News Collector

CARY, N.C. (September 12, 2018) –  North Carolina FC announced today it has come to a mutual parting of ways with German midfielder Marcel Kandziora.
 
Kandziora has been with the club since 2017 and totaled 37 appearances, 23 starts and 2,233 minutes during his nearly two seasons with North Carolina FC. He also scored three goals and added one assist during his NCFC career.
 
In 2018, the Münster, Germany native appeared in 22 matches, starting in 13. He recorded two goals and one assist over 1,261 minutes played. 
 
The club wishes Kandziora the best as he furthers his career. 
 
North Carolina FC travels to Harrisburg, Penn., to face Penn FC and continue its playoff push on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. NCFC is currently four points away from a playoff position with seven games left to move up the table.
 
Following a three-game road trip, NCFC will return home to face regional rival the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Sept. 29. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in-person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

 
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CARY, N.C. (September 12, 2018) –  North Carolina FC announced today it has come to a mutual parting of ways with German midfielder Marcel Kandziora.
 
Kandziora has been with the club since 2017 and totaled 37 appearances, 23 starts and 2,233 minutes during his nearly two seasons with North Carolina FC. He also scored three goals and added one assist during his NCFC career.
 
In 2018, the Münster, Germany native appeared in 22 matches, starting in 13. He recorded two goals and one assist over 1,261 minutes played. 
 
The club wishes Kandziora the best as he furthers his career. 
 
North Carolina FC travels to Harrisburg, Penn., to face Penn FC and continue its playoff push on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. NCFC is currently four points away from a playoff position with seven games left to move up the table.
 
Following a three-game road trip, NCFC will return home to face regional rival the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Sept. 29. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in-person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

 
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Cary, N.C. (September 10, 2018) -The North Carolina Football Club is closely monitoring the forecast for Hurricane Florence related to potential impacts on the upcoming home NC Courage NWSL Semifinal on Sunday September 16, as well as travel for NCFC as they visit Penn FC on Sunday evening.

Specific to the NC Courage NWSL Semifinal against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 p.m., at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park,  the club is in contact with the League and the visiting team. The safety and well-being of fans, players and event staff is the club’s priority.

Any updates will be posted on www.northcarolinafc.com and NCCourage.com, as well as shared with fans via email, social media and other communications channels. 

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Cary, N.C. (September 10, 2018) -The North Carolina Football Club is closely monitoring the forecast for Hurricane Florence related to potential impacts on the upcoming home NC Courage NWSL Semifinal on Sunday September 16, as well as travel for NCFC as they visit Penn FC on Sunday evening.

Specific to the NC Courage NWSL Semifinal against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00 p.m., at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park,  the club is in contact with the League and the visiting team. The safety and well-being of fans, players and event staff is the club’s priority.

Any updates will be posted on www.northcarolinafc.com and NCCourage.com, as well as shared with fans via email, social media and other communications channels. 

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MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. NASHVILLE SC
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, SEPT. 8 – 5 PM ET
 
TV: WRAL2
DIGITAL: ESPN+
RADIO: 620 The Ticket
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvNSH

CARY, N.C. (September 7, 2018)– This Saturday will be a historic day for the North Carolina Football Club, as North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage participate in the club’s first-ever professional soccer doubleheader in the Triangle area. 

In the first match, NCFC faces off with Nashville SC in a major playoff battle. It will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. NCFC fell on the road in the first matchup following a stoppage-time winner by Nashville SC. This weekend’s match sees NCFC and Nashville separated by just four points in the standings.

Nashville SC features one of the strongest defensive units in the league. The team has consistently ranked near the top of the USL in least goals conceded and clean sheets. This formula paid off in the 1-0 victory over NCFC in June and has allowed Nashville to remain in the thick of the playoff picture with less than two months remaining in the season.

NCFC has enjoyed a spirited start to the second half of the season as it continues to fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team has shown the ability to win in a variety of ways as of late, earning shutouts on multiple occasions, while also winning a 6-2 thriller over its biggest rival, Charlotte Independence on Aug. 25. 

A win will boost NCFC to 37 points and put the club three points away from seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.
 
Fans are encouraged to stick around for the final match of the night as the NC Courage concludes their regular season against the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. One ticket allows fans access to both games. Click here for more information on Saturday’s doubleheader.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC lost its first game at home in eight matches with last weekend’s result against Tampa. The streak spanned almost three months, dating back to a June 9 contest with FC Cincinnati. 
 
