NCFC left back Aaron Guillen. 

Fifteen minutes later, the Independence opened the scoring with a header off a corner kick by midfielder Kevan George. 

But NCFC was quick to respond, as Steinberger endeared himself to the home fans and marked his debut with an incredible first goal for the club in the 26th minute.

After his header was denied from point-blank range by Charlotte goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra, Steinberger reacted immediately and scissored his second chance into the back of the net to equalize. 

After Steinberger’s wonder-goal, NCFC earned the better of chances for the rest of the first half, and Steinberger threatened once again with a header in the 43rd minute that traveled wide left. 

Out of the halftime break, NCFC quickly grabbed hold of the lead, and Steinberger was again involved in the action. This time, the NCFC new boy received a pass from center back Wuilito Fernandes on the right side of the box, and he quickly crossed to Miller, who finished with ease from a few yards out. 

Steinberger’s incredible night didn’t end at that point, however. Two minutes after Miller was set up by Steinberger, the reverse occurred, as Miller played in a service from the left flank to a leaping Steinberger, whose header zoomed past Charlotte’s Dykstra. 

In the 69th minute, midfielder Austin da Luz got in on the action by scoring his fourth goal of the season. With no Charlotte defenders in sight, da Luz stepped into a powerful shot from just beyond the 18-yard box, and his effort flew into the right corner of the net. 
 
Rios, one of the most prolific scorers in the USL, notched his first goal of the night via a precise free kick in the 72nd minute. Six minutes later, a cross from Miller reached Rios’ feet, and he converted from close range to record a brace. 

In the 85th minute, Charlotte’s Jake Areman earned a late consolation for the visitors. 

Up Next:
NCFC continues a three-game homestand at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET. The last time the two teams met, on Aug. 11, second-half goals from midfielder Marcel Kandziora and Rios powered NCFC to a 2-0 win. 
 
Game Changer:
Steinberger’s second goal of the night put NCFC ahead 3-1 in the 51st minute and opened up the floodgates for the home team. 

Fact to know:
NCFC’s six goals were the most the club has scored in a league match since the then-RailHawks recorded nine goals against Miami F.C. on Aug. 26, 2009. 

They Said It:
“We played really well, and then we just kept the momentum going from there. To be in a game where we score six goals on my first game playing  for the club, you know, it’s a dream start, and hopefully we can use this as a catalyst to carry that momentum and push right into the playoffs” – Zach Steinberger.. 

Notes:
– With the win, NCFC improved to 4W-1L-0D in competitive matches against the Charlotte Independence. 

– NCFC is now 6W-4L-3D in home matches for the season. 
 
– NCFC (four points) now sits atop the Southern Derby standings, a regional competition with Charlotte and the Charleston Battery. 
 
– After recording a brace Saturday, NCFC’s Daniel Rios has 15 goals in 2018, the most on the team and the second most in the USL. 
 
– Steven Miller ranks second on NCFC in assists with five after recording a pair against Charlotte. 
 
– Wuilito Fernandes started in USL play for the first time this season. 
 
– Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora and Peabo Doue appeared as second-half substitutes. 

Box Score:
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Wuilito Fernandes, Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Tiyi Shipalane (Marcel Kandziora, 73’), Austin da Luz (Peabo Doue, 77’), Zach Steinberger (Dre Fortune, 81’), Graham Smith, Steven Miller; Daniel Rios
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Michael Harrington, Marios Lomis, Donovan Ewolo
 
CLT (4-5-1): Andrew Dykstra; Bilal Duckett ©, Bertrand Owundi, Joel Johnson, Sam Vines (Jake Areman, 70’); Greg Jordan (Mutuya Mwape, 70’), Yann Ekra, Kevan George, Alex Martinez, Je-Vaughan Watson; Caleb Calvert (Ricardo Perez, 83’)
 
Subs not used: Brandon Miller, Calvin Doum, Henry Kalungi
 
Score:
NCFC: 6
CLT: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Zach Steinberger (Unassisted, 26’), Steven Miller (Zach Steinberger, 49’), Zach Steinberger (Steven Miller, 51’), Austin da Luz (Tiyi Shipalane, 69’), Daniel Rios (Unassisted, 81’), Daniel Rios (Steven Miller, 78’)
CLT: Kevan George (Sam Vines, 24’), Jake Areman (Mutaya Mwape, 85’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Wuilito Fernandes 36’, Steven Miller 38’, Zach Steinberger 51’
CLT: Kevan George 32’, Bertrand Owundi 71’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
CLT: —
 
Attendance: 4,195

 

###

CARY, N.C. (August 25, 2018) – Zach Steinberger could do no wrong on his club debut, and North Carolina FC continued its dominance over its biggest rival in a 6-2 Southern Derby rivalry victory over the Charlotte Independence Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 
 
Less than 48 hours after arriving on a season-long loan from Indy Eleven, Steinberger stole the show, scoring a pair of goals and assisting on another. 

With the result, NCFC (9W-9L-7D, 34 points) picked up three critical points in the USL Eastern Conference playoff race, and improved to 2W-0L-0D against Charlotte in 2018. Dating back to June 13, NCFC is unbeaten in its seven latest home matches (4W-0L-3D). 

“Great response. We came in at halftime and we just talked about doing things simply and moving the ball quickly and as efficient as possible,” NCFC coach Colin Clarke said. “And we knew we would create chances, and we created plenty. So full credit to the boys.”

In addition to Steinberger, forward Daniel Rios (two goals) and midfielder Steven Miller (one goal, two assists) also starred for NCFC, as the club moved into first place in the Southern Derby standings. 
 
In the ninth minute, the visitors nearly took an early lead as Charlotte forward Caleb Calvert’s effort hit the left post, and forward Yann Ekra’s follow-up was cleared off the line by NCFC left back Aaron Guillen. 

Fifteen minutes later, the Independence opened the scoring with a header off a corner kick by midfielder Kevan George. 

But NCFC was quick to respond, as Steinberger endeared himself to the home fans and marked his debut with an incredible first goal for the club in the 26th minute.

After his header was denied from point-blank range by Charlotte goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra, Steinberger reacted immediately and scissored his second chance into the back of the net to equalize. 

After Steinberger’s wonder-goal, NCFC earned the better of chances for the rest of the first half, and Steinberger threatened once again with a header in the 43rd minute that traveled wide left. 

Out of the halftime break, NCFC quickly grabbed hold of the lead, and Steinberger was again involved in the action. This time, the NCFC new boy received a pass from center back Wuilito Fernandes on the right side of the box, and he quickly crossed to Miller, who finished with ease from a few yards out. 

Steinberger’s incredible night didn’t end at that point, however. Two minutes after Miller was set up by Steinberger, the reverse occurred, as Miller played in a service from the left flank to a leaping Steinberger, whose header zoomed past Charlotte’s Dykstra. 

In the 69th minute, midfielder Austin da Luz got in on the action by scoring his fourth goal of the season. With no Charlotte defenders in sight, da Luz stepped into a powerful shot from just beyond the 18-yard box, and his effort flew into the right corner of the net. 
 
Rios, one of the most prolific scorers in the USL, notched his first goal of the night via a precise free kick in the 72nd minute. Six minutes later, a cross from Miller reached Rios’ feet, and he converted from close range to record a brace. 

In the 85th minute, Charlotte’s Jake Areman earned a late consolation for the visitors. 

Up Next:
NCFC continues a three-game homestand at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET. The last time the two teams met, on Aug. 11, second-half goals from midfielder Marcel Kandziora and Rios powered NCFC to a 2-0 win. 
 
Game Changer:
Steinberger’s second goal of the night put NCFC ahead 3-1 in the 51st minute and opened up the floodgates for the home team. 

Fact to know:
NCFC’s six goals were the most the club has scored in a league match since the then-RailHawks recorded nine goals against Miami F.C. on Aug. 26, 2009. 

They Said It:
“We played really well, and then we just kept the momentum going from there. To be in a game where we score six goals on my first game playing  for the club, you know, it’s a dream start, and hopefully we can use this as a catalyst to carry that momentum and push right into the playoffs” – Zach Steinberger.. 

Notes:
– With the win, NCFC improved to 4W-1L-0D in competitive matches against the Charlotte Independence. 

– NCFC is now 6W-4L-3D in home matches for the season. 
 
– NCFC (four points) now sits atop the Southern Derby standings, a regional competition with Charlotte and the Charleston Battery. 
 
– After recording a brace Saturday, NCFC’s Daniel Rios has 15 goals in 2018, the most on the team and the second most in the USL. 
 
– Steven Miller ranks second on NCFC in assists with five after recording a pair against Charlotte. 
 
– Wuilito Fernandes started in USL play for the first time this season. 
 
– Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora and Peabo Doue appeared as second-half substitutes. 

