News Collector

INDIANAPOLIS (May 4, 2019) – North Carolina FC played to a scoreless draw against Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Both sides picked their moments to go forward carefully, but superb showings from the goalkeepers kept the game scoreless.
 
With the result, North Carolina FC moves to 4W-1L-3D on the season, good for 15 points and fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
 
After North Carolina FC started the game with an attacking surge, Indy Eleven largely took over possession and pace of play in the first half. The home side seemed content to sit back with the ball and the half played out with very few concrete chances.
 
Indy totaled three shots on target in the first half, but Alex Tambakis was able to easily protect the net.
 
The game opened up to start the second half. Dre Fortune created North Carolina FC’s best chance of the game by firing a low, driven ball accurately toward the corner of the goal. However, Evan Newton made a terrific diving save to push the ball off the post. On the follow up attempt, Steven Miller had a go at goal, but Newton stood tall to deflect the chance away from danger.
 
In the 67th minute, NCFC had another good look at goal, but Newton was there to save Ben Speas’ shot from the top of the 18-yard box.
 
As the game wore on, Tambakis came up big when called on, which included keeping the dangerous attacking duo of Dane Kelly and Thomas Enevoldsen from scoring. In total, Tambakis tallied five saves and the young NCFC defense held its composure to earn the team’s third shutout of the season.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC faces an away match at Ottawa Fury FC on Sunday, May 12, before returning home on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. NCFC will face the winner between Richmond Kickers and Virginia United. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
Notes:
NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third clean sheet of the season behind a five-save performance.
 
North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro pipeline was vibrantly displayed. NCFC Youth Academy products Manny Perez, DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started the match alongside NCFC U-23 product Alex Comsia. Caleb Duvernay, a former Academy and NCFC U-23 player made the bench, but was not subbed in.           
 
Former Carolina RailHawks, Matt Watson (2008-2011, 2016) and Kenny Walker (2013) both made the bench for the Indy Eleven, while Martin Rennie, who coached the RailHawks from 2009-2011, is Indy’s head coach.
 
Box Score:
IND (3-4-3): Evan Newton, Neveal Hackshaw ©, Karl Ouimette, Alex Crognale; Ayoze, Nico Matern, Tyler Gibson, Macauley King (Matthew Watson, 72’); Dane Kelly (Alioune Diakhate, 86’), Thomas Enevoldsen, Tyler Pasher (Joshua Penn, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Lucas Farias, Ilija Ilic, Kenney Walker, Jordan Farr, 
 
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller © (Donovan Ewolo 81’), Tommy McCabe, Dre Fortune (Graham Smith, 68’), Ben Speas, Manny Perez; Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 86’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Caleb Duvernay, Yamikani Chester, Victor Igbekoyi, 
 
Score:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Goals:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Cautions:
IND: Alioune Diakhate 90’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance:9,017

 
###

INDIANAPOLIS (May 4, 2019) – North Carolina FC played to a scoreless draw against Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Both sides picked their moments to go forward carefully, but superb showings from the goalkeepers kept the game scoreless.
 
With the result, North Carolina FC moves to 4W-1L-3D on the season, good for 15 points and fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
 
After North Carolina FC started the game with an attacking surge, Indy Eleven largely took over possession and pace of play in the first half. The home side seemed content to sit back with the ball and the half played out with very few concrete chances.
 
Indy totaled three shots on target in the first half, but Alex Tambakis was able to easily protect the net.
 
The game opened up to start the second half. Dre Fortune created North Carolina FC’s best chance of the game by firing a low, driven ball accurately toward the corner of the goal. However, Evan Newton made a terrific diving save to push the ball off the post. On the follow up attempt, Steven Miller had a go at goal, but Newton stood tall to deflect the chance away from danger.
 
In the 67th minute, NCFC had another good look at goal, but Newton was there to save Ben Speas’ shot from the top of the 18-yard box.
 
As the game wore on, Tambakis came up big when called on, which included keeping the dangerous attacking duo of Dane Kelly and Thomas Enevoldsen from scoring. In total, Tambakis tallied five saves and the young NCFC defense held its composure to earn the team’s third shutout of the season.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC faces an away match at Ottawa Fury FC on Sunday, May 12, before returning home on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. NCFC will face the winner between Richmond Kickers and Virginia United. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
Notes:
NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third clean sheet of the season behind a five-save performance.
 
North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro pipeline was vibrantly displayed. NCFC Youth Academy products Manny Perez, DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started the match alongside NCFC U-23 product Alex Comsia. Caleb Duvernay, a former Academy and NCFC U-23 player made the bench, but was not subbed in.           
 
Former Carolina RailHawks, Matt Watson (2008-2011, 2016) and Kenny Walker (2013) both made the bench for the Indy Eleven, while Martin Rennie, who coached the RailHawks from 2009-2011, is Indy’s head coach.
 
Box Score:
IND (3-4-3): Evan Newton, Neveal Hackshaw ©, Karl Ouimette, Alex Crognale; Ayoze, Nico Matern, Tyler Gibson, Macauley King (Matthew Watson, 72’); Dane Kelly (Alioune Diakhate, 86’), Thomas Enevoldsen, Tyler Pasher (Joshua Penn, 74’)
 
Subs not used: Lucas Farias, Ilija Ilic, Kenney Walker, Jordan Farr, 
 
NCFC (4-5-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller © (Donovan Ewolo 81’), Tommy McCabe, Dre Fortune (Graham Smith, 68’), Ben Speas, Manny Perez; Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 86’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Caleb Duvernay, Yamikani Chester, Victor Igbekoyi, 
 
Score:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Goals:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Cautions:
IND: Alioune Diakhate 90’
NCFC: —
 
Ejections:
IND: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance:9,017

 
###

Match Day Info:
North Carolina FC at Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 4 – 7:00 p.m.
Lucas Oil Stadium
 
Broadcast:
ESPN+: Watch Here
 
CARY, N.C. (May 3, 2019) – North Carolina FC will continue its USL Championship campaign Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium against Indy Eleven. Winners of two straight, NCFC will look to keep momentum high against a strong home side.
 