Players To Watch: 
North Carolina FC – #33 Aarón Guillén
Guillén’s knack for clearing lose balls and breaking down the oppositions’ attack hasn’t gone unnoticed by Head Coach Colin Clarke. After coming on as a sub early in the season, Guillén has worked his way into North Carolina’s starting lineup. The 25-year-old is in his first season with North Carolina FC and has proven himself to be one of the club’s best defenders, leading the team in clearances and blocks. Guillén has turned away countless shots at the goal line, putting his body on the line time after time. 
 
Nashville SC – #32 Brandon Allen
The striker joined Nashville SC on transfer from Bethlehem Steel FC early in the 2018 USL season. Allen, a college standout at Georgetown University, started his USL career with New York Red Bulls II. He won the USL Rookie of the Year and USL Cup Final MVP honors in 2016. In his sixteen matches with Nashville SC, he has eased into the frontline effortlessly, scoring four goals since the move.

Coming Up Next: 
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a regional matchup against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. ET.  Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. NASHVILLE SC
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, SEPT. 8 – 5 PM ET
 
TV: WRAL2
DIGITAL: ESPN+
RADIO: 620 The Ticket
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvNSH

CARY, N.C. (September 7, 2018)– This Saturday will be a historic day for the North Carolina Football Club, as North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage participate in the club’s first-ever professional soccer doubleheader in the Triangle area. 

In the first match, NCFC faces off with Nashville SC in a major playoff battle. It will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. NCFC fell on the road in the first matchup following a stoppage-time winner by Nashville SC. This weekend’s match sees NCFC and Nashville separated by just four points in the standings.

Nashville SC features one of the strongest defensive units in the league. The team has consistently ranked near the top of the USL in least goals conceded and clean sheets. This formula paid off in the 1-0 victory over NCFC in June and has allowed Nashville to remain in the thick of the playoff picture with less than two months remaining in the season.

NCFC has enjoyed a spirited start to the second half of the season as it continues to fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The team has shown the ability to win in a variety of ways as of late, earning shutouts on multiple occasions, while also winning a 6-2 thriller over its biggest rival, Charlotte Independence on Aug. 25. 

A win will boost NCFC to 37 points and put the club three points away from seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.
 
Fans are encouraged to stick around for the final match of the night as the NC Courage concludes their regular season against the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. One ticket allows fans access to both games. Click here for more information on Saturday’s doubleheader.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC lost its first game at home in eight matches with last weekend’s result against Tampa. The streak spanned almost three months, dating back to a June 9 contest with FC Cincinnati. 
 
Players To Watch: 
North Carolina FC – #33 Aarón Guillén
Guillén’s knack for clearing lose balls and breaking down the oppositions’ attack hasn’t gone unnoticed by Head Coach Colin Clarke. After coming on as a sub early in the season, Guillén has worked his way into North Carolina’s starting lineup. The 25-year-old is in his first season with North Carolina FC and has proven himself to be one of the club’s best defenders, leading the team in clearances and blocks. Guillén has turned away countless shots at the goal line, putting his body on the line time after time. 
 
Nashville SC – #32 Brandon Allen
The striker joined Nashville SC on transfer from Bethlehem Steel FC early in the 2018 USL season. Allen, a college standout at Georgetown University, started his USL career with New York Red Bulls II. He won the USL Rookie of the Year and USL Cup Final MVP honors in 2016. In his sixteen matches with Nashville SC, he has eased into the frontline effortlessly, scoring four goals since the move.

Coming Up Next: 
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a regional matchup against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. ET.  Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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CARY, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2018)– The North Carolina Football Club is excited to announce a collaborative partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes. On Saturday, Sept. 8, at the club’s historic doubleheader, the Carolina Hurricanes will be in attendance with the Storm Squad and their promotions set-up in a pre-game activation area in front of the stadium.

In the first professional doubleheader in club history, North Carolina FC will take on Nashville SC at 5 p.m. in a major playoff race match. The NC Courage will conclude their regular season with the final match of the night against the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m.

As part of the collaboration, a co-branded North Carolina Football Club and Carolina Hurricanes t-shirt will be on sale, featuring logos from both teams. The t-shirt will be available for $25 at merchandise stands around the stadium.

CARY, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2018)– The North Carolina Football Club is excited to announce a collaborative partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes. On Saturday, Sept. 8, at the club’s historic doubleheader, the Carolina Hurricanes will be in attendance with the Storm Squad and their promotions set-up in a pre-game activation area in front of the stadium.

In the first professional doubleheader in club history, North Carolina FC will take on Nashville SC at 5 p.m. in a major playoff race match. The NC Courage will conclude their regular season with the final match of the night against the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m.