Box Score:
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Wuilito Fernandes, Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Tiyi Shipalane (Marcel Kandziora, 73’), Austin da Luz (Peabo Doue, 77’), Zach Steinberger (Dre Fortune, 81’), Graham Smith, Steven Miller; Daniel Rios
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Michael Harrington, Marios Lomis, Donovan Ewolo
 
CLT (4-5-1): Andrew Dykstra; Bilal Duckett ©, Bertrand Owundi, Joel Johnson, Sam Vines (Jake Areman, 70’); Greg Jordan (Mutuya Mwape, 70’), Yann Ekra, Kevan George, Alex Martinez, Je-Vaughan Watson; Caleb Calvert (Ricardo Perez, 83’)
 
Subs not used: Brandon Miller, Calvin Doum, Henry Kalungi
 
Score:
NCFC: 6
CLT: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Zach Steinberger (Unassisted, 26’), Steven Miller (Zach Steinberger, 49’), Zach Steinberger (Steven Miller, 51’), Austin da Luz (Tiyi Shipalane, 69’), Daniel Rios (Unassisted, 81’), Daniel Rios (Steven Miller, 78’)
CLT: Kevan George (Sam Vines, 24’), Jake Areman (Mutaya Mwape, 85’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Wuilito Fernandes 36’, Steven Miller 38’, Zach Steinberger 51’
CLT: Kevan George 32’, Bertrand Owundi 71’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
CLT: —
 
Attendance: 4,195

 

###

CARY, N.C. (August 25, 2018) – Zach Steinberger could do no wrong on his club debut, and North Carolina FC continued its dominance over its biggest rival in a 6-2 Southern Derby rivalry victory over the Charlotte Independence Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 
 
Less than 48 hours after arriving on a season-long loan from Indy Eleven, Steinberger stole the show, scoring a pair of goals and assisting on another. 

With the result, NCFC (9W-9L-7D, 34 points) picked up three critical points in the USL Eastern Conference playoff race, and improved to 2W-0L-0D against Charlotte in 2018. Dating back to June 13, NCFC is unbeaten in its seven latest home matches (4W-0L-3D). 

“Great response. We came in at halftime and we just talked about doing things simply and moving the ball quickly and as efficient as possible,” NCFC coach Colin Clarke said. “And we knew we would create chances, and we created plenty. So full credit to the boys.”

In addition to Steinberger, forward Daniel Rios (two goals) and midfielder Steven Miller (one goal, two assists) also starred for NCFC, as the club moved into first place in the Southern Derby standings. 
 
In the ninth minute, the visitors nearly took an early lead as Charlotte forward Caleb Calvert’s effort hit the left post, and forward Yann Ekra’s follow-up was cleared off the line by NCFC left back Aaron Guillen. 

Fifteen minutes later, the Independence opened the scoring with a header off a corner kick by midfielder Kevan George. 

But NCFC was quick to respond, as Steinberger endeared himself to the home fans and marked his debut with an incredible first goal for the club in the 26th minute.

After his header was denied from point-blank range by Charlotte goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra, Steinberger reacted immediately and scissored his second chance into the back of the net to equalize. 

After Steinberger’s wonder-goal, NCFC earned the better of chances for the rest of the first half, and Steinberger threatened once again with a header in the 43rd minute that traveled wide left. 

Out of the halftime break, NCFC quickly grabbed hold of the lead, and Steinberger was again involved in the action. This time, the NCFC new boy received a pass from center back Wuilito Fernandes on the right side of the box, and he quickly crossed to Miller, who finished with ease from a few yards out. 

Steinberger’s incredible night didn’t end at that point, however. Two minutes after Miller was set up by Steinberger, the reverse occurred, as Miller played in a service from the left flank to a leaping Steinberger, whose header zoomed past Charlotte’s Dykstra. 

In the 69th minute, midfielder Austin da Luz got in on the action by scoring his fourth goal of the season. With no Charlotte defenders in sight, da Luz stepped into a powerful shot from just beyond the 18-yard box, and his effort flew into the right corner of the net. 
 
Rios, one of the most prolific scorers in the USL, notched his first goal of the night via a precise free kick in the 72nd minute. Six minutes later, a cross from Miller reached Rios’ feet, and he converted from close range to record a brace. 

In the 85th minute, Charlotte’s Jake Areman earned a late consolation for the visitors. 

Up Next:
NCFC continues a three-game homestand at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET. The last time the two teams met, on Aug. 11, second-half goals from midfielder Marcel Kandziora and Rios powered NCFC to a 2-0 win. 
 
Game Changer:
Steinberger’s second goal of the night put NCFC ahead 3-1 in the 51st minute and opened up the floodgates for the home team. 

Fact to know:
NCFC’s six goals were the most the club has scored in a league match since the then-RailHawks recorded nine goals against Miami F.C. on Aug. 26, 2009. 

They Said It:
“We played really well, and then we just kept the momentum going from there. To be in a game where we score six goals on my first game playing  for the club, you know, it’s a dream start, and hopefully we can use this as a catalyst to carry that momentum and push right into the playoffs” – Zach Steinberger.. 

Notes:
– With the win, NCFC improved to 4W-1L-0D in competitive matches against the Charlotte Independence. 

– NCFC is now 6W-4L-3D in home matches for the season. 
 
– NCFC (four points) now sits atop the Southern Derby standings, a regional competition with Charlotte and the Charleston Battery. 
 
– After recording a brace Saturday, NCFC’s Daniel Rios has 15 goals in 2018, the most on the team and the second most in the USL. 
 
– Steven Miller ranks second on NCFC in assists with five after recording a pair against Charlotte. 
 
– Wuilito Fernandes started in USL play for the first time this season. 
 
– Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora and Peabo Doue appeared as second-half substitutes. 

Box Score:
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Wuilito Fernandes, Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Tiyi Shipalane (Marcel Kandziora, 73’), Austin da Luz (Peabo Doue, 77’), Zach Steinberger (Dre Fortune, 81’), Graham Smith, Steven Miller; Daniel Rios
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Michael Harrington, Marios Lomis, Donovan Ewolo
 
CLT (4-5-1): Andrew Dykstra; Bilal Duckett ©, Bertrand Owundi, Joel Johnson, Sam Vines (Jake Areman, 70’); Greg Jordan (Mutuya Mwape, 70’), Yann Ekra, Kevan George, Alex Martinez, Je-Vaughan Watson; Caleb Calvert (Ricardo Perez, 83’)
 
Subs not used: Brandon Miller, Calvin Doum, Henry Kalungi
 
Score:
NCFC: 6
CLT: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Zach Steinberger (Unassisted, 26’), Steven Miller (Zach Steinberger, 49’), Zach Steinberger (Steven Miller, 51’), Austin da Luz (Tiyi Shipalane, 69’), Daniel Rios (Unassisted, 81’), Daniel Rios (Steven Miller, 78’)
CLT: Kevan George (Sam Vines, 24’), Jake Areman (Mutaya Mwape, 85’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Wuilito Fernandes 36’, Steven Miller 38’, Zach Steinberger 51’
CLT: Kevan George 32’, Bertrand Owundi 71’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
CLT: —
 
Attendance: 4,195

 

###

CARY, N.C. (August 25, 2018) – Zach Steinberger could do no wrong on his club debut, and North Carolina FC continued its dominance over its biggest rival in a 6-2 Southern Derby rivalry victory over the Charlotte Independence Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 
 
Less than 48 hours after arriving on a season-long loan from Indy Eleven, Steinberger stole the show, scoring a pair of goals and assisting on another. 

With the result, NCFC (9W-9L-7D, 34 points) picked up three critical points in the USL Eastern Conference playoff race, and improved to 2W-0L-0D against Charlotte in 2018. Dating back to June 13, NCFC is unbeaten in its seven latest home matches (4W-0L-3D). 

“Great response. We came in at halftime and we just talked about doing things simply and moving the ball quickly and as efficient as possible,” NCFC coach Colin Clarke said. “And we knew we would create chances, and we created plenty. So full credit to the boys.”

In addition to Steinberger, forward Daniel Rios (two goals) and midfielder Steven Miller (one goal, two assists) also starred for NCFC, as the club moved into first place in the Southern Derby standings. 
 
In the ninth minute, the visitors nearly took an early lead as Charlotte forward Caleb Calvert’s effort hit the left post, and forward Yann Ekra’s follow-up was cleared off the line by NCFC left back Aaron Guillen. 

Fifteen minutes later, the Independence opened the scoring with a header off a corner kick by midfielder Kevan George. 

But NCFC was quick to respond, as Steinberger endeared himself to the home fans and marked his debut with an incredible first goal for the club in the 26th minute.

After his header was denied from point-blank range by Charlotte goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra, Steinberger reacted immediately and scissored his second chance into the back of the net to equalize. 

After Steinberger’s wonder-goal, NCFC earned the better of chances for the rest of the first half, and Steinberger threatened once again with a header in the 43rd minute that traveled wide left. 

Out of the halftime break, NCFC quickly grabbed hold of the lead, and Steinberger was again involved in the action. This time, the NCFC new boy received a pass from center back Wuilito Fernandes on the right side of the box, and he quickly crossed to Miller, who finished with ease from a few yards out. 

Steinberger’s incredible night didn’t end at that point, however. Two minutes after Miller was set up by Steinberger, the reverse occurred, as Miller played in a service from the left flank to a leaping Steinberger, whose header zoomed past Charlotte’s Dykstra. 

In the 69th minute, midfielder Austin da Luz got in on the action by scoring his fourth goal of the season. With no Charlotte defenders in sight, da Luz stepped into a powerful shot from just beyond the 18-yard box, and his effort flew into the right corner of the net. 
 
