News Collector

Birmingham, AL (September 26, 2020) – North Carolina FC earned a valuable win over Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Field on Saturday night behind two first-half goals from Manny Perez and Dre Fortune. Perez’s goal was his first of the 2020 season and the earliest goal scored by an NCFC player this season.  

North Carolina FC started their attack early, eager to gain an advantage over the Legion in the opening minutes of the match. With a Birmingham defender gaining on him from behind, Marios Lomis dropped a pass to Ben Speas just outside the eighteen. Cutting the ball towards his right foot, Speas lofted a cross into the box, meeting the foot of Manny Perez. On his first touch, Perez redirected the cross, volleying the ball past Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel and into the lower ninety, notching a goal to give NCFC a 1-0 lead. Perez was named the Coastal Credit Union Man of the Match for the second consecutive week. 

Later, Pecka was fouled by Birmingham defender Alex Crognale in the box. As a result of the call, North Carolina FC earned a penalty kick and a chance to extend their lead. Dre Fortune took the kick, burying a shot into the right corner of the net and past Van Oekel, who dove left in an attempt to make the save. The goal was Fortune’s fifth of the season, bringing NCFC’s lead to 2-0 after only 26 minutes of play. 

In the 67th minute, Birmingham was awarded a corner kick that was taken by Bruno Lapa. During a scramble in front of the NCFC net, Birmingham forward JJ Williams dropped the ball back to Lapa, who drove another cross into the box. The cross found midfielder Jaden Servania, who scored to cut NCFC’s lead in half. 

Paulo Pita recorded his first professional start in tonight’s contest, logging two key saves in the final minutes of the match to maintain NCFC’s lead. Pita’s effort in goal robbed the Legion of two scoring opportunities when Van Oekel abandoned the net to give Birmingham an extra man in the box. Despite the Legion’s desperate attempts to earn an equalizer, NCFC held onto the lead to secure the victory. With the win, NCFC keeps their playoff hopes alive. 

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will return home to face off against the Charlotte Independence at WakeMed Soccer Park next Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. ET. 

Notes:

• Paulo Pita earned his first professional start and his first start in goal for NCFC.

• Manny Perez scored his first goal of the 2020 season during the match and the earliest goal scored by NCFC this season (7’). 

• Ben Speas captained NCFC in the match.

• NCFC Youth Academy products Alex Comsia, Conor Donovan, Dre Fortune, Manny Perez, and DJ Taylor started the match for NCFC.

Box Score:

BHM (4-5-1): Matt Van Oekel ©; Alex Crognale, Mikey Lopez, Razak Cromwell (Anderson Asiedu, 37’), Boluwatife Akinyode (Brian Wright, 88); Jonathan Dean, Bruno Lapa, Eli Crognale (Jaden Servania, 63’), Prosper Kasim, JJ Williams; Neco Brett

Subs Not Used: Jacob Rufe, Trevor Spangenberg, Daigo Kobayashi, Josh Bauer

NC: (4-5-1): Paulo Pita; DJ Taylor, Alex Comsia, Conor Donovan, Akeem Ward; Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez (Daniele Proch, 83’), Dre Fortune (Sam Brotherton, 83’), Ben Speas © (Hadji Barry, 64’); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 72’)

Subs Not Used: Shane De Leon, Malick Mbaye, Alex Tambakis

Score:

BHM: 1

NC: 2

Goals:

BHM: Jaden Servania (Bruno Lapa, 67’)

NC: Manny Perez (Ben Speas, 7’), Dre Fortune (penalty, 26’)

Cautions:

BHM: Razak Cromwell (23’), JJ Williams (87’)

NC: Manny Perez (37’), Robert Kristo (90’)

Ejections:

BHM: —

NC: —

Birmingham, AL (September 26, 2020) – North Carolina FC earned a valuable win over Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Field on Saturday night behind two first-half goals from Manny Perez and Dre Fortune. Perez’s goal was his first of the 2020 season and the earliest goal scored by an NCFC player this season.  

North Carolina FC started their attack early, eager to gain an advantage over the Legion in the opening minutes of the match. With a Birmingham defender gaining on him from behind, Marios Lomis dropped a pass to Ben Speas just outside the eighteen. Cutting the ball towards his right foot, Speas lofted a cross into the box, meeting the foot of Manny Perez. On his first touch, Perez redirected the cross, volleying the ball past Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel and into the lower ninety, notching a goal to give NCFC a 1-0 lead. Perez was named the Coastal Credit Union Man of the Match for the second consecutive week. 

Later, Pecka was fouled by Birmingham defender Alex Crognale in the box. As a result of the call, North Carolina FC earned a penalty kick and a chance to extend their lead. Dre Fortune took the kick, burying a shot into the right corner of the net and past Van Oekel, who dove left in an attempt to make the save. The goal was Fortune’s fifth of the season, bringing NCFC’s lead to 2-0 after only 26 minutes of play. 

In the 67th minute, Birmingham was awarded a corner kick that was taken by Bruno Lapa. During a scramble in front of the NCFC net, Birmingham forward JJ Williams dropped the ball back to Lapa, who drove another cross into the box. The cross found midfielder Jaden Servania, who scored to cut NCFC’s lead in half. 