Indy Eleven holds the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 4W-2L-1D. The side’s four wins have all come against teams currently sitting at 10th or lower in the Eastern Conference, while the two losses are from frontrunners New York Red Bulls II and Saint Louis FC.  
 
Offseason acquisitions of forwards Dane Kelly and Thomas Enevoldsen have already paid off for the Eleven. The duo has combined for six goals, while new midfielder and former Carolina RailHawk Kenney Walker has added three assists. Speaking of former connections, Matt Watson is still logging important minutes for the Eleven, while Martin Rennie, who coached the RailHawks from 2009-2011, now leads the Indy side.
 
NCFC must continue its form that has shaped a successful run so far. Striker Marios Lomis has scored in the last four games, a streak that is tied for the second-longest in franchise history. Additionally, the team can look to a large pool of players to provide an offensive presence for NCFC. Eight different players have scored this season already, and five players have recorded an assist. 
 
A third-consecutive victory can push North Carolina FC as high as second place with a game in hand over many of its closest competitors. The season is quickly becoming one of the best starts in club history. Since beginning play in 2007, only the 2011 team has earned more points in its first seven games than this 2019 squad.
 
Last Time Out:
North Carolina FC rattled Hartford Athletic in a 4-1 victory last weekend. Marios Lomis, Sam Brotherton, Steven Miller and Robert Kristo all scored, while the NCFC defense once again stood tall to keep Hartford away throughout much of the match.
 
Players To Watch:
No. 10 Ben Speas
Ben Speas will face off against the team that has loaned him out for the season. The forward scored just two matches ago against Charlotte and will certainly look to get on the scoresheet again. The last time NCFC visited Indy, Speas suited up for Indy and scored a stunning long-distance goal in a 3-2 victory for Indy.
 
No. 17 Dane Kelly
The all-time leading scorer in USL Championship history is back in form and scoring in bunches for Indy Eleven this season. Kelly has four goals already and is showing no signs of slowing down. If NCFC wants a positive result, it will have to outmatch Kelly’s scoring prowess.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC faces an away match at Ottawa Fury FC next weekend, before returning home on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. NCFC will face the winner between Richmond Kickers and Virginia United. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

 
 
###

Match Day Info:
North Carolina FC at Indy Eleven
Saturday, May 4 – 7:00 p.m.
Lucas Oil Stadium
 
Broadcast:
ESPN+: Watch Here
 
CARY, N.C. (May 3, 2019) – North Carolina FC will continue its USL Championship campaign Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium against Indy Eleven. Winners of two straight, NCFC will look to keep momentum high against a strong home side.
 
Indy Eleven holds the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 4W-2L-1D. The side’s four wins have all come against teams currently sitting at 10th or lower in the Eastern Conference, while the two losses are from frontrunners New York Red Bulls II and Saint Louis FC.  
 
Offseason acquisitions of forwards Dane Kelly and Thomas Enevoldsen have already paid off for the Eleven. The duo has combined for six goals, while new midfielder and former Carolina RailHawk Kenney Walker has added three assists. Speaking of former connections, Matt Watson is still logging important minutes for the Eleven, while Martin Rennie, who coached the RailHawks from 2009-2011, now leads the Indy side.
 
NCFC must continue its form that has shaped a successful run so far. Striker Marios Lomis has scored in the last four games, a streak that is tied for the second-longest in franchise history. Additionally, the team can look to a large pool of players to provide an offensive presence for NCFC. Eight different players have scored this season already, and five players have recorded an assist. 
 
A third-consecutive victory can push North Carolina FC as high as second place with a game in hand over many of its closest competitors. The season is quickly becoming one of the best starts in club history. Since beginning play in 2007, only the 2011 team has earned more points in its first seven games than this 2019 squad.
 
Last Time Out:
North Carolina FC rattled Hartford Athletic in a 4-1 victory last weekend. Marios Lomis, Sam Brotherton, Steven Miller and Robert Kristo all scored, while the NCFC defense once again stood tall to keep Hartford away throughout much of the match.
 
Players To Watch:
No. 10 Ben Speas
Ben Speas will face off against the team that has loaned him out for the season. The forward scored just two matches ago against Charlotte and will certainly look to get on the scoresheet again. The last time NCFC visited Indy, Speas suited up for Indy and scored a stunning long-distance goal in a 3-2 victory for Indy.
 
No. 17 Dane Kelly
The all-time leading scorer in USL Championship history is back in form and scoring in bunches for Indy Eleven this season. Kelly has four goals already and is showing no signs of slowing down. If NCFC wants a positive result, it will have to outmatch Kelly’s scoring prowess.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC faces an away match at Ottawa Fury FC next weekend, before returning home on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. NCFC will face the winner between Richmond Kickers and Virginia United. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

 
 
###

TAMPA (May 2, 2019) – The United Soccer League is proud to announce the 33 USL clubs that will compete in the USL Academy Cup, a new event beginning this year featuring the country’s elite youth players from the U-13 and U-17 age groups. This announcement comes off the back of the unveiling of the league’s vision for an Academy system and begins with the Academy Cup serving as a forerunner to the first-ever USL Academy League, built to provide a clear youth-to-pro path in each USL community. 

This year’s cup competition is the first big step toward building a league model for all of our academies,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “You can see from both the number and quality of teams participating that there’s a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for what we’re looking to accomplish. We see this as an integral part of our organization, and the foundation of this league for years to come.

The cup competition will see academy teams from all three levels of the USL represented, with clubs from the Championship, League One, and League Two all competing against one another. These events will be designed to better identify and accelerate the development of elite youth players with the potential to reach the professional ranks.