Rios, one of the most prolific scorers in the USL, notched his first goal of the night via a precise free kick in the 72nd minute. Six minutes later, a cross from Miller reached Rios’ feet, and he converted from close range to record a brace. 

In the 85th minute, Charlotte’s Jake Areman earned a late consolation for the visitors. 

Up Next:
NCFC continues a three-game homestand at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET. The last time the two teams met, on Aug. 11, second-half goals from midfielder Marcel Kandziora and Rios powered NCFC to a 2-0 win. 
 
Game Changer:
Steinberger’s second goal of the night put NCFC ahead 3-1 in the 51st minute and opened up the floodgates for the home team. 

Fact to know:
NCFC’s six goals were the most the club has scored in a league match since the then-RailHawks recorded nine goals against Miami F.C. on Aug. 26, 2009. 

They Said It:
“We played really well, and then we just kept the momentum going from there. To be in a game where we score six goals on my first game playing  for the club, you know, it’s a dream start, and hopefully we can use this as a catalyst to carry that momentum and push right into the playoffs” – Zach Steinberger.. 

Notes:
– With the win, NCFC improved to 4W-1L-0D in competitive matches against the Charlotte Independence. 

– NCFC is now 6W-4L-3D in home matches for the season. 
 
– NCFC (four points) now sits atop the Southern Derby standings, a regional competition with Charlotte and the Charleston Battery. 
 
– After recording a brace Saturday, NCFC’s Daniel Rios has 15 goals in 2018, the most on the team and the second most in the USL. 
 
– Steven Miller ranks second on NCFC in assists with five after recording a pair against Charlotte. 
 
– Wuilito Fernandes started in USL play for the first time this season. 
 
– Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora and Peabo Doue appeared as second-half substitutes. 

Box Score:
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Wuilito Fernandes, Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Tiyi Shipalane (Marcel Kandziora, 73’), Austin da Luz (Peabo Doue, 77’), Zach Steinberger (Dre Fortune, 81’), Graham Smith, Steven Miller; Daniel Rios
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Michael Harrington, Marios Lomis, Donovan Ewolo
 
CLT (4-5-1): Andrew Dykstra; Bilal Duckett ©, Bertrand Owundi, Joel Johnson, Sam Vines (Jake Areman, 70’); Greg Jordan (Mutuya Mwape, 70’), Yann Ekra, Kevan George, Alex Martinez, Je-Vaughan Watson; Caleb Calvert (Ricardo Perez, 83’)
 
Subs not used: Brandon Miller, Calvin Doum, Henry Kalungi
 
Score:
NCFC: 6
CLT: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Zach Steinberger (Unassisted, 26’), Steven Miller (Zach Steinberger, 49’), Zach Steinberger (Steven Miller, 51’), Austin da Luz (Tiyi Shipalane, 69’), Daniel Rios (Unassisted, 81’), Daniel Rios (Steven Miller, 78’)
CLT: Kevan George (Sam Vines, 24’), Jake Areman (Mutaya Mwape, 85’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Wuilito Fernandes 36’, Steven Miller 38’, Zach Steinberger 51’
CLT: Kevan George 32’, Bertrand Owundi 71’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
CLT: —
 
Attendance: 4,195

 

###

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, AUG. 25 – 7 PM ET
 
TV: WRAL2
DIGITAL: ESPN+
RADIO: 620 The Ticket
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvCLT
 
CARY, N.C. (August 24, 2018) – North Carolina FC will take on the Charlotte Independence in an important Southern Derby rivalry showdown with playoff implications on Saturday, Aug. 25 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.
 
While Charlotte has previously traveled to Cary for Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, the game marks history with it being the first time the two teams have met at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in a Southern Derby contest.
 
Going all the way back to the early 1990s, soccer teams from the Raleigh and Charlotte areas have faced off regularly. However, North Carolina FC and the Charlotte Independence have featured in a heated rivalry since 2015. 
 
NCFC has maintained a strong advantage in the series history, winning all but one match. Overall, NCFC is 3W-1L-0D against Charlotte and has outscored the Independence by a commanding 11-2 margin. The latest victory came on April 14, 2018 where NCFC won 2-0 in Matthews, N.C., with goals from strikers Daniel Rios and Marios Lomis.
 
The match is also a major contest in the playoff race. NCFC and Charlotte enter the game separated by only two points in the USL Eastern Conference standings. The two teams are firmly in a pack of mid-table sides gunning for a top-eight finish. 
 
NCFC will bring the stronger momentum into the match. The home side has only dropped one game in the last seven contests, while Charlotte is looking for a positive result, winless in its last five matches. 
 
A win tonight will certainly increase the victor’s odds of a top-eight finish and playoff qualification.
 
Last Time Out: 
NCFC rallied two times to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw on the road against New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday. 
 
In the first-ever matchup between the two clubs, NCFC went into the halftime break trailing 1-0, but responded immediately at the beginning of the second half. Forward Daniel Rios, NCFC’s leading goal-scorer, equalized, poking in midfielder Marcel Kandziora’s service. New York equalized seven minutes later, but NCFC took control of the match when Red Bulls’ midfielder Benjamin Mines received a red card in the 69th minute. 
 
Ultimately, NCFC captured a point thanks to forward Donovan Ewolo’s late heroics. After coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute, Ewolo in the 90th minute blasted in the game-tying goal from just a few yards out, his third score of the year. 

Players to watch: 
North Carolina FC – #18 Marcel Kandziora 
In recent weeks, Kandziora has provided a boost to the NCFC attack from the midfield. Since July 14, the German midfielder has scored twice and added an assist. In the team’s 1-1 draw against Bethlehem Steel in July, it was Kandziora’s first-half strike from well beyond the 18-yard-box that helped NCFC earn a crucial point away from home. 
 
And on NCFC’s recent road trip, Kandziora rose to the occasion multiple times. Against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Kandziora opened the scoring in NCFC’s 2-0 victory with an on-target header in the second half, and he provided the assist on Rios’ goal against New York. Now NCFC is hoping that Kandziora’s good form continues now that the team is back at home for a crucial three-game stretch. 
 
Charlotte Independence – #17 Cordell Cato
In addition to leading scorer Jorge Herrera, Charlotte also has a reliable attacking threat in Cordell Cato. The Trinidad & Tobago international ranks second on the Independence with eight goals in 20 matches, double the amount the team’s third-leading scorer, Éamon Zayed, has. Currently in his first season with Charlotte, Cato, 26, previously played in Major League Soccer with Seattle Sounders FC (2012) and the San Jose Earthquakes (2013-17), scoring seven goals in 119 matches. In addition to his ability to score goals, Cato can also set up his teammates; his three assists are tied for the team lead. 
 
Coming Up Next: 
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for the second of three consecutive home games, as the team hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET. 
 
In its most recent match against Tampa, NCFC won 2-0 on the road on Aug. 11 behind goals from Kandziora and Rios. 

###

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, AUG. 25 – 7 PM ET
 
TV: WRAL2
DIGITAL: ESPN+
RADIO: 620 The Ticket
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvCLT
 
CARY, N.C. (August 24, 2018) – North Carolina FC will take on the Charlotte Independence in an important Southern Derby rivalry showdown with playoff implications on Saturday, Aug. 25 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.
 
While Charlotte has previously traveled to Cary for Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, the game marks history with it being the first time the two teams have met at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in a Southern Derby contest.
 
Going all the way back to the early 1990s, soccer teams from the Raleigh and Charlotte areas have faced off regularly. However, North Carolina FC and the Charlotte Independence have featured in a heated rivalry since 2015. 
 
NCFC has maintained a strong advantage in the series history, winning all but one match. Overall, NCFC is 3W-1L-0D against Charlotte and has outscored the Independence by a commanding 11-2 margin. The latest victory came on April 14, 2018 where NCFC won 2-0 in Matthews, N.C., with goals from strikers Daniel Rios and Marios Lomis.
 
The match is also a major contest in the playoff race. NCFC and Charlotte enter the game separated by only two points in the USL Eastern Conference standings. The two teams are firmly in a pack of mid-table sides gunning for a top-eight finish. 
 
NCFC will bring the stronger momentum into the match. The home side has only dropped one game in the last seven contests, while Charlotte is looking for a positive result, winless in its last five matches. 
 
A win tonight will certainly increase the victor’s odds of a top-eight finish and playoff qualification.
 
Last Time Out: 
NCFC rallied two times to earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw on the road against New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday. 
 
In the first-ever matchup between the two clubs, NCFC went into the halftime break trailing 1-0, but responded immediately at the beginning of the second half. Forward Daniel Rios, NCFC’s leading goal-scorer, equalized, poking in midfielder Marcel Kandziora’s service. New York equalized seven minutes later, but NCFC took control of the match when Red Bulls’ midfielder Benjamin Mines received a red card in the 69th minute. 
 
Ultimately, NCFC captured a point thanks to forward Donovan Ewolo’s late heroics. After coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute, Ewolo in the 90th minute blasted in the game-tying goal from just a few yards out, his third score of the year. 

