Recent News

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 14, 2019) – North Carolina FC announced on Wednesday the signing of right back Colton Storm through the end of the 2019 season. Per club policy, no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

The 25-year-old Storm, a native of Mechanicsburg, Penn., played collegiately at the University of North Carolina from 2013-16 and was drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 2017 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City. 

As a senior at UNC, Storm served as a team captain and helped UNC reach the 2016 College Cup, as he earned Second Team All-ACC honors. 

From 2017-18, Storm was a regular with Swope Park Rangers and will provide valuable USL Championship experience to the NCFC defense. In two years with Swope Park, Storm made 53 appearances, scoring three goals and recording eight assists. At Swope Park, Storm appeared in the 2017 USL Cup and was a teammate of NCFC goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod. 

With the addition of Storm, NCFC now has three UNC products on its roster, joining Ben Speas and Alex Comsia, whom Storm was a teammate of in Chapel Hill from 2015-16. 

NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Player Profile:

Name: Colton Storm

Position: Right back

Birthdate: 07/06/1994 (Age 25)

Birthplace: Mechanicsburg, Penn.

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 175 lbs.

Citizenship: American

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 14, 2019) – North Carolina FC announced on Wednesday the signing of right back Colton Storm through the end of the 2019 season. Per club policy, no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

The 25-year-old Storm, a native of Mechanicsburg, Penn., played collegiately at the University of North Carolina from 2013-16 and was drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 2017 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City. 

As a senior at UNC, Storm served as a team captain and helped UNC reach the 2016 College Cup, as he earned Second Team All-ACC honors. 

From 2017-18, Storm was a regular with Swope Park Rangers and will provide valuable USL Championship experience to the NCFC defense. In two years with Swope Park, Storm made 53 appearances, scoring three goals and recording eight assists. At Swope Park, Storm appeared in the 2017 USL Cup and was a teammate of NCFC goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod. 

With the addition of Storm, NCFC now has three UNC products on its roster, joining Ben Speas and Alex Comsia, whom Storm was a teammate of in Chapel Hill from 2015-16. 

NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Player Profile:

Name: Colton Storm

Position: Right back

Birthdate: 07/06/1994 (Age 25)

Birthplace: Mechanicsburg, Penn.

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 175 lbs.

Citizenship: American

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 13, 2019) – North Carolina FC captain Austin da Luz, one of the most decorated players in club history, announced on Tuesday that he plans to retire following the 2019 USL Championship season, closing the books on an outstanding 10-year professional career, which includes eight seasons with NCFC. 

The 31-year-old da Luz ranks among the club’s top 10 in all-time games played (175), minutes (13,004), goals (22) and assists (18) across all competitions, consistently making a difference in the midfield. 

“It feels like it’s the right time to step away,” da Luz said Tuesday. “The team’s in a good place, the club’s in a good place, and I’m just really excited about continuing to watch it grow from the outside.”

The Wake Forest University product played in Major League Soccer from 2010-11 with New York Red Bulls and D.C. United before joining NCFC in 2012. Upon arriving, da Luz made an immediate impact, helping NCFC reach the semifinals of the 2012 NASL postseason. In both 2012 and 2013, da Luz played a key role in NCFC’s runs to the fourth round and quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, respectively. In 2013, da Luz scored in NCFC’s 2-0 defeat of the LA Galaxy. 

The longest-tenured player on NCFC, da Luz in April 2018 became the sixth player in club history to reach the 10,000-minute milestone. Additionally, da Luz set or tied single-season personal highs in games played (34), minutes (2,880) and goals (six) in 2018. 

After serving as co-captain in 2018, da Luz was made club captain ahead of the 2019 season. 

“When I think of Austin, I think it’s his drive to win and his consistency as a pro every single day,” North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager Curt Johnson said. “Then how he balanced it as well as anybody in the history of our organization and the history of pro soccer in the Triangle with his work off the field and lending his voice and time to things that are near and dear to the heart of our club.”

In 2017, da Luz created Playing for Pride, a global fundraiser to benefit the Human Rights Campaign and draw attention to LGBTQ issues. For his efforts, da Luz was named as the 2017 NASL Humanitarian of the Year. Using his platform as a professional soccer player to make a difference, da Luz has helped Playing for Pride raise over $60,000 since 2017. 

