News Collector

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fact To Know 

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

Notes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

Box Score:

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

Subs not used: Paul Christensen, Allesandro Castro

Score:
NCFC: 4
ATL: 2

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

Cautions:
NCFC:
ATL: Andrew Carleton 66’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
ATL: —

Attendance: 4,175

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fact To Know 

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

Notes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

Box Score:

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

Subs not used: Paul Christensen, Allesandro Castro

Score:
NCFC: 4
ATL: 2

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

Cautions:
NCFC:
ATL: Andrew Carleton 66’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
ATL: —

Attendance: 4,175

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last Time Out 

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

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

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

Players to Watch 

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last Time Out 

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

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

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

Players to Watch 

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes 

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

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

– NCFC midfielder Ben Speas recorded two shots on goal. 

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

Box Score:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes 

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

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

– NCFC midfielder Ben Speas recorded two shots on goal. 

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

Box Score:

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

MATCHDAY INFO:
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
HIGHMARK STADIUM
SATURDAY, JULY 20 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #PITvNC

Cary, N.C. (July 19, 2019) – North Carolina FC closes out a three-match week with a road trip to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in a battle featuring two of the best defenses in the USL Championship. 

NCFC (9W-3L-7D, 34 points) heads into the game having most recently defeated Loudoun United 3-0 Wednesday night at home, maintaining its spot in fourth place of the Eastern Conference standings. Nineteen matches into the 34-game regular season, NCFC is even on points with third-place Indy Eleven and just three points back of second-place New York Red Bulls II. 

Saturday’s match will be a tough test for NCFC, as it’ll take on the in-form Riverhounds at a tough place to play. Coached by Bob Lilley, Pittsburgh (6W-3L-8D, 26 points) is in eighth place and has taken points in four of its last five matches. The Riverhounds are unbeaten at Highmark Stadium in 2019 (4W-0L-5D). 

Like NCFC, Pittsburgh has put together several impressive defensive performances throughout the season. While NCFC enters Saturday’s game having conceded the third-fewest goals in 2019 (15), the Riverhounds are not far behind with 18 goals conceded. Aided by an impressive backline as well as his own ability, NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis boasts the second-highest save percentage (80%) in the Eastern Conference and has five of NCFC’s seven clean sheets. 

Offensively, head coach Dave Sarachan’s team has proven game in and game out that anybody can score, as nine players have recorded two-plus goals this season. While the injured Marios Lomis still leads NCFC with six goals, midfielder Steven Miller and forward Yamikani Chester are not far behind with five goals apiece. 

Last weekend, Pittsburgh picked up a solid result, earning a 1-1 draw at home against league-leading Tampa Bay thanks to a second-half penalty kick by Kevin Kerr. 

Last Time Out 

Powered by a sublime set piece involving forward Robert Kristo and a two-goal outburst in as many minutes by forward Yamikani Chester, NCFC picked up its ninth win of the season and remained unbeaten at home (5W-0L-4D) with a 3-0 victory against Loudoun United Wednesday night in Cary. 

The match was the first-ever between the two teams, with Loudoun United playing its inaugural season. Chances came early for NCFC, and an enticing opportunity presented itself in the ninth minute when midfielder Steven Miller was fouled a few yards outside of the area. That set up a free kick for Kristo, who confidently curled his shot into the left corner of the net for his third goal in USL Championship play. 

With Darrin MacLeod making three saves in what would become his second clean sheet of the season, NCFC took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Out of the break, NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan wisely decided to insert Malawi international Yamikani Chester into the match, and he reciprocated with his fourth and fifth goals of the season, coming in the 72nd and 74th minutes. The first of the two goals came about thanks to Kristo, who spotted Chester making a run on goal and set him up on the left flank. Chester’s second of the night was a brilliant individual effort, as the athletic playmaker dispossessed an opponent in the midfield, made a run on goal, shook off a foul and fired on frame from well beyond the 18-yard box. 