Players to watch: 
North Carolina FC – #18 Marcel Kandziora 
In recent weeks, Kandziora has provided a boost to the NCFC attack from the midfield. Since July 14, the German midfielder has scored twice and added an assist. In the team’s 1-1 draw against Bethlehem Steel in July, it was Kandziora’s first-half strike from well beyond the 18-yard-box that helped NCFC earn a crucial point away from home. 
 
And on NCFC’s recent road trip, Kandziora rose to the occasion multiple times. Against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Kandziora opened the scoring in NCFC’s 2-0 victory with an on-target header in the second half, and he provided the assist on Rios’ goal against New York. Now NCFC is hoping that Kandziora’s good form continues now that the team is back at home for a crucial three-game stretch. 
 
Charlotte Independence – #17 Cordell Cato
In addition to leading scorer Jorge Herrera, Charlotte also has a reliable attacking threat in Cordell Cato. The Trinidad & Tobago international ranks second on the Independence with eight goals in 20 matches, double the amount the team’s third-leading scorer, Éamon Zayed, has. Currently in his first season with Charlotte, Cato, 26, previously played in Major League Soccer with Seattle Sounders FC (2012) and the San Jose Earthquakes (2013-17), scoring seven goals in 119 matches. In addition to his ability to score goals, Cato can also set up his teammates; his three assists are tied for the team lead. 
 
Coming Up Next: 
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for the second of three consecutive home games, as the team hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET. 
 
In its most recent match against Tampa, NCFC won 2-0 on the road on Aug. 11 behind goals from Kandziora and Rios. 

###

North Carolina FC Acquires Veteran Midfielder Zach Steinberger

Steinberger joins NCFC on loan from Indy Eleven through the end of the season

CARY, N.C. (August 24, 2018) – North Carolina FC on Friday announced the addition of veteran midfielder Zach Steinberger on a loan deal with Indy Eleven through the end of the 2018 USL season. Per club policy no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

“I have played against NCFC for a while now and it’s always been a pleasure to come and play here,” said Steinberger. “The fan base has been incredible, and the facilities speak for themselves. I’m excited to get in, get going and help the team reach the playoffs. I’m a team player and my biggest desire is to help my team be as successful as possible.”

“Zach is a versatile player,” said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “I think his best position is a pure 10. He likes to score goals and get into the box. I think he’s a great addition for the squad at this time of the year as we’re looking for that little bit of extra push at an important time.”

Steinberger, 26, has appeared in 17 matches (12 starts) and scored one goal this season for Indy Eleven. He brings a wealth of experience and attacking prowess to the NCFC midfield. 

An All-Big East selection at Butler, Steinberger’s professional career began in 2015 when he was selected in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo. 

From 2015-16, Steinberger made three appearances for Houston, spending most of his time on loan with Indy Eleven and the Jacksonville Armada. 

In 2015, Steinberger scored two goals in 12 matches with the Eleven. A year later, Steinberger tallied four goals in 20 appearances during the 2016 season while on loan with Jacksonville. 

In 2017, Steinberger’s move to the Armada became permanent, and he scored eight goals in 32 games. 

Ahead of the 2018 season, the Long Beach, Calif., native rejoined Indy Eleven, in the city where he played at the collegiate level. 

Steinberger will be available for selection this Saturday, as NCFC hosts its biggest rival in the Charlotte Independence for a Southern Derby match at 7:00 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets for the match are available at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office, by phone at 919.459.8144 or at www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

 

NCFC Roster as of Aug. 24:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Alex Tambakis, Austin Guerrero

DEFENDERS (6): Peabo Doue, Michael Harrington, Connor Tobin, D.J Taylor, Steven Miller, Aarón Guillén

MIDFIELDERS (11): Zach Steinberger, Austin da Luz, Kyle Bekker, Andre Fortune, Wullito Fernandes, Graham Smith, Cameron Steele, Bernard Luxbacher, Marcel Kandziora, Tiyi Shipalane, Nelson Blanco

FORWARDS (3): Donovan Ewolo, Daniel Rios, Marios Lomis

Player Profile:

Name: Zach Steinberger

Position: Midfielder

Jersey Number: 23

Birthdate: 05/10/1992 (Age 26)

Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.

Height: 5’11’

Weight: 169 lbs.

Citizenship: American

College: Butler 

Previous Club: Indy Eleven

Transaction: North Carolina FC acquires midfielder Zach Steinberger on loan from Indy Eleven.

North Carolina FC Acquires Veteran Midfielder Zach Steinberger

Steinberger joins NCFC on loan from Indy Eleven through the end of the season

CARY, N.C. (August 24, 2018) – North Carolina FC on Friday announced the addition of veteran midfielder Zach Steinberger on a loan deal with Indy Eleven through the end of the 2018 USL season. Per club policy no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

“I have played against NCFC for a while now and it’s always been a pleasure to come and play here,” said Steinberger. “The fan base has been incredible, and the facilities speak for themselves. I’m excited to get in, get going and help the team reach the playoffs. I’m a team player and my biggest desire is to help my team be as successful as possible.”

“Zach is a versatile player,” said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “I think his best position is a pure 10. He likes to score goals and get into the box. I think he’s a great addition for the squad at this time of the year as we’re looking for that little bit of extra push at an important time.”

Steinberger, 26, has appeared in 17 matches (12 starts) and scored one goal this season for Indy Eleven. He brings a wealth of experience and attacking prowess to the NCFC midfield. 

An All-Big East selection at Butler, Steinberger’s professional career began in 2015 when he was selected in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo. 

From 2015-16, Steinberger made three appearances for Houston, spending most of his time on loan with Indy Eleven and the Jacksonville Armada. 

In 2015, Steinberger scored two goals in 12 matches with the Eleven. A year later, Steinberger tallied four goals in 20 appearances during the 2016 season while on loan with Jacksonville. 

In 2017, Steinberger’s move to the Armada became permanent, and he scored eight goals in 32 games. 

Ahead of the 2018 season, the Long Beach, Calif., native rejoined Indy Eleven, in the city where he played at the collegiate level. 

Steinberger will be available for selection this Saturday, as NCFC hosts its biggest rival in the Charlotte Independence for a Southern Derby match at 7:00 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets for the match are available at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office, by phone at 919.459.8144 or at www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

 

NCFC Roster as of Aug. 24:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Alex Tambakis, Austin Guerrero

DEFENDERS (6): Peabo Doue, Michael Harrington, Connor Tobin, D.J Taylor, Steven Miller, Aarón Guillén

MIDFIELDERS (11): Zach Steinberger, Austin da Luz, Kyle Bekker, Andre Fortune, Wullito Fernandes, Graham Smith, Cameron Steele, Bernard Luxbacher, Marcel Kandziora, Tiyi Shipalane, Nelson Blanco

FORWARDS (3): Donovan Ewolo, Daniel Rios, Marios Lomis

Player Profile:

Name: Zach Steinberger

Position: Midfielder

Jersey Number: 23

Birthdate: 05/10/1992 (Age 26)

Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.

Height: 5’11’

Weight: 169 lbs.

Citizenship: American

College: Butler 

Previous Club: Indy Eleven

Transaction: North Carolina FC acquires midfielder Zach Steinberger on loan from Indy Eleven.

Montclair, N.J. (August 21, 2018) – North Carolina FC battled from behind to level the match on two different occasions to secure a 2-2 draw against New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday night at MSU Soccer Park. The result moves NCFC (8W-9L-7D, 31 points) to just four points away from a playoff spot.
 
The game started quietly, as NCFC sat deep, opting to hold back an eager New York attack. NCFC began to get involved in the attack as the game progressed and created several chances later in the half. However, Marcel Kandziora’s acrobatic attempt in the 28th minute was off target and Daniel Rios’ on-target strike in the 37th minute was saved.
 
On the other side of the field, New York took its chance and scored with a well-placed shot in the 39th minute. José Aguinaga found space from nearly 20 yards out at the top of the box and unleashed a low, pacey effort toward the bottom corner of the goal. Aguinaga’s shot slid just past the outstretched arm of NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis before clipping the post and bouncing into the net.
 
New York’s lead held through halftime, but immediately following the break, NCFC found an equalizer through Daniel Rios in the 46th minute. Scoring his 13th goal of the USL season, Rios was in the right place at the right time. The Mexican loanee tucked home a cross from Kandziora just a few yards out from goal.
 
The score wouldn’t hold long though, as Red Bulls II found another goal just six minutes later. Lucas Stauffer completed a far-post run and chipped Tambakis to restore New York’s lead.
 
Following a red card to New York’s Ben Mines in the 70th minute, forcing Red Bulls II to go down to 10 men, NCFC pressed hard for another goal. 
 
NCFC dominated the rest of the match while searching for the equalizer. The team came close several times as time winded down, but were forced to wait until the 90th minute. The side completed its second comeback of the night and notched the equalizer via Donovan Ewolo. After Marios Lomis forced a diving save from Red Bulls II goalkeeper, Evan Louro, Ewolo cleaned up the rebound to level the match with his third goal of the year.
 
The sides played out the final five minutes of stoppage time without a goal, and NCFC clinched the come-from-behind draw to earn another valuable point in the playoff race.
 