“These challenging competitions will provide valuable developmental opportunities for our youth players and we’re thrilled to help grow this initiative with other strong USL Academies,” said John Bradford, Boys Development Academy Director and Assistant Coach with North Carolina FC. “As a league, the USL continues to push player development and now has a full pathway for players from the youth to professional environments with the USL Academy Cup, League Two, League One, and the Championship.”

The makeup of the competition will include 22 teams representing the USL Championship, with three League One clubs and eight League Two clubs rounding out a growing footprint that already reaches 21 states across the country.

“The USL Academy Cup is a testament to the great work being done by leaders in youth development across the country and shows a strong belief in supporting environments that will push our top youth players to grow and evolve,” said Liam O’Connell, USL Sr. Director of Youth Development. “We are incredibly proud to launch this competition this year and to see our clubs continue to take on an even bigger role in driving the growth of our game for many years to come.”

As a part of USL’s growth, the Academy Cup will lead into the Academy League, a player-focused, club-driven league designed to serve as the gold standard of youth development. Aligning with the USL’s vision, clubs will participate at the highest level of competition in their respective age ranges with a goal to improve club and coaching development as well as provide the optimal environment for player growth. 

For information on conference alignment, competition structure, and the latest on the USL Academy initiatives, visit USL-Academy.com.

###

TAMPA (May 2, 2019) – The United Soccer League is proud to announce the 33 USL clubs that will compete in the USL Academy Cup, a new event beginning this year featuring the country’s elite youth players from the U-13 and U-17 age groups. This announcement comes off the back of the unveiling of the league’s vision for an Academy system and begins with the Academy Cup serving as a forerunner to the first-ever USL Academy League, built to provide a clear youth-to-pro path in each USL community. 

This year’s cup competition is the first big step toward building a league model for all of our academies,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “You can see from both the number and quality of teams participating that there’s a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for what we’re looking to accomplish. We see this as an integral part of our organization, and the foundation of this league for years to come.

The cup competition will see academy teams from all three levels of the USL represented, with clubs from the Championship, League One, and League Two all competing against one another. These events will be designed to better identify and accelerate the development of elite youth players with the potential to reach the professional ranks.

“These challenging competitions will provide valuable developmental opportunities for our youth players and we’re thrilled to help grow this initiative with other strong USL Academies,” said John Bradford, Boys Development Academy Director and Assistant Coach with North Carolina FC. “As a league, the USL continues to push player development and now has a full pathway for players from the youth to professional environments with the USL Academy Cup, League Two, League One, and the Championship.”

The makeup of the competition will include 22 teams representing the USL Championship, with three League One clubs and eight League Two clubs rounding out a growing footprint that already reaches 21 states across the country.

“The USL Academy Cup is a testament to the great work being done by leaders in youth development across the country and shows a strong belief in supporting environments that will push our top youth players to grow and evolve,” said Liam O’Connell, USL Sr. Director of Youth Development. “We are incredibly proud to launch this competition this year and to see our clubs continue to take on an even bigger role in driving the growth of our game for many years to come.”

As a part of USL’s growth, the Academy Cup will lead into the Academy League, a player-focused, club-driven league designed to serve as the gold standard of youth development. Aligning with the USL’s vision, clubs will participate at the highest level of competition in their respective age ranges with a goal to improve club and coaching development as well as provide the optimal environment for player growth. 

For information on conference alignment, competition structure, and the latest on the USL Academy initiatives, visit USL-Academy.com.

###

TAMPA, Fla. (April 30, 2019) – North Carolina FC defender Aaron Guillen was selected to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 8 of the 2019 season. Guillen had a complete game where he helped the backline shut down the Hartford attack and recorded two key passes in a 4-1 victory. Steven Miller’s one-goal, one-assist performance earned him a spot on the bench for the Team of the Week.
 
Guillen is the fourth NCFC player to earn the honor this season. He joins Ben Speas (Week 7), Alex Tambakis (Week 5) and Tommy McCabe (Week 1) as Team of the Week honorees from earlier this season.
 
North Carolina FC is hitting the road for its next two league games. NCFC will return home for a second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game the third week of May. Details on an exact opponent and date are still being determined. NCFC’s next USL Championship home match comes against the Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Curtis Anderson, Charlotte Independence: Anderson recorded eight saves to help the Independence earn a 1-1 draw on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

D – Ryan James, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: James recorded eight interceptions, made 10 recoveries and played a key role in the Hounds’ late equalizer against Nashville SC. 

D – Aaron Guillen, North Carolina FC: Guillen put in a stellar performance down the left side, recording two key passes and completing 50 of 59 passes overall while winning 7 of 8 duels against Hartford.

D – Mechack Jerome, El Paso Locomotive FC: Jerome completed 66 of 71 passes, made eight recoveries and won all three of his duels as Locomotive FC earned a 1-0 victory against Reno 1868 FC.

M – Russell Cicerone, Saint Louis FC: Cicerone had one goal and one assist and recorded five shots overall to help power STLFC back to the top of the Eastern Conference with victory against Swope Park.

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes had a goal and two assists, recorded six key passes and won 20 of 29 duels across two outings as the Rowdies maintained their undefeated start.

M – Eryk Williamson, Portland Timbers 2: Williamson led T2’s comeback against New Mexico with two goals and six shots overall as he proved a consistent threat in the attacking third for the visitors.

M – Rodrigo da Costa, Tulsa Roughnecks FC: Da Costa had two goals and one assist as the Roughnecks took four points from two games to move into second place in the Western Conference.

M – Jack Barmby, San Antonio FC: Barmby scored a pair of outstanding goals, recorded three key passes and completed 63 of 70 passes overall in SAFC’s 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.

