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Match Zone: North Carolina FC vs. Swope Park Rangers (Pride Night Doubleheader)

Game: North Carolina FC vs Swope Park Rangers & North Carolina Courage vs Portland Thorns

Date: Saturday, June 15

Box Office Opens: 1 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens:  2 p.m. ET

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

Red & Blue Express: Note the Red & Blue Express alternative times

– 3:35pm Pickup at Raleigh and Durham restaurants (NCFC game)

– 4:30pm Arrive at WakeMed Soccer Park (NCFC game)

– 5:00pm NCFC-Swope Park Rangers kickoff

– 6:05pm Pickup at Raleigh and Durham restaurants (NC Courage game)

– 6:55pm Arrive WakeMed Soccer Park (NC Courage game)

– 7:15pm Take fans back to restaurants (NCFC game)

– 7:45pm NCC-Portland Thorns kickoff

– 10:00pm Take fans back to restaurants (NC Courage game)

Stadium Gates Open: 4:00 p.m. ET

Tickets:  bit.ly/31d4Oaa

 Kickoff Times: 5 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Merchandise Specials: Pride Night merchandise will be available for purchase. Get your NCFC and NC Courage pride scarves, hats, and t-shirts.

Where to Watch: 

NCFC- https://es.pn/2XcIe2b, WRAL-2

NC Courage- yhoo.it/2RjKAHi, WRAL-2

 

 

Game: North Carolina FC vs Swope Park Rangers & North Carolina Courage vs Portland Thorns

Date: Saturday, June 15

Box Office Opens: 1 p.m. ET

Parking Lot Opens:  2 p.m. ET

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

Red & Blue Express: Note the Red & Blue Express alternative times

– 3:35pm Pickup at Raleigh and Durham restaurants (NCFC game)

– 4:30pm Arrive at WakeMed Soccer Park (NCFC game)

– 5:00pm NCFC-Swope Park Rangers kickoff

– 6:05pm Pickup at Raleigh and Durham restaurants (NC Courage game)

– 6:55pm Arrive WakeMed Soccer Park (NC Courage game)

– 7:15pm Take fans back to restaurants (NCFC game)

– 7:45pm NCC-Portland Thorns kickoff

– 10:00pm Take fans back to restaurants (NC Courage game)

Stadium Gates Open: 4:00 p.m. ET

Tickets:  bit.ly/31d4Oaa

 Kickoff Times: 5 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. ET

Location: Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Merchandise Specials: Pride Night merchandise will be available for purchase. Get your NCFC and NC Courage pride scarves, hats, and t-shirts.

Where to Watch: 

NCFC- https://es.pn/2XcIe2b, WRAL-2

NC Courage- yhoo.it/2RjKAHi, WRAL-2

 

 

North Carolina FC Returns Home Saturday to Face Swope Park Rangers on Pride Night, Presented by Credit Suisse

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. SWOPE PARK RANGERS
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 – 5:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+/WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCVSPR


CARY, N.C. (June 13, 2019) – North Carolina FC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for its first home USL Championship match in one month when it hosts Swope Park Rangers Saturday at 5 p.m. as part of North Carolina Football Club’s Pride Night Doubleheader. The match will be followed by a game between the North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns FC that’s set to kick off at 7:45 p.m. 

Head coach Dave Sarachan’s squad is unbeaten at home this season, holding a 2W-0L-3D record in Cary. 

Three months into the season, NCFC finds itself in sixth place in the Eastern Conference after earning points in four consecutive league matches. NCFC earned two wins and a draw on its recent three-match league road swing, its longest of the season. 

The road trip concluded with a 3-1 victory at the previously undefeated Tampa Bay Rowdies last weekend. Midfielder Dre Fortune, a Raleigh native and NCFC Academy product, scored twice in the victory, earning USL Championship Player of the Week honors. Entering the match, the Rowdies had recorded four consecutive shutouts. 

Saturday’s match will be the first ever between NCFC and Swope Park Rangers, which is affiliated with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. 

The Rangers are in their first season in the Eastern Conference, having previously played in the Western Conference. Former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Paulo Nagamura is in his second season coaching the Rangers, who are 1W-7L-5D and in 18th place in the Eastern Conference. 

Rangers are coming off a 0-0 draw at home against the Charlotte Independence, as Nagamura’s group recorded its second shutout of the season. Rangers are led in scoring by 21-year-old midfielder Felipe Hernandez, who has five goals and recently signed a short-term loan agreement with Sporting Kansas City for its U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday.

Last Time Out 

Appearing in the fourth round of the tournament for the fourth consecutive year, NCFC exited the 2019 U.S. Open Cup with a 4-0 loss at New York City FC on Wednesday in Queens, N.Y. Facing an MLS opponent for the 15th time in its Open Cup history, NCFC reached Wednesday’s match by defeating the Richmond Kickers and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds, respectively. 

Against NYCFC, North Carolina FC created several scoring chances and nearly took the lead in the 16th minute when midfielder Steven Miller forced opposing goalkeeper Brad Stuver into an uncomfortable save off of a short corner kick. NCFC nearly got on the board on several occasions in the second half. In the 73rd minute, midfielder Ben Speas did well to find midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, who fired a shot just wide to the left of the goal. Not long after, defender Caleb Duvernay, an NCFC Academy product, came inches away from finding the back of the net, but saw his shot deflect off the right post.

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #21 Nazmi Albadawi
A homegrown player who quickly became a fan-favorite, midfielder Nazmi Albadawi could make the first home appearance of his second stint with NCFC on Saturday. Albadawi, a Raleigh native and alumnus of N.C. State and Athens Drive, is on loan with the club from FC Cincinnati through 2019, and he’s agreed to a deal with NCFC through 2020. Albadawi played with NCFC from 2014-17, appearing in 113 matches, recording 21 goals and adding 19 assists across all competitions. From 2016-17, Albadawi served as captain. 

Swope Park Rangers– #92 Alexander Andrade 
The 20-year-old Brazilian is a catalyst in the Rangers’ attack, often creating chances with his creative flare. Andrade’s five assists are a team-high, and he set up the game-winning goal in the 90th minute of Rangers’ 3-2 win over Louisville City FC on May 6. For NCFC, stopping Andrade would go a long way in slowing down the Rangers’ attack.

Looking Ahead 

NCFC hits the road for its first-ever match against Saint Louis FC on Saturday, June 22, at 8:30 p.m. NCFC is 4W-2L-2D on the road this season. 

On June 29, NCFC returns home for a match against Nashville SC at 7 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

###

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. SWOPE PARK RANGERS
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 – 5:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+/WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCVSPR


CARY, N.C. (June 13, 2019) – North Carolina FC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for its first home USL Championship match in one month when it hosts Swope Park Rangers Saturday at 5 p.m. as part of North Carolina Football Club’s Pride Night Doubleheader. The match will be followed by a game between the North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns FC that’s set to kick off at 7:45 p.m. 

Head coach Dave Sarachan’s squad is unbeaten at home this season, holding a 2W-0L-3D record in Cary. 

Three months into the season, NCFC finds itself in sixth place in the Eastern Conference after earning points in four consecutive league matches. NCFC earned two wins and a draw on its recent three-match league road swing, its longest of the season. 

The road trip concluded with a 3-1 victory at the previously undefeated Tampa Bay Rowdies last weekend. Midfielder Dre Fortune, a Raleigh native and NCFC Academy product, scored twice in the victory, earning USL Championship Player of the Week honors. Entering the match, the Rowdies had recorded four consecutive shutouts. 

Saturday’s match will be the first ever between NCFC and Swope Park Rangers, which is affiliated with Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. 

The Rangers are in their first season in the Eastern Conference, having previously played in the Western Conference. Former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Paulo Nagamura is in his second season coaching the Rangers, who are 1W-7L-5D and in 18th place in the Eastern Conference. 

Rangers are coming off a 0-0 draw at home against the Charlotte Independence, as Nagamura’s group recorded its second shutout of the season. Rangers are led in scoring by 21-year-old midfielder Felipe Hernandez, who has five goals and recently signed a short-term loan agreement with Sporting Kansas City for its U.S. Open Cup match on Wednesday.

Last Time Out 

Appearing in the fourth round of the tournament for the fourth consecutive year, NCFC exited the 2019 U.S. Open Cup with a 4-0 loss at New York City FC on Wednesday in Queens, N.Y. Facing an MLS opponent for the 15th time in its Open Cup history, NCFC reached Wednesday’s match by defeating the Richmond Kickers and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds, respectively. 