Up Next:
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park following the road trip to take on the Charlotte Independence in a Southern Derby rivalry match on Saturday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.
 
Notes: 
Daniel Rios scored his 13th goal of the season, putting him into a four-way tie for second place in the USL Golden Boot race.
 
Marcel Kandziora notched his first assist of the season on Rios’ goal.
 
Donovan Ewolo scored his third goal of the season.
 
Box Score:
 
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Michael Harrington, Connor Tobin ©, Dj Taylor; Marcel Kandziora (Marios Lomis, 59’), Austin da Luz, Graham Smith (Donovan Ewolo, 87’), Kyle Bekker, Steven Miller (Tiyi Shipalane, 73’); Daniel Rios 
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Dre Fortune, Peabo Doue
 
NYRB II (4-2-3-1): Evan Louro, Allen Yanes, Fidel Escobar, Hassan Ndam, Lucas Stauffer; Steven Echevverria (Christian Casseres Jr., 73’), Christopher Lema; Jared Stroud, Andrew Tinari ©, Jose’ Aguinaga (Wahab Ackwei, 78’); Anatole Abang (Benjamin Mines, 65’)
 
Subs not used:  Kevin Poltz, Scott Levene

Score:
NCFC: 2
NY: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Daniel Rios (Marcel Kandziora, 46’), Donovan Ewolo (unassisted, 90’)
NY: Jose’ Aguinaga (Andrew Tinari, 39’), Lucas Stauffer (Jose’ Aguinaga, 53’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Austin da Luz 43’, Kyle Bekker 61’, Connor Tobin 68’, Graham Smith 76’
NY: Jared Stroud 47’, Christian Casseres Jr. 81’, Lucas Stauffer 88’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
NY: Benjamin Mines 69’
 
Attendance:  781

 

###

Montclair, N.J. (August 21, 2018) – North Carolina FC battled from behind to level the match on two different occasions to secure a 2-2 draw against New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday night at MSU Soccer Park. The result moves NCFC (8W-9L-7D, 31 points) to just four points away from a playoff spot.
 
The game started quietly, as NCFC sat deep, opting to hold back an eager New York attack. NCFC began to get involved in the attack as the game progressed and created several chances later in the half. However, Marcel Kandziora’s acrobatic attempt in the 28th minute was off target and Daniel Rios’ on-target strike in the 37th minute was saved.
 
On the other side of the field, New York took its chance and scored with a well-placed shot in the 39th minute. José Aguinaga found space from nearly 20 yards out at the top of the box and unleashed a low, pacey effort toward the bottom corner of the goal. Aguinaga’s shot slid just past the outstretched arm of NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis before clipping the post and bouncing into the net.
 
New York’s lead held through halftime, but immediately following the break, NCFC found an equalizer through Daniel Rios in the 46th minute. Scoring his 13th goal of the USL season, Rios was in the right place at the right time. The Mexican loanee tucked home a cross from Kandziora just a few yards out from goal.
 
The score wouldn’t hold long though, as Red Bulls II found another goal just six minutes later. Lucas Stauffer completed a far-post run and chipped Tambakis to restore New York’s lead.
 
Following a red card to New York’s Ben Mines in the 70th minute, forcing Red Bulls II to go down to 10 men, NCFC pressed hard for another goal. 
 
NCFC dominated the rest of the match while searching for the equalizer. The team came close several times as time winded down, but were forced to wait until the 90th minute. The side completed its second comeback of the night and notched the equalizer via Donovan Ewolo. After Marios Lomis forced a diving save from Red Bulls II goalkeeper, Evan Louro, Ewolo cleaned up the rebound to level the match with his third goal of the year.
 
The sides played out the final five minutes of stoppage time without a goal, and NCFC clinched the come-from-behind draw to earn another valuable point in the playoff race.
 
Up Next:
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park following the road trip to take on the Charlotte Independence in a Southern Derby rivalry match on Saturday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.
 
Notes: 
Daniel Rios scored his 13th goal of the season, putting him into a four-way tie for second place in the USL Golden Boot race.
 
Marcel Kandziora notched his first assist of the season on Rios’ goal.
 
Donovan Ewolo scored his third goal of the season.
 
Box Score:
 
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Michael Harrington, Connor Tobin ©, Dj Taylor; Marcel Kandziora (Marios Lomis, 59’), Austin da Luz, Graham Smith (Donovan Ewolo, 87’), Kyle Bekker, Steven Miller (Tiyi Shipalane, 73’); Daniel Rios 
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Dre Fortune, Peabo Doue
 
NYRB II (4-2-3-1): Evan Louro, Allen Yanes, Fidel Escobar, Hassan Ndam, Lucas Stauffer; Steven Echevverria (Christian Casseres Jr., 73’), Christopher Lema; Jared Stroud, Andrew Tinari ©, Jose’ Aguinaga (Wahab Ackwei, 78’); Anatole Abang (Benjamin Mines, 65’)
 
Subs not used:  Kevin Poltz, Scott Levene

Score:
NCFC: 2
NY: 2
 
Goals:
NCFC: Daniel Rios (Marcel Kandziora, 46’), Donovan Ewolo (unassisted, 90’)
NY: Jose’ Aguinaga (Andrew Tinari, 39’), Lucas Stauffer (Jose’ Aguinaga, 53’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Austin da Luz 43’, Kyle Bekker 61’, Connor Tobin 68’, Graham Smith 76’
NY: Jared Stroud 47’, Christian Casseres Jr. 81’, Lucas Stauffer 88’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
NY: Benjamin Mines 69’
 
Attendance:  781

 

###

What started out as just a far-fetched idea between childhood friends has quickly spring-boarded into an innovative startup that is aiming to become to the next big soccer lifestyle brand. North Carolina FC midfielder Cameron Steele, NCFC U-23 defender Chase Rhode and longtime friend Bryan Hall have banded together to provide the nation’s first soccer-based subscription box in Peak Footy.

The inaugural box will be shipped out in August with the hope of providing consumers the atmosphere, passion and game-day feel that only soccer can bring, right to their doorstep.   

Their love of the game brought the trio from the Triangle together as youth players. All three played high school and youth soccer together, forming a lasting bond that founded the idea behind Peak Footy.

It was that same love and passion for the game that sent the group their separate ways after high school. For Hall, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs would be the end of his soccer career. Hall is currently attending NC State University, pursuing a Master’s Degree in accounting. Steele and Rhode however would continue their playing careers at the collegiate level, ending up at Penn State and UC Davis, respectively. 

For Steele, graduating from Penn State and being signed to North Carolina FC was the final step in completing his journey through the club’s youth-to-pro pipeline. The pipeline provides a way for players to come up through the NCFC system. Steele played for TFCA (now NCFC Youth) during his youth career and with NCFC U-23 team for three seasons while in college. Similarly, Rhode is also a product of the NCFC system, as he has spent his last four summers with NCFC U-23 and is training with the first team while searching for his first professional contract. 

For as long as the group can remember, they’ve been privy to finding the next great business idea. They can even recall staying up into the early hours of the night during preseason soccer camps, brainstorming ideas and businesses they wanted to implement in the future. With each finding their way back to the Triangle after college, it was no surprise that the trio has launched Peak Footy in what’s sure to be an innovative product for all soccer lovers in the state of North Carolina. 

“The purpose of PeakFooty is to build the support of the game on a cultural level and encourage people to go out and participate and enjoy soccer as part of their life and not just a sport,” explained Steele. “Our goal is to introduce a really cool product to our members and have them really enjoy those products and continue to use them in the future.”

While the majority of subscription boxes aim to simply sell products, PeakFooty strives to give their customers more.  

“For us it’s not just about the box at all. If you look at our Instagram and some of the stuff we’ve put out, it’s truly a lifestyle brand,”says Rhode. 

The box will include items such as soccer apparel, gear and even tickets to matches, and it will be shipped out on a bi-monthly basis. With the first batch of boxes set to go out this month, PeakFooty is not only interested in growing, but growing the right way in the Triangle area with an aim to positively impact the community. 

Although a relatively new company, PeakFooty hopes it’s partnerships with local professional and youth clubs expands the NCFC fan base in the Triangle and incentivizes supporters to fill the stands at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

“We believe once they come and get to know the players and get to know what the atmosphere is like, they’ll fall in love and want to support the team,” said Steele.

He, along with Hall and Rhode, also believe the first step in that expansion is infusing themselves with the youth. PeakFooty takes pride in bridging the gap from kids that are fans of the professional team in Raleigh and help getting those same kids involved with the club from an early age so they can see that their dreams aren’t a far away as they think. 

Getting involved early is something PeakFooty has made a point of and aspires to have a similar long-term impact that a small gesture from a world renowned club had on Rhode in his youth. 

“When I was in the 5th grade, my teacher made the class write a letter to our respective heroes,” said Rhode. “I wrote to Real Madrid and as time went by people weren’t getting stuff back from their heroes and I got one back from Real Madrid and I remember looking at that picture and knowing that would be the team I would support forever. Even to this day, I’m still a fan of Real Madrid so if that’s something we can do with the local youth and beyond, we’re shooting for it.”  