As part of the collaboration, a co-branded North Carolina Football Club and Carolina Hurricanes t-shirt will be on sale, featuring logos from both teams. The t-shirt will be available for $25 at merchandise stands around the stadium.

Additionally, all Carolina Hurricanes season ticket holders will receive 20% off tickets. Hurricanes season ticket holders can call in to the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144 to take advantage of the deal.

North Carolina Football Club’s historic doubleheader features a full evening of soccer at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. One ticket guarantees access to both games. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Box Office.

Additionally, all Carolina Hurricanes season ticket holders will receive 20% off tickets. Hurricanes season ticket holders can call in to the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144 to take advantage of the deal.

North Carolina Football Club’s historic doubleheader features a full evening of soccer at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. One ticket guarantees access to both games. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Box Office.

CARY, N.C. (September 1, 2018) – North Carolina FC saw its seven-match home unbeaten run come to an end, as it fell 3-0 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

The loss was NCFC’s first at home since June 9. 

“I thought early on we dominated possession, moved [the ball] very well, created some chances,” NCFC coach Colin Clarke said. “And then gave up a bad goal. From there, it was a struggle.”

After the opening kick, both teams struggled to settle into the match, but NCFC threatened with a flurry of corner kicks in the opening 20 minutes. 

However, the visitors opened up the scoring in the 23rd minute thanks to a tally from Sebastian Guenzatti off an assist from Junior Flemmings. 

NCFC nearly responded right away in the 27th minute, as midfielder Steven Miller spotted Zack Steinberger making a run toward goal, and threaded a pass past the Tampa Bay back line. Steinberger fired away from a tight angle, but Rowdies goalkeeper Daniel Vega alertly charged off his line and deflected the shot away. 

Steinberger, who scored twice on his club debut last week against Charlotte, once again threatened in the 38th minute, but his header off a cross from right back D.J. Taylor flew high. 

As halftime approached, midfielder Kyle Bekker came close to equalizing. With space at the edge of the box, the Canadian let loose on a powerful strike that Tampa Bay’s Vega got a piece of, as the ball rolled just wide of the left post.

 Tampa doubled its lead just before the halftime whistle, once again through the Flemmings-to-Guenzatti connection, and NCFC went into the break down by a pair of goals. 

In the 56th minute, Guenzatti found the back of the net to extend the visitors’ advantage. 

As the match progressed, NCFC consistently found itself in attacking positions in the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net despite outshooting Tampa 22-9 and having the advantage in shots on target (6-4). 

Up Next:
NCFC closes a three-game home stretch against Nashville SC on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. ET at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match is the first of two games that evening, as the North Carolina Courage will host the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. to complete the first ever North Carolina Football Club doubleheader. 

Notes:
– Saturday’s match marked the first time NCFC did not earn a point at home since June 9. 

– Forward Marios Lomis and midfielder Tiyi Shipalane appeared as second-half substitutes.

– NCFC took 11 corner kicks to Tampa Bay’s one.  

– With eight regular-season games remaining, NCFC (9W-10L-7D, 34 points) is four points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. 

Box Score:
 
NCFC (4-5-1):Alex Tambakis;Aaron Guillen, Wuilito Fernandes (Marios Lomis, 68’), Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller, Austin da Luz, Zach Steinberger, Graham Smith, Kyle Bekker (Tiyi Shipalane, 68’); Daniel Rios
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Michael Harrington, Peabo Doue, Marcel Kandziora, Dre Fortune
 
TBR (3-5-2):  Daniel Vega; Hunter Gorskie, Tarek Morad, Zac Portillos; Afrim Taku, Kwadwo Poku (Max Lachowecki, 83’), Dom Oduro, Joe Cole © (Martin Vingaard, 74’); Leo Fernandes; Junior Flemmings, Sebastian Guenzatti (Georgi Hristov, 89’)

Subs not used: Akira Fitzgerald; Kyle Porter; Alex Morrell, Leon Taylor
 
Score:
NCFC: 0
TBR: 3
 
Goals:
NCFC: —
TBR: Sebastian Guenzatti (Junior Flemmings, 23’, 43’, Leo Fernandes, 56’) 
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Aaron Guillen 61’, Marios Lomis 76’, Connor Tobin 81’, Austin da Luz 90+’
TBR: Dominic Oduro 48’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
TBR: —
 
Attendance: 4,102 

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CARY, N.C. (September 1, 2018) – North Carolina FC saw its seven-match home unbeaten run come to an end, as it fell 3-0 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

The loss was NCFC’s first at home since June 9. 

“I thought early on we dominated possession, moved [the ball] very well, created some chances,” NCFC coach Colin Clarke said. “And then gave up a bad goal. From there, it was a struggle.”