While he’s looking forward to completing the 2019 season with NCFC, which holds fifth place in the Eastern Conference with an 11W-5L-7D record, da Luz is already grateful for the time he’s had at the club. 

“When I think about the club, the community and all the players I’ve played with, I just have an overwhelming sense of gratitude of being able to be a part of it,” da Luz said.

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 13, 2019) – North Carolina FC captain Austin da Luz, one of the most decorated players in club history, announced on Tuesday that he plans to retire following the 2019 USL Championship season, closing the books on an outstanding 10-year professional career, which includes eight seasons with NCFC. 

The 31-year-old da Luz ranks among the club’s top 10 in all-time games played (175), minutes (13,004), goals (22) and assists (18) across all competitions, consistently making a difference in the midfield. 

“It feels like it’s the right time to step away,” da Luz said Tuesday. “The team’s in a good place, the club’s in a good place, and I’m just really excited about continuing to watch it grow from the outside.”

The Wake Forest University product played in Major League Soccer from 2010-11 with New York Red Bulls and D.C. United before joining NCFC in 2012. Upon arriving, da Luz made an immediate impact, helping NCFC reach the semifinals of the 2012 NASL postseason. In both 2012 and 2013, da Luz played a key role in NCFC’s runs to the fourth round and quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, respectively. In 2013, da Luz scored in NCFC’s 2-0 defeat of the LA Galaxy. 

The longest-tenured player on NCFC, da Luz in April 2018 became the sixth player in club history to reach the 10,000-minute milestone. Additionally, da Luz set or tied single-season personal highs in games played (34), minutes (2,880) and goals (six) in 2018. 

After serving as co-captain in 2018, da Luz was made club captain ahead of the 2019 season. 

“When I think of Austin, I think it’s his drive to win and his consistency as a pro every single day,” North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager Curt Johnson said. “Then how he balanced it as well as anybody in the history of our organization and the history of pro soccer in the Triangle with his work off the field and lending his voice and time to things that are near and dear to the heart of our club.”

In 2017, da Luz created Playing for Pride, a global fundraiser to benefit the Human Rights Campaign and draw attention to LGBTQ issues. For his efforts, da Luz was named as the 2017 NASL Humanitarian of the Year. Using his platform as a professional soccer player to make a difference, da Luz has helped Playing for Pride raise over $60,000 since 2017. 

While he’s looking forward to completing the 2019 season with NCFC, which holds fifth place in the Eastern Conference with an 11W-5L-7D record, da Luz is already grateful for the time he’s had at the club. 

“When I think about the club, the community and all the players I’ve played with, I just have an overwhelming sense of gratitude of being able to be a part of it,” da Luz said.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Aug. 10, 2019) – A late strike by Nazmi Albadawi in the 88th minute led North Carolina FC to a 2-1 win on the road at Memphis 901 FC Saturday night at AutoZone Park. 

With the win, NCFC (11W-5L-7D, 40 points) maintained its position in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference and picked up its sixth road win of the season. 

After Memphis’ Brandon Allen opened up the scoring with a 20th-minute goal, NCFC began to settle into the match. Head coach Dave Sarachan’s team began knocking on the door, as midfielder Graham Smith saw his deflected effort bounce off the crossbar in the 31st minute. 

Right before the halftime whistle blew, NCFC got on even terms with Donovan Ewolo’s fifth goal of the season, which came on a bicycle kick one minute into first-half stoppage time, as Memphis goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell struggled to handle the shot. 

Solid defense and good goalkeeping by Alex Tambakis (four saves) kept the hosts frustrated offensively for much of the night after their initially positive start, and NCFC began to push forward in the game’s final stage. 

That persistence paid off once Ewolo made a threatening run toward the 18-yard box from the right flank before laying off to midfielder Ben Speas, who set Albadawi up for the game-winning goal, a wonder strike from well beyond the area that whizzed into the left corner of the net. The goal was the first of the homegrown Albadawi’s second stint with NCFC, having joined from FC Cincinnati on loan in May. 

In possession of a late lead, NCFC remained poised and saw out the result, protecting its advantage throughout six minutes of stoppage time. 

Fact to Know

Saturday’s victory marked the first time NCFC won after conceding the game’s opening goal. 

Notes 

– NCFC improved to 5W-4L-3D on the road. 