With three ambitious childhood friends at the helm, PeakFooty believes as long as they continue to create candid content mixed with innovative ways to provide the ultimate soccer experience in a box and beyond, the sky’s the limit. 

Those interested in learning more about or partnering with PeakFooty can follow @PeakFooty on Instagram as well as visit PeakFooty.com for news, updates and more.

What started out as just a far-fetched idea between childhood friends has quickly spring-boarded into an innovative startup that is aiming to become to the next big soccer lifestyle brand. North Carolina FC midfielder Cameron Steele, NCFC U-23 defender Chase Rhode and longtime friend Bryan Hall have banded together to provide the nation’s first soccer-based subscription box in Peak Footy.

The inaugural box will be shipped out in August with the hope of providing consumers the atmosphere, passion and game-day feel that only soccer can bring, right to their doorstep.   

Their love of the game brought the trio from the Triangle together as youth players. All three played high school and youth soccer together, forming a lasting bond that founded the idea behind Peak Footy.

It was that same love and passion for the game that sent the group their separate ways after high school. For Hall, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs would be the end of his soccer career. Hall is currently attending NC State University, pursuing a Master’s Degree in accounting. Steele and Rhode however would continue their playing careers at the collegiate level, ending up at Penn State and UC Davis, respectively. 

For Steele, graduating from Penn State and being signed to North Carolina FC was the final step in completing his journey through the club’s youth-to-pro pipeline. The pipeline provides a way for players to come up through the NCFC system. Steele played for TFCA (now NCFC Youth) during his youth career and with NCFC U-23 team for three seasons while in college. Similarly, Rhode is also a product of the NCFC system, as he has spent his last four summers with NCFC U-23 and is training with the first team while searching for his first professional contract. 

For as long as the group can remember, they’ve been privy to finding the next great business idea. They can even recall staying up into the early hours of the night during preseason soccer camps, brainstorming ideas and businesses they wanted to implement in the future. With each finding their way back to the Triangle after college, it was no surprise that the trio has launched Peak Footy in what’s sure to be an innovative product for all soccer lovers in the state of North Carolina. 

“The purpose of PeakFooty is to build the support of the game on a cultural level and encourage people to go out and participate and enjoy soccer as part of their life and not just a sport,” explained Steele. “Our goal is to introduce a really cool product to our members and have them really enjoy those products and continue to use them in the future.”

While the majority of subscription boxes aim to simply sell products, PeakFooty strives to give their customers more.  

“For us it’s not just about the box at all. If you look at our Instagram and some of the stuff we’ve put out, it’s truly a lifestyle brand,”says Rhode. 

The box will include items such as soccer apparel, gear and even tickets to matches, and it will be shipped out on a bi-monthly basis. With the first batch of boxes set to go out this month, PeakFooty is not only interested in growing, but growing the right way in the Triangle area with an aim to positively impact the community. 

Although a relatively new company, PeakFooty hopes it’s partnerships with local professional and youth clubs expands the NCFC fan base in the Triangle and incentivizes supporters to fill the stands at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

“We believe once they come and get to know the players and get to know what the atmosphere is like, they’ll fall in love and want to support the team,” said Steele.

He, along with Hall and Rhode, also believe the first step in that expansion is infusing themselves with the youth. PeakFooty takes pride in bridging the gap from kids that are fans of the professional team in Raleigh and help getting those same kids involved with the club from an early age so they can see that their dreams aren’t a far away as they think. 

Getting involved early is something PeakFooty has made a point of and aspires to have a similar long-term impact that a small gesture from a world renowned club had on Rhode in his youth. 

“When I was in the 5th grade, my teacher made the class write a letter to our respective heroes,” said Rhode. “I wrote to Real Madrid and as time went by people weren’t getting stuff back from their heroes and I got one back from Real Madrid and I remember looking at that picture and knowing that would be the team I would support forever. Even to this day, I’m still a fan of Real Madrid so if that’s something we can do with the local youth and beyond, we’re shooting for it.”  

With three ambitious childhood friends at the helm, PeakFooty believes as long as they continue to create candid content mixed with innovative ways to provide the ultimate soccer experience in a box and beyond, the sky’s the limit. 

Those interested in learning more about or partnering with PeakFooty can follow @PeakFooty on Instagram as well as visit PeakFooty.com for news, updates and more.

CARY, N.C. (Aug, 21, 2018) – North Carolina FC has announced that goalkeeper George Marks is no longer on the official team roster. Marks departed NCFC earlier this summer to start his college career with Clemson.

Marks was a member of the NCFC first team for the last two seasons, where he trained and developed, while maintaining his amateur status. Additionally, the young goalkeeper played a major role in the success of NCFC U-23 during the 2018 season, totaling 630 minutes in seven starts between the posts.

Marks is ingrained in NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline and is a product of NCFC Youth Academy, where he featured for various Academy teams over the last four years. The Raleigh native totaled 62 appearances for the Academy.

Marks and the Tigers will begin their season on Friday, Aug. 24 in Omaha Neb., as the team takes on Creighton in the official season opener. North Carolina FC wishes George all the best in his freshman campaign.

CARY, N.C. (Aug, 21, 2018) – North Carolina FC has announced that goalkeeper George Marks is no longer on the official team roster. Marks departed NCFC earlier this summer to start his college career with Clemson.

Marks was a member of the NCFC first team for the last two seasons, where he trained and developed, while maintaining his amateur status. Additionally, the young goalkeeper played a major role in the success of NCFC U-23 during the 2018 season, totaling 630 minutes in seven starts between the posts.

Marks is ingrained in NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline and is a product of NCFC Youth Academy, where he featured for various Academy teams over the last four years. The Raleigh native totaled 62 appearances for the Academy.

Marks and the Tigers will begin their season on Friday, Aug. 24 in Omaha Neb., as the team takes on Creighton in the official season opener. North Carolina FC wishes George all the best in his freshman campaign.

CARY, N.C. (August 20, 2018) – North Carolina FC will complete its three-game road trip by traveling to MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J., for a midweek clash with New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday at 7 p.m. This is the first-ever matchup between the two teams.

New York features a high-powered attack that leads the USL in shots and goals scored, with 52 goals on 436 shots. Red Bulls II excel at home where they have scored 41 goals in 13 matches (9W-3L-1D). However, this exciting brand of soccer can leave them susceptible to conceding goals as evidenced by the team’s thrilling 6-4 defeat at home to Louisville City FC in the last match. New York has given up 42 goals in its first 24 USL matches.

Despite the loss to Louisville City FC, Red Bulls II have earned points in six of its last eight matches to remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The team recently lost its second-highest scorer in forward Brian White, who signed an MLS contract with the Red Bulls first team on August 4. However, plenty of firepower remains in the lineup. Red Bulls II have scored four goals or more in seven of its 13 home matches.

NCFC enters the match on the heels of a 3-2 defeat to Indy Eleven that snapped a six-game unbeaten streak. The three goals given up were uncharacteristic of a defense that conceded just four goals during the streak. The team hopes to reclaim its defensive mojo against the dynamic New York attack.

NCFC wraps up the road trip with an opportunity to end it on a high note. A result in New York could move the team ever closer to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Last Time Out:
NCFC dropped a tough 3-2 result on the road against Indy Eleven last Wednesday night. The team fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the first half to tie the match at 2-2, but surrendered the winner in the 90th minute of the match. NCFC was unbeaten in its last six coming into the match.

Players to Watch:
#36 Andrew Tinari
Tinari is in his second season with Red Bulls II following a four-year career at Columbia University, where he earned All-Ivy Team honors three years in a row.  He leads the team in starts and appearances with 21 starts in 23 appearances thus far. The midfielder is one of the biggest threats in the New York attack. Tinari has seven goals and three assists this season, while leading the team with 74 chances created – double the number of chances created by any other Red Bulls II player. He scored the team’s opening goal in the last match against Louisville City FC.

#31 Steven Miller
Miller, one of the most experienced players on the NCFC roster, has been productive in his fourth season with the club. The versatile midfielder has two goals and three assists on the season. In addition, Miller ranks at or near the top of many defensive categories; proving to be a tremendous help to the NCFC backline. Miller sparked an important victory to begin a three-game road trip with an assist on the team’s opening goal in the 2-0 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Aug. 11.  His versatility could be key against a strong New York Red Bulls II squad.

Coming Up Next:
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park following the road trip to take on the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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CARY, N.C. (August 20, 2018) – North Carolina FC will complete its three-game road trip by traveling to MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J., for a midweek clash with New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday at 7 p.m. This is the first-ever matchup between the two teams.

New York features a high-powered attack that leads the USL in shots and goals scored, with 52 goals on 436 shots. Red Bulls II excel at home where they have scored 41 goals in 13 matches (9W-3L-1D). However, this exciting brand of soccer can leave them susceptible to conceding goals as evidenced by the team’s thrilling 6-4 defeat at home to Louisville City FC in the last match. New York has given up 42 goals in its first 24 USL matches.

Despite the loss to Louisville City FC, Red Bulls II have earned points in six of its last eight matches to remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The team recently lost its second-highest scorer in forward Brian White, who signed an MLS contract with the Red Bulls first team on August 4. However, plenty of firepower remains in the lineup. Red Bulls II have scored four goals or more in seven of its 13 home matches.

