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North Carolina FC Travels to Face Saint Louis FC

MATCHDAY INFO:
SAINT LOUIS FC VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC 
WWT SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, JUNE 22 – 8:30 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #STLvNC

CARY, N.C. (June 21, 2019) – North Carolina FC will attempt to continue its good run of form when it travels to face Saint Louis FC on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET at WWT Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo.

NCFC most recently defeated Swope Park Rangers 2-0, and is currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 7W-2L-5D record (26 points). Head coach Dave Sarachan’s group has earned at least a point in five straight matches, three of which have been wins. 

A well-balanced group offensively, six different players have scored multiple times for NCFC this season, including 22-year-old midfielder and former NCFC Youth Academy standout Dre Fortune, who’s notched three goals in his last two games. Defensively, NCFC has conceded the third-fewest goals in the league (11), and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis holds the second-highest save percentage in the Eastern Conference (.795). 

Saturday’s match will be NCFC’s ninth on the road, and the team’s away form has been among the best in the league. Only Nashville SC (18) and Indy Eleven (15) have accumulated more points away from home than NCFC (14). Of NCFC’s four road wins, two have come against the top two teams in the Eastern Conference (Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Red Bulls II). 

Saint Louis FC enters this weekend’s tilt having lost two consecutive league games, last winning a USL Championship match on April 27. Yet, head coach Anthony Pulis’ group still finds itself in a playoff position, currently holding ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 5W-3L-4D record (19 points). Saint Louis FC fell 3-1 at Bethlehem Steel last weekend, but continued its run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, earning a spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati. 

Like NCFC, Saint Louis FC has allowed only 11 goals this season, while its attack has produced 1.17 goals per game. Forward Russell Cicerone and defender Sam Fink lead the team with three goals apiece. 

Last Time Out  

NCFC returned to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for its first home league match in one month and defeated Swope Park Rangers 2-0 last Saturday. Looking to get off to a fast start against an opponent that had yet to record a win on the road, NCFC did just that with two goals within the opening 13 minutes. 

Forward Yamikani Chester opened the scoring in just the sixth minute with his second goal of the season, which was assisted by forward Robert Kristo. Just seven minutes later, Fortune doubled the advantage with a strike from the edge of the area in the 13th minute, his third goal in a two-game span. Goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod made his first home start in league action for NCFC, and the Canadian recorded a clean sheet against his former team as NCFC remained unbeaten at home. 

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas
One of just three NCFC players to start each game of the USL Championship campaign, Speas has been a steady presence in the midfield in his first season with the club, consistently creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Currently on loan from Indy Eleven, Speas is tied for the team lead with three assists, and he also has a goal to his name. The 28-year-old midfielder ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 36 chances created, and a good showing from Speas could go a long way in helping NCFC break down a Saint Louis FC defense that has given up just 11 goals all season. 

Saint Louis FC – #4 Sam Fink 
No player has scored a bigger goal this season for Saint Louis FC than Fink, who serves as club captain. The Wake Forest University product notched the game-winner Wednesday night against FC Cincinnati in the fifth round of the Open Cup, heading home a corner kick in the 93rd minute. Despite playing as a center back, Fink is Saint Louis FC’s joint leading scorer, and he plays a key role in one of the league’s toughest defenses. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns home for a match against Nashville SC on Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m. NCFC is undefeated at home this season, holding a 3W-0L-3D record. 

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

###

MATCHDAY INFO:
SAINT LOUIS FC VS. NORTH CAROLINA FC 
WWT SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, JUNE 22 – 8:30 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #STLvNC

CARY, N.C. (June 21, 2019) – North Carolina FC will attempt to continue its good run of form when it travels to face Saint Louis FC on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET at WWT Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo.

NCFC most recently defeated Swope Park Rangers 2-0, and is currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 7W-2L-5D record (26 points). Head coach Dave Sarachan’s group has earned at least a point in five straight matches, three of which have been wins. 