Paulo Pita recorded his first professional start in tonight’s contest, logging two key saves in the final minutes of the match to maintain NCFC’s lead. Pita’s effort in goal robbed the Legion of two scoring opportunities when Van Oekel abandoned the net to give Birmingham an extra man in the box. Despite the Legion’s desperate attempts to earn an equalizer, NCFC held onto the lead to secure the victory. With the win, NCFC keeps their playoff hopes alive. 

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will return home to face off against the Charlotte Independence at WakeMed Soccer Park next Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. ET. 

Notes:

• Paulo Pita earned his first professional start and his first start in goal for NCFC.

• Manny Perez scored his first goal of the 2020 season during the match and the earliest goal scored by NCFC this season (7’). 

• Ben Speas captained NCFC in the match.

• NCFC Youth Academy products Alex Comsia, Conor Donovan, Dre Fortune, Manny Perez, and DJ Taylor started the match for NCFC.

Box Score:

BHM (4-5-1): Matt Van Oekel ©; Alex Crognale, Mikey Lopez, Razak Cromwell (Anderson Asiedu, 37’), Boluwatife Akinyode (Brian Wright, 88); Jonathan Dean, Bruno Lapa, Eli Crognale (Jaden Servania, 63’), Prosper Kasim, JJ Williams; Neco Brett

Subs Not Used: Jacob Rufe, Trevor Spangenberg, Daigo Kobayashi, Josh Bauer

NC: (4-5-1): Paulo Pita; DJ Taylor, Alex Comsia, Conor Donovan, Akeem Ward; Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez (Daniele Proch, 83’), Dre Fortune (Sam Brotherton, 83’), Ben Speas © (Hadji Barry, 64’); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 72’)

Subs Not Used: Shane De Leon, Malick Mbaye, Alex Tambakis

Score:

BHM: 1

NC: 2

Goals:

BHM: Jaden Servania (Bruno Lapa, 67’)

NC: Manny Perez (Ben Speas, 7’), Dre Fortune (penalty, 26’)

Cautions:

BHM: Razak Cromwell (23’), JJ Williams (87’)

NC: Manny Perez (37’), Robert Kristo (90’)

Ejections:

BHM: —

NC: —

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced today that, due to the combination of multiple covered persons in the Loudoun United FC organization testing positive for COVID-19 and the lack of rescheduling windows available in advance of the 2020 Championship playoffs, the club’s remaining three matches against the Charleston Battery, New York Red Bulls II and North Carolina FC have been cancelled.

When a single team cannot play its full 16 game schedule, the points per game model voted on by the USL Championship Board of Governors will be applied to the remaining matches unable to be played. 

The league will continue to work with the Competition Strategy Committee on any situations that directly impact playoff qualification and is looking for the opportunity for NCFC to play a 15th and 16th game. 

To see where all 35 Championship clubs stand in the race for the playoffs, visit the Group standings page. All available information on the 2020 Championship playoffs schedule and format can be found here.

For the first time in league history, the Championship Final will air live on ESPN on Sunday, November 1, as announced on Wednesday, September 23.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced today that, due to the combination of multiple covered persons in the Loudoun United FC organization testing positive for COVID-19 and the lack of rescheduling windows available in advance of the 2020 Championship playoffs, the club’s remaining three matches against the Charleston Battery, New York Red Bulls II and North Carolina FC have been cancelled.

When a single team cannot play its full 16 game schedule, the points per game model voted on by the USL Championship Board of Governors will be applied to the remaining matches unable to be played. 

The league will continue to work with the Competition Strategy Committee on any situations that directly impact playoff qualification and is looking for the opportunity for NCFC to play a 15th and 16th game. 

To see where all 35 Championship clubs stand in the race for the playoffs, visit the Group standings page. All available information on the 2020 Championship playoffs schedule and format can be found here.

For the first time in league history, the Championship Final will air live on ESPN on Sunday, November 1, as announced on Wednesday, September 23.

Match Info:

North Carolina FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Saturday, September 26 – 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN+

Cary, NC (September 24, 2020) – North Carolina FC will travel to face Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Alabama this Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will air on ESPN+. 

Previously, North Carolina FC fell to the Charlotte Independence in a physical game that saw two red cards and eight yellow cards administered between the two teams. A goal in the early minutes of the second half won the match for Charlotte, 1-0. Despite maintaining 60% of possession and boasting 85% passing accuracy throughout the match, NCFC was unable to find the net as the final minutes ticked away. NCFC will look to bounce back in Saturday’s match against the Legion. 

Birmingham Legion FC defeated Miami FC last Wednesday. Forward Neco Brett and defender Alex Crognale each scored a brace during the match to seal the 4-0 victory. The Legion currently sit atop the standings in Group G of the USL Championship league with 25 points. 

In the last meeting between the two teams, North Carolina FC topped Birmingham Legion FC 2-1. In the 24th minute, Hadji Barry played a ball to Nazmi Albadawi who scored from outside the box to give NCFC the lead midway through the first half. Prosper Kasim recorded a goal for Birmingham in the 59th minute to tie the match. A minute later, Dre Fortune earned a penalty kick and scored to put NCFC up 2-1. As the clock wound down, Birmingham scrambled for the equalizer and was eventually awarded a penalty kick in the 90th minute. Alex Tambakis came up big for NCFC, making the save to secure three points. 