F – Kevaughn Frater, New Mexico United: Frater scored a hat trick, including a stoppage-time equalizer, as New Mexico played to a 3-3 draw with Western Conference-leader the Portland Timbers 2.

F – Michael Salazar, Rio Grande Valley FC: Salazar notched a hat trick for the Toros in 14 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in his side’s 4-4 draw with the LA Galaxy II.

Bench: Joe Kuzminsky (CHS), Carl Haworth (OTT), Ken Tribbett (NSH), Steven Miller (NC), Andrew Tinari (TBR), Vincent Bezecourt (NY), Andre Lima (AUS)

###

TAMPA, Fla. (April 30, 2019) – North Carolina FC defender Aaron Guillen was selected to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 8 of the 2019 season. Guillen had a complete game where he helped the backline shut down the Hartford attack and recorded two key passes in a 4-1 victory. Steven Miller’s one-goal, one-assist performance earned him a spot on the bench for the Team of the Week.
 
Guillen is the fourth NCFC player to earn the honor this season. He joins Ben Speas (Week 7), Alex Tambakis (Week 5) and Tommy McCabe (Week 1) as Team of the Week honorees from earlier this season.
 
North Carolina FC is hitting the road for its next two league games. NCFC will return home for a second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game the third week of May. Details on an exact opponent and date are still being determined. NCFC’s next USL Championship home match comes against the Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Curtis Anderson, Charlotte Independence: Anderson recorded eight saves to help the Independence earn a 1-1 draw on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

D – Ryan James, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: James recorded eight interceptions, made 10 recoveries and played a key role in the Hounds’ late equalizer against Nashville SC. 

D – Aaron Guillen, North Carolina FC: Guillen put in a stellar performance down the left side, recording two key passes and completing 50 of 59 passes overall while winning 7 of 8 duels against Hartford.

D – Mechack Jerome, El Paso Locomotive FC: Jerome completed 66 of 71 passes, made eight recoveries and won all three of his duels as Locomotive FC earned a 1-0 victory against Reno 1868 FC.

M – Russell Cicerone, Saint Louis FC: Cicerone had one goal and one assist and recorded five shots overall to help power STLFC back to the top of the Eastern Conference with victory against Swope Park.

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Fernandes had a goal and two assists, recorded six key passes and won 20 of 29 duels across two outings as the Rowdies maintained their undefeated start.

M – Eryk Williamson, Portland Timbers 2: Williamson led T2’s comeback against New Mexico with two goals and six shots overall as he proved a consistent threat in the attacking third for the visitors.

M – Rodrigo da Costa, Tulsa Roughnecks FC: Da Costa had two goals and one assist as the Roughnecks took four points from two games to move into second place in the Western Conference.

M – Jack Barmby, San Antonio FC: Barmby scored a pair of outstanding goals, recorded three key passes and completed 63 of 70 passes overall in SAFC’s 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.

F – Kevaughn Frater, New Mexico United: Frater scored a hat trick, including a stoppage-time equalizer, as New Mexico played to a 3-3 draw with Western Conference-leader the Portland Timbers 2.

F – Michael Salazar, Rio Grande Valley FC: Salazar notched a hat trick for the Toros in 14 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in his side’s 4-4 draw with the LA Galaxy II.

Bench: Joe Kuzminsky (CHS), Carl Haworth (OTT), Ken Tribbett (NSH), Steven Miller (NC), Andrew Tinari (TBR), Vincent Bezecourt (NY), Andre Lima (AUS)

###

CARY, N.C. (April 27, 2019) – North Carolina FC rolled to a 4-1 victory over Hartford Athletic on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The win moves NCFC to 4W-1L-2D this season, good for 14 points and third place in the Eastern Conference. 
 
“All in all, a good result,” said North Carolina FC Head Coach Dave Sarachan. “I thought the energy was good from the start. Some of the things we have worked on in the final third came through tonight. We deserved to win the game. It’s always good and encouraging to get four goals in a game. We were pleased.”
 
It didn’t take long for North Carolina FC to open the scoring. In-form striker Marios Lomis received a through ball from Steven Miller, and dribbled into space before tucking his shot past the Hartford goalkeeper in the fifth minute. The goal was his team-leading sixth of the year and his fourth tally in as many games. 
 
Following the goal, Hartford increased its attacking emphasis to regain a foothold in the match, but North Carolina FC doubled its lead right before halftime.
 
Sam Brotherton scored his first-ever goal for NCFC after Dre Fortune’s corner kick found him inside the box. The center back controlled the cross and scored from close range. Seconds after the goal, the halftime whistle sounded.
 
Following the break, NCFC made it 3-0 with a solo effort from Miller. The veteran scored his first goal of the season with a blast from outside the box that cannoned off the crossbar into the net.
 
Hartford, who threatened periodically throughout the night, scored in the 58th minute to make it 3-1. Alex Dixon hit a powerful shot from distance to beat a diving Alex Tambakis. That would be the visitors only goal.
 
NCFC capped off the closing stages off the game with a fourth goal in the 82nd minute.
 
Minutes after being subbed on, Robert Kristo scored his second of the season. Kristo chipped the keeper from about 10 yards out after running on to Manny Perez’s perfectly-placed cross.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC is hitting the road for its next two league games. NCFC will return home for a second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game the third week of May. Details on an exact opponent and date are still being determined. NCFC’s next USL Championship home match comes against the Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
Notes:
Marios Lomis opened the scoring with a goal in the fifth minute, which was his fourth-straight game with a goal, and ties the second-longest goal-scoring streak in franchise history. Lomis is tied with Matt Fondy who scored four games in row in 2016. (League games only)
 
Steven Miller scored his first goal of the season and recorded his third assist of the year – a team high.
 
Sam Brotherton scored the first goal of his North Carolina FC career, off Dre Fortune’s first assist of the season.
 
Robert Kristo added his second goal of the season, while Manny Perez recorded his second assist of the season. 
 