With the final result all but secured, NCFC saw out the victory, earning its seventh shutout of the league season. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #11 Yamikani Chester 
Blessed with elite speed and an unrelenting motor, Yamikani Chester has always been a threat to NCFC opponents because of his athleticism. As the season has progressed, Chester is now finding more and more goals. After becoming the second NCFC player to earn a brace this season on Wednesday, Chester is now tied with Steven Miller for the second-most goals on the team (five). All five of those tallies have come in the last six matches Chester has played in. 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC– #11 Kenardo Forbes 
A creative playmaker, Kenardo Forbes has built off an impressive debut season with Pittsburgh in 2018 with a good 2019 campaign. The Jamaica international has scored twice but has made his biggest impact by setting up his teammates. The 31-year-old midfielder’s four assists are the most on the team, as are his 38 chances created. 

Looking Ahead 

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

MATCHDAY INFO:
PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC
HIGHMARK STADIUM
SATURDAY, JULY 20 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #PITvNC

Cary, N.C. (July 19, 2019) – North Carolina FC closes out a three-match week with a road trip to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in a battle featuring two of the best defenses in the USL Championship. 

NCFC (9W-3L-7D, 34 points) heads into the game having most recently defeated Loudoun United 3-0 Wednesday night at home, maintaining its spot in fourth place of the Eastern Conference standings. Nineteen matches into the 34-game regular season, NCFC is even on points with third-place Indy Eleven and just three points back of second-place New York Red Bulls II. 

Saturday’s match will be a tough test for NCFC, as it’ll take on the in-form Riverhounds at a tough place to play. Coached by Bob Lilley, Pittsburgh (6W-3L-8D, 26 points) is in eighth place and has taken points in four of its last five matches. The Riverhounds are unbeaten at Highmark Stadium in 2019 (4W-0L-5D). 

Like NCFC, Pittsburgh has put together several impressive defensive performances throughout the season. While NCFC enters Saturday’s game having conceded the third-fewest goals in 2019 (15), the Riverhounds are not far behind with 18 goals conceded. Aided by an impressive backline as well as his own ability, NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis boasts the second-highest save percentage (80%) in the Eastern Conference and has five of NCFC’s seven clean sheets. 

Offensively, head coach Dave Sarachan’s team has proven game in and game out that anybody can score, as nine players have recorded two-plus goals this season. While the injured Marios Lomis still leads NCFC with six goals, midfielder Steven Miller and forward Yamikani Chester are not far behind with five goals apiece. 

Last weekend, Pittsburgh picked up a solid result, earning a 1-1 draw at home against league-leading Tampa Bay thanks to a second-half penalty kick by Kevin Kerr. 

Last Time Out 

Powered by a sublime set piece involving forward Robert Kristo and a two-goal outburst in as many minutes by forward Yamikani Chester, NCFC picked up its ninth win of the season and remained unbeaten at home (5W-0L-4D) with a 3-0 victory against Loudoun United Wednesday night in Cary. 

The match was the first-ever between the two teams, with Loudoun United playing its inaugural season. Chances came early for NCFC, and an enticing opportunity presented itself in the ninth minute when midfielder Steven Miller was fouled a few yards outside of the area. That set up a free kick for Kristo, who confidently curled his shot into the left corner of the net for his third goal in USL Championship play. 

With Darrin MacLeod making three saves in what would become his second clean sheet of the season, NCFC took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Out of the break, NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan wisely decided to insert Malawi international Yamikani Chester into the match, and he reciprocated with his fourth and fifth goals of the season, coming in the 72nd and 74th minutes. The first of the two goals came about thanks to Kristo, who spotted Chester making a run on goal and set him up on the left flank. Chester’s second of the night was a brilliant individual effort, as the athletic playmaker dispossessed an opponent in the midfield, made a run on goal, shook off a foul and fired on frame from well beyond the 18-yard box. 