– NCFC remained unbeaten when coming off a loss (6W-0L-0D) between USL Championship and U.S. Open Cup play. 
– Donovan Ewolo is now third on the team with five goals on the season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as were former NCFC U23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Caleb Duvernay, who played for both the NCFC Academy and NCFC U23 program, was named to the bench. 

– Alex Comsia returned from injury, playing for the first time since June 29. The UNC product also recorded an assist in the win. 

– Ben Speas dished out his fifth assist of the year, tied for the most on the team. 

– Steven Miller, Justin Rennicks and Austin da Luz each appeared as second-half substitutes. 

– Aaron Guillen captained NCFC for the second straight game. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. The first 1,800 fans to enter the stadium will receive a free NCFC T-shirt courtesy of Circle K, a proud corporate sponsor of North Carolina Football Club. Teen Cancer America ambassadors and former Atlantic Coast Conference basketball stars Brice Johnson and Nolan Smith will also attend the match to promote their upcoming Hoop-a-Thons on Aug. 24 and 25 in Chapel Hill and Durham, respectively. For tickets and information please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:
 
MEM (4-4-2): Jeff Caldwell; Abdi Mohamed (Lagos Kunga, 71’), Marc Burch ©, Liam Doyle, Wes Charpie; Adam Najem, Dan Metzger, Pierre Da Silva (Jochen Graf, 90’), Leston Paul (Ewan Grandison, 62’); Marcus Epps, Brandon Allen
 
Subs not used: Morgan Hackworth, Scott Levene, Todd Pratzner, Luca Uccello
 
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen ©, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Nazmi Albadawi, Graham Smith; Yamikani Chester (Steven Miller, 66’), Dre Fortune (Justin Rennicks, 71’), Ben Speas (Austin da Luz, 89’); Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs: Darrin MacLeod, Timmy Mehl, Robert Kristo, Caleb Duvernay
 
 
Score:
MEM: 1
NCFC: 2
 
Goals:
MEM: Brandon Allen (Liam Doyle, 20’)
NCFC: Donovan Ewolo (Alex Comsia, 45+1’), Nazmi Albadawi (Ben Speas, 88’)
                                                                                                                                                          Cautions:
MEM: Marc Burch 79’, Pierre Da Silva 81’
NCFC: Dre Fortune 28’, Alex Comsia 56’
 
Ejections:
MEM: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 7,006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Aug. 10, 2019) – A late strike by Nazmi Albadawi in the 88th minute led North Carolina FC to a 2-1 win on the road at Memphis 901 FC Saturday night at AutoZone Park. 

With the win, NCFC (11W-5L-7D, 40 points) maintained its position in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference and picked up its sixth road win of the season. 

After Memphis’ Brandon Allen opened up the scoring with a 20th-minute goal, NCFC began to settle into the match. Head coach Dave Sarachan’s team began knocking on the door, as midfielder Graham Smith saw his deflected effort bounce off the crossbar in the 31st minute. 

Right before the halftime whistle blew, NCFC got on even terms with Donovan Ewolo’s fifth goal of the season, which came on a bicycle kick one minute into first-half stoppage time, as Memphis goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell struggled to handle the shot. 

Solid defense and good goalkeeping by Alex Tambakis (four saves) kept the hosts frustrated offensively for much of the night after their initially positive start, and NCFC began to push forward in the game’s final stage. 

That persistence paid off once Ewolo made a threatening run toward the 18-yard box from the right flank before laying off to midfielder Ben Speas, who set Albadawi up for the game-winning goal, a wonder strike from well beyond the area that whizzed into the left corner of the net. The goal was the first of the homegrown Albadawi’s second stint with NCFC, having joined from FC Cincinnati on loan in May. 

In possession of a late lead, NCFC remained poised and saw out the result, protecting its advantage throughout six minutes of stoppage time. 

Fact to Know

Saturday’s victory marked the first time NCFC won after conceding the game’s opening goal. 

Notes 

– NCFC improved to 5W-4L-3D on the road. 

– NCFC remained unbeaten when coming off a loss (6W-0L-0D) between USL Championship and U.S. Open Cup play. 
– Donovan Ewolo is now third on the team with five goals on the season. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was on full display Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as were former NCFC U23 standouts Nazmi Albadawi and Alex Comsia. Caleb Duvernay, who played for both the NCFC Academy and NCFC U23 program, was named to the bench. 