Against NYCFC, North Carolina FC created several scoring chances and nearly took the lead in the 16th minute when midfielder Steven Miller forced opposing goalkeeper Brad Stuver into an uncomfortable save off of a short corner kick. NCFC nearly got on the board on several occasions in the second half. In the 73rd minute, midfielder Ben Speas did well to find midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, who fired a shot just wide to the left of the goal. Not long after, defender Caleb Duvernay, an NCFC Academy product, came inches away from finding the back of the net, but saw his shot deflect off the right post.

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #21 Nazmi Albadawi
A homegrown player who quickly became a fan-favorite, midfielder Nazmi Albadawi could make the first home appearance of his second stint with NCFC on Saturday. Albadawi, a Raleigh native and alumnus of N.C. State and Athens Drive, is on loan with the club from FC Cincinnati through 2019, and he’s agreed to a deal with NCFC through 2020. Albadawi played with NCFC from 2014-17, appearing in 113 matches, recording 21 goals and adding 19 assists across all competitions. From 2016-17, Albadawi served as captain. 

Swope Park Rangers– #92 Alexander Andrade 
The 20-year-old Brazilian is a catalyst in the Rangers’ attack, often creating chances with his creative flare. Andrade’s five assists are a team-high, and he set up the game-winning goal in the 90th minute of Rangers’ 3-2 win over Louisville City FC on May 6. For NCFC, stopping Andrade would go a long way in slowing down the Rangers’ attack.

Looking Ahead 

NCFC hits the road for its first-ever match against Saint Louis FC on Saturday, June 22, at 8:30 p.m. NCFC is 4W-2L-2D on the road this season. 

On June 29, NCFC returns home for a match against Nashville SC at 7 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

###

North Carolina FC Exits Open Cup With Loss At New York City FC

Queens, N.Y. (June 12, 2019) – Appearing in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the fourth consecutive year, North Carolina FC found itself on the wrong end of a 4-0 result against New York City FC Wednesday night at Belson Stadium. 

Facing an MLS opponent for the 15th time in its Open Cup history, NCFC reached Wednesday’s match by defeating the Richmond Kickers and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds, respectively. 

Against NYCFC, North Carolina FC created several scoring chances and nearly took the lead in the 16th minute when midfielder Steven Miller forced opposing goalkeeper Brad Stuver into an uncomfortable save off of a short corner kick. 

Even after NYCFC opened up the scoring in the 25th minute, NCFC found itself knocking on the door, as midfielder Ben Speas sent in a lofted ball to set up forward Donovan Ewolo, who lifted his shot too high in the 34th minute. 

The hosts doubled their advantage during first-half stoppage time through midfielder Jesus Medina, and tacked on two more goals after halftime via midfielder Keaton Parks. 

NCFC nearly got on the board on several occasions in the second half. In the 73rd minute, Speas did well to find midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, who fired a shot just wide to the left of the goal. Not long after, defender Caleb Duvernay, an NCFC Academy product, came inches away from finding the back of the net, but saw his shot deflect off the right post.  

Looking Ahead 
 
Moving forward, NCFC returns home on Saturday at 5 p.m. to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the club’s Pride Night Doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
 
NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D) and will look to keep that streak intact against a Rangers team that is 0W-4L-1D on the road. NCFC is currently in sixth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. 
 
Notes
 
– NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan named an unchanged starting lineup from NCFC’s 3-1 win at USL Championship-leading Tampa Bay last weekend. 

– Center backs Alex Comsia and Sam Brotherton and midfielder Ben Speas each appeared in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time this season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display as NCFC Academy alumni DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started alongside former NCFC U-23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Academy product Caleb Duvernay appeared as a second-half substitute, while current Academy goalkeeper Trace Alpin, 16, was named to the bench. 

– Caleb Duvernay, midfielder Austin Panchot and forward Yamikani Chester each appeared as substitutes in the second half. 
 
– NCFC registered six shots on target, including a team-high three from forward Donovan Ewolo. 

– Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis matched his season-high with six saves. 
 
Box Score:
 
NYCFC (4-3-3): Brad Stuver, Tony Rocha, Justin Haak, Sebastian Ibeagha, Anton Tinnerholm; Maxi Moralez © (Heber, 90+3’), Juan Torres, Daniel Bedoya (Alexandru Mitrita, 80’); Jesus Medina (Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, 90’), Valentin Castellanos, Keaton Parks
 
Subs not used: Luis Barraza
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton (Caleb Duvernay, 45’), Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Graham Smith, Nazmi Albadawi; Steven Miller © (Yamikani Chester, 61’), Dre Fortune (Austin Panchot, 79’), Ben Speas; Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs not used: Trace Alphin, Tim Mehl, Viktor Igbekoyi, Robert Kristo
 
Score:
NYCFC: 4
NCFC: 0

Goals:
NYCFC: Own Goal (Aaron Guillen, 25’), Jesus Medina (Tony Rocha, 45+2’), Keaton Parks (Juan Torres, 53’, Maxi Moralez, 76’)
NCFC: —
                                                                                                                                                       Cautions:
NYCFC: Daniel Bedoya 41’, Justin Haak 66’
NCFC: Graham Smith 62’

Ejections:
NYCFC: —
NCFC: —

Attendance: 2,014
 
###

Queens, N.Y. (June 12, 2019) – Appearing in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the fourth consecutive year, North Carolina FC found itself on the wrong end of a 4-0 result against New York City FC Wednesday night at Belson Stadium. 

Facing an MLS opponent for the 15th time in its Open Cup history, NCFC reached Wednesday’s match by defeating the Richmond Kickers and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds, respectively. 

Against NYCFC, North Carolina FC created several scoring chances and nearly took the lead in the 16th minute when midfielder Steven Miller forced opposing goalkeeper Brad Stuver into an uncomfortable save off of a short corner kick. 

Even after NYCFC opened up the scoring in the 25th minute, NCFC found itself knocking on the door, as midfielder Ben Speas sent in a lofted ball to set up forward Donovan Ewolo, who lifted his shot too high in the 34th minute. 

The hosts doubled their advantage during first-half stoppage time through midfielder Jesus Medina, and tacked on two more goals after halftime via midfielder Keaton Parks. 

NCFC nearly got on the board on several occasions in the second half. In the 73rd minute, Speas did well to find midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, who fired a shot just wide to the left of the goal. Not long after, defender Caleb Duvernay, an NCFC Academy product, came inches away from finding the back of the net, but saw his shot deflect off the right post.  

Looking Ahead 
 
Moving forward, NCFC returns home on Saturday at 5 p.m. to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the club’s Pride Night Doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
 
NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D) and will look to keep that streak intact against a Rangers team that is 0W-4L-1D on the road. NCFC is currently in sixth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. 
 
Notes
 
– NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan named an unchanged starting lineup from NCFC’s 3-1 win at USL Championship-leading Tampa Bay last weekend. 

– Center backs Alex Comsia and Sam Brotherton and midfielder Ben Speas each appeared in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time this season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display as NCFC Academy alumni DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started alongside former NCFC U-23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Academy product Caleb Duvernay appeared as a second-half substitute, while current Academy goalkeeper Trace Alpin, 16, was named to the bench. 

– Caleb Duvernay, midfielder Austin Panchot and forward Yamikani Chester each appeared as substitutes in the second half. 
 
– NCFC registered six shots on target, including a team-high three from forward Donovan Ewolo. 

– Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis matched his season-high with six saves. 
 
Box Score:
 
NYCFC (4-3-3): Brad Stuver, Tony Rocha, Justin Haak, Sebastian Ibeagha, Anton Tinnerholm; Maxi Moralez © (Heber, 90+3’), Juan Torres, Daniel Bedoya (Alexandru Mitrita, 80’); Jesus Medina (Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, 90’), Valentin Castellanos, Keaton Parks
 
Subs not used: Luis Barraza
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton (Caleb Duvernay, 45’), Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Graham Smith, Nazmi Albadawi; Steven Miller © (Yamikani Chester, 61’), Dre Fortune (Austin Panchot, 79’), Ben Speas; Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs not used: Trace Alphin, Tim Mehl, Viktor Igbekoyi, Robert Kristo
 
Score:
NYCFC: 4
NCFC: 0

Goals:
NYCFC: Own Goal (Aaron Guillen, 25’), Jesus Medina (Tony Rocha, 45+2’), Keaton Parks (Juan Torres, 53’, Maxi Moralez, 76’)
NCFC: —
                                                                                                                                                       Cautions:
NYCFC: Daniel Bedoya 41’, Justin Haak 66’
NCFC: Graham Smith 62’

Ejections:
NYCFC: —
NCFC: —

Attendance: 2,014
 
###

North Carolina FC Travels To Face New York City FC In Open Cup

MATCHDAY INFO:
NEW YORK CITY FC VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC 
BELSON STADIUM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NYCvNC

CARY, N.C. (June 11, 2019) – Currently on a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions, North Carolina FC will continue its journey in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup when it faces New York City FC of Major League Soccer in the fourth round Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Queens, N.Y., at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University. 