After the opening kick, both teams struggled to settle into the match, but NCFC threatened with a flurry of corner kicks in the opening 20 minutes. 

However, the visitors opened up the scoring in the 23rd minute thanks to a tally from Sebastian Guenzatti off an assist from Junior Flemmings. 

NCFC nearly responded right away in the 27th minute, as midfielder Steven Miller spotted Zack Steinberger making a run toward goal, and threaded a pass past the Tampa Bay back line. Steinberger fired away from a tight angle, but Rowdies goalkeeper Daniel Vega alertly charged off his line and deflected the shot away. 

Steinberger, who scored twice on his club debut last week against Charlotte, once again threatened in the 38th minute, but his header off a cross from right back D.J. Taylor flew high. 

As halftime approached, midfielder Kyle Bekker came close to equalizing. With space at the edge of the box, the Canadian let loose on a powerful strike that Tampa Bay’s Vega got a piece of, as the ball rolled just wide of the left post.

 Tampa doubled its lead just before the halftime whistle, once again through the Flemmings-to-Guenzatti connection, and NCFC went into the break down by a pair of goals. 

In the 56th minute, Guenzatti found the back of the net to extend the visitors’ advantage. 

As the match progressed, NCFC consistently found itself in attacking positions in the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net despite outshooting Tampa 22-9 and having the advantage in shots on target (6-4). 

Up Next:
NCFC closes a three-game home stretch against Nashville SC on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. ET at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match is the first of two games that evening, as the North Carolina Courage will host the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. to complete the first ever North Carolina Football Club doubleheader. 

Notes:
– Saturday’s match marked the first time NCFC did not earn a point at home since June 9. 

– Forward Marios Lomis and midfielder Tiyi Shipalane appeared as second-half substitutes.

– NCFC took 11 corner kicks to Tampa Bay’s one.  

– With eight regular-season games remaining, NCFC (9W-10L-7D, 34 points) is four points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. 

Box Score:
 
NCFC (4-5-1):Alex Tambakis;Aaron Guillen, Wuilito Fernandes (Marios Lomis, 68’), Connor Tobin ©, DJ Taylor; Steven Miller, Austin da Luz, Zach Steinberger, Graham Smith, Kyle Bekker (Tiyi Shipalane, 68’); Daniel Rios
 
Subs not used: Austin Guerrero, Michael Harrington, Peabo Doue, Marcel Kandziora, Dre Fortune
 
TBR (3-5-2):  Daniel Vega; Hunter Gorskie, Tarek Morad, Zac Portillos; Afrim Taku, Kwadwo Poku (Max Lachowecki, 83’), Dom Oduro, Joe Cole © (Martin Vingaard, 74’); Leo Fernandes; Junior Flemmings, Sebastian Guenzatti (Georgi Hristov, 89’)

Subs not used: Akira Fitzgerald; Kyle Porter; Alex Morrell, Leon Taylor
 
Score:
NCFC: 0
TBR: 3
 
Goals:
NCFC: —
TBR: Sebastian Guenzatti (Junior Flemmings, 23’, 43’, Leo Fernandes, 56’) 
 
Cautions:
NCFC: Aaron Guillen 61’, Marios Lomis 76’, Connor Tobin 81’, Austin da Luz 90+’
TBR: Dominic Oduro 48’
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
TBR: —
 
Attendance: 4,102 

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MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, SEPT. 1 – 7 PM ET
 
TV: WRAL2
DIGITAL: ESPN+
RADIO: 620 The Ticket
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvTBR
 
CARY, N.C. (Friday, August 31)– North Carolina FC’s mission to qualify for the 2018 USL playoffs continues as the team faces the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. NCFC enters the weekend just three points away from eighth place, the final playoff spot.
 
Coming off one of the biggest wins of the season so far – a dominating 6-2 victory over in-state rival the Charlotte Independence, NCFC is riding a seven-match home undefeated streak, a run that dates back to June 9. NCFC has worked hard to establish Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as a fortress. The team is averaging over two goals per game, while outscoring opposition 27-17 at home this season.
 
As the playoff race enters the homestretch, NCFC is making its way up the table and closing in on a coveted top-eight spot. A win will keep NCFC firmly in the race to qualify. Two teams, Ottawa Fury FC – 35 points and New York Red Bulls II – 37 points are within reach this week. While other games around the league will also impact the table, a win will push NCFC up to 37 points.
 