A well-balanced group offensively, six different players have scored multiple times for NCFC this season, including 22-year-old midfielder and former NCFC Youth Academy standout Dre Fortune, who’s notched three goals in his last two games. Defensively, NCFC has conceded the third-fewest goals in the league (11), and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis holds the second-highest save percentage in the Eastern Conference (.795). 

Saturday’s match will be NCFC’s ninth on the road, and the team’s away form has been among the best in the league. Only Nashville SC (18) and Indy Eleven (15) have accumulated more points away from home than NCFC (14). Of NCFC’s four road wins, two have come against the top two teams in the Eastern Conference (Tampa Bay Rowdies and New York Red Bulls II). 

Saint Louis FC enters this weekend’s tilt having lost two consecutive league games, last winning a USL Championship match on April 27. Yet, head coach Anthony Pulis’ group still finds itself in a playoff position, currently holding ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 5W-3L-4D record (19 points). Saint Louis FC fell 3-1 at Bethlehem Steel last weekend, but continued its run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, earning a spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati. 

Like NCFC, Saint Louis FC has allowed only 11 goals this season, while its attack has produced 1.17 goals per game. Forward Russell Cicerone and defender Sam Fink lead the team with three goals apiece. 

Last Time Out  

NCFC returned to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for its first home league match in one month and defeated Swope Park Rangers 2-0 last Saturday. Looking to get off to a fast start against an opponent that had yet to record a win on the road, NCFC did just that with two goals within the opening 13 minutes. 

Forward Yamikani Chester opened the scoring in just the sixth minute with his second goal of the season, which was assisted by forward Robert Kristo. Just seven minutes later, Fortune doubled the advantage with a strike from the edge of the area in the 13th minute, his third goal in a two-game span. Goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod made his first home start in league action for NCFC, and the Canadian recorded a clean sheet against his former team as NCFC remained unbeaten at home. 

Players to Watch 
North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas
One of just three NCFC players to start each game of the USL Championship campaign, Speas has been a steady presence in the midfield in his first season with the club, consistently creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Currently on loan from Indy Eleven, Speas is tied for the team lead with three assists, and he also has a goal to his name. The 28-year-old midfielder ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 36 chances created, and a good showing from Speas could go a long way in helping NCFC break down a Saint Louis FC defense that has given up just 11 goals all season. 

Saint Louis FC – #4 Sam Fink 
No player has scored a bigger goal this season for Saint Louis FC than Fink, who serves as club captain. The Wake Forest University product notched the game-winner Wednesday night against FC Cincinnati in the fifth round of the Open Cup, heading home a corner kick in the 93rd minute. Despite playing as a center back, Fink is Saint Louis FC’s joint leading scorer, and he plays a key role in one of the league’s toughest defenses. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns home for a match against Nashville SC on Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m. NCFC is undefeated at home this season, holding a 3W-0L-3D record. 

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

###

Perez Set to Join Celtic For Preseason Training Camp

Cary, N.C. (June 21, 2019) – Midfielder Manny Perez, currently on loan with North Carolina FC, is set to return to his parent club, Celtic FC, for a preseason training camp in Europe from June 25 through early July.

Perez, a former member of the NCFC Youth Academy who played collegiately at N.C. State, will rejoin NCFC on July 4. 

The 20-year-old midfielder signed with the Scottish club in January and was immediately loaned to NCFC ahead of the current season. Perez, a Garner native, has experience with the U.S. U-20 National Team and played for the NCFC Youth Academy from 2014-17. 

In 11 matches between USL Championship and U.S. Open Cup play, Perez has made seven starts and recorded three assists in 2019. 

NCFC faces Saint Louis FC on the road on Saturday, June 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET, and returns home for a match against Nashville SC on Saturday, June 29, 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.

###

Cary, N.C. (June 21, 2019) – Midfielder Manny Perez, currently on loan with North Carolina FC, is set to return to his parent club, Celtic FC, for a preseason training camp in Europe from June 25 through early July.