Players to Watch Presented by Aetna:

North Carolina FC – #2 Manny Perez

Playing 646 minutes in 11 games for NCFC, Perez has proven his talents both defensively and offensively and boasts an 85.6% passing success rate. Perez will look to capitalize on his ability to distribute the ball this Saturday, making him a key player in NCFC’s attacking strategy. 

Birmingham Legion FC – #21 Alex Crognale

Scoring two goals in Birmingham’s last match, Crognale will look to create scoring chances for the Legion in Saturday’s contest. Known for his abilities on defense and experience in both the MLS and the USL, Crognale is a key asset to Birmingham’s backline. 

Match Info:

North Carolina FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Saturday, September 26 – 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN+

Cary, NC (September 24, 2020) – North Carolina FC will travel to face Birmingham Legion FC at BBVA Field in Birmingham, Alabama this Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will air on ESPN+. 

Previously, North Carolina FC fell to the Charlotte Independence in a physical game that saw two red cards and eight yellow cards administered between the two teams. A goal in the early minutes of the second half won the match for Charlotte, 1-0. Despite maintaining 60% of possession and boasting 85% passing accuracy throughout the match, NCFC was unable to find the net as the final minutes ticked away. NCFC will look to bounce back in Saturday’s match against the Legion. 

Birmingham Legion FC defeated Miami FC last Wednesday. Forward Neco Brett and defender Alex Crognale each scored a brace during the match to seal the 4-0 victory. The Legion currently sit atop the standings in Group G of the USL Championship league with 25 points. 

In the last meeting between the two teams, North Carolina FC topped Birmingham Legion FC 2-1. In the 24th minute, Hadji Barry played a ball to Nazmi Albadawi who scored from outside the box to give NCFC the lead midway through the first half. Prosper Kasim recorded a goal for Birmingham in the 59th minute to tie the match. A minute later, Dre Fortune earned a penalty kick and scored to put NCFC up 2-1. As the clock wound down, Birmingham scrambled for the equalizer and was eventually awarded a penalty kick in the 90th minute. Alex Tambakis came up big for NCFC, making the save to secure three points. 

Players to Watch Presented by Aetna:

North Carolina FC – #2 Manny Perez

Playing 646 minutes in 11 games for NCFC, Perez has proven his talents both defensively and offensively and boasts an 85.6% passing success rate. Perez will look to capitalize on his ability to distribute the ball this Saturday, making him a key player in NCFC’s attacking strategy. 

Birmingham Legion FC – #21 Alex Crognale

Scoring two goals in Birmingham’s last match, Crognale will look to create scoring chances for the Legion in Saturday’s contest. Known for his abilities on defense and experience in both the MLS and the USL, Crognale is a key asset to Birmingham’s backline. 

Cary, NC (September 23, 2020)- The North Carolina Football Club has collaborated with NCFC defender DJ Taylor and his clothing brand DJKT Apparel to launch a Black Lives Matter t-shirt in an effort to raise money in support of BLM. All of the proceeds from the shirt sales will go to the BLM Global Network Foundation, whose mission is to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities. Click here to purchase a DJKT BLM shirt.

“This is a collaboration between DJKT Apparel, the North Carolina Football Club, the black players, and the community that we play in,” said Taylor. “I hope this shirt brings continual awareness to the BLM movement and is a representation of the support the club has towards its black players and the black community.”

Each member of North Carolina FC received a t-shirt and will sport them as they travel to the remainder of the away games in 2020. Fans can purchase the same shirt from the DJKT Apparel website in sizes XS-3XL for $22.

“We are proud of the leadership roles our players take in the community,” said North Carolina FC and NC Courage President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “When DJ asked to collaborate with the club in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and in an effort to shine a light on the need for greater diversity, awareness, and change, it was something we wanted to do. We are pleased to be able to help raise money in coordination with our fans and community through the sale of these t-shirts.”

Taylor is a Raleigh native and a product of the North Carolina FC Youth Academy. He first signed an academy contract with the club in 2015. He signed a professional contract in 2017 and has played 7,384 minutes since in an NCFC uniform.

About DJKT Apparel

DJKT Apparel was founded by North Carolina FC defender DJ Taylor in 2020. The company offers stylish and comfortable clothing ranging from tank tops to hoodies. The company offers several collections, including the unity collection. For more information or to buy products, visit djktapparel.com.

About the North Carolina Football Club

North Carolina Football Club is the largest youth-to-professional soccer organization in the country, home to over 13,000 players. The club is comprised of a women’s First Division team, 2019 and 2018 NWSL Champions and 2018 Women’s International Champions Cup Champions North Carolina Courage (NWSL), a men’s Second Division team, North Carolina FC (USL), as well as a Premier Development League team, North Carolina FC U23 (USLPDL). The North Carolina Football Club is owned by local entrepreneur, Steve Malik, and managed by North Carolina native and longtime soccer executive Curt Johnson. North Carolina Football Club was established in 2016 to bring the highest levels of men’s and women’s professional soccer to the state. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

Cary, NC (September 23, 2020)- The North Carolina Football Club has collaborated with NCFC defender DJ Taylor and his clothing brand DJKT Apparel to launch a Black Lives Matter t-shirt in an effort to raise money in support of BLM. All of the proceeds from the shirt sales will go to the BLM Global Network Foundation, whose mission is to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities. Click here to purchase a DJKT BLM shirt.