With the final result all but secured, NCFC saw out the victory, earning its seventh shutout of the league season. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #11 Yamikani Chester 
Blessed with elite speed and an unrelenting motor, Yamikani Chester has always been a threat to NCFC opponents because of his athleticism. As the season has progressed, Chester is now finding more and more goals. After becoming the second NCFC player to earn a brace this season on Wednesday, Chester is now tied with Steven Miller for the second-most goals on the team (five). All five of those tallies have come in the last six matches Chester has played in. 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC– #11 Kenardo Forbes 
A creative playmaker, Kenardo Forbes has built off an impressive debut season with Pittsburgh in 2018 with a good 2019 campaign. The Jamaica international has scored twice but has made his biggest impact by setting up his teammates. The 31-year-old midfielder’s four assists are the most on the team, as are his 38 chances created. 

Looking Ahead 

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

Cary, N.C. (July 17, 2019) – North Carolina FC remained near the top of the USL Championship Eastern Conference and continued its terrific home form with a 3-0 victory over Loudoun United Wednesday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With the win, NCFC (9W-3L-7D, 34 points) stayed in fourth place and is now even on points with third-place Indy Eleven. The victory was NCFC’s fifth at its home field in league action, as it remained unbeaten in Cary this season (5W-0L-4D). 

Forward Robert Kristo scored in the first half on a well-worked free kick to give NCFC the lead at halftime, and a second-half brace by forward Yamikani Chester secured victory for the home side. 

“Obviously a good result,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “Getting a clean sheet is a big deal, so that was important. I thought some new faces that saw the field tonight stood up and did well.”

It didn’t take long for NCFC to get going offensively, and the first real opportunity of the night came when midfielder Steven Miller drew a foul a few yards removed from the 18-yard box. The subsequent free kick was taken by Kristo, who made the most of the opportunity and perfectly placed a curler into the left corner of the net for his third goal of the season. 

NCFC continued to generate scoring opportunities as the game progressed and limited Loudoun United thanks to goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod, who made three saves in his third start in league play. 

With his team ahead 1-0 after 45 minutes, Sarachan decided to insert Chester into the match coming out of halftime, and the Malawi international reciprocated with two goals in quick succession. 

Already with a goal to his name, Kristo added an assist in the 72nd minute, playing in the lightning-quick Chester, who easily slotted his effort past Loudoun United goalkeeper Calle Brown. 

Not long after, Chester struck again in the 74th minute with a brilliant individual effort. Having dispossessed an opponent in the midfield, Chester made a run on goal, shook off a tackle from a defender and fired from well beyond the area for his fifth goal of the season and his second of the night. 

Having taken full control of the match, NCFC saw out the result from then on, securing its seventh shutout of the season. 

Fact To Know 

Yamikani Chester is the first NCFC player this season to score twice in the same half. 

Notes 

– NCFC improved to 5W-0L-4D at home this season and is one of three teams in the USL Championship Eastern Conference to have avoided defeat at its home ground this season. 

– Yamikani Chester now has the second-most goals on the team (five, tied with Steven Miller) after his two-goal performance. Chester became the second NCFC player to record a brace in league action this season, joining Dre Fortune. 

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

-Between league and Open Cup play, NCFC is now 4W-0L-0D when coming off a loss. 

– Darrin MacLeod earned his second clean sheet of the season. As a team, NCFC has seven shutouts in 2019. 

– Duval Wapiwo made his USL Championship debut, starting in the NCFC midfielder. The 19-year-old Cameroonian played the full 90 minutes. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC hits the road and visits Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. ET. The two teams split the regular-season series in 2018, with the home side winning each time. NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Darrin MacLeod; Caleb Duvernay (Victor Igbekoyi, 35’), Sam Brotherton, Aaron Guillen, DJ Taylor; Duval Wapiwo, Nazmi Albadawi; Donovan Ewolo (Yamikani Chester, 46’), Ben Speas (Dre Fortune, 80’), Steven Miller ©; Robert Kristo
 
Subs not used: Alex Tambakis, Timmy Mehl, Austin Panchot, Graham Smith
 
LDN (4-5-1): Calle Brown; Akeem Ward, Allexon Saravia, Harri Hawkins, Peabo Doue; Nelson Martinez, Moses Nyeman, Antonio Bustamante (Carlos Alvarez, 55’), Connor Presley (Ted Ku-DiPietro, 66’), Orlando Sinclair (Christian Sorto, 55’); Kyle Murphy ©
 