Perez, a former member of the NCFC Youth Academy who played collegiately at N.C. State, will rejoin NCFC on July 4. 

The 20-year-old midfielder signed with the Scottish club in January and was immediately loaned to NCFC ahead of the current season. Perez, a Garner native, has experience with the U.S. U-20 National Team and played for the NCFC Youth Academy from 2014-17. 

In 11 matches between USL Championship and U.S. Open Cup play, Perez has made seven starts and recorded three assists in 2019. 

NCFC faces Saint Louis FC on the road on Saturday, June 22, at 8:30 p.m. ET, and returns home for a match against Nashville SC on Saturday, June 29, 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.

###

Alex Rose's Brace Leads NCFC U23 to Home Win Over Virginia Beach United

Cary, N.C. (June 18, 2019) – In a battle between two teams even on points in the USL League 2 South Atlantic Division, North Carolina U23 earned an important 2-1 win over Virginia Beach United Tuesday night at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With four games remaining in the regular season, NCFC U23 is 5W-5L-0D (15 points) and in possession of first place. 

The youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly evident Tuesday, with six current and former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in head coach Tom Harris’ starting lineup and an additional six named to the bench. Among the six in the starting lineup was Alex Rose, of UNC, who recorded a brace and opened the scoring for NCFC U23 in the 24th minute. 

Following a sustained period of early pressure, NCFC U23 found the back of the net for the first time when midfielder Mauricio Pineda accurately placed a pass beyond the Virginia Beach United backline, which Rose tracked down before chipping opposing goalkeeper Oliver Padilla. 
 
After controlling the possession for much of the first half, NCFC U23 took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Out of the break, Harris’ group wasn’t content with just one goal and was eager in its pursuit for a second. Second-half substitute Jack Skahan was a nuisance on the right flanking, forcing multiple corner kicks. In the 76th minute, midfielder Miles Peay, of UNC Asheville, let off a booming shot from beyond the area that nearly produced a wonder goal but instead ricocheted off the right post. 

Eventually, NCFC U23 added what proved to be a crucial second goal in the 85th minute. After controlling the ball in the 18-yard-box, Rose fired a shot past Virginia Beach United’s Padilla, giving NCFC U23 some insurance. 

For much of the night, the visitors struggled against NCFC U23 goalkeeper George Marks, but ultimately got on the board with a goal in stoppage time. From that point on, NCFC U23 was able to see the result out. 
 
Moving forward, NCFC U23 returns to action at home on Friday, June 28, against the Tri-City Otters at 7 p.m. 
 
BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: George Marks ©; David Mejia, Zeico Harris (Aidan Foster, 46’), James Dressman, James Kazak (Parker Cross, 59’); Mauricio Pineda, Robert Screen (Alex Charles, 85’), Julian Ngoh (Miles Peay, 26’); Alex Rose, Preston Popp (Jack Skahan, 60’), Jeremy Kelly (Camden Holbrook, 68’)
 
Subs not used: Alex McCauley
 
Virginia Beach United: Oliver Padilla; Friedrich Peter, Matthew Ridley, Samuel Pollard (Adam Gannon, 46’), Joseph Barakat (Curtis Kirby, 46’); Roland Aguilera © (Zak Tom, 43’), Blake Leonetti (Oliver Peters, 82’), Luis Martinez, Guilherme Leme (Thomas White, 35’), Jesus Corona Rojas (Dimitri Roumeliotis, 67’); Donnett Sackie
 
Subs not used: Brett Johnson  
 
Score
NCFC U23: 2
Virginia Beach United: 1
 
Goals:
NCFC U23: Alex Rose (Mauricio Pineda, 24’), Alex Rose (unassisted, 85’)
Virginia Beach United FC: Donnett Sackie (unassisted, 90+4)
 
Cautions:
NCFC U23: Jeremy Kelly, 68’; George Marks, 90+3. 
Virginia Beach United: Dimitri Roumeliotis, 75’; Oliver Peters, 84’
 
Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Virginia Beach United: –

 ###

Cary, N.C. (June 18, 2019) – In a battle between two teams even on points in the USL League 2 South Atlantic Division, North Carolina U23 earned an important 2-1 win over Virginia Beach United Tuesday night at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With four games remaining in the regular season, NCFC U23 is 5W-5L-0D (15 points) and in possession of first place. 

The youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly evident Tuesday, with six current and former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in head coach Tom Harris’ starting lineup and an additional six named to the bench. Among the six in the starting lineup was Alex Rose, of UNC, who recorded a brace and opened the scoring for NCFC U23 in the 24th minute. 

Following a sustained period of early pressure, NCFC U23 found the back of the net for the first time when midfielder Mauricio Pineda accurately placed a pass beyond the Virginia Beach United backline, which Rose tracked down before chipping opposing goalkeeper Oliver Padilla. 
 
After controlling the possession for much of the first half, NCFC U23 took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Out of the break, Harris’ group wasn’t content with just one goal and was eager in its pursuit for a second. Second-half substitute Jack Skahan was a nuisance on the right flanking, forcing multiple corner kicks. In the 76th minute, midfielder Miles Peay, of UNC Asheville, let off a booming shot from beyond the area that nearly produced a wonder goal but instead ricocheted off the right post. 

Eventually, NCFC U23 added what proved to be a crucial second goal in the 85th minute. After controlling the ball in the 18-yard-box, Rose fired a shot past Virginia Beach United’s Padilla, giving NCFC U23 some insurance. 

For much of the night, the visitors struggled against NCFC U23 goalkeeper George Marks, but ultimately got on the board with a goal in stoppage time. From that point on, NCFC U23 was able to see the result out. 
 
Moving forward, NCFC U23 returns to action at home on Friday, June 28, against the Tri-City Otters at 7 p.m. 
 
BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: George Marks ©; David Mejia, Zeico Harris (Aidan Foster, 46’), James Dressman, James Kazak (Parker Cross, 59’); Mauricio Pineda, Robert Screen (Alex Charles, 85’), Julian Ngoh (Miles Peay, 26’); Alex Rose, Preston Popp (Jack Skahan, 60’), Jeremy Kelly (Camden Holbrook, 68’)
 
Subs not used: Alex McCauley
 
Virginia Beach United: Oliver Padilla; Friedrich Peter, Matthew Ridley, Samuel Pollard (Adam Gannon, 46’), Joseph Barakat (Curtis Kirby, 46’); Roland Aguilera © (Zak Tom, 43’), Blake Leonetti (Oliver Peters, 82’), Luis Martinez, Guilherme Leme (Thomas White, 35’), Jesus Corona Rojas (Dimitri Roumeliotis, 67’); Donnett Sackie
 
Subs not used: Brett Johnson  
 
Score
NCFC U23: 2
Virginia Beach United: 1
 
Goals:
NCFC U23: Alex Rose (Mauricio Pineda, 24’), Alex Rose (unassisted, 85’)
Virginia Beach United FC: Donnett Sackie (unassisted, 90+4)
 
Cautions:
NCFC U23: Jeremy Kelly, 68’; George Marks, 90+3. 
Virginia Beach United: Dimitri Roumeliotis, 75’; Oliver Peters, 84’
 
Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Virginia Beach United: –

 ###

Early Goals Lead NCFC to 2-0 Win Over Swope Park Rangers

Cary, N.C. (June 15, 2019) – North Carolina FC continued its good form by defeating Swope Park Rangers 2-0 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match was part one of North Carolina Football Club’s Pride Night Doubleheader, which continued with the North Carolina Courage’s game against Portland Thorns FC. 

With the win, NCFC is now 3W-0L-2D in its last five league matches. 

Forward Yamikani Chester and midfielder Dre Fortune each scored goals in the victory, as NCFC struck twice within the opening 13 minutes to improve to 7W-2L-5D (26 points) on the season. 