“This is a collaboration between DJKT Apparel, the North Carolina Football Club, the black players, and the community that we play in,” said Taylor. “I hope this shirt brings continual awareness to the BLM movement and is a representation of the support the club has towards its black players and the black community.”

Each member of North Carolina FC received a t-shirt and will sport them as they travel to the remainder of the away games in 2020. Fans can purchase the same shirt from the DJKT Apparel website in sizes XS-3XL for $22.

“We are proud of the leadership roles our players take in the community,” said North Carolina FC and NC Courage President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “When DJ asked to collaborate with the club in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and in an effort to shine a light on the need for greater diversity, awareness, and change, it was something we wanted to do. We are pleased to be able to help raise money in coordination with our fans and community through the sale of these t-shirts.”

Taylor is a Raleigh native and a product of the North Carolina FC Youth Academy. He first signed an academy contract with the club in 2015. He signed a professional contract in 2017 and has played 7,384 minutes since in an NCFC uniform.

About DJKT Apparel

DJKT Apparel was founded by North Carolina FC defender DJ Taylor in 2020. The company offers stylish and comfortable clothing ranging from tank tops to hoodies. The company offers several collections, including the unity collection. For more information or to buy products, visit djktapparel.com.

About the North Carolina Football Club

North Carolina Football Club is the largest youth-to-professional soccer organization in the country, home to over 13,000 players. The club is comprised of a women’s First Division team, 2019 and 2018 NWSL Champions and 2018 Women’s International Champions Cup Champions North Carolina Courage (NWSL), a men’s Second Division team, North Carolina FC (USL), as well as a Premier Development League team, North Carolina FC U23 (USLPDL). The North Carolina Football Club is owned by local entrepreneur, Steve Malik, and managed by North Carolina native and longtime soccer executive Curt Johnson. North Carolina Football Club was established in 2016 to bring the highest levels of men’s and women’s professional soccer to the state. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

North Carolina dropped its latest home game against Charlotte Independence, 1-0, in a game that saw several cards handed out, including a player on each team sent off. North Carolina was able to put pressure on Charlotte after going down a goal, and one player in particular who had success in this regard was Coastal Credit Union Man of the Match, Manny Perez.

Perez was able to give Charlotte’s fullback problems 1v1 and put crosses into the box. In total, Perez put six crosses into the box, which was good for second on the team behind Akeem Ward. He also tied the team-high with two key passes in the final third, as well as completing 86.5% of his passes in the attacking half.

In the first half, Perez’s pressure almost paid dividends, as he was able to press Charlotte’s defense until he won the ball back on Charlotte’s end line and was able to set Marios Lomis for a half-chance that Lomis was unable to convert.

North Carolina FC returns to action on Saturday, September 27 against Birmingham Legion FC. Kickoff is slated for 8 pm and the match with air on ESPN+.

North Carolina dropped its latest home game against Charlotte Independence, 1-0, in a game that saw several cards handed out, including a player on each team sent off. North Carolina was able to put pressure on Charlotte after going down a goal, and one player in particular who had success in this regard was Coastal Credit Union Man of the Match, Manny Perez.

Perez was able to give Charlotte’s fullback problems 1v1 and put crosses into the box. In total, Perez put six crosses into the box, which was good for second on the team behind Akeem Ward. He also tied the team-high with two key passes in the final third, as well as completing 86.5% of his passes in the attacking half.

In the first half, Perez’s pressure almost paid dividends, as he was able to press Charlotte’s defense until he won the ball back on Charlotte’s end line and was able to set Marios Lomis for a half-chance that Lomis was unable to convert.

North Carolina FC returns to action on Saturday, September 27 against Birmingham Legion FC. Kickoff is slated for 8 pm and the match with air on ESPN+.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced today that the previously scheduled match between North Carolina FC and Memphis 901 FC scheduled for Wednesday, September 23 has been postponed.

Proceeding with an abundance of caution, the postponement comes after a covered person in the Memphis 901 FC organization tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has been immediately isolated at home and is in good spirits under the care of team physicians.

Due to the duration of the regular season, the league along with both clubs will examine how and when to move forward with the rescheduled match. More information will be announced as it is made available.

North Carolina FC’s next match will now be on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. against Birmingham Legion FC. The match will air on ESPN+.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced today that the previously scheduled match between North Carolina FC and Memphis 901 FC scheduled for Wednesday, September 23 has been postponed.

Proceeding with an abundance of caution, the postponement comes after a covered person in the Memphis 901 FC organization tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has been immediately isolated at home and is in good spirits under the care of team physicians.

Due to the duration of the regular season, the league along with both clubs will examine how and when to move forward with the rescheduled match. More information will be announced as it is made available.

North Carolina FC’s next match will now be on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. against Birmingham Legion FC. The match will air on ESPN+.

Cary, NC (September 21, 2020)- North Carolina FC will travel to Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday, September 23 at 8 p.m. The game will air on ESPN+ as the USL Group G teams square off. It will be the fourth and final game between the two teams this season.

North Carolina FC has won two of three games against Memphis 901 FC in 2020. The most recent match between the two teams ended in an 89th-minute game-winning goal from Nazmi Albadawi. Hadji Barry and Conor Donovan scored the other two goals for NCFC in the 3-2 victory. Five combined goals were scored in the last two matches between the two teams.