Subs not used: Colin Miller, Collin Verfurth, Jeremy Garay, John Murphy,
 
Score:
NCFC: 3
LDN: 0

Goals:
NCFC: Robert Kristo (unassisted, 10’), Yamikani Chester (Robert Kristo, 72’, unassisted, 74’)
LDN: —
                                                                                                                                                                         
Cautions:
NCFC: Duval Wapiwo 65’
LDN: —

Ejections:
NCFC: —
LDN: —

Attendance: 3,273

Cary, N.C. (July 17, 2019) – North Carolina FC remained near the top of the USL Championship Eastern Conference and continued its terrific home form with a 3-0 victory over Loudoun United Wednesday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With the win, NCFC (9W-3L-7D, 34 points) stayed in fourth place and is now even on points with third-place Indy Eleven. The victory was NCFC’s fifth at its home field in league action, as it remained unbeaten in Cary this season (5W-0L-4D). 

Forward Robert Kristo scored in the first half on a well-worked free kick to give NCFC the lead at halftime, and a second-half brace by forward Yamikani Chester secured victory for the home side. 

“Obviously a good result,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “Getting a clean sheet is a big deal, so that was important. I thought some new faces that saw the field tonight stood up and did well.”

It didn’t take long for NCFC to get going offensively, and the first real opportunity of the night came when midfielder Steven Miller drew a foul a few yards removed from the 18-yard box. The subsequent free kick was taken by Kristo, who made the most of the opportunity and perfectly placed a curler into the left corner of the net for his third goal of the season. 

NCFC continued to generate scoring opportunities as the game progressed and limited Loudoun United thanks to goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod, who made three saves in his third start in league play. 

With his team ahead 1-0 after 45 minutes, Sarachan decided to insert Chester into the match coming out of halftime, and the Malawi international reciprocated with two goals in quick succession. 

Already with a goal to his name, Kristo added an assist in the 72nd minute, playing in the lightning-quick Chester, who easily slotted his effort past Loudoun United goalkeeper Calle Brown. 

Not long after, Chester struck again in the 74th minute with a brilliant individual effort. Having dispossessed an opponent in the midfield, Chester made a run on goal, shook off a tackle from a defender and fired from well beyond the area for his fifth goal of the season and his second of the night. 

Having taken full control of the match, NCFC saw out the result from then on, securing its seventh shutout of the season. 

Fact To Know 

Yamikani Chester is the first NCFC player this season to score twice in the same half. 

Notes 

– NCFC improved to 5W-0L-4D at home this season and is one of three teams in the USL Championship Eastern Conference to have avoided defeat at its home ground this season. 

– Yamikani Chester now has the second-most goals on the team (five, tied with Steven Miller) after his two-goal performance. Chester became the second NCFC player to record a brace in league action this season, joining Dre Fortune. 

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

-Between league and Open Cup play, NCFC is now 4W-0L-0D when coming off a loss. 

– Darrin MacLeod earned his second clean sheet of the season. As a team, NCFC has seven shutouts in 2019. 

– Duval Wapiwo made his USL Championship debut, starting in the NCFC midfielder. The 19-year-old Cameroonian played the full 90 minutes. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC hits the road and visits Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. ET. The two teams split the regular-season series in 2018, with the home side winning each time. NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Darrin MacLeod; Caleb Duvernay (Victor Igbekoyi, 35’), Sam Brotherton, Aaron Guillen, DJ Taylor; Duval Wapiwo, Nazmi Albadawi; Donovan Ewolo (Yamikani Chester, 46’), Ben Speas (Dre Fortune, 80’), Steven Miller ©; Robert Kristo
 
Subs not used: Alex Tambakis, Timmy Mehl, Austin Panchot, Graham Smith
 
LDN (4-5-1): Calle Brown; Akeem Ward, Allexon Saravia, Harri Hawkins, Peabo Doue; Nelson Martinez, Moses Nyeman, Antonio Bustamante (Carlos Alvarez, 55’), Connor Presley (Ted Ku-DiPietro, 66’), Orlando Sinclair (Christian Sorto, 55’); Kyle Murphy ©
 