North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro pipeline was vibrantly displayed. NCFC Youth Academy products Manny Perez, DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started the match alongside NCFC U-23 product Alex Comsia. Caleb Duvernay, a former Academy and NCFC U-23 player made the bench, but was not subbed in.           
 
With the win, North Carolina FC’s 14 points (4W-1L-2D record) is the second-best start over seven games in franchise history. Only the 5W-1L-1D (16 points) start from 2011 bests this year’s opening performance. 
 
Box Score:
NCFC (4-3-2-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller © (Yamikani Chester, 74’), Graham Smith, Manny Perez; Dre Fortune, Ben Speas (Victor Igbekoyi, 83’); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 55’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Caleb Duvernay, Duval Wapiwo, , Donovan Ewolo
 
HFD (4-4-2): Frederick Due; Kyle Curinga, Nikolaj Lyngø, Sem de Wit, Jonathan Brown; Giuseppe Gentile (Sebastian Dalgaard, 65’), Nicky Downs, Phil Rasmussen © (Mads Jorgensen, 73’), Collin Martin (Ryan Williams, 73’); Alex Dixon, Mac Steeves
 
Subs not used: Jacob Lissek, Wojciech Wójcik, Jose Angulo
 
Score:
NCFC: 4
HFD: 1
 
Goals:
NCFC: Marios Lomis (Steven Miller, 5’) Sam Brotherton (Dre Fortune, 45+’) Steven Miller (unassisted, 47’) Robert Kristo (Manny Perez, 82’)
HFD: Alex Dixon (Mac Steeves, 58’)                                                                                                                                                                  
 

Cautions:
NCFC: Sam Brotherton 52’, 
HFD: Giuseppe Gentile 41’, Kyle Curinga 90+’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
HFD: —
 
Attendance: 5,097

###

CARY, N.C. (April 27, 2019) – North Carolina FC rolled to a 4-1 victory over Hartford Athletic on Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The win moves NCFC to 4W-1L-2D this season, good for 14 points and third place in the Eastern Conference. 
 
“All in all, a good result,” said North Carolina FC Head Coach Dave Sarachan. “I thought the energy was good from the start. Some of the things we have worked on in the final third came through tonight. We deserved to win the game. It’s always good and encouraging to get four goals in a game. We were pleased.”
 
It didn’t take long for North Carolina FC to open the scoring. In-form striker Marios Lomis received a through ball from Steven Miller, and dribbled into space before tucking his shot past the Hartford goalkeeper in the fifth minute. The goal was his team-leading sixth of the year and his fourth tally in as many games. 
 
Following the goal, Hartford increased its attacking emphasis to regain a foothold in the match, but North Carolina FC doubled its lead right before halftime.
 
Sam Brotherton scored his first-ever goal for NCFC after Dre Fortune’s corner kick found him inside the box. The center back controlled the cross and scored from close range. Seconds after the goal, the halftime whistle sounded.
 
Following the break, NCFC made it 3-0 with a solo effort from Miller. The veteran scored his first goal of the season with a blast from outside the box that cannoned off the crossbar into the net.
 
Hartford, who threatened periodically throughout the night, scored in the 58th minute to make it 3-1. Alex Dixon hit a powerful shot from distance to beat a diving Alex Tambakis. That would be the visitors only goal.
 
NCFC capped off the closing stages off the game with a fourth goal in the 82nd minute.
 
Minutes after being subbed on, Robert Kristo scored his second of the season. Kristo chipped the keeper from about 10 yards out after running on to Manny Perez’s perfectly-placed cross.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC is hitting the road for its next two league games. NCFC will return home for a second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game the third week of May. Details on an exact opponent and date are still being determined. NCFC’s next USL Championship home match comes against the Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 
Notes:
Marios Lomis opened the scoring with a goal in the fifth minute, which was his fourth-straight game with a goal, and ties the second-longest goal-scoring streak in franchise history. Lomis is tied with Matt Fondy who scored four games in row in 2016. (League games only)
 
Steven Miller scored his first goal of the season and recorded his third assist of the year – a team high.
 
Sam Brotherton scored the first goal of his North Carolina FC career, off Dre Fortune’s first assist of the season.
 
Robert Kristo added his second goal of the season, while Manny Perez recorded his second assist of the season. 
 
North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro pipeline was vibrantly displayed. NCFC Youth Academy products Manny Perez, DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune started the match alongside NCFC U-23 product Alex Comsia. Caleb Duvernay, a former Academy and NCFC U-23 player made the bench, but was not subbed in.           
 
With the win, North Carolina FC’s 14 points (4W-1L-2D record) is the second-best start over seven games in franchise history. Only the 5W-1L-1D (16 points) start from 2011 bests this year’s opening performance. 
 
Box Score:
NCFC (4-3-2-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller © (Yamikani Chester, 74’), Graham Smith, Manny Perez; Dre Fortune, Ben Speas (Victor Igbekoyi, 83’); Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 55’)
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Caleb Duvernay, Duval Wapiwo, , Donovan Ewolo
 
HFD (4-4-2): Frederick Due; Kyle Curinga, Nikolaj Lyngø, Sem de Wit, Jonathan Brown; Giuseppe Gentile (Sebastian Dalgaard, 65’), Nicky Downs, Phil Rasmussen © (Mads Jorgensen, 73’), Collin Martin (Ryan Williams, 73’); Alex Dixon, Mac Steeves
 
Subs not used: Jacob Lissek, Wojciech Wójcik, Jose Angulo
 
Score:
NCFC: 4
HFD: 1
 
Goals:
NCFC: Marios Lomis (Steven Miller, 5’) Sam Brotherton (Dre Fortune, 45+’) Steven Miller (unassisted, 47’) Robert Kristo (Manny Perez, 82’)
HFD: Alex Dixon (Mac Steeves, 58’)                                                                                                                                                                  
 

Cautions:
NCFC: Sam Brotherton 52’, 
HFD: Giuseppe Gentile 41’, Kyle Curinga 90+’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
HFD: —
 
Attendance: 5,097

###

Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs. Hartford Athletic
Saturday, April 27 – 7 p.m.
Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park
 
Broadcast:
ESPN+: https://es.pn/2GEhNIh

CARY, N.C. (April 26, 2019) – North Carolina FC returns home on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. for a matchup with Hartford Athletic at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game is Kicks 4 Kids Night and PNC Bank is the presenting partner of the game. The match presents a massive chance for North Carolina FC to claim its stake near the top of the standings. The team currently sits at fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 11 points and a victory could move the side as high as second place with a game in hand.
 