– Alex Comsia returned from injury, playing for the first time since June 29. The UNC product also recorded an assist in the win. 

– Ben Speas dished out his fifth assist of the year, tied for the most on the team. 

– Steven Miller, Justin Rennicks and Austin da Luz each appeared as second-half substitutes. 

– Aaron Guillen captained NCFC for the second straight game. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. The first 1,800 fans to enter the stadium will receive a free NCFC T-shirt courtesy of Circle K, a proud corporate sponsor of North Carolina Football Club. Teen Cancer America ambassadors and former Atlantic Coast Conference basketball stars Brice Johnson and Nolan Smith will also attend the match to promote their upcoming Hoop-a-Thons on Aug. 24 and 25 in Chapel Hill and Durham, respectively. For tickets and information please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:
 
MEM (4-4-2): Jeff Caldwell; Abdi Mohamed (Lagos Kunga, 71’), Marc Burch ©, Liam Doyle, Wes Charpie; Adam Najem, Dan Metzger, Pierre Da Silva (Jochen Graf, 90’), Leston Paul (Ewan Grandison, 62’); Marcus Epps, Brandon Allen
 
Subs not used: Morgan Hackworth, Scott Levene, Todd Pratzner, Luca Uccello
 
 
NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen ©, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Nazmi Albadawi, Graham Smith; Yamikani Chester (Steven Miller, 66’), Dre Fortune (Justin Rennicks, 71’), Ben Speas (Austin da Luz, 89’); Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs: Darrin MacLeod, Timmy Mehl, Robert Kristo, Caleb Duvernay
 
 
Score:
MEM: 1
NCFC: 2
 
Goals:
MEM: Brandon Allen (Liam Doyle, 20’)
NCFC: Donovan Ewolo (Alex Comsia, 45+1’), Nazmi Albadawi (Ben Speas, 88’)
                                                                                                                                                          Cautions:
MEM: Marc Burch 79’, Pierre Da Silva 81’
NCFC: Dre Fortune 28’, Alex Comsia 56’
 
Ejections:
MEM: —
NCFC: —
 
Attendance: 7,006

CARY, NC. (Aug. 8, 2019) – Teen Cancer America ambassadors and former Atlantic Coast Conference basketball stars Brice Johnson and Nolan Smith will attend the North Carolina FC-Pittsburgh Riverhounds match at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, to promote their upcoming Hoop-a-Thons on Aug. 24 and 25 in Chapel Hill and Durham, respectively.

Before the NCFC-Pittsburgh match, which begins at 7:00 p.m. ET, fans in attendance will have the opportunity to shoot hoops with Smith and Johnson with a donation to Teen Cancer America, and will also be given information about participating in the Hoop-a-Thons on Aug. 24 and 25.

Sponsored by First Citizens Bank, with support from The Special Event Company and French West Vaughan, the TCA Hoop-a-Thons will be held at the Dean E. Smith Center practice facility at UNC (Aug. 24) and at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium (Aug. 25). Sports talk station 99.9 the Fan is the event’s official radio partner.
 
Funds raised will help support TCA programs in development at the Duke Cancer Institute and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  
Smith, who serves as Director of Basketball Operations at Duke under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, is a former ACC Player of the Year who led Duke to the 2010 national title. He became a TCA ambassador in 2016 and has hosted Hoop-a-Thons at Duke for the past two years, with appearances by star players including Jayson Tatum, Grayson Allen, RJ Barrett, Zion Williamson and others.
 
Johnson, a close friend of Smith, also participated in the previous Hoop-a-Thons along with other Tar Heel players such as Nate Britt and the legendary Phil Ford. A former consensus All-American who led the Tar Heels to the 2016 national championship game, Johnson officially became a TCA ambassador in 2019 and the idea for rival Hoop-a-Thons was born.
 
Information about the rival Hoop-a-Thon events at UNC and Duke is available at  www.tcahoopathon.com. 
 