NCFC enters the match on the heels of a 3-2 defeat to Indy Eleven that snapped a six-game unbeaten streak. The three goals given up were uncharacteristic of a defense that conceded just four goals during the streak. The team hopes to reclaim its defensive mojo against the dynamic New York attack.

NCFC wraps up the road trip with an opportunity to end it on a high note. A result in New York could move the team ever closer to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Last Time Out:
NCFC dropped a tough 3-2 result on the road against Indy Eleven last Wednesday night. The team fought back from a 2-0 deficit in the first half to tie the match at 2-2, but surrendered the winner in the 90th minute of the match. NCFC was unbeaten in its last six coming into the match.

Players to Watch:
#36 Andrew Tinari
Tinari is in his second season with Red Bulls II following a four-year career at Columbia University, where he earned All-Ivy Team honors three years in a row.  He leads the team in starts and appearances with 21 starts in 23 appearances thus far. The midfielder is one of the biggest threats in the New York attack. Tinari has seven goals and three assists this season, while leading the team with 74 chances created – double the number of chances created by any other Red Bulls II player. He scored the team’s opening goal in the last match against Louisville City FC.

#31 Steven Miller
Miller, one of the most experienced players on the NCFC roster, has been productive in his fourth season with the club. The versatile midfielder has two goals and three assists on the season. In addition, Miller ranks at or near the top of many defensive categories; proving to be a tremendous help to the NCFC backline. Miller sparked an important victory to begin a three-game road trip with an assist on the team’s opening goal in the 2-0 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Aug. 11.  His versatility could be key against a strong New York Red Bulls II squad.

Coming Up Next:
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park following the road trip to take on the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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INDIANAPOLIS (August 15, 2018) –North Carolina FC came back to level the match from a 2-0 deficit, but a 90th-minute goal sealed the victory for the Indy Eleven on Wednesday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.
 
NCFC (8W-9L-6D, 30 points) dominated play for most of the match, out-possessing Indy 56.9-43.1 percent and holding a 24-15 advantage in shots, but clinical finishing from the home side allowed Indy to snatch all three points from the contest, ending NCFC’s six-match unbeaten run. 
 
NCFC was forced to fight back against an early deficit as Indy’s Eugene Starikov struck in the seventh minute to take a 1-0 lead. Starikov finished off a cross from Jack McInerney from a few yards out for the goal.
 
Despite giving up the early tally, NCFC showed strong resolve to find the equalizer. In the 21st minute, NCFC’s pressure nearly paid off. Marcel Kandziora was the beneficiary of some excellent buildup play and unleashed a shot that slid under Indy goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, but a goal-line clearance from Carlyle Mitchell kept the ball out of the back of net.
 
In the 29th minute, Kandziora had another excellent chance that unfortunately went inches past the post and out of play.
 
Just minutes later, Indy doubled their advantage with a strike from distance. Ben Speas, the former UNC-Chapel Hill player, unleashed a rocket from 28 yards out. His shot flew into the top corner of the net, giving Indy a 2-0 lead. 
 
Despite going down two goals, NCFC fought hard to get back into the match and was rewarded in the final stages of the first half. Off a free kick, Kyle Bekker dipped his shot over the wall and into the bottom corner of the net for his third goal of the season.
 
Following the restart for the second half, the visitors dominated possession and chances throughout before turning the momentum into a goal. Wuilito Fernandes, who entered the match in the 74th minute, set up Marios Lomis in the 77th minute to level the match. Fernandes flicked a perfectly-weighted ball into the path of Lomis, who headed home his fifth goal of the season.
 
After scoring two unanswered goals, NCFC seemed to have the momentum and pushed for a game-winning goal. However, in the dying moments of the match, the Indy Eleven crafted a final look at goal. After a corner kick left the ball bouncing on the turf, Juan Guerra took control of the loose ball. From just a few yards out, the wide-open Guerra tucked his shot into the corner of the net to give Indy the lead for good.
 
NCFC pushed numbers forward for a final attacking chance, but a stoppage-time goal wasn’t on the cards, as Indy walked away with the victory.
 
Up Next: 
NCFC concludes its road swing with a visit to New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be played at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J. The two teams have never met before.
 
Notes: 
NCFC Youth Academy products Dre Fortune and DJ Taylor both featured in the Starting XI.
 
Kyle Bekker tallied his third goal of the season off a free kick in the first half.
 
Marios Lomis scored his fifth league goal of the season off an assist from Wuilito Fernandes.
 
Indy’s roster featured a few familiar names as former Carolina RailHawks player Matt Watson captained Indy and Ben Speas, a former UNC-Chapel Hill player, also started in Indy’s lineup. Additionally, another former RailHawk, Brad Rusin, is a member of Indy Eleven’s roster, but was not selected to the team sheet. 
 
NCFC also faced a former coach in current Indy head coach Martin Rennie, who spent 2009-11 as the head coach of the Carolina RailHawks.
 
Box Score:

IND (4-4-2): Owain Fon Williams; Ayoze, Kevin Venegas, Reiner Ferreira, Carlyle Mitchell; Nico Matern, Juan Guerra, Benjamin Speas (Seth Moses, 62’), Matt Watson ©; Eugene Starikov (Elliot Collier, 84’), Jack McInerney (Soony Saad, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Ben Lundgaard, Brad Ring, Karl Ouimette, Zach Steinberger

NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Michael Harrington, Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Marcel Kandziora (Wuilito Fernandes, 74’), Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Kyle Bekker, Steven Miller (Marios Lomis, 46’); Donovan Ewolo (Daniel Rios, 87’)
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Tiyi Shipalane, Cameron Steele, Peabo Doue
 
Score:
IND: 3
NCFC: 2
 
Goals:
IND: Eugene Starikov (Jack McInerney, 7’), Benjamin Speas (Unassisted, 31’), Juan Guerra (Unassisted, 90’)
NCFC: Kyle Bekker (Unassisted, 45’+1), Marios Lomis (Wuilito Fernandes, 77’)
 
Cautions:
IND: Carlyle Mitchell 45’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 9,023
 

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INDIANAPOLIS (August 15, 2018) –North Carolina FC came back to level the match from a 2-0 deficit, but a 90th-minute goal sealed the victory for the Indy Eleven on Wednesday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.
 
NCFC (8W-9L-6D, 30 points) dominated play for most of the match, out-possessing Indy 56.9-43.1 percent and holding a 24-15 advantage in shots, but clinical finishing from the home side allowed Indy to snatch all three points from the contest, ending NCFC’s six-match unbeaten run. 
 
NCFC was forced to fight back against an early deficit as Indy’s Eugene Starikov struck in the seventh minute to take a 1-0 lead. Starikov finished off a cross from Jack McInerney from a few yards out for the goal.
 
Despite giving up the early tally, NCFC showed strong resolve to find the equalizer. In the 21st minute, NCFC’s pressure nearly paid off. Marcel Kandziora was the beneficiary of some excellent buildup play and unleashed a shot that slid under Indy goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, but a goal-line clearance from Carlyle Mitchell kept the ball out of the back of net.
 
In the 29th minute, Kandziora had another excellent chance that unfortunately went inches past the post and out of play.
 
Just minutes later, Indy doubled their advantage with a strike from distance. Ben Speas, the former UNC-Chapel Hill player, unleashed a rocket from 28 yards out. His shot flew into the top corner of the net, giving Indy a 2-0 lead. 
 
Despite going down two goals, NCFC fought hard to get back into the match and was rewarded in the final stages of the first half. Off a free kick, Kyle Bekker dipped his shot over the wall and into the bottom corner of the net for his third goal of the season.
 
Following the restart for the second half, the visitors dominated possession and chances throughout before turning the momentum into a goal. Wuilito Fernandes, who entered the match in the 74th minute, set up Marios Lomis in the 77th minute to level the match. Fernandes flicked a perfectly-weighted ball into the path of Lomis, who headed home his fifth goal of the season.
 
After scoring two unanswered goals, NCFC seemed to have the momentum and pushed for a game-winning goal. However, in the dying moments of the match, the Indy Eleven crafted a final look at goal. After a corner kick left the ball bouncing on the turf, Juan Guerra took control of the loose ball. From just a few yards out, the wide-open Guerra tucked his shot into the corner of the net to give Indy the lead for good.
 
NCFC pushed numbers forward for a final attacking chance, but a stoppage-time goal wasn’t on the cards, as Indy walked away with the victory.
 
Up Next: 
NCFC concludes its road swing with a visit to New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be played at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J. The two teams have never met before.
 
Notes: 
NCFC Youth Academy products Dre Fortune and DJ Taylor both featured in the Starting XI.
 
Kyle Bekker tallied his third goal of the season off a free kick in the first half.
 
Marios Lomis scored his fifth league goal of the season off an assist from Wuilito Fernandes.
 
Indy’s roster featured a few familiar names as former Carolina RailHawks player Matt Watson captained Indy and Ben Speas, a former UNC-Chapel Hill player, also started in Indy’s lineup. Additionally, another former RailHawk, Brad Rusin, is a member of Indy Eleven’s roster, but was not selected to the team sheet. 
 