Head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is in sixth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference, and most recently defeated the league-leading and previously undefeated Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-1 on Saturday. 

NCFC is 23-11 all-time in the Open Cup and will be seeking its seventh win against an MLS side when facing NYCFC Wednesday. To reach this point, NCFC defeated the Richmond Kickers 4-1 in the second round on May 15, and followed that victory up with a 1-0 triumph against the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the third round on May 29. 

In its inaugural season, NCFC defeated the Chicago Fire and ultimately reached the semifinals of the 2007 Open Cup before falling to the New England Revolution, the eventual champions. That cup run served as the beginning of NCFC’s rich Open Cup history, which includes two wins against Chivas USA and three against the LA Galaxy. 

Wednesday’s match will be NYCFC’s first in this year’s competition. NYCFC is seeking its first-ever Open Cup win, having lost in the fourth round each year since 2015.  

NYCFC is coached by Domènec Torrent, who began his current role in June 2018 after previously serving as a member of Pep Guardiola’s staff at Manchester City, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. 

NYCFC (5W-1L-8D, 23 points) sits in sixth place in MLS’ Eastern Conference and most recently defeated FC Cincinnati 5-2 last Thursday. NYCFC’s leading goalscorer is Héber Araújo dos Santos, who has six goals and is coming off a brace. 

Last Time Out 

NCFC wrapped up a three-game USL Championship road trip in grand fashion, winning 3-1 at the league-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night. The loss was Tampa Bay's first of the season. 

Entering the game, the Rowdies had recorded four consecutive shutouts, last conceding on April 27. That streak came to an end thanks to an offensive outburst from NCFC, highlighted by a two-goal performance by midfielder Dre Fortune, a Raleigh native and former NCFC Youth standout. Fortune opened the scoring in the 19th minute with his first league goal of the season, as he was assisted by Nazmi Albadawi, who was playing in his second game with NCFC since rejoining the club he played for from 2014-17. 

NCFC went ahead 2-0 in the 48th minute as Fortune struck again, and a 78th-minute goal from midfielder Steven Miller made it 3-1, as NCFC responded well to a goal by Tampa Bay’s Zach Steinberger in the 54th minute. NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis made a season-high six saves in the win. 

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #18 Robert Kristo 
In his first season with the club, Robert Kristo has made the most of his opportunities, notching four goals across USL Championship and Open Cup play. The 6’4” target man scored in NCFC’s season-opening win against Louisville City FC in March and added a second league game in a victory over Hartford Athletic on April 27. Against the Richmond Kickers in the second round of the Open Cup on May 15, Kristo recorded a brace. If the 26-year-old can use his size and strength to his advantage, he could cause trouble for the NYCFC defense. 

New York City FC– #11 Valentín Castellanos
Despite starting only six of the 11 matches he’s appeared in this season, Valentín Castellanos has proven himself as an effective attacking option for NYCFC. The 20-year-old Argentinian came to the club on loan in 2018 from Uruguayan club Torque, but joined NYCFC permanently ahead of the current season. Castellanos has three goals and two assists, and the NCFC defense will definitely have to keep tabs on the forward. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns home on Saturday to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D) and will look to keep that streak intact against a Rangers team that is 0W-4L-1D on the road.

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

###

MATCHDAY INFO:
NEW YORK CITY FC VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC 
BELSON STADIUM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NYCvNC

CARY, N.C. (June 11, 2019) – Currently on a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions, North Carolina FC will continue its journey in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup when it faces New York City FC of Major League Soccer in the fourth round Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Queens, N.Y., at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University. 

Head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is in sixth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference, and most recently defeated the league-leading and previously undefeated Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-1 on Saturday. 

NCFC is 23-11 all-time in the Open Cup and will be seeking its seventh win against an MLS side when facing NYCFC Wednesday. To reach this point, NCFC defeated the Richmond Kickers 4-1 in the second round on May 15, and followed that victory up with a 1-0 triumph against the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the third round on May 29. 

In its inaugural season, NCFC defeated the Chicago Fire and ultimately reached the semifinals of the 2007 Open Cup before falling to the New England Revolution, the eventual champions. That cup run served as the beginning of NCFC’s rich Open Cup history, which includes two wins against Chivas USA and three against the LA Galaxy. 

Wednesday’s match will be NYCFC’s first in this year’s competition. NYCFC is seeking its first-ever Open Cup win, having lost in the fourth round each year since 2015.  

NYCFC is coached by Domènec Torrent, who began his current role in June 2018 after previously serving as a member of Pep Guardiola’s staff at Manchester City, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona. 

NYCFC (5W-1L-8D, 23 points) sits in sixth place in MLS’ Eastern Conference and most recently defeated FC Cincinnati 5-2 last Thursday. NYCFC’s leading goalscorer is Héber Araújo dos Santos, who has six goals and is coming off a brace. 

Last Time Out 

NCFC wrapped up a three-game USL Championship road trip in grand fashion, winning 3-1 at the league-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night. The loss was Tampa Bay’s first of the season. 

Entering the game, the Rowdies had recorded four consecutive shutouts, last conceding on April 27. That streak came to an end thanks to an offensive outburst from NCFC, highlighted by a two-goal performance by midfielder Dre Fortune, a Raleigh native and former NCFC Youth standout. Fortune opened the scoring in the 19th minute with his first league goal of the season, as he was assisted by Nazmi Albadawi, who was playing in his second game with NCFC since rejoining the club he played for from 2014-17. 

NCFC went ahead 2-0 in the 48th minute as Fortune struck again, and a 78th-minute goal from midfielder Steven Miller made it 3-1, as NCFC responded well to a goal by Tampa Bay’s Zach Steinberger in the 54th minute. NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis made a season-high six saves in the win. 

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #18 Robert Kristo 
In his first season with the club, Robert Kristo has made the most of his opportunities, notching four goals across USL Championship and Open Cup play. The 6’4” target man scored in NCFC’s season-opening win against Louisville City FC in March and added a second league game in a victory over Hartford Athletic on April 27. Against the Richmond Kickers in the second round of the Open Cup on May 15, Kristo recorded a brace. If the 26-year-old can use his size and strength to his advantage, he could cause trouble for the NYCFC defense. 

New York City FC– #11 Valentín Castellanos
Despite starting only six of the 11 matches he’s appeared in this season, Valentín Castellanos has proven himself as an effective attacking option for NYCFC. The 20-year-old Argentinian came to the club on loan in 2018 from Uruguayan club Torque, but joined NYCFC permanently ahead of the current season. Castellanos has three goals and two assists, and the NCFC defense will definitely have to keep tabs on the forward. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns home on Saturday to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D) and will look to keep that streak intact against a Rangers team that is 0W-4L-1D on the road.

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

###

North Carolina FCs Dre Fortune Voted USL Championship Player of the Week

Tampa, Fla. (June 11, 2019) – North Carolina FC midfielder Dre Fortune has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 14 of the 2019 season. Fortune scored a pair of goals as NCFC took a 3-1 victory on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night, handing the Eastern Conference-leading Rowdies their first regular-season loss of 2019. 
 
Fortune received 35 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market. Phoenix Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings and Sacramento Republic FC’s Cameron Iwasa finished tied for second on 24 percent after each notching a pair of goals in their respective club’s victories this past weekend.

A Raleigh native, Fortune is the first former NCFC Academy player to sign a professional contract with the senior team. The 22-year-old midfielder is currently in his fourth professional season and his third with NCFC, having debuted for the club in 2017.
 
NCFC returns home on Saturday, June 15, to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.. NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D). 