About Teen Cancer America
Teen Cancer America helps hospitals and healthcare professionals bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care by supporting hospitals and outpatient facilities in the development of specialized units and programs for this age group. TCA brings together physicians and allied healthcare professionals in both pediatric and adult oncology. Age-targeted care for this population is necessary for medical and appropriate psychosocial development. Outcomes associated with some cancers that target this age group have not improved in over 30 years. Teens and young adults with cancer are long overdue for an upgrade and TCA can hopefully light the fire in America’s health systems. For more information, contact Michelle Aland michelle@teencanceramerica.org or visit www.teencanceramerica.org.

CARY, NC. (Aug. 8, 2019) – Teen Cancer America ambassadors and former Atlantic Coast Conference basketball stars Brice Johnson and Nolan Smith will attend the North Carolina FC-Pittsburgh Riverhounds match at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, to promote their upcoming Hoop-a-Thons on Aug. 24 and 25 in Chapel Hill and Durham, respectively.

Before the NCFC-Pittsburgh match, which begins at 7:00 p.m. ET, fans in attendance will have the opportunity to shoot hoops with Smith and Johnson with a donation to Teen Cancer America, and will also be given information about participating in the Hoop-a-Thons on Aug. 24 and 25.

Sponsored by First Citizens Bank, with support from The Special Event Company and French West Vaughan, the TCA Hoop-a-Thons will be held at the Dean E. Smith Center practice facility at UNC (Aug. 24) and at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium (Aug. 25). Sports talk station 99.9 the Fan is the event’s official radio partner.
 
Funds raised will help support TCA programs in development at the Duke Cancer Institute and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  
Smith, who serves as Director of Basketball Operations at Duke under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, is a former ACC Player of the Year who led Duke to the 2010 national title. He became a TCA ambassador in 2016 and has hosted Hoop-a-Thons at Duke for the past two years, with appearances by star players including Jayson Tatum, Grayson Allen, RJ Barrett, Zion Williamson and others.
 
Johnson, a close friend of Smith, also participated in the previous Hoop-a-Thons along with other Tar Heel players such as Nate Britt and the legendary Phil Ford. A former consensus All-American who led the Tar Heels to the 2016 national championship game, Johnson officially became a TCA ambassador in 2019 and the idea for rival Hoop-a-Thons was born.
 
Information about the rival Hoop-a-Thon events at UNC and Duke is available at  www.tcahoopathon.com. 
 
About Teen Cancer America
Teen Cancer America helps hospitals and healthcare professionals bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care by supporting hospitals and outpatient facilities in the development of specialized units and programs for this age group. TCA brings together physicians and allied healthcare professionals in both pediatric and adult oncology. Age-targeted care for this population is necessary for medical and appropriate psychosocial development. Outcomes associated with some cancers that target this age group have not improved in over 30 years. Teens and young adults with cancer are long overdue for an upgrade and TCA can hopefully light the fire in America’s health systems. For more information, contact Michelle Aland michelle@teencanceramerica.org or visit www.teencanceramerica.org.

CARY, N.C. (Aug. 3, 2019)– Despite a strong second-half performance, North Carolina FC came up just short Saturday evening, dropping a 2-1 result against Indy Eleven at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With the defeat, NCFC finds itself in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference after losing on its home ground for the first time this season.  

“We created enough chances,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “We get the goal, and I think we could have had one or two more to be fair. I didn’t think they threatened a lot in the second half. And yet, they made a play.”

After both teams settled into the game in the match’s opening minutes, Indy opened the scoring in the 15th minute through a long-distance strike by midfielder Matt Watson, a former Carolina RailHawk. 

Despite conceding early, NCFC remained composed in its performance and in the attack. In the 39th minute, midfielder Yamikani Chester forced Indy goalkeeper Evan Newton into an uncomfortable, diving save at his near post. 

Down a goal at the halftime break, NCFC proceeded to outshoot Indy Eleven 15-6 in the second half. A dangerous ball played in by midfielder Ben Speas on a corner kick found forward Donovan Ewolo in the 57th minute, but the Cameroonian striker’s effort went right at the opposing goalkeeper. 

NCFC’s breakthrough eventually came in the 69th minute, as midfielder Dre Fortune took a pass from left back Aaron Guillen and brilliantly curled his shot into the upper right corner of the net for his fourth goal of the season. 

With the newly arrived Justin Rennicks on as a substitute for his debut after coming on loan from the New England Revolution, NCFC continued to push, this time for a go-ahead goal. However, it was Indy that scored the game’s decisive goal, as Ilija Ilic put away Tyler Gibson’s service. 