“The result was important. These are tricky games because if you pay too much attention to the standings and you let your foot off the gas pedal, you can get punished,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “Getting the early goal was important today and then obviously we got the second.”

The match was NCFC’s first league game at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in one month, and Sarachan’s team did not wait long to give the home fans something to cheer about. 

In the sixth minute, Chester was played in on goal on a pass by forward Robert Kristo. Left with only Swope Park Rangers goalkeeper Eric Dick to deal with, Chester calmly slotted his shot into the left corner of the net for his second USL Championship goal of the season. 

Not content with only one goal, NCFC struck again in the 13th minute, as Fortune continued his hot streak. After intercepting a pass in the midfield, the 22-year-old Raleigh native made a run toward goal. With room to operate, Fortune let loose on a shot at the edge of the 18-yard-box that curled past the Rangers goalkeeper. 

After taking a two-goal lead into halftime, NCFC continued to pressure the Rangers in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Kristo came within inches of netting, but saw his pace-filled effort hit the crossbar. 

Later on in the second half, Kristo was replaced by forward Donovan Ewolo, who was denied twice from point-blank range in the 80th minute. 

While NCFC never could add a third goal, it remained firm defensively, recording its fifth shutout of the season. 

Fact To Know 

With the win, NCFC has now earned back-to-back victories for the third time this season, a feat it achieved just twice in 2018. 

Notes 

– Midfielder Yamikani Chester now has two goals in his last two USL Championship appearances. The Malawian scored as a second-half substitute in NCFC’s 1-1 draw at Hartford Athletic on June 1. 

– Forward Robert Kristo recorded his first assist of the season. 

– NCFC goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod made his second USL Championship start of the season and recorded his first clean sheet in league action since joining the club. 

– Midfielder Dre Fortune has now scored four goals in his last seven games across all competitions. Fortune was named the USL Championship Player of the Week last Tuesday following his two-goal performance in NCFC’s 3-1 win at Tampa Bay on June 8.  

– NCFC improved to 3W-0L-3D at home this season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display Saturday, as NCFC Academy products Dre Fortune, DJ Taylor and Caleb Duvernay all started alongside former NCFC U23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Academy standout Manny Perez was not available for selection due to a minor injury. 

Looking Ahead 

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

The team returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m. for a battle with Nashville SC. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score 

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Darrin MacLeod; Caleb Duvernay, Aaron Guillen, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Nazmi Albadawi, Victor Igbekoyi; Ben Speas ©, Dre Fortune (Austin Panchot, 87’), Yamikani Chester (Steven Miller, 71’); Robert Kristo (Donovan Ewolo, 67’)
 
Subs not used: Alex Tambakis, Tim Mehl, Duval Wapiwo, Graham Smith,
 
SPR (4-4-2): Eric Dick; Mark Segbers, Camden Riley, Graham Smith ©, Alexsander; Kuzain (Tyler Freeman, 71’), Gianluca Busio, Felipe Hernandez, Ayyoub Allach; Ethan Vanacore-Decker (Wilson Harris, 78’), Killian Colombe (Jerome Ngom Bekeli, 58’)
 
Subs not used: John Pulskamp, Rassambek Akhmatov, Will Little, Kaveh Rad
 
Score:
NCFC: 2
SPR: 0

Goals:
NCFC: Yamikani Chester (Robert Kristo, 6’), Dre Fortune (Unassisted,13’)
SPR:

Cautions:
NCFC: Yamikani Chester 28’, Aaron Guillen 50’
SPR: Alexsander 63’

Ejections:
NCFC:
SPR:
 
Attendance: 6,172

###

Cary, N.C. (June 15, 2019) – North Carolina FC continued its good form by defeating Swope Park Rangers 2-0 at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match was part one of North Carolina Football Club’s Pride Night Doubleheader, which continued with the North Carolina Courage’s game against Portland Thorns FC. 