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Miller recorded a six-save shutout against the Swope Park Rangers that included a penalty-kick save to help his side earn a point on the road.
D – Kosuke Kimura, Nashville SC: Kimura scored a second-half goal and won 8 of 9 duels while making five recoveries in NSC’s 4-1 road victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
D – Ish Jome, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Jome completed 4 of 4 dribbles, won 6 of 7 duels and recorded three key passes in addition to his late goal in the Switchbacks’ 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.
D – James Kiffe, El Paso Locomotive FC: Kiffe recorded a pair of assists, completed 76 of 87 passes overall and made 10 recoveries in Locomotive FC’s 3-0 win against the LA Galaxy II.
M – Sebastian Dalgaard, Hartford Athletic: Dalgaard notched three key passes, completed six dribbles won 14 of 20 duels and won a penalty kick that produced the game-winning goal in the Athletic’s 2-1 win against Saint Louis FC.
M – Dre Fortune, North Carolina FC: Fortune struck twice, made four interceptions and completed 21 of 27 passes as North Carolina handed the Tampa Bay Rowdies their first loss of the season.
M – Jose Gallegos, San Antonio FC: The 17-year-old recorded four key passes and 9 of 10 passes overall, completed three dribbles and scored the game-winning goal after coming on as a halftime substitute in SAFC’s 3-2 win against Reno 1868 FC.
M – Chris Lema, New York Red Bulls II: Lema notched a pair of assists, recorded seven key passes overall and made 10 recoveries as the Red Bulls II cruised to a 3-1 victory against ATL UTD 2.
F – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings scored twice, won a penalty kick and completed 16 of 19 passes to lead Rising FC’s romp to a 5-0 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Casino Arizona Field.
F – Cameron Iwasa, Sacramento Republic FC: Iwasa recorded the opening and closing goal in Republic FC’s 3-0 road victory against Western Conference-leader New Mexico United on Saturday night.
F – Douglas Martinez, Real Monarchs SLC: Martinez notched two goals, one assist and three key passes as the Monarchs took a 5-3 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC at Zions Bank Stadium.
Bench: Callum Irving (OTT), Solomon Asante (PHX), Kenney Walker (IND), Griffin Yow (LDN), Maikel Chang (SLC), Jerome Kiesewetter (ELP), Deshorn Brown (OKC)

###

Tampa, Fla. (June 11, 2019) – North Carolina FC midfielder Dre Fortune has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 14 of the 2019 season. Fortune scored a pair of goals as NCFC took a 3-1 victory on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night, handing the Eastern Conference-leading Rowdies their first regular-season loss of 2019. 
 
Fortune received 35 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market. Phoenix Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings and Sacramento Republic FC’s Cameron Iwasa finished tied for second on 24 percent after each notching a pair of goals in their respective club’s victories this past weekend.

A Raleigh native, Fortune is the first former NCFC Academy player to sign a professional contract with the senior team. The 22-year-old midfielder is currently in his fourth professional season and his third with NCFC, having debuted for the club in 2017.
 
NCFC returns home on Saturday, June 15, to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.. NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D). 

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Miller recorded a six-save shutout against the Swope Park Rangers that included a penalty-kick save to help his side earn a point on the road.
D – Kosuke Kimura, Nashville SC: Kimura scored a second-half goal and won 8 of 9 duels while making five recoveries in NSC’s 4-1 road victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.
D – Ish Jome, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Jome completed 4 of 4 dribbles, won 6 of 7 duels and recorded three key passes in addition to his late goal in the Switchbacks’ 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.
D – James Kiffe, El Paso Locomotive FC: Kiffe recorded a pair of assists, completed 76 of 87 passes overall and made 10 recoveries in Locomotive FC’s 3-0 win against the LA Galaxy II.
M – Sebastian Dalgaard, Hartford Athletic: Dalgaard notched three key passes, completed six dribbles won 14 of 20 duels and won a penalty kick that produced the game-winning goal in the Athletic’s 2-1 win against Saint Louis FC.
M – Dre Fortune, North Carolina FC: Fortune struck twice, made four interceptions and completed 21 of 27 passes as North Carolina handed the Tampa Bay Rowdies their first loss of the season.
M – Jose Gallegos, San Antonio FC: The 17-year-old recorded four key passes and 9 of 10 passes overall, completed three dribbles and scored the game-winning goal after coming on as a halftime substitute in SAFC’s 3-2 win against Reno 1868 FC.
M – Chris Lema, New York Red Bulls II: Lema notched a pair of assists, recorded seven key passes overall and made 10 recoveries as the Red Bulls II cruised to a 3-1 victory against ATL UTD 2.
F – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings scored twice, won a penalty kick and completed 16 of 19 passes to lead Rising FC’s romp to a 5-0 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Casino Arizona Field.
F – Cameron Iwasa, Sacramento Republic FC: Iwasa recorded the opening and closing goal in Republic FC’s 3-0 road victory against Western Conference-leader New Mexico United on Saturday night.
F – Douglas Martinez, Real Monarchs SLC: Martinez notched two goals, one assist and three key passes as the Monarchs took a 5-3 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC at Zions Bank Stadium.
Bench: Callum Irving (OTT), Solomon Asante (PHX), Kenney Walker (IND), Griffin Yow (LDN), Maikel Chang (SLC), Jerome Kiesewetter (ELP), Deshorn Brown (OKC)

###

NCFC U23 Narrowly Defeated At Wake FC

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (June 10, 2019) – Despite creating offensive pressure for the bulk of the night, North Carolina U23 found itself on the wrong end of a 1-0 result at Wake FC Monday night at Ting Park. In the 69th minute, the match was delayed because of lightning, and it took an hour and 23 minutes for play to resume. 
 
NCFC U23, which entered the night in first place in USL League 2’s South Atlantic Division, fielded a starting lineup that included eight NCFC Academy players, including goalkeeper George Marks, who currently plays collegiately at Clemson. 

It was nearly a dream start for NCFC U23, as forward Jeremy Kelly, of UNC, saw his effort off of a short corner kick curl just wide of the post. 

Even after Wake FC went ahead in the sixth minute, NCFC U23 pressured the Wake FC defense for much of the opening 45 minutes but went into halftime trailing. 

Head coach Tom Harris’ group continued to push for an equalizer and found itself in attacking positions, both before and after the lightning delay. 

In the 85th minute, second-half substitute Alex Charles ambitiously volleyed an effort toward goal following a partial Wake FC clearance, but saw his shot go wide left, not far off frame. 

In stoppage time alone, NCFC U23 amassed four corner kicks and came dangerously close to equalizing on chances by midfielder Lucas Del Rosario and forward Orlin Roque. 

NCFC U23 returns to Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Virginia Beach United on June 18, at 7 p.m. 
 
BOX SCORE

Wake FC: Sean Caulfield; Hassan Pinto (Jamil Garcia, 79’), Matthew Constant, Cyrus Raad, Spencer Glass; James Ellis (Ty Shipalane, 62’), AJ Palazzolo ©, Nehemie Lamtoukou, Nije Baboucarr (Bryce Meredith, 62’), Colin Daughtry; Kuda Muskwe
 
Subs not used: Nicholas Cournoyer, Yannick Shad, Daniel McDonald, Sheriff Secko
 
NCFC U23: George Marks ©; James Kasak (Parker Cross, 46’), Tyler Dressman (Camden Holbrook, 69’), Aidan Foster, David Mejia (Alex Charles, 69’); Mauricio Pineda, Dominic Jensen (Lucas Del Rosario, 46’), Robert Screen (Kalvin Kromer, 69); Jeremy Kelly, Alex Rose, Preston Popp (Orlin Roque, 60’)
 
Subs not used:  Will Pulisic 

Score
Wake FC: 1
NCFC U23: 0
 
Goals:
Wake FC: James Ellis (Nije Baboucarr, 6’)
NCFC U23: 
 
Cautions:
Wake FC: James Ellis 43’, Kuda Muskwe 68’, Bryce Meredith 83’
NCFC U23: Preston Popp 20’, Mauricio Pineda 43’, Kalvin Kromer 86’
 
Ejections:
Wake FC: 
NCFC U23:

###

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (June 10, 2019) – Despite creating offensive pressure for the bulk of the night, North Carolina U23 found itself on the wrong end of a 1-0 result at Wake FC Monday night at Ting Park. In the 69th minute, the match was delayed because of lightning, and it took an hour and 23 minutes for play to resume. 
 
NCFC U23, which entered the night in first place in USL League 2’s South Atlantic Division, fielded a starting lineup that included eight NCFC Academy players, including goalkeeper George Marks, who currently plays collegiately at Clemson. 

It was nearly a dream start for NCFC U23, as forward Jeremy Kelly, of UNC, saw his effort off of a short corner kick curl just wide of the post. 

Even after Wake FC went ahead in the sixth minute, NCFC U23 pressured the Wake FC defense for much of the opening 45 minutes but went into halftime trailing. 

Head coach Tom Harris’ group continued to push for an equalizer and found itself in attacking positions, both before and after the lightning delay. 

In the 85th minute, second-half substitute Alex Charles ambitiously volleyed an effort toward goal following a partial Wake FC clearance, but saw his shot go wide left, not far off frame. 