Last weekend, North Carolina FC visited Charlotte Independence and earned a 3-0 victory with goals from Austin da Luz, Marios Lomis and Ben Speas. The win marked the sixth-straight victory over Charlotte and gave NCFC a much-needed boost of confidence. Before last weekend’s result, NCFC was winless in three matches.
 
Hartford presents an interesting test for NCFC. The team is a 2019 expansion team, playing its first season of professional soccer. Hartford is still searching for its first win on the season with a 0W-7L-0D record.
 
The visitors narrowly lost games against powerful Eastern Conference opponents Indy Eleven and Charleston Battery, but the side has suffered recent 4-0 defeats to New York Red Bulls II and Tampa Bay Rowdies. The team is also concluding a difficult eight-game road trip.
 
Despite Hartford’s troubles to start the season, NCFC will need to be sharp to secure a result. Leading goal scorer Marios Lomis has scored in the last three matches, and NCFC hasn’t lost a match at home all season. Look for the home side to dictate the match in possession and chances created.
 
Players To Watch:
North Carolina FC No. 9 Marios Lomis
A team-leading five goals has Marios Lomis tied for fourth in the USL Championship golden boot race. While it’s still early in the season, Lomis is producing at a high rate. He’s in great form with a goal in three consecutive games. Look for the forward to continue his hot streak.
 
Hartford Athletic No. 92 Giuseppe Gentile
Hartford’s roster features a well-known opponent for NCFC. Forward Giuseppe Gentile has been a longtime foe, competing against the side on various teams since 2015. This year, Gentile has been relied on as a substitute. He’s made five appearances and totaled 245 minutes.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC is hitting the road for its next two league games. NCFC will return home for a second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game the third week of May. Details on an exact opponent and date are still being determined. NCFC’s next USL Championship home match comes against the Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

###

Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs. Hartford Athletic
Saturday, April 27 – 7 p.m.
Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park
 
Broadcast:
ESPN+: https://es.pn/2GEhNIh

CARY, N.C. (April 26, 2019) – North Carolina FC returns home on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. for a matchup with Hartford Athletic at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game is Kicks 4 Kids Night and PNC Bank is the presenting partner of the game. The match presents a massive chance for North Carolina FC to claim its stake near the top of the standings. The team currently sits at fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 11 points and a victory could move the side as high as second place with a game in hand.
 
Last weekend, North Carolina FC visited Charlotte Independence and earned a 3-0 victory with goals from Austin da Luz, Marios Lomis and Ben Speas. The win marked the sixth-straight victory over Charlotte and gave NCFC a much-needed boost of confidence. Before last weekend’s result, NCFC was winless in three matches.
 
Hartford presents an interesting test for NCFC. The team is a 2019 expansion team, playing its first season of professional soccer. Hartford is still searching for its first win on the season with a 0W-7L-0D record.
 
The visitors narrowly lost games against powerful Eastern Conference opponents Indy Eleven and Charleston Battery, but the side has suffered recent 4-0 defeats to New York Red Bulls II and Tampa Bay Rowdies. The team is also concluding a difficult eight-game road trip.
 
Despite Hartford’s troubles to start the season, NCFC will need to be sharp to secure a result. Leading goal scorer Marios Lomis has scored in the last three matches, and NCFC hasn’t lost a match at home all season. Look for the home side to dictate the match in possession and chances created.
 
Players To Watch:
North Carolina FC No. 9 Marios Lomis
A team-leading five goals has Marios Lomis tied for fourth in the USL Championship golden boot race. While it’s still early in the season, Lomis is producing at a high rate. He’s in great form with a goal in three consecutive games. Look for the forward to continue his hot streak.
 
Hartford Athletic No. 92 Giuseppe Gentile
Hartford’s roster features a well-known opponent for NCFC. Forward Giuseppe Gentile has been a longtime foe, competing against the side on various teams since 2015. This year, Gentile has been relied on as a substitute. He’s made five appearances and totaled 245 minutes.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC is hitting the road for its next two league games. NCFC will return home for a second-round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game the third week of May. Details on an exact opponent and date are still being determined. NCFC’s next USL Championship home match comes against the Birmingham Legion on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

###

TAMPA, Fla. (April 23, 2019)– North Carolina FC forward Ben Speas was selected to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 7 of the 2019 season. Speas was a key player in NCFC’s 3-0 Southern Derby victory over the Charlotte Independence and scored the game's final goal.
 
Speas is the third NCFC player to earn the honor this season. He joins Alex Tambakis (Week 5) and Tommy McCabe (Week 1) as Team of the Week honorees from earlier this season.
 
North Carolina FC returns home to face Hartford Athletic on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144. 
 
USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Diego Restrepo, Austin Bold FC: Restrepo recorded back-to-back shutouts as Bold FC handed Phoenix its first loss of the season and then played to a draw with El Paso Locomotive FC.

D – Akeem Ward, Loudoun United FC: Ward put in a stellar display on the right side of Loudoun’s defense, recording an assist and two key passes while winning 6 of 8 duels, making four interceptions and seven recoveries.