With the win, NCFC is now 3W-0L-2D in its last five league matches. 

Forward Yamikani Chester and midfielder Dre Fortune each scored goals in the victory, as NCFC struck twice within the opening 13 minutes to improve to 7W-2L-5D (26 points) on the season. 

“The result was important. These are tricky games because if you pay too much attention to the standings and you let your foot off the gas pedal, you can get punished,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “Getting the early goal was important today and then obviously we got the second.”

The match was NCFC’s first league game at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in one month, and Sarachan’s team did not wait long to give the home fans something to cheer about. 

In the sixth minute, Chester was played in on goal on a pass by forward Robert Kristo. Left with only Swope Park Rangers goalkeeper Eric Dick to deal with, Chester calmly slotted his shot into the left corner of the net for his second USL Championship goal of the season. 

Not content with only one goal, NCFC struck again in the 13th minute, as Fortune continued his hot streak. After intercepting a pass in the midfield, the 22-year-old Raleigh native made a run toward goal. With room to operate, Fortune let loose on a shot at the edge of the 18-yard-box that curled past the Rangers goalkeeper. 

After taking a two-goal lead into halftime, NCFC continued to pressure the Rangers in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Kristo came within inches of netting, but saw his pace-filled effort hit the crossbar. 

Later on in the second half, Kristo was replaced by forward Donovan Ewolo, who was denied twice from point-blank range in the 80th minute. 

While NCFC never could add a third goal, it remained firm defensively, recording its fifth shutout of the season. 

Fact To Know 

With the win, NCFC has now earned back-to-back victories for the third time this season, a feat it achieved just twice in 2018. 

Notes 

– Midfielder Yamikani Chester now has two goals in his last two USL Championship appearances. The Malawian scored as a second-half substitute in NCFC’s 1-1 draw at Hartford Athletic on June 1. 

– Forward Robert Kristo recorded his first assist of the season. 

– NCFC goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod made his second USL Championship start of the season and recorded his first clean sheet in league action since joining the club. 

– Midfielder Dre Fortune has now scored four goals in his last seven games across all competitions. Fortune was named the USL Championship Player of the Week last Tuesday following his two-goal performance in NCFC’s 3-1 win at Tampa Bay on June 8.  

– NCFC improved to 3W-0L-3D at home this season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display Saturday, as NCFC Academy products Dre Fortune, DJ Taylor and Caleb Duvernay all started alongside former NCFC U23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Academy standout Manny Perez was not available for selection due to a minor injury. 

Looking Ahead 

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

The team returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m. for a battle with Nashville SC. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score 

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Darrin MacLeod; Caleb Duvernay, Aaron Guillen, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Nazmi Albadawi, Victor Igbekoyi; Ben Speas ©, Dre Fortune (Austin Panchot, 87’), Yamikani Chester (Steven Miller, 71’); Robert Kristo (Donovan Ewolo, 67’)
 
Subs not used: Alex Tambakis, Tim Mehl, Duval Wapiwo, Graham Smith,
 
SPR (4-4-2): Eric Dick; Mark Segbers, Camden Riley, Graham Smith ©, Alexsander; Kuzain (Tyler Freeman, 71’), Gianluca Busio, Felipe Hernandez, Ayyoub Allach; Ethan Vanacore-Decker (Wilson Harris, 78’), Killian Colombe (Jerome Ngom Bekeli, 58’)
 
Subs not used: John Pulskamp, Rassambek Akhmatov, Will Little, Kaveh Rad
 
Score:
NCFC: 2
SPR: 0

Goals:
NCFC: Yamikani Chester (Robert Kristo, 6’), Dre Fortune (Unassisted,13’)
SPR:

Cautions:
NCFC: Yamikani Chester 28’, Aaron Guillen 50’
SPR: Alexsander 63’

Ejections:
NCFC:
SPR:
 
Attendance: 6,172

###

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)

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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:

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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:

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