In stoppage time alone, NCFC U23 amassed four corner kicks and came dangerously close to equalizing on chances by midfielder Lucas Del Rosario and forward Orlin Roque. 

NCFC U23 returns to Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Virginia Beach United on June 18, at 7 p.m. 
 
BOX SCORE

Wake FC: Sean Caulfield; Hassan Pinto (Jamil Garcia, 79’), Matthew Constant, Cyrus Raad, Spencer Glass; James Ellis (Ty Shipalane, 62’), AJ Palazzolo ©, Nehemie Lamtoukou, Nije Baboucarr (Bryce Meredith, 62’), Colin Daughtry; Kuda Muskwe
 
Subs not used: Nicholas Cournoyer, Yannick Shad, Daniel McDonald, Sheriff Secko
 
NCFC U23: George Marks ©; James Kasak (Parker Cross, 46’), Tyler Dressman (Camden Holbrook, 69’), Aidan Foster, David Mejia (Alex Charles, 69’); Mauricio Pineda, Dominic Jensen (Lucas Del Rosario, 46’), Robert Screen (Kalvin Kromer, 69); Jeremy Kelly, Alex Rose, Preston Popp (Orlin Roque, 60’)
 
Subs not used:  Will Pulisic 

Score
Wake FC: 1
NCFC U23: 0
 
Goals:
Wake FC: James Ellis (Nije Baboucarr, 6’)
NCFC U23: 
 
Cautions:
Wake FC: James Ellis 43’, Kuda Muskwe 68’, Bryce Meredith 83’
NCFC U23: Preston Popp 20’, Mauricio Pineda 43’, Kalvin Kromer 86’
 
Ejections:
Wake FC: 
NCFC U23:

###

North Carolina FC Hands League-Leading Tampa Bay First Loss Of Season

St. Petersburg, Fla. (June 8, 2019) – North Carolina FC became the first team to defeat the USL Championship-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies, winning 3-1 Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. 

Raleigh native and former NCFC Youth product Dre Fortune scored twice in the victory, as head coach Dave Sarachan’s team finished its longest league road trip of the season unbeaten. 

With the win, NCFC improved to 6W-2L-5D (23 points), good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. 

After settling into the game both offensively and defensively, Fortune opened up the scoring in the 19th minute with his first league goal of the year. Midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, playing in just the second game of his second stint with the club, set up Fortune from the edge of the box, and Fortune calmly slotted his effort into the bottom right corner of the net. 

The goal was the first scored against the Rowdies by a USL Championship opponent since April 27, ending a 548-minute stretch of no goals against Tampa Bay. 

On the other end of the pitch, NCFC’s Alex Tambakis did his part, making six saves. The most impressive arguably came in the 23rd minute, as the Greek goalkeeper denied Tampa Bay’s leading goalscorer, Sebastián Guenzatti, from point-blank range. 

After going into the break with the lead, NCFC doubled its advantage as Fortune secured a brace in the 48th minute. Making a run on goal, NCFC forward Donovan Ewolo cleverly faked inside before playing in a left-footed service that Fortune poked in, making NCFC the first team to score multiple goals against the Rowdies in 2019.  

Tampa Bay pulled one back with former NCFC midfielder Zach Steinberger’s 54th-minute goal. But Sarachan’s side was ultimately able to keep its cool, and NCFC restored its multi-goal lead in the 77th minute. Positioned out on the left flank, midfielder Steven Miller cut inside and let loose on a shot that slipped through the hands of Tampa Bay’s McCarthy. 

The goal was Miller’s fourth of the season. 

From that point on, NCFC saw out the result, securing its second consecutive win at Al Lang Stadium. 

Fact To Know 

Tampa Bay had conceded just four goals in its first 13 USL Championship matches before NCFC scored three times Saturday. 

Notes 

– NCFC improved to 6W-0L-0D when scoring first and 5W-0L-0D when leading at halftime. 

– NCFC now has four road wins, a milestone it didn’t reach until Sept. 16, last season. NCFC went 2W-0L-1D against New York Red Bulls II, Hartford Athletic and Tampa Bay Rowdies from May 24-June 8. 

– Rookie midfielder Austin Panchot made his first league appearance of the year, replacing Ben Speas in the 78th minute. 

– Steven Miller’s four goals are the second-most on the team. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display as NCFC Academy alumni DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started alongside former NCFC U-23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Academy product Caleb Duvernay was named to the bench.

– Nazmi Albadawi notched his first assist since returning to the club he played for from 2014-17. The Raleigh native recorded 19 assists across all competitions during his first stint with NCFC. 

– Donovan Ewolo recorded his second assist of the season, and his first since the USL Championship opener on March 9 against Louisville City FC. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will resume Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play when it travels up north to take on New York City FC of Major League Soccer in the fourth round of the competition on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The match will be played at Belson Stadium in Queens, on the campus of St. John's University. 

NCFC's all-time record in the competition is 23-11, with six of the victories coming against MLS sides. In 2007, the club's first season, NCFC reached the semifinals of the Open Cup. 

In May, NCFC defeated the Richmond Kickers 4-1 and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds of the competition, respectively. 

NCFC returns home on Saturday, June 15, to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.. NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D). 

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:
 
TBR (3-4-1-2): John McCarthy; Tarek Morad, Pape Diakite, Mohamed Kone (Antoine Hoppenot, 46’); Caleb Richards, Dominic Oduro, Kwadwo Poku, Malik Johnson; Andrew Tinari (Zach Steinberger, 45+1’); Juan Tejada, Sebastian Guenzatti © (Brandon Allen, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Chris Konopka, Ryan Felix, Yann Ekra, Jordan Doherty
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Graham Smith, Nazmi Albadawi; Steven Miller ©, Dre Fortune (Victor Igbekoyi, 80’), Ben Speas (Austin Panchot, 78’); Donovan Ewolo (Robert Kristo, 85’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Caleb Duvernay, Duval Wapiwo, Yamikani Chester
 
Score:
TBR: 1
NCFC: 3

Goals:
TBR: Zach Steinberger (Tarek Morad, 74’)
NCFC: Dre Fortune (Nazmi Albadawi, 19’, Donovan Ewolo, 48’), Steven Miller (Ben Speas, 77’)

Cautions:
TBR: Antoine Hoppenot 61’
NCFC: Nazmi Albadawi 28’

Ejections:
TBR: —
NCFC: —

Attendance: 5,167

###

St. Petersburg, Fla. (June 8, 2019) – North Carolina FC became the first team to defeat the USL Championship-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies, winning 3-1 Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. 

Raleigh native and former NCFC Youth product Dre Fortune scored twice in the victory, as head coach Dave Sarachan’s team finished its longest league road trip of the season unbeaten. 

With the win, NCFC improved to 6W-2L-5D (23 points), good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. 

After settling into the game both offensively and defensively, Fortune opened up the scoring in the 19th minute with his first league goal of the year. Midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, playing in just the second game of his second stint with the club, set up Fortune from the edge of the box, and Fortune calmly slotted his effort into the bottom right corner of the net. 

The goal was the first scored against the Rowdies by a USL Championship opponent since April 27, ending a 548-minute stretch of no goals against Tampa Bay. 

On the other end of the pitch, NCFC’s Alex Tambakis did his part, making six saves. The most impressive arguably came in the 23rd minute, as the Greek goalkeeper denied Tampa Bay’s leading goalscorer, Sebastián Guenzatti, from point-blank range. 

After going into the break with the lead, NCFC doubled its advantage as Fortune secured a brace in the 48th minute. Making a run on goal, NCFC forward Donovan Ewolo cleverly faked inside before playing in a left-footed service that Fortune poked in, making NCFC the first team to score multiple goals against the Rowdies in 2019.  

Tampa Bay pulled one back with former NCFC midfielder Zach Steinberger’s 54th-minute goal. But Sarachan’s side was ultimately able to keep its cool, and NCFC restored its multi-goal lead in the 77th minute. Positioned out on the left flank, midfielder Steven Miller cut inside and let loose on a shot that slipped through the hands of Tampa Bay’s McCarthy. 

The goal was Miller’s fourth of the season. 

From that point on, NCFC saw out the result, securing its second consecutive win at Al Lang Stadium. 

Fact To Know 

Tampa Bay had conceded just four goals in its first 13 USL Championship matches before NCFC scored three times Saturday. 

Notes 

– NCFC improved to 6W-0L-0D when scoring first and 5W-0L-0D when leading at halftime. 

– NCFC now has four road wins, a milestone it didn’t reach until Sept. 16, last season. NCFC went 2W-0L-1D against New York Red Bulls II, Hartford Athletic and Tampa Bay Rowdies from May 24-June 8. 