Subs not used: Colin Miller, Collin Verfurth, Jeremy Garay, John Murphy,
 
Score:
NCFC: 3
LDN: 0

Goals:
NCFC: Robert Kristo (unassisted, 10’), Yamikani Chester (Robert Kristo, 72’, unassisted, 74’)
LDN: —
                                                                                                                                                                         
Cautions:
NCFC: Duval Wapiwo 65’
LDN: —

Ejections:
NCFC: —
LDN: —

Attendance: 3,273

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. LOUDOUN UNITED
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN3
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvLDN

Cary, N.C. (July 15, 2019) – North Carolina FC begins a two-match week on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET when it hosts Loudoun United at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

NCFC saw its eight-game unbeaten run in USL Championship play come to a close with a 1-0 loss at Birmingham Legion FC last weekend, but head coach Dave Sarachan’s team hopes to bounce back on Wednesday, as it has following losses earlier this season. Between league and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play, NCFC is 3W-0L-0D when coming off a loss. 

The good news for NCFC is that it will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, a venue that has been very kind to the team. Entering Wednesday’s match, NCFC holds a 4W-0L-4D record at home in league play, one of three teams in the Eastern Conference to have avoided defeat at its home ground. In three of the last four home matches, NCFC has kept a clean sheet. 

Despite falling at Birmingham on Saturday, NCFC remained in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and holds an 8W-3L-7D record (31 points). A win against Loudoun United would put NCFC even on points (34) with third-place Indy Eleven. 

Just past the halfway point of the season, NCFC has taken Sarachan’s directive of being a tough team to play against to heart, and that’s started with its defense. Through 18 matches, NCFC has conceded the third-fewest goals in the league (15). Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis has played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive success, saving 80% of the shots he’s faced and recording five shutouts. Tambakis was named the USL Championship Fans’ Choice Midseason Goalkeeper of the Year and has earned the league’s Save of the Month award three times in a row (April, May and June). 

Offensively, NCFC has utilized a true team approach. Forward Marios Lomis, out with injury, leads with a team-high six goals, but midfielder Steven Miller has five tallies to his name and four assists, the most on the team. Overall, nine NCFC players have scored two or more goals this season. 

In its first-ever season, Loudoun United is in 13th place with a 4W-6L-4D record (16 points). Loudoun United, coached by Ryan Martin, last played on July 6, earning a 2-2 draw at Saint Louis FC.  

Last Time Out 

Riding an eight-game unbeaten run in league play, NCFC headed south to conclude its regular-season series with Birmingham Legion FC this past weekend. After weathering a bright start by the hosts, NCFC threatened with good efforts by Miller in the 26th minute and midfielder Ben Speas in the 38th minute, the latter of which glanced off the crossbar. 

Nothing separated the two sides following a scoreless first half, and a great save by Tambakis on Birmingham midfielder Prosper Kasim in the 58th minute kept it that way. 

NCFC earned the better of the chances for a large portion of the second half, including a golden opportunity in the 77th minute. Out on the right flank, Miller played in a cross that second-half substitute Robert Kristo headed on target, but his shot was saved by Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel, who reacted quickly. 

Not long after, Birmingham scored the game’s only goal in the 79th minute on a shot from substitute Brian Wright. Despite a push near the end, NCFC couldn’t find an equalizer. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas 
In his first year with the club and on loan from Indy Eleven, Speas has been a reliable piece in head coach Dave Sarachan’s lineup. Speas, 28, is one of only two NCFC players to have appeared in every match (Steven Miller is the other), and he leads the team in minutes played (1,542). The former UNC Tar Heel has a pair of goals and three assists to his name, while his 40 chances created are the fifth-most in the Eastern Conference. 