NCFC last played on Saturday against the Charlotte Independence. Only one goal was scored in the match by Independence defender Aaron Manud. The match was a competitive one, with eight yellow cards and two red cards. Albadawi received a red card for NCFC and will not be eligible for Wednesday night’s match.

Manny Perez was a standout in the match, playing all 90 minutes. He completed 86.5% in the attacking half and sent six crosses into the box. He also got off two shots.

Memphis played Louisville City FC on Saturday and fell 4-1. Cal Jennings scored 901 FC’s lone goal in the match in the 44th minute.

Players to Watch Presented by Aetna

North Carolina FC- #1 Alex Tambakis

NCFC’s goalkeeper has made 34 saves in 12 games in net. Having played every minute this season, Tambakis is building a greater relationship with his defenders each match. Tambakis will now face Memphis for the fourth time and looks to keep a clean sheet.

Memphis 901 FC- #9 Keanu Marsh-Brown

Marsh-Brown is tied for the second-most goals scored on Memphis 901 FC with three. He has taken 16 shots, eight of which have been on goal. The speedy forward will look to get behind NCFC’s backline and score on Tambakis.

Cary, NC (September 21, 2020)- North Carolina FC will travel to Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday, September 23 at 8 p.m. The game will air on ESPN+ as the USL Group G teams square off. It will be the fourth and final game between the two teams this season.

North Carolina FC has won two of three games against Memphis 901 FC in 2020. The most recent match between the two teams ended in an 89th-minute game-winning goal from Nazmi Albadawi. Hadji Barry and Conor Donovan scored the other two goals for NCFC in the 3-2 victory. Five combined goals were scored in the last two matches between the two teams.

NCFC last played on Saturday against the Charlotte Independence. Only one goal was scored in the match by Independence defender Aaron Manud. The match was a competitive one, with eight yellow cards and two red cards. Albadawi received a red card for NCFC and will not be eligible for Wednesday night’s match.

Manny Perez was a standout in the match, playing all 90 minutes. He completed 86.5% in the attacking half and sent six crosses into the box. He also got off two shots.

Memphis played Louisville City FC on Saturday and fell 4-1. Cal Jennings scored 901 FC’s lone goal in the match in the 44th minute.

Players to Watch Presented by Aetna

North Carolina FC- #1 Alex Tambakis

NCFC’s goalkeeper has made 34 saves in 12 games in net. Having played every minute this season, Tambakis is building a greater relationship with his defenders each match. Tambakis will now face Memphis for the fourth time and looks to keep a clean sheet.

Memphis 901 FC- #9 Keanu Marsh-Brown

Marsh-Brown is tied for the second-most goals scored on Memphis 901 FC with three. He has taken 16 shots, eight of which have been on goal. The speedy forward will look to get behind NCFC’s backline and score on Tambakis.

Cary, NC (September 19, 2020) – Saturday night’s match between North Carolina FC and the Charlotte Independence was a physical battle through the final whistle, marked by eight yellow cards and two red cards amongst the two teams. A goal in the first minutes of the second half won the match for the Independence, 1-0. 

Just before halftime, Charlotte Independence forward Dane Kelly was shown a red card for a rough tackle on DJ Taylor. The tackle caused an uproar between the two teams and the Independence were shown two more cards – a yellow to their captain, Enzo Martinez, and another yellow to their goalkeeper, Brandon Miller. Nazmi Albadawi received a yellow card for NCFC.

The Charlotte Independence found the net early into the second half when midfielder Jake Areman took a free-kick from outside the eighteen, finding the head of defender Aaron Maund. Maund scored to put Charlotte up 1-0 in the 51st minute. 

NCFC was only able to take advantage of Charlotte being down a man for 22 minutes before Albadawi was shown another yellow card, equaling a red card. Sam Brotherton took over as the team captain and both sides were down to 10 men. 

North Carolina FC spent the better part of the second half in the attacking third in the hunt for the equalizer. In the 76th minute, DJ Taylor dribbled into the Charlotte box and curved a shot just wide, narrowly missing the net despite being pulled down in the process. Protests erupted from the NCFC sideline and were met with a yellow card administered to NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan. 

In the last minutes of the match, NCFC continued to press the Charlotte defense in a desperate attempt to tie the game. In the 89th minute, midfielder Graham Smith fired a shot from well beyond the eighteen and towards the lower 90, only for the ball to be scooped up by Miller. Despite several attempts to score, NCFC was unable to find a goal as the final whistle blew. 

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will travel to face Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday, September 23 at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tennessee at 8 p.m. ET.

Notes:

• Former NCFC Youth Academy players DJ Taylor, Dre Fortune, Conor Donovan, and Manny Perez were all starters in tonight’s match. 

• NCFC maintained 59.7% possession during the match and 85.4% passing accuracy.

• Between the two teams, there were eight yellow cards and two red cards administered during the match. 

• Alex Tambakis had two saves during the match, bringing his season total to 34 saves.