– Rookie midfielder Austin Panchot made his first league appearance of the year, replacing Ben Speas in the 78th minute. 

– Steven Miller’s four goals are the second-most on the team. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display as NCFC Academy alumni DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started alongside former NCFC U-23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Academy product Caleb Duvernay was named to the bench.

– Nazmi Albadawi notched his first assist since returning to the club he played for from 2014-17. The Raleigh native recorded 19 assists across all competitions during his first stint with NCFC. 

– Donovan Ewolo recorded his second assist of the season, and his first since the USL Championship opener on March 9 against Louisville City FC. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will resume Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play when it travels up north to take on New York City FC of Major League Soccer in the fourth round of the competition on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The match will be played at Belson Stadium in Queens, on the campus of St. John’s University. 

NCFC’s all-time record in the competition is 23-11, with six of the victories coming against MLS sides. In 2007, the club’s first season, NCFC reached the semifinals of the Open Cup. 

In May, NCFC defeated the Richmond Kickers 4-1 and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds of the competition, respectively. 

NCFC returns home on Saturday, June 15, to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.. NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D). 

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:
 
TBR (3-4-1-2): John McCarthy; Tarek Morad, Pape Diakite, Mohamed Kone (Antoine Hoppenot, 46’); Caleb Richards, Dominic Oduro, Kwadwo Poku, Malik Johnson; Andrew Tinari (Zach Steinberger, 45+1’); Juan Tejada, Sebastian Guenzatti © (Brandon Allen, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Chris Konopka, Ryan Felix, Yann Ekra, Jordan Doherty
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Graham Smith, Nazmi Albadawi; Steven Miller ©, Dre Fortune (Victor Igbekoyi, 80’), Ben Speas (Austin Panchot, 78’); Donovan Ewolo (Robert Kristo, 85’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Caleb Duvernay, Duval Wapiwo, Yamikani Chester
 
Score:
TBR: 1
NCFC: 3

Goals:
TBR: Zach Steinberger (Tarek Morad, 74’)
NCFC: Dre Fortune (Nazmi Albadawi, 19’, Donovan Ewolo, 48’), Steven Miller (Ben Speas, 77’)

Cautions:
TBR: Antoine Hoppenot 61’
NCFC: Nazmi Albadawi 28’

Ejections:
TBR: —
NCFC: —

Attendance: 5,167

###

North Carolina FC Closes Three-Game USL Road Trip On Saturday Versus Tampa Bay

MATCHDAY INFO:
TAMPA BAY ROWDIES VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC 
AL LANG STADIUM
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 – 7:30 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+/WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #TBRvNC

CARY, N.C. (June 7, 2019) – North Carolina FC (5W-2L-5D, 20 points) concludes its longest USL Championship road trip of the regular season with a visit to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies (8W-0L-5D, 29 points) Saturday evening at Al Lang Stadium. 

NCFC, which most recently earned a 1-1 draw at Hartford Athletic last weekend, is 1W-0L-1D on its current road swing, having previously earned a 2-1 win at New York Red Bulls II on May 24. 

Across all competitions, NCFC is unbeaten in its past five matches (3W-0L-2D) and currently occupies seventh place in the Eastern Conference. On Saturday, head coach Dave Sarachan’s group will attempt to become the first team to defeat league-leading Tampa Bay in USL Championship action this season. 

The Rowdies, who have conceded only four goals this season, are coming off a 2-0 victory at Birmingham Legion FC, their ninth clean sheet of the campaign. Tampa Bay’s leading goalscorer, Sebastian Guenzatti, opened up the scoring with a 28th-minute goal, his sixth of the season. The Rowdies tacked on a second goal through Andrew Tinari’s 44th-minute score. 

Tampa Bay is led by head coach Neil Collins, who is in his first full season with the club after taking over in May 2018. 

NCFC was victorious in its last trip to Al Lang Stadium, a 2-0 win on Aug. 11, 2018. 

Last Time Out 

Making its first-ever trip to East Hartford, Conn., NCFC used a strong second-half performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Hartford Athletic. Trailing by a goal, NCFC got back on even terms in the 58th-minute via a strike by forward Yamikani Chester. 

After a partial Hartford clearance, Chester took on a defender, veered to the right and smartly slotted a shot past Hartford goalkeeper Frederik Due. 

Following a goal by Hartford in the game’s first minute, the NCFC defense and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis remained strong, holding the hosts to just one additional shot on target. 

Midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, a long-time NCFC fan favorite, made the first appearance of his second stint with the club, having recently arrived on loan from FC Cincinnati. Albadawi, a Raleigh native and alumnus of N.C. State University and Athens Drive High School, played for NCFC from 2014-17, and has agreed to a deal with NCFC through the 2020 season. 

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #11 Yamikani Chester 
In his first season with the club, Yamikani Chester has made himself known to opponents thanks to his speed and ability to cause danger in attacking positions. Given his second league start of the season, the Malawi international capitalized, scoring his first goal of the USL Championship campaign against Hartford Athletic. Chester has a pair of goals in his last four appearances, having scored for the first time in his NCFC career in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup against Richmond on May 15. 

Tampa Bay Rowdies – #1 John McCarthy 
Tampa Bay is allowing an average of only 0.31 goals per game, and much of that has to do with the work done by goalkeeper John McCarthy. In his first season with the club after most recently playing for the Philadelphia Union and Bethlehem Steel FC, McCarthy has a league-leading nine shutouts, and most recently made four saves, including one on a penalty kick, against Birmingham. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will resume Open Cup play when it travels up north to take on New York City FC of Major League Soccer in the fourth round of the competition on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The match will be played at Belson Stadium in Queens, on the campus of St. John's University. 

NCFC's all-time record in the competition is 23-11, with six of the victories coming against MLS sides. In 2007, the club's first season, NCFC reached the semifinals of the Open Cup. 

In May, NCFC defeated the Richmond Kickers 4-1 and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds of the competition, respectively. 

NCFC returns home on Saturday, June 15, to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.. NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D). 

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

 

###

MATCHDAY INFO:
TAMPA BAY ROWDIES VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC 
AL LANG STADIUM
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 – 7:30 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+/WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #TBRvNC

CARY, N.C. (June 7, 2019) – North Carolina FC (5W-2L-5D, 20 points) concludes its longest USL Championship road trip of the regular season with a visit to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies (8W-0L-5D, 29 points) Saturday evening at Al Lang Stadium. 

NCFC, which most recently earned a 1-1 draw at Hartford Athletic last weekend, is 1W-0L-1D on its current road swing, having previously earned a 2-1 win at New York Red Bulls II on May 24. 

Across all competitions, NCFC is unbeaten in its past five matches (3W-0L-2D) and currently occupies seventh place in the Eastern Conference. On Saturday, head coach Dave Sarachan’s group will attempt to become the first team to defeat league-leading Tampa Bay in USL Championship action this season. 

The Rowdies, who have conceded only four goals this season, are coming off a 2-0 victory at Birmingham Legion FC, their ninth clean sheet of the campaign. Tampa Bay’s leading goalscorer, Sebastian Guenzatti, opened up the scoring with a 28th-minute goal, his sixth of the season. The Rowdies tacked on a second goal through Andrew Tinari’s 44th-minute score. 

Tampa Bay is led by head coach Neil Collins, who is in his first full season with the club after taking over in May 2018. 

NCFC was victorious in its last trip to Al Lang Stadium, a 2-0 win on Aug. 11, 2018. 

Last Time Out 

Making its first-ever trip to East Hartford, Conn., NCFC used a strong second-half performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Hartford Athletic. Trailing by a goal, NCFC got back on even terms in the 58th-minute via a strike by forward Yamikani Chester. 

After a partial Hartford clearance, Chester took on a defender, veered to the right and smartly slotted a shot past Hartford goalkeeper Frederik Due. 

Following a goal by Hartford in the game’s first minute, the NCFC defense and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis remained strong, holding the hosts to just one additional shot on target. 

Midfielder Nazmi Albadawi, a long-time NCFC fan favorite, made the first appearance of his second stint with the club, having recently arrived on loan from FC Cincinnati. Albadawi, a Raleigh native and alumnus of N.C. State University and Athens Drive High School, played for NCFC from 2014-17, and has agreed to a deal with NCFC through the 2020 season. 