D – Duke Lacroix, Reno 1868 FC: Lacroix scored an 89th-minute game-winner to lift Reno past New Mexico United to cap a performance that saw him post 15 recoveries and complete 44 of 54 passes.

D – Andrew Gutman, Charlotte Independence: Gutman scored in the Independence’s first win of the season against Bethlehem Steel FC, and for the week had four key passes, 22 recoveries and completed 77 of 97 passes.

M – Ben Speas, North Carolina FC: Speas played a key role in North Carolina’s derby victory against Charlotte, recording eight recoveries and two key passes in addition to his second-half goal.

M – Maalique Foster, Rio Grande Valley FC: Foster had a goal and assist to lead to the Toros to a 5-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

M – Jarad van Schaik, Charleston Battery: Van Schaik scored a pair of outstanding goals, won 8 of 14 duels and made four recoveries as the Battery powered past Nashville SC in a 3-1 victory.

M – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings had two goals and one assist to lead Phoenix to a 4-0 victory on Saturday night against Tacoma Defiance.

F – Foster Langsdorf, Portland Timbers 2: Langsdorf scored both goals, including the equalizer with four minutes to go, as T2 moved to the top of the Western Conference in a 2-2 draw with the Switchbacks.

F – Dane Kelly, Indy Eleven: Kelly opened his scoring account for the season with three goals and one assist across a pair of Indy victories on the road against Swope Park and Bethlehem.

F – Brian Gomez, San Antonio FC: Gomez scored a brace for San Antonio in its visit to Real Monarchs SLC, while recording six recoveries and completing 14 of 19 passes.

Bench: Cody Laurendi (OKC), Paco Craig (LOU), Sam Fink (STL), Rony Argueta (COS), Maikel Chang (SLC), Tyler Pasher (IND), Jason Johnson (PHX) 

###

TAMPA, Fla. (April 23, 2019)– North Carolina FC forward Ben Speas was selected to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 7 of the 2019 season. Speas was a key player in NCFC’s 3-0 Southern Derby victory over the Charlotte Independence and scored the game’s final goal.
 
Speas is the third NCFC player to earn the honor this season. He joins Alex Tambakis (Week 5) and Tommy McCabe (Week 1) as Team of the Week honorees from earlier this season.
 
North Carolina FC returns home to face Hartford Athletic on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144. 
 
USL Championship Team of the Week
GK – Diego Restrepo, Austin Bold FC: Restrepo recorded back-to-back shutouts as Bold FC handed Phoenix its first loss of the season and then played to a draw with El Paso Locomotive FC.

D – Akeem Ward, Loudoun United FC: Ward put in a stellar display on the right side of Loudoun’s defense, recording an assist and two key passes while winning 6 of 8 duels, making four interceptions and seven recoveries.

D – Duke Lacroix, Reno 1868 FC: Lacroix scored an 89th-minute game-winner to lift Reno past New Mexico United to cap a performance that saw him post 15 recoveries and complete 44 of 54 passes.

D – Andrew Gutman, Charlotte Independence: Gutman scored in the Independence’s first win of the season against Bethlehem Steel FC, and for the week had four key passes, 22 recoveries and completed 77 of 97 passes.

M – Ben Speas, North Carolina FC: Speas played a key role in North Carolina’s derby victory against Charlotte, recording eight recoveries and two key passes in addition to his second-half goal.

M – Maalique Foster, Rio Grande Valley FC: Foster had a goal and assist to lead to the Toros to a 5-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC.

M – Jarad van Schaik, Charleston Battery: Van Schaik scored a pair of outstanding goals, won 8 of 14 duels and made four recoveries as the Battery powered past Nashville SC in a 3-1 victory.

M – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings had two goals and one assist to lead Phoenix to a 4-0 victory on Saturday night against Tacoma Defiance.

F – Foster Langsdorf, Portland Timbers 2: Langsdorf scored both goals, including the equalizer with four minutes to go, as T2 moved to the top of the Western Conference in a 2-2 draw with the Switchbacks.

F – Dane Kelly, Indy Eleven: Kelly opened his scoring account for the season with three goals and one assist across a pair of Indy victories on the road against Swope Park and Bethlehem.

F – Brian Gomez, San Antonio FC: Gomez scored a brace for San Antonio in its visit to Real Monarchs SLC, while recording six recoveries and completing 14 of 19 passes.

Bench: Cody Laurendi (OKC), Paco Craig (LOU), Sam Fink (STL), Rony Argueta (COS), Maikel Chang (SLC), Tyler Pasher (IND), Jason Johnson (PHX) 

###

MATTHEWS, N.C. (April 20, 2019) – North Carolina FC continued its rivalry domination against the Charlotte Independence with a 3-0 win in a Southern Derby Cup match at Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday night.
 
NCFC now owns a 6W-1L record in official competitions against the Charlotte Independence and has outscored the in-state rival 23-5 in those contests. Tonight’s win also pushes NCFC back into a tie for first place in the Southern Derby Cup standings with Charleston Battery and moves the team to fifth in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with 11 points.
 
NCFC won the possession battle from the opening whistle and spent much of the first half in front of the Charlotte goal. Patience would be a virtue for NCFC, who eventually scored in stoppage time of the first half.
 
Austin da Luz fired NCFC ahead with a strike from the top of the 18-yard box. The goal was his first of the season and gave the side momentum heading into the second half.
 
A similar style of game continued in the second half as NCFC held its advantage in possession and chances.
 
The second goal came in the 73rd minute when Manny Perez found Marios Lomis with a perfectly-weighted cross from the right flank. Lomis finished the shot from close range to extend NCFC’s grip on the game. The assist was Perez’s first of the USL Championship season, while Lomis scored his team-high fifth goal of the year.
 