Box Score:

NC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; DJ Taylor (Graham Smith, 86’), Conor Donovan, Sam Brotherton, Akeem Ward; Manny Perez, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Pecka (Ben Speas, 77’), Dre Fortune, Hadji Barry (Danielle Proch, 86’); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 70’)

Subs Not Used: Alex Comsia, Malik Mbaye, Paolo Pita

CLT (4-4-2): Brandon Miller; Clay Dimick, Hugh Roberts, Aaron Maund, Jake Areman; Junior Etou, Duke Lacroix, Luke Haakenson (Val Sabella, 83’), Rey Ortiz (Derek Gebhard, 46’); Enzo Martinez ©, Dane Kelly

Subs Not Used: Austin Pack, Shalom Dutey, Oscar Ramsay, Guido Vadala, Christian Chaney

Score:

NC: 0

CLT: 1

Goals:

NC: —

CLT: Aaron Maund (Jake Areman, 51’)

Cautions:

NC: Nazmi Albadawi (45’), DJ Taylor (50’), Nazmi Albadawi (67’), Conor Donovan (69’), Dre Fortune (74’), Bench (75’)

CLT: Enzo Martinez (45’), Brandon Miller (45’)

Ejections:

NC: Nazmi Albadawi (67’)

CLT: Dane Kelly (44’)

Cary, NC (September 19, 2020) – Saturday night’s match between North Carolina FC and the Charlotte Independence was a physical battle through the final whistle, marked by eight yellow cards and two red cards amongst the two teams. A goal in the first minutes of the second half won the match for the Independence, 1-0. 

Just before halftime, Charlotte Independence forward Dane Kelly was shown a red card for a rough tackle on DJ Taylor. The tackle caused an uproar between the two teams and the Independence were shown two more cards – a yellow to their captain, Enzo Martinez, and another yellow to their goalkeeper, Brandon Miller. Nazmi Albadawi received a yellow card for NCFC.

The Charlotte Independence found the net early into the second half when midfielder Jake Areman took a free-kick from outside the eighteen, finding the head of defender Aaron Maund. Maund scored to put Charlotte up 1-0 in the 51st minute. 

NCFC was only able to take advantage of Charlotte being down a man for 22 minutes before Albadawi was shown another yellow card, equaling a red card. Sam Brotherton took over as the team captain and both sides were down to 10 men. 

North Carolina FC spent the better part of the second half in the attacking third in the hunt for the equalizer. In the 76th minute, DJ Taylor dribbled into the Charlotte box and curved a shot just wide, narrowly missing the net despite being pulled down in the process. Protests erupted from the NCFC sideline and were met with a yellow card administered to NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan. 

In the last minutes of the match, NCFC continued to press the Charlotte defense in a desperate attempt to tie the game. In the 89th minute, midfielder Graham Smith fired a shot from well beyond the eighteen and towards the lower 90, only for the ball to be scooped up by Miller. Despite several attempts to score, NCFC was unable to find a goal as the final whistle blew. 

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will travel to face Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday, September 23 at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tennessee at 8 p.m. ET.

Notes:

• Former NCFC Youth Academy players DJ Taylor, Dre Fortune, Conor Donovan, and Manny Perez were all starters in tonight’s match. 

• NCFC maintained 59.7% possession during the match and 85.4% passing accuracy.

• Between the two teams, there were eight yellow cards and two red cards administered during the match. 

• Alex Tambakis had two saves during the match, bringing his season total to 34 saves.

Box Score:

NC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; DJ Taylor (Graham Smith, 86’), Conor Donovan, Sam Brotherton, Akeem Ward; Manny Perez, Nazmi Albadawi ©, Pecka (Ben Speas, 77’), Dre Fortune, Hadji Barry (Danielle Proch, 86’); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 70’)

Subs Not Used: Alex Comsia, Malik Mbaye, Paolo Pita

CLT (4-4-2): Brandon Miller; Clay Dimick, Hugh Roberts, Aaron Maund, Jake Areman; Junior Etou, Duke Lacroix, Luke Haakenson (Val Sabella, 83’), Rey Ortiz (Derek Gebhard, 46’); Enzo Martinez ©, Dane Kelly

Subs Not Used: Austin Pack, Shalom Dutey, Oscar Ramsay, Guido Vadala, Christian Chaney

Score:

NC: 0

CLT: 1

Goals:

NC: —

CLT: Aaron Maund (Jake Areman, 51’)

Cautions:

NC: Nazmi Albadawi (45’), DJ Taylor (50’), Nazmi Albadawi (67’), Conor Donovan (69’), Dre Fortune (74’), Bench (75’)

CLT: Enzo Martinez (45’), Brandon Miller (45’)

Ejections:

NC: Nazmi Albadawi (67’)

CLT: Dane Kelly (44’)

Cary, NC (September 17, 2020)- North Carolina FC will face Charlotte Independence on Saturday, September 19 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7 p.m. as part of 919 Soccer Saturday. The date of the match 9/19 matches the Raleigh area code, 919, on a day where NCFC takes on the team’s biggest North Carolina rival. Ahead of the NCFC match, the North Carolina Courage will play the Orlando Pride at 1 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium on CBS. North Carolina FC’s match will air on ESPN+ and WRAL-2.

Dave Sarachan’s team will look to build off of the momentum from their win against Memphis 901 FC on Sunday and defeat the Independence for the first time this season. The last time the two teams met, USL all-time leading goal scorer and Charlotte Independence striker Dane Kelly secured a hat-trick which helped the Independence take all three points.

Nazmi Albadawi led his team in a night of resilience on Sunday when NCFC came from behind to win the match. Albadawi scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute thanks to an assist from Steven Miller. Conor Donovan and Hadji Barry each scored a goal in the match, both of which were the player’s first goal in an NCFC uniform.