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #11 Yamikani Chester 
In his first season with the club, Yamikani Chester has made himself known to opponents thanks to his speed and ability to cause danger in attacking positions. Given his second league start of the season, the Malawi international capitalized, scoring his first goal of the USL Championship campaign against Hartford Athletic. Chester has a pair of goals in his last four appearances, having scored for the first time in his NCFC career in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup against Richmond on May 15. 

Tampa Bay Rowdies – #1 John McCarthy 
Tampa Bay is allowing an average of only 0.31 goals per game, and much of that has to do with the work done by goalkeeper John McCarthy. In his first season with the club after most recently playing for the Philadelphia Union and Bethlehem Steel FC, McCarthy has a league-leading nine shutouts, and most recently made four saves, including one on a penalty kick, against Birmingham. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will resume Open Cup play when it travels up north to take on New York City FC of Major League Soccer in the fourth round of the competition on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The match will be played at Belson Stadium in Queens, on the campus of St. John’s University. 

NCFC’s all-time record in the competition is 23-11, with six of the victories coming against MLS sides. In 2007, the club’s first season, NCFC reached the semifinals of the Open Cup. 

In May, NCFC defeated the Richmond Kickers 4-1 and the Florida Soccer Soldiers in the second and third rounds of the competition, respectively. 

NCFC returns home on Saturday, June 15, to face Swope Park Rangers in the first match of the Pride Night doubleheader, presented by Credit Suisse, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 5 p.m. The game will be followed by a match between the NC Courage and Portland Thorns scheduled for 7:45 p.m.. NCFC is unbeaten at home in league play (2W-0L-3D). 

For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

 

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Popp's Stoppage-Time Winner Leads NCFC U23 Past Lionsbridge FC 2-1

CARY, N.C. (June 7, 2019) – North Carolina FC U23 used a big performance by forward Preston Popp that included a game-winning goal four minutes into stoppage time to top Lionsbridge FC 2-1 Friday afternoon at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With the result, NCFC improved to 4W-4L-0D and now sits atop the South Atlantic Division standings in USL League 2. 

The youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly illustrated on the pitch Friday, with six current and former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in head coach Tom Harris’ starting lineup. That number included Jeremy Kelly, a forward from the University of North Carolina, who made his first appearance of the season and previously played for the NCFC senior team in 2016. 

The match was originally scheduled for 7 p.m., but kickoff was moved up to 3:30 due to the threat of severe weather. Despite the time change, Harris’ players came ready to play, reflected in a clean first half in which they controlled most of the possession. 

In the 10th minute, NCFC U23 goalkeeper Will Pulisic did well to gather a low-to-the-ground effort from Lionsbridge’s Thibaut Jacquel. Outside of that save, the Duke product had little to worry about in the first half. 

As the first half progressed, so did the NCFC U23 attack. The best scoring opportunity of the opening 45 minutes came in the 22nd minute following a Lionsbridge foul on the edge of the area. Playing in his first game of the USL League 2 season, NCFC U23 defender Mauricio Pineda put forth a threatening free kick but the UNC standout saw his effort glance off the crossbar. 
 
NCFC’s offensive pressure carried into the second half, and the deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute, as second-half substitute Popp set up fellow forward Alex Rose for the game’s first goal, giving NCFC U23 a 1-0 lead. 
 
Despite controlling much of the action during the second half of play, NCFC U23 saw Lionsbridge equalize in stoppage time on a goal by Eren Elbustu. 

However, there was more stoppage-time drama to come thanks to Popp. The UNC Charlotte product started a NCFC U23 counterattack that eventually led to defender Parker Cross playing in a service that Popp headed in for the match-deciding goal. 
 
With little time remaining, NCFC U23 remained strong defensively and secured the three points. 
 
Next up for NCFC U23 is a short drive to Ting Park in Holly Springs Monday evening, as the squad faces Wake FC. Following that matchup, NCFC returns to Koka Booth Stadium to take on Virginia Beach United on June 18. 
 
BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: Will Pulisic; David Mejia, Delasi Batse, Aidan Foster, James Kasak; Mauricio Pineda, Robert Screen © (Dom Jensen, 60’), Colton Pleasants (Alex Charles, 75’); Julian Ngoh (Preston Popp, 46’), Jeremy Kelly (Kalvin Kromer, 87’), Alex Rose (Parker Cross, 89’)
 
Subs not used: George Marks, Sergi Nus
 
Lionsbridge FC: Rich Dearle; Charlie Ferguson, Eduardo Santana (Sam Bacon, 89’), Gideon Betz, Luke Staats ©( Jamie Gunderson, 63’); Brennen Burton (Jonah Kagen, 43’), JP Scearce, Adrian Rebollar (Rene White, 58’), Emeka Eneli (Ivan Militar, 58’); Thibaut Jacquel (Eren Elbutsu, 73’), Luke Brown
 
Subs not used: Jacob Reimers
 
Score
NCFC U23: 2
Lionsbridge FC: 1
 
Goals:
NCFC U23: Alex Rose (Preston Popp, 52’), Preston Popp (Parker Cross, 90+4’)
Lionsbridge FC: Eren Elbutsu (Luke Brown, 90+1’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC U23: Mauricio Pineda 16’, Colton Pleasants 49’
Lionsbridge FC: Eduardo Santana 12’
 
Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Lionsbridge FC: —

###

CARY, N.C. (June 7, 2019) – North Carolina FC U23 used a big performance by forward Preston Popp that included a game-winning goal four minutes into stoppage time to top Lionsbridge FC 2-1 Friday afternoon at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With the result, NCFC improved to 4W-4L-0D and now sits atop the South Atlantic Division standings in USL League 2. 

The youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly illustrated on the pitch Friday, with six current and former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in head coach Tom Harris’ starting lineup. That number included Jeremy Kelly, a forward from the University of North Carolina, who made his first appearance of the season and previously played for the NCFC senior team in 2016. 

The match was originally scheduled for 7 p.m., but kickoff was moved up to 3:30 due to the threat of severe weather. Despite the time change, Harris’ players came ready to play, reflected in a clean first half in which they controlled most of the possession. 

In the 10th minute, NCFC U23 goalkeeper Will Pulisic did well to gather a low-to-the-ground effort from Lionsbridge’s Thibaut Jacquel. Outside of that save, the Duke product had little to worry about in the first half. 

As the first half progressed, so did the NCFC U23 attack. The best scoring opportunity of the opening 45 minutes came in the 22nd minute following a Lionsbridge foul on the edge of the area. Playing in his first game of the USL League 2 season, NCFC U23 defender Mauricio Pineda put forth a threatening free kick but the UNC standout saw his effort glance off the crossbar. 
 
NCFC’s offensive pressure carried into the second half, and the deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute, as second-half substitute Popp set up fellow forward Alex Rose for the game’s first goal, giving NCFC U23 a 1-0 lead. 
 
Despite controlling much of the action during the second half of play, NCFC U23 saw Lionsbridge equalize in stoppage time on a goal by Eren Elbustu. 

However, there was more stoppage-time drama to come thanks to Popp. The UNC Charlotte product started a NCFC U23 counterattack that eventually led to defender Parker Cross playing in a service that Popp headed in for the match-deciding goal. 
 
With little time remaining, NCFC U23 remained strong defensively and secured the three points. 
 
Next up for NCFC U23 is a short drive to Ting Park in Holly Springs Monday evening, as the squad faces Wake FC. Following that matchup, NCFC returns to Koka Booth Stadium to take on Virginia Beach United on June 18. 
 
BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: Will Pulisic; David Mejia, Delasi Batse, Aidan Foster, James Kasak; Mauricio Pineda, Robert Screen © (Dom Jensen, 60’), Colton Pleasants (Alex Charles, 75’); Julian Ngoh (Preston Popp, 46’), Jeremy Kelly (Kalvin Kromer, 87’), Alex Rose (Parker Cross, 89’)
 
Subs not used: George Marks, Sergi Nus
 
Lionsbridge FC: Rich Dearle; Charlie Ferguson, Eduardo Santana (Sam Bacon, 89’), Gideon Betz, Luke Staats ©( Jamie Gunderson, 63’); Brennen Burton (Jonah Kagen, 43’), JP Scearce, Adrian Rebollar (Rene White, 58’), Emeka Eneli (Ivan Militar, 58’); Thibaut Jacquel (Eren Elbutsu, 73’), Luke Brown
 
Subs not used: Jacob Reimers
 
Score
NCFC U23: 2
Lionsbridge FC: 1
 
Goals:
NCFC U23: Alex Rose (Preston Popp, 52’), Preston Popp (Parker Cross, 90+4’)
Lionsbridge FC: Eren Elbutsu (Luke Brown, 90+1’)
 
Cautions:
NCFC U23: Mauricio Pineda 16’, Colton Pleasants 49’
Lionsbridge FC: Eduardo Santana 12’
 
Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Lionsbridge FC: —

###

North Carolina FC Advance to Fourth Round of U.S. Open Cup with 1-0 Win Over Florida Soccer Soldiers

CARY, N.C. (May 29, 2019) – North Carolina FC defeated the Florida Soccer Soldiers 1-0 in the first-ever matchup between the two teams during the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night. The only goal in the match came from NCFC Academy product and Raleigh native, DJ Taylor who scored his first ever North Carolina FC goal.
 