Ben Speas saved the best goal of the night for the grand finale. In the 85th minute, the veteran found space near the top of the box and unleashed a beautiful strike from about 25 yards out to make it 3-0. It marked his first goal since joining the club in the offseason.
 
The final minutes ticked off the clock, as NCFC earned its second shutout of the season.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC returns home to face Hartford Athletic on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144. 
 
Notes:
North Carolina FC moves to an overall record of 6W-1L with a goal-scoring margin of 23-5 against the Charlotte Independence in official competitions.
 
NCFC has never lost an official match at Sportsplex at Matthews with a 3W-0L record.
 
Austin da Luz, Marios Lomis and Ben Speas scored goals, while Steven Miller and Manny Perez added assists.
 
Alex Tambakis made four saves for his second shutout of the season.
 
North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro pipeline was vibrantly displayed. NCFC Youth Academy products DJ Taylor and Manny Perez started the match alongside NCFC U-23 product Alex Comsia. Academy product Dre Fortune was on the bench, but did not see game action, and NCFC U-23 and Academy product Caleb Duvernay, is also a part of the team, but did not feature in the game-day 18.
 
Box Score:
CLT (4-4-2): Curtis Anderson; Andrew Gutman, Steven Thicot, Hugh Roberts, Joel Johnson; Enzo Martinez © (Dominic Oduro, 68’), Mark Hill (Zyen Jones, 58’), Michael Maria, Alex Martinez; Jorge Herrera, Niki Jackson (Jake Areman, 27’)
 
Subs not used: Brandon Miller, Kevan George, Afrim Taku, Abdoulie Mansally
 
NCFC (4-3-2-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Donovan Ewolo (Steven Miller, 75’), Tommy McCabe, Manny Perez; Austin da Luz © (Graham Smith, 70’), Ben Speas, Marios Lomis
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Robert Kristo, Yamikami Chester, Dre Fortune, Duval Wapiwo
 
Score:
CLT: 0
NCFC: 3
 
Goals:
CLT: —
NCFC: Austin da Luz (Unassisted, 45+2’), Marios Lomis (Manny Perez, 73’), Ben Speas (Steven Miller, 85’)
                                                                                                                                                                        
Cautions:
CLT: Michael Maria 67’
NCFC: Alex Comsia 45+1’
 
Ejections:
CLT: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 1,569

###

MATTHEWS, N.C. (April 20, 2019) – North Carolina FC continued its rivalry domination against the Charlotte Independence with a 3-0 win in a Southern Derby Cup match at Sportsplex at Matthews on Saturday night.
 
NCFC now owns a 6W-1L record in official competitions against the Charlotte Independence and has outscored the in-state rival 23-5 in those contests. Tonight’s win also pushes NCFC back into a tie for first place in the Southern Derby Cup standings with Charleston Battery and moves the team to fifth in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with 11 points.
 
NCFC won the possession battle from the opening whistle and spent much of the first half in front of the Charlotte goal. Patience would be a virtue for NCFC, who eventually scored in stoppage time of the first half.
 
Austin da Luz fired NCFC ahead with a strike from the top of the 18-yard box. The goal was his first of the season and gave the side momentum heading into the second half.
 
A similar style of game continued in the second half as NCFC held its advantage in possession and chances.
 
The second goal came in the 73rd minute when Manny Perez found Marios Lomis with a perfectly-weighted cross from the right flank. Lomis finished the shot from close range to extend NCFC’s grip on the game. The assist was Perez’s first of the USL Championship season, while Lomis scored his team-high fifth goal of the year.
 
Ben Speas saved the best goal of the night for the grand finale. In the 85th minute, the veteran found space near the top of the box and unleashed a beautiful strike from about 25 yards out to make it 3-0. It marked his first goal since joining the club in the offseason.
 
The final minutes ticked off the clock, as NCFC earned its second shutout of the season.
 
Up Next:
North Carolina FC returns home to face Hartford Athletic on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144. 
 
Notes:
North Carolina FC moves to an overall record of 6W-1L with a goal-scoring margin of 23-5 against the Charlotte Independence in official competitions.
 
NCFC has never lost an official match at Sportsplex at Matthews with a 3W-0L record.
 
Austin da Luz, Marios Lomis and Ben Speas scored goals, while Steven Miller and Manny Perez added assists.
 
Alex Tambakis made four saves for his second shutout of the season.
 
North Carolina Football Club’s youth-to-pro pipeline was vibrantly displayed. NCFC Youth Academy products DJ Taylor and Manny Perez started the match alongside NCFC U-23 product Alex Comsia. Academy product Dre Fortune was on the bench, but did not see game action, and NCFC U-23 and Academy product Caleb Duvernay, is also a part of the team, but did not feature in the game-day 18.
 
Box Score:
CLT (4-4-2): Curtis Anderson; Andrew Gutman, Steven Thicot, Hugh Roberts, Joel Johnson; Enzo Martinez © (Dominic Oduro, 68’), Mark Hill (Zyen Jones, 58’), Michael Maria, Alex Martinez; Jorge Herrera, Niki Jackson (Jake Areman, 27’)
 
Subs not used: Brandon Miller, Kevan George, Afrim Taku, Abdoulie Mansally
 
NCFC (4-3-2-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Donovan Ewolo (Steven Miller, 75’), Tommy McCabe, Manny Perez; Austin da Luz © (Graham Smith, 70’), Ben Speas, Marios Lomis
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Robert Kristo, Yamikami Chester, Dre Fortune, Duval Wapiwo
 
Score:
CLT: 0
NCFC: 3
 
Goals:
CLT: —
NCFC: Austin da Luz (Unassisted, 45+2’), Marios Lomis (Manny Perez, 73’), Ben Speas (Steven Miller, 85’)
                                                                                                                                                                        
Cautions:
CLT: Michael Maria 67’
NCFC: Alex Comsia 45+1’
 
Ejections:
CLT: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 1,569

###