“Our key to success against Charlotte will be keeping our shape and being clinical in front of goal,” said NCFC Youth Academy product, DJ Taylor. “These are two main things we have struggled to do during this whole season, but we are getting better at it, as we saw in our last result. As long as we keep our shape and score goals, we can win against Charlotte.”

 

Players to Watch Presented by Aetna:

North Carolina FC- #11 Robert Kristo

The tallest man on the field for North Carolina FC has proven to be difficult to mark on set pieces and crosses. Using his height to the team’s advantage could result in more goals for NCFC. Kristo also assisted an important goal in his team’s last match to Hadji Barry.

Charlotte Independence- #9 Dane Kelly

The USL’s all-time leading scorer did what he does best against North Carolina FC, scoring three goals to earn a hat-trick. Already known as a dangerous striker, the Jamaican keeps proving his talent with 10 total goals this season. Alex Tambakis and the NCFC backline will need to mark this talented forward.

Cary, NC (September 17, 2020)- North Carolina FC will face Charlotte Independence on Saturday, September 19 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7 p.m. as part of 919 Soccer Saturday. The date of the match 9/19 matches the Raleigh area code, 919, on a day where NCFC takes on the team’s biggest North Carolina rival. Ahead of the NCFC match, the North Carolina Courage will play the Orlando Pride at 1 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium on CBS. North Carolina FC’s match will air on ESPN+ and WRAL-2.

Dave Sarachan’s team will look to build off of the momentum from their win against Memphis 901 FC on Sunday and defeat the Independence for the first time this season. The last time the two teams met, USL all-time leading goal scorer and Charlotte Independence striker Dane Kelly secured a hat-trick which helped the Independence take all three points.

Nazmi Albadawi led his team in a night of resilience on Sunday when NCFC came from behind to win the match. Albadawi scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute thanks to an assist from Steven Miller. Conor Donovan and Hadji Barry each scored a goal in the match, both of which were the player’s first goal in an NCFC uniform.

“Our key to success against Charlotte will be keeping our shape and being clinical in front of goal,” said NCFC Youth Academy product, DJ Taylor. “These are two main things we have struggled to do during this whole season, but we are getting better at it, as we saw in our last result. As long as we keep our shape and score goals, we can win against Charlotte.”

 

Players to Watch Presented by Aetna:

North Carolina FC- #11 Robert Kristo

The tallest man on the field for North Carolina FC has proven to be difficult to mark on set pieces and crosses. Using his height to the team’s advantage could result in more goals for NCFC. Kristo also assisted an important goal in his team’s last match to Hadji Barry.

Charlotte Independence- #9 Dane Kelly

The USL’s all-time leading scorer did what he does best against North Carolina FC, scoring three goals to earn a hat-trick. Already known as a dangerous striker, the Jamaican keeps proving his talent with 10 total goals this season. Alex Tambakis and the NCFC backline will need to mark this talented forward.

Cary, NC (September 13, 2020) – North Carolina FC bounced back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Memphis 901 FC at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday night, scoring three goals in the second half to earn the victory. Conor Donovan and Hadji Barry recorded a goal apiece, their first goals for NCFC and captain Nazmi Albadawi netted the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the match. 

“This team is resilient. We keep going. We do not give up. That’s something I love about this group,” Albadawi said in a post-game interview. “We know the results have not been great but we do not give up. Today could be a huge turning point for us. It was a result we needed.”

Memphis found the net first in the 24th minute when they were awarded a corner kick. Defender Marc Burch took the kick, finding the head of forward Cal Jennings. Jennings scored to give Memphis a 1-0 lead. Later, in the 35th minute, Jennings scored a second time to record the brace and extend Memphis’ lead to 2-0.

As the first half wound down, NCFC fought to find the goal that would cut Memphis’ lead in half. In the 41st minute, Albadawi intercepted a header by the Memphis defense, settling the ball and firing a shot that flew just over the crossbar. 

Early into the second half, NCFC found their chance to edge into Memphis’ lead on a corner kick. Dre Fortune took the corner, lofting the ball into the mix of NCFC and Memphis players. After a scramble in front of the net, the ball was cleared to the feet of Donovan, who buried a close-range shot to score his first goal for NCFC and render the score 2-1.

Building from the momentum of Donovan’s goal, NCFC was on the attack once again. Robert Kristo dribbled the ball towards the right corner, driving in a cross that found the feet of Barry. The forward slipped the ball past Memphis goalkeeper Jimmy Hague, scoring the equalizer and his first goal for NCFC in the 58th minute. 

In the hunt for a game-winning goal, NCFC continued to press Memphis’ defense. In the 89th minute, Fortune played a pass into space for Steven Miller, who took the ball deep into the left corner of the field. Turning on the ball, Miller placed a near-perfect cross over the penalty spot. Albadawi ran onto the pass, driving a one-touch shot into the lower 90 and giving NCFC the upper hand late into the match, 3-2. 

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will remain at home to face off against the Charlotte Independence at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, September 19 at 7 p.m. ET. 

Notes: 

• North Carolina FC Youth products DJ Taylor, Nazmi Albadawi, Dre Fortune and Conor Donovan started the match. Dre Fortune and Alex Comsia came into the game as substitutions.

• Conor Donovan and Hadji Barry scored their first goals for NCFC.

• Robert Kristo and Steven Miller each earned an assist. The assist was Miller’s 20th all-time assist for North Carolina FC.