“The Open Cup is all about what you saw tonight,” said North Carolina FC Head Coach Dave Sarachan. “The players from Florida did a good job of disrupting us in the first half. Our soccer was much better in the second half. We grinded it out and we are moving on.”

The first half of the game was filled with fast-paced, aggressive soccer, yet neither team managed to get the ball into the back of the net. Each team took a handful of shots but were not able to get any points on the board.
 
In first half added time, Soccer Soldiers’ defender, Luis Calderon, received a yellow card that resulted in a free kick for NCFC, giving the team one last attempt to score before halftime. Dre Fortune took the shot, yet the ball curved too far right, leaving both teams scoreless entering the second half.
 
It didn’t take long for NCFC to get to work as Taylor, scored a goal right off the bat in the 47th minute. After a forward pass from Steven Miller, Taylor dribbled up the middle of the field and put the ball in the lower right corner of the net. This gave the defender his first Open Cup goal, and his first ever North Carolina FC goal.
 
Between the 60th and the 70th minute of the match, NCFC had a few good looks on goal, yet Soccer Soldiers’ goalkeeper, Bryant Martin Gammiero, was able to respond to the shots with impressive saves that prevented NCFC from extending their lead.
 
In the 88th minute, NCFC had one last attempt to solidify their win with a shot on goal from Donovan Ewolo, but Gammiero was able to prevent NCFC from going up 2-0.
 
The match wrapped up with back-to-back cards, including a send-off for Carlos Freire, for the Soccer Soldiers that prevented them from having any last-minute scoring opportunities.
 
North Carolina FC will find out their MLS opponent for the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup tomorrow, May 30, at 11 a.m. The location of the match will also be revealed at that time. Follow @opencup on Twitter for live updates.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC will resume its USL Championship campaign on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. against Hartford Athletic at Rentschler Field in Hartford, Connecticut.
Notes:
 
Taylor recorded his first ever goal in an NCFC uniform. The NCFC Academy product also has two assists under his belt in 2019.
 
Four NCFC Academy products appeared in the game as Taylor, Manny Perez, Caleb Duvernay and Dre Fortune all started for the home side
 
Austin da Luz made his first appearance since April 20 after being sidelined with an injury. Da Luz entered the game as a sub in the 77th minute
 
While the next round has not been announced NCFC will face a Major League Soccer Team in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.
 
The announcement and hosting scenario will be unveiled via Twitter on May 30 at 11 a.m. ET on @OpenCup
 
Box Score:
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Darrin MacLeod; Caleb Duvernay, Aaron Guillen ©, Tim Mehl, DJ Taylor; Duval Wapiwo (Austin da Luz,77’), Graham Smith; Yamikani Chester, Dre Fortune, Manny Perez (Steven Miller, 46’); Robert Kristo (Donovan Ewolo, 73’)
 
Subs not used: Alex Tambakis, Ben Speas, Austin Panchot, Victor Igbekoyi
 
FSS (5-3-2): Bryant Gammiero; Sebastian Aldunate (Manuel Coll, 85’), Luis Calderon ©, Julian Hoyos Cadavid, Josduar Serrano, Adolfo Suazo Williams; Jose Miguel Boggio, Carlos Daniel Meneses Freire, Andres Ruiz de Somocurcio (Mario Ferro, 56’); Jose Alejandro Guanipa Morales (Armando Olivares, 55’), Valentin Sabella
 
Subs not used: Daniel Espantoso, Juan Carlos Paredes Rios, William Stamatis, Simon Vasquez
 
Score:
NCFC: 1
FSS: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: DJ Taylor (Steven Miller, 47’)
FSS: 
                                                                                                                                                           
Cautions:
NCFC: Tim Mehl 21’, Duval Wapiwo 71’
FSS: Valentin Sabella 45+4’, Armando Olivares 90+2’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
FSS: Carlos Daniel Meneses Freire 90+2’
 
Attendance: 1,270

###

CARY, N.C. (May 29, 2019) – North Carolina FC defeated the Florida Soccer Soldiers 1-0 in the first-ever matchup between the two teams during the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night. The only goal in the match came from NCFC Academy product and Raleigh native, DJ Taylor who scored his first ever North Carolina FC goal.
 
“The Open Cup is all about what you saw tonight,” said North Carolina FC Head Coach Dave Sarachan. “The players from Florida did a good job of disrupting us in the first half. Our soccer was much better in the second half. We grinded it out and we are moving on.”

The first half of the game was filled with fast-paced, aggressive soccer, yet neither team managed to get the ball into the back of the net. Each team took a handful of shots but were not able to get any points on the board.
 
In first half added time, Soccer Soldiers’ defender, Luis Calderon, received a yellow card that resulted in a free kick for NCFC, giving the team one last attempt to score before halftime. Dre Fortune took the shot, yet the ball curved too far right, leaving both teams scoreless entering the second half.
 
It didn’t take long for NCFC to get to work as Taylor, scored a goal right off the bat in the 47th minute. After a forward pass from Steven Miller, Taylor dribbled up the middle of the field and put the ball in the lower right corner of the net. This gave the defender his first Open Cup goal, and his first ever North Carolina FC goal.
 
Between the 60th and the 70th minute of the match, NCFC had a few good looks on goal, yet Soccer Soldiers’ goalkeeper, Bryant Martin Gammiero, was able to respond to the shots with impressive saves that prevented NCFC from extending their lead.
 
In the 88th minute, NCFC had one last attempt to solidify their win with a shot on goal from Donovan Ewolo, but Gammiero was able to prevent NCFC from going up 2-0.
 
The match wrapped up with back-to-back cards, including a send-off for Carlos Freire, for the Soccer Soldiers that prevented them from having any last-minute scoring opportunities.
 
North Carolina FC will find out their MLS opponent for the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup tomorrow, May 30, at 11 a.m. The location of the match will also be revealed at that time. Follow @opencup on Twitter for live updates.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC will resume its USL Championship campaign on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. against Hartford Athletic at Rentschler Field in Hartford, Connecticut.
Notes:
 
Taylor recorded his first ever goal in an NCFC uniform. The NCFC Academy product also has two assists under his belt in 2019.
 
Four NCFC Academy products appeared in the game as Taylor, Manny Perez, Caleb Duvernay and Dre Fortune all started for the home side
 
Austin da Luz made his first appearance since April 20 after being sidelined with an injury. Da Luz entered the game as a sub in the 77th minute
 
While the next round has not been announced NCFC will face a Major League Soccer Team in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.
 
The announcement and hosting scenario will be unveiled via Twitter on May 30 at 11 a.m. ET on @OpenCup
 
Box Score:
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Darrin MacLeod; Caleb Duvernay, Aaron Guillen ©, Tim Mehl, DJ Taylor; Duval Wapiwo (Austin da Luz,77’), Graham Smith; Yamikani Chester, Dre Fortune, Manny Perez (Steven Miller, 46’); Robert Kristo (Donovan Ewolo, 73’)
 
Subs not used: Alex Tambakis, Ben Speas, Austin Panchot, Victor Igbekoyi
 
FSS (5-3-2): Bryant Gammiero; Sebastian Aldunate (Manuel Coll, 85’), Luis Calderon ©, Julian Hoyos Cadavid, Josduar Serrano, Adolfo Suazo Williams; Jose Miguel Boggio, Carlos Daniel Meneses Freire, Andres Ruiz de Somocurcio (Mario Ferro, 56’); Jose Alejandro Guanipa Morales (Armando Olivares, 55’), Valentin Sabella
 
Subs not used: Daniel Espantoso, Juan Carlos Paredes Rios, William Stamatis, Simon Vasquez
 
Score:
NCFC: 1
FSS: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: DJ Taylor (Steven Miller, 47’)
FSS: 
                                                                                                                                                           
Cautions:
NCFC: Tim Mehl 21’, Duval Wapiwo 71’
FSS: Valentin Sabella 45+4’, Armando Olivares 90+2’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
FSS: Carlos Daniel Meneses Freire 90+2’
 
Attendance: 1,270

###