NCFC also faced a former coach in current Indy head coach Martin Rennie, who spent 2009-11 as the head coach of the Carolina RailHawks.
 
Box Score:

IND (4-4-2): Owain Fon Williams; Ayoze, Kevin Venegas, Reiner Ferreira, Carlyle Mitchell; Nico Matern, Juan Guerra, Benjamin Speas (Seth Moses, 62’), Matt Watson ©; Eugene Starikov (Elliot Collier, 84’), Jack McInerney (Soony Saad, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Ben Lundgaard, Brad Ring, Karl Ouimette, Zach Steinberger

NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Michael Harrington, Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Marcel Kandziora (Wuilito Fernandes, 74’), Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Kyle Bekker, Steven Miller (Marios Lomis, 46’); Donovan Ewolo (Daniel Rios, 87’)
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Tiyi Shipalane, Cameron Steele, Peabo Doue
 
Score:
IND: 3
NCFC: 2
 
Goals:
IND: Eugene Starikov (Jack McInerney, 7’), Benjamin Speas (Unassisted, 31’), Juan Guerra (Unassisted, 90’)
NCFC: Kyle Bekker (Unassisted, 45’+1), Marios Lomis (Wuilito Fernandes, 77’)
 
Cautions:
IND: Carlyle Mitchell 45’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 9,023
 

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MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. INDY ELEVEN
LUCAS OIL STADIUM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 – 7:00 PM ET
 
DIGITAL: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #INDvNC
 
CARY, N.C. (August 14, 2018) – North Carolina FC will aim for a second road victory in as many games when it faces Indy Eleven Wednesday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at 7 p.m. ET. 
 
Currently working on a six-game undefeated streak, NCFC (8W-8L-6D, 30 points) on Saturday started a pivotal three-game road trip with a 2-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. With the win, NCFC is up to 10th place in the USL’s Eastern Conference, two points back of a playoff spot. 
 
Another crucial match awaits, as coach Colin Clarke’s team prepares to face another club right in the thick of things in the playoff race. After drawing Louisville City FC 2-2 in its latest match on Aug. 5, Indy (9W-7L-5D, 32 points) holds eighth place in the Eastern Conference, the final playoff spot. 
 
In the draw against Louisville, Indy relied on Jack McInerney to provide the goals, as the first-year member of the team scored twice, in the 16th and 21st minutes. McInerney, who most recently played for the LA Galaxy, before joining Indy, has scored a team-high six goals in 17 matches. 
 
In addition to McInerney, Indy has counted on Ayoze Garcia Perez in its attack. A former member of the New York Cosmos from 2013-17, Ayoze is second on his team with four goals and his five assists are tied for the ninth-most in the Eastern Conference. 
 
Coached by first-year boss Martin Rennie, former coach of the then-Carolina RailHawks from 2009-11, Indy ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference in fewest goals conceded (25). 
 
The two teams last met in April, with NCFC finding itself on the wrong end of a 1-0 result on a chilly and rainy Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 
 
Last Time Out: 
After a strong first-half performance from goalkeeper Alex Tambakis kept the game scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, NCFC scored twice in the second half against Tampa to earn its third road victory of the season. 

Midfielder Marcel Kandziora opened up the scoring for NCFC with a 65th minute goal, his second of the year. Unmarked in the box, Kandziora leaped and headed home a cross from midfielder Steven Miller. 
 
Thirteen minutes later, in the 78th minute, midfielder Kyle Bekker and forward Daniel Rios teamed up to double NCFC’s advantage. The beneficiary of a precise, low-to-the-ground cross from Bekker, Rios netted his 12th goal of the year from just a few yards out, a strike that gave NCFC the breathing room it needed to comfortably close out the game’s final minutes. Rios’ dozen goals are the second-most in the USL, and Bekker is the league’s co-leader in assists with 10. 

Players to Watch: 
North Carolina FC – #14 Daniel Rios
For both Rios and NCFC, the Aguascalientes, Mexico, native’s loan spell in Cary is yielding great results. Rios, of Chivas Guadalajara in Liga MX, has cemented his spot in Clarke’s starting lineup thanks to his ability to make the most of his scoring chances. Happy to be finding regular playing time and up to the challenge of adapting to a new style of play in the USL, Rios leads NCFC in scoring with 12 goals, and only three players in the league have found the back of the net more than he has. Fresh off a goal against Tampa, Rios will be hoping to score in consecutive games for the third time this season when NCFC faces Indy. Rios hit the crossbar twice in NCFC’s previous match against Indy in April. 

Indy Eleven – #99 Jack McInerney 
McInerney is only 26 years old, but the forward has brought ample experience and skill to Indy in his first season with the club. Apart from a brief loan spell with the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2010, McInerney played exclusively in MLS from 2010-17. McInerney scored 43 goals in 175 matches with the Philadelphia Union, Montreal Impact, Columbus Crew SC, Portland Timbers and LA Galaxy. So it’s no surprise that McInerney leads Indy with six goals, or that he’s been dependable for Rennie, his coach. Prior to scoring both of Indy’s goals last time out against Louisville City, McInerney notched an 86th-minute game-winner in Indy’s 1-0 triumph at Bethlehem Steel.

Coming Up Next: 
NCFC concludes its road swing with a visit to New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be played at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J. The two teams have never met before. 
 

 

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MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. INDY ELEVEN
LUCAS OIL STADIUM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 – 7:00 PM ET
 
DIGITAL: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #INDvNC
 
CARY, N.C. (August 14, 2018) – North Carolina FC will aim for a second road victory in as many games when it faces Indy Eleven Wednesday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at 7 p.m. ET. 
 
Currently working on a six-game undefeated streak, NCFC (8W-8L-6D, 30 points) on Saturday started a pivotal three-game road trip with a 2-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. With the win, NCFC is up to 10th place in the USL’s Eastern Conference, two points back of a playoff spot. 
 
Another crucial match awaits, as coach Colin Clarke’s team prepares to face another club right in the thick of things in the playoff race. After drawing Louisville City FC 2-2 in its latest match on Aug. 5, Indy (9W-7L-5D, 32 points) holds eighth place in the Eastern Conference, the final playoff spot. 
 
In the draw against Louisville, Indy relied on Jack McInerney to provide the goals, as the first-year member of the team scored twice, in the 16th and 21st minutes. McInerney, who most recently played for the LA Galaxy, before joining Indy, has scored a team-high six goals in 17 matches. 
 
In addition to McInerney, Indy has counted on Ayoze Garcia Perez in its attack. A former member of the New York Cosmos from 2013-17, Ayoze is second on his team with four goals and his five assists are tied for the ninth-most in the Eastern Conference. 
 
Coached by first-year boss Martin Rennie, former coach of the then-Carolina RailHawks from 2009-11, Indy ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference in fewest goals conceded (25). 
 
The two teams last met in April, with NCFC finding itself on the wrong end of a 1-0 result on a chilly and rainy Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 
 
Last Time Out: 
After a strong first-half performance from goalkeeper Alex Tambakis kept the game scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, NCFC scored twice in the second half against Tampa to earn its third road victory of the season. 

Midfielder Marcel Kandziora opened up the scoring for NCFC with a 65th minute goal, his second of the year. Unmarked in the box, Kandziora leaped and headed home a cross from midfielder Steven Miller. 
 
Thirteen minutes later, in the 78th minute, midfielder Kyle Bekker and forward Daniel Rios teamed up to double NCFC’s advantage. The beneficiary of a precise, low-to-the-ground cross from Bekker, Rios netted his 12th goal of the year from just a few yards out, a strike that gave NCFC the breathing room it needed to comfortably close out the game’s final minutes. Rios’ dozen goals are the second-most in the USL, and Bekker is the league’s co-leader in assists with 10. 

Players to Watch: 
North Carolina FC – #14 Daniel Rios
For both Rios and NCFC, the Aguascalientes, Mexico, native’s loan spell in Cary is yielding great results. Rios, of Chivas Guadalajara in Liga MX, has cemented his spot in Clarke’s starting lineup thanks to his ability to make the most of his scoring chances. Happy to be finding regular playing time and up to the challenge of adapting to a new style of play in the USL, Rios leads NCFC in scoring with 12 goals, and only three players in the league have found the back of the net more than he has. Fresh off a goal against Tampa, Rios will be hoping to score in consecutive games for the third time this season when NCFC faces Indy. Rios hit the crossbar twice in NCFC’s previous match against Indy in April. 

Indy Eleven – #99 Jack McInerney 
McInerney is only 26 years old, but the forward has brought ample experience and skill to Indy in his first season with the club. Apart from a brief loan spell with the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2010, McInerney played exclusively in MLS from 2010-17. McInerney scored 43 goals in 175 matches with the Philadelphia Union, Montreal Impact, Columbus Crew SC, Portland Timbers and LA Galaxy. So it’s no surprise that McInerney leads Indy with six goals, or that he’s been dependable for Rennie, his coach. Prior to scoring both of Indy’s goals last time out against Louisville City, McInerney notched an 86th-minute game-winner in Indy’s 1-0 triumph at Bethlehem Steel.

Coming Up Next: 
NCFC concludes its road swing with a visit to New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be played at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J. The two teams have never met before. 
 

 

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