Loudoun United FC – #9 Kyle Murphy 
Loudoun United is only 14 games into the 34-match season, but the team’s leading scorer is already on pace for a career season. Kyle Murphy, a Clemson product who arrived from San Antonio FC, leads the team with five goals and three assists. Murphy has either recorded a goal or an assist in four of Loudoun United’s last five matches. Before this season, Murphy scored a career-high seven goals for the Rio Grande Valley Toros in 2017. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC hits the road and visits Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. ET. The two teams split the regular-season series in 2018, with the home side winning each time. NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. LOUDOUN UNITED
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN3
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvLDN

Cary, N.C. (July 15, 2019) – North Carolina FC begins a two-match week on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET when it hosts Loudoun United at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

NCFC saw its eight-game unbeaten run in USL Championship play come to a close with a 1-0 loss at Birmingham Legion FC last weekend, but head coach Dave Sarachan’s team hopes to bounce back on Wednesday, as it has following losses earlier this season. Between league and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play, NCFC is 3W-0L-0D when coming off a loss. 

The good news for NCFC is that it will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, a venue that has been very kind to the team. Entering Wednesday’s match, NCFC holds a 4W-0L-4D record at home in league play, one of three teams in the Eastern Conference to have avoided defeat at its home ground. In three of the last four home matches, NCFC has kept a clean sheet. 

Despite falling at Birmingham on Saturday, NCFC remained in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and holds an 8W-3L-7D record (31 points). A win against Loudoun United would put NCFC even on points (34) with third-place Indy Eleven. 

Just past the halfway point of the season, NCFC has taken Sarachan’s directive of being a tough team to play against to heart, and that’s started with its defense. Through 18 matches, NCFC has conceded the third-fewest goals in the league (15). Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis has played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive success, saving 80% of the shots he’s faced and recording five shutouts. Tambakis was named the USL Championship Fans’ Choice Midseason Goalkeeper of the Year and has earned the league’s Save of the Month award three times in a row (April, May and June). 

Offensively, NCFC has utilized a true team approach. Forward Marios Lomis, out with injury, leads with a team-high six goals, but midfielder Steven Miller has five tallies to his name and four assists, the most on the team. Overall, nine NCFC players have scored two or more goals this season. 

In its first-ever season, Loudoun United is in 13th place with a 4W-6L-4D record (16 points). Loudoun United, coached by Ryan Martin, last played on July 6, earning a 2-2 draw at Saint Louis FC.  

Last Time Out 

Riding an eight-game unbeaten run in league play, NCFC headed south to conclude its regular-season series with Birmingham Legion FC this past weekend. After weathering a bright start by the hosts, NCFC threatened with good efforts by Miller in the 26th minute and midfielder Ben Speas in the 38th minute, the latter of which glanced off the crossbar. 

Nothing separated the two sides following a scoreless first half, and a great save by Tambakis on Birmingham midfielder Prosper Kasim in the 58th minute kept it that way. 

NCFC earned the better of the chances for a large portion of the second half, including a golden opportunity in the 77th minute. Out on the right flank, Miller played in a cross that second-half substitute Robert Kristo headed on target, but his shot was saved by Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel, who reacted quickly. 

Not long after, Birmingham scored the game’s only goal in the 79th minute on a shot from substitute Brian Wright. Despite a push near the end, NCFC couldn’t find an equalizer. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas 
In his first year with the club and on loan from Indy Eleven, Speas has been a reliable piece in head coach Dave Sarachan’s lineup. Speas, 28, is one of only two NCFC players to have appeared in every match (Steven Miller is the other), and he leads the team in minutes played (1,542). The former UNC Tar Heel has a pair of goals and three assists to his name, while his 40 chances created are the fifth-most in the Eastern Conference. 

Loudoun United FC – #9 Kyle Murphy 
Loudoun United is only 14 games into the 34-match season, but the team’s leading scorer is already on pace for a career season. Kyle Murphy, a Clemson product who arrived from San Antonio FC, leads the team with five goals and three assists. Murphy has either recorded a goal or an assist in four of Loudoun United’s last five matches. Before this season, Murphy scored a career-high seven goals for the Rio Grande Valley Toros in 2017. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC hits the road and visits Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. ET. The two teams split the regular-season series in 2018, with the home side winning each time. NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July  27, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.