The home side will face off against another playoff hopeful in the Tampa Bay Rowdies – who are approaching a make-or-break portion of the season. Tampa is winless in its last six matches and sits nine points back from eighth place. NCFC has played a part in Tampa’s recent struggles, handing the visitors a 2-0 loss just three weeks ago at Al Lang Stadium. Both Marcel Kandziora and Daniel Rios tallied goals in the victory. If Tampa wants to get back into the playoff picture, it will need to quickly pick up multiple victories.
 
NCFC and Tampa have a long-standing rivalry that goes back to 2011. The teams have met multiple times nearly every year and NCFC holds a 10W-6L-9D record against the South Florida side.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC defeated Southern Derby rival Charlotte Independence 6-2. After going down a goal early in the first half, new signee Zach Steinberger found the equalizer soon after with a world class scissor kick. The goals continued to pour in for NCFC as Steinberger and Daniel Rios each ended the game with a brace. Steven Miller and Austin da Luz also scored in NCFC’s rout of Charlotte.  
 
Players To Watch: 
North Carolina FC – #6 Austin Da Luz
Da Luz continues to prove age is nothing but a number. The 30-year old has been a consistent piece in Head Coach Colin Clarke’s midfield, starting in all but one of NCFC’s USL league matches this season. In addition to his playmaking and collected touch on the ball, da Luz has found the back of the net four times this season, with his most recent goal coming against the Charlotte Independence. He’ll look to find more of the same magic against a tough Tampa Bay side. 
 
Tampa Bay Rowdies – #56 Stefano Bonomo
Bonomo is in his first season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He’s a constant scoring threat and logged 13 goals for New York Red Bulls II in 2017. In 2018, he’s scored six goals so far, including three with New York and three with Tampa.


Coming Up Next: 
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for the final match of their three game home stand as the team hosts Nashville SC on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
SAHLEN’S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, SEPT. 1 – 7 PM ET
 
TV: WRAL2
DIGITAL: ESPN+
RADIO: 620 The Ticket
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvTBR
 
CARY, N.C. (Friday, August 31)– North Carolina FC’s mission to qualify for the 2018 USL playoffs continues as the team faces the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. NCFC enters the weekend just three points away from eighth place, the final playoff spot.
 
Coming off one of the biggest wins of the season so far – a dominating 6-2 victory over in-state rival the Charlotte Independence, NCFC is riding a seven-match home undefeated streak, a run that dates back to June 9. NCFC has worked hard to establish Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as a fortress. The team is averaging over two goals per game, while outscoring opposition 27-17 at home this season.
 
As the playoff race enters the homestretch, NCFC is making its way up the table and closing in on a coveted top-eight spot. A win will keep NCFC firmly in the race to qualify. Two teams, Ottawa Fury FC – 35 points and New York Red Bulls II – 37 points are within reach this week. While other games around the league will also impact the table, a win will push NCFC up to 37 points.
 
The home side will face off against another playoff hopeful in the Tampa Bay Rowdies – who are approaching a make-or-break portion of the season. Tampa is winless in its last six matches and sits nine points back from eighth place. NCFC has played a part in Tampa’s recent struggles, handing the visitors a 2-0 loss just three weeks ago at Al Lang Stadium. Both Marcel Kandziora and Daniel Rios tallied goals in the victory. If Tampa wants to get back into the playoff picture, it will need to quickly pick up multiple victories.
 
NCFC and Tampa have a long-standing rivalry that goes back to 2011. The teams have met multiple times nearly every year and NCFC holds a 10W-6L-9D record against the South Florida side.
 
Last Time Out:
NCFC defeated Southern Derby rival Charlotte Independence 6-2. After going down a goal early in the first half, new signee Zach Steinberger found the equalizer soon after with a world class scissor kick. The goals continued to pour in for NCFC as Steinberger and Daniel Rios each ended the game with a brace. Steven Miller and Austin da Luz also scored in NCFC’s rout of Charlotte.  
 
Players To Watch: 
North Carolina FC – #6 Austin Da Luz
Da Luz continues to prove age is nothing but a number. The 30-year old has been a consistent piece in Head Coach Colin Clarke’s midfield, starting in all but one of NCFC’s USL league matches this season. In addition to his playmaking and collected touch on the ball, da Luz has found the back of the net four times this season, with his most recent goal coming against the Charlotte Independence. He’ll look to find more of the same magic against a tough Tampa Bay side. 
 
Tampa Bay Rowdies – #56 Stefano Bonomo
Bonomo is in his first season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He’s a constant scoring threat and logged 13 goals for New York Red Bulls II in 2017. In 2018, he’s scored six goals so far, including three with New York and three with Tampa.


Coming Up Next: 
NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for the final match of their three game home stand as the team hosts Nashville SC on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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