Box Score:

NC (4-4-2): Alex Tambakis; DJ Taylor, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Akeem Ward; Manny Perez (Alex Comsia, 90’), Pecka (Dre Fortune, 46’), Nazmi Albadawi ©, Ben Speas (Graham Smith, 63’); Hadji Barry (Steven Miller, 84’), Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 46’)

Subs Not Used: Danielle Proch, Paulo Pita

MEM (4-4-2): Jimmy Hague; Rece Buckmaster, Marc Burch ©, Zach Carroll, Raul Gonzalez (Michael Reed, 74’); Leston Paul (Jean-Christophe Koffi, 67’), Tommy McCabe, Duane Muckette, Matt Hundley; Rafa Metzingen (Brandon Allen, 66’), Cal Jennings (Keanu Marsh-Brown, 55’)

Subs Not Used: Jim Barkei, Liam Doyle, Jose Baxter

Score:

NC: 3

MEM: 2

Goals:

NC: Conor Donovan (Unassisted, 55’), Hadji Barry (Robert Kristo, 58’), Nazmi Albadawi (Steven Miller, 89’)

MEM: Cal Jennings (Marc Burch, 24’), Cal Jennings (Raul Gonzalez, 36’)

Cautions:

NC: Hadji Barry (30’), Akeem Ward (65’)

MEM: Zach Carroll (45’)

Ejections:

NC: —

MEM: —

Cary, NC (September 13, 2020) – North Carolina FC bounced back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Memphis 901 FC at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday night, scoring three goals in the second half to earn the victory. Conor Donovan and Hadji Barry recorded a goal apiece, their first goals for NCFC and captain Nazmi Albadawi netted the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the match. 

“This team is resilient. We keep going. We do not give up. That’s something I love about this group,” Albadawi said in a post-game interview. “We know the results have not been great but we do not give up. Today could be a huge turning point for us. It was a result we needed.”

Memphis found the net first in the 24th minute when they were awarded a corner kick. Defender Marc Burch took the kick, finding the head of forward Cal Jennings. Jennings scored to give Memphis a 1-0 lead. Later, in the 35th minute, Jennings scored a second time to record the brace and extend Memphis’ lead to 2-0.

As the first half wound down, NCFC fought to find the goal that would cut Memphis’ lead in half. In the 41st minute, Albadawi intercepted a header by the Memphis defense, settling the ball and firing a shot that flew just over the crossbar. 

Early into the second half, NCFC found their chance to edge into Memphis’ lead on a corner kick. Dre Fortune took the corner, lofting the ball into the mix of NCFC and Memphis players. After a scramble in front of the net, the ball was cleared to the feet of Donovan, who buried a close-range shot to score his first goal for NCFC and render the score 2-1.

Building from the momentum of Donovan’s goal, NCFC was on the attack once again. Robert Kristo dribbled the ball towards the right corner, driving in a cross that found the feet of Barry. The forward slipped the ball past Memphis goalkeeper Jimmy Hague, scoring the equalizer and his first goal for NCFC in the 58th minute. 

In the hunt for a game-winning goal, NCFC continued to press Memphis’ defense. In the 89th minute, Fortune played a pass into space for Steven Miller, who took the ball deep into the left corner of the field. Turning on the ball, Miller placed a near-perfect cross over the penalty spot. Albadawi ran onto the pass, driving a one-touch shot into the lower 90 and giving NCFC the upper hand late into the match, 3-2. 

Looking Ahead: North Carolina FC will remain at home to face off against the Charlotte Independence at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, September 19 at 7 p.m. ET. 

Notes: 

• North Carolina FC Youth products DJ Taylor, Nazmi Albadawi, Dre Fortune and Conor Donovan started the match. Dre Fortune and Alex Comsia came into the game as substitutions.

• Conor Donovan and Hadji Barry scored their first goals for NCFC.

• Robert Kristo and Steven Miller each earned an assist. The assist was Miller’s 20th all-time assist for North Carolina FC.

Box Score:

NC (4-4-2): Alex Tambakis; DJ Taylor, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Akeem Ward; Manny Perez (Alex Comsia, 90’), Pecka (Dre Fortune, 46’), Nazmi Albadawi ©, Ben Speas (Graham Smith, 63’); Hadji Barry (Steven Miller, 84’), Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 46’)

Subs Not Used: Danielle Proch, Paulo Pita

MEM (4-4-2): Jimmy Hague; Rece Buckmaster, Marc Burch ©, Zach Carroll, Raul Gonzalez (Michael Reed, 74’); Leston Paul (Jean-Christophe Koffi, 67’), Tommy McCabe, Duane Muckette, Matt Hundley; Rafa Metzingen (Brandon Allen, 66’), Cal Jennings (Keanu Marsh-Brown, 55’)

Subs Not Used: Jim Barkei, Liam Doyle, Jose Baxter

Score:

NC: 3

MEM: 2

Goals:

NC: Conor Donovan (Unassisted, 55’), Hadji Barry (Robert Kristo, 58’), Nazmi Albadawi (Steven Miller, 89’)

MEM: Cal Jennings (Marc Burch, 24’), Cal Jennings (Raul Gonzalez, 36’)

Cautions:

NC: Hadji Barry (30’), Akeem Ward (65’)

MEM: Zach Carroll (45’)

Ejections:

NC: —

MEM: —