Despite a late push, NCFC couldn’t find a second goal, as it lost at home for the first time this season. 

Notes 

– Midfielder Dre Fortune scored his fourth goal of the season, moving him into a two-way tie for the fourth-most on the team. 

– Saturday’s loss ends NCFC’s unbeaten run at home, a streak that spanned 10 matches to start the USL Championship season (6W-0L-4D). 

– Justin Rennicks, a 20-year-old forward, made his NCFC debut, coming on a substitute in the 83rd minute. The U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team standout arrived on loan through the end of the season from the New England Revolution on Thursday. 

– At halftime, NCFC honored Robert Screen of NCFC U23, an NCFC Academy product, as this year's Farouk Bseiso Award winner. The award recognizes a player that has shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the success of NCFC U23. Screen, a player at the University of Kentucky, led NCFC U23 this past season in scoring with five goals. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly illustrated Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor, Manny Perez and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as was former NCFC U23 standout Nazmi Albadawi. Caleb Duvernay, an NCFC Academy standout, was named to the bench. 

– NCFC won the corner kick battle 11-3. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will hit the road to take on Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET at AutoZone Park. NCFC drew 1-1 at home against Memphis on April 13 in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen ©, Sam Brotherton, Victor Igbekoyi. Victor Igbekoyi; Nazmi Albadawi (Justin Rennicks, 83’), Dre Fortune; Yamikani Chester (Robert Kristo, 89’), Ben Speas, Manny Perez (Graham Smith, 46’); Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Duval Wapiwo, Austin da Luz, Caleb Duvernay
 
IND (4-5-1): Evan Newton; Lucas Farias, Paddy Barrett, Karl Ouimette, Neveal Hackshaw; Ayoze Garcia, Matt Watson © (Ilija Ilic, 80’), Tyler Gibson, Kenney Walker (Macauley King, 90+4’), Tyler Pasher; Dane Kelly (Thomas Enevoldsen, 81’)
 
Subs not used: Jordan Farr, Kim Do-heon, Alioune Diakhate, Mitchell Osmond,
 
Score:
NCFC: 2
IND: 1

Goals:
NCFC: Dre Fortune (Aaron Guillen, 69’)
IND: Matt Watson (Tyler Pasher, 15’), Ilija Ilic (Tyler Gibson, 87’)

Cautions:
NCFC: Aaron Guillen 27’, Nazmi Albadawi 43’, Ben SPeas 90+4’
IND: Paddy Barrett 84’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
IND: —

Attendance: 4,393

CARY, N.C. (Aug. 3, 2019)– Despite a strong second-half performance, North Carolina FC came up just short Saturday evening, dropping a 2-1 result against Indy Eleven at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

With the defeat, NCFC finds itself in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference after losing on its home ground for the first time this season.  

“We created enough chances,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “We get the goal, and I think we could have had one or two more to be fair. I didn’t think they threatened a lot in the second half. And yet, they made a play.”

After both teams settled into the game in the match’s opening minutes, Indy opened the scoring in the 15th minute through a long-distance strike by midfielder Matt Watson, a former Carolina RailHawk. 

Despite conceding early, NCFC remained composed in its performance and in the attack. In the 39th minute, midfielder Yamikani Chester forced Indy goalkeeper Evan Newton into an uncomfortable, diving save at his near post. 

Down a goal at the halftime break, NCFC proceeded to outshoot Indy Eleven 15-6 in the second half. A dangerous ball played in by midfielder Ben Speas on a corner kick found forward Donovan Ewolo in the 57th minute, but the Cameroonian striker’s effort went right at the opposing goalkeeper. 

NCFC’s breakthrough eventually came in the 69th minute, as midfielder Dre Fortune took a pass from left back Aaron Guillen and brilliantly curled his shot into the upper right corner of the net for his fourth goal of the season. 

With the newly arrived Justin Rennicks on as a substitute for his debut after coming on loan from the New England Revolution, NCFC continued to push, this time for a go-ahead goal. However, it was Indy that scored the game’s decisive goal, as Ilija Ilic put away Tyler Gibson’s service. 

Despite a late push, NCFC couldn’t find a second goal, as it lost at home for the first time this season. 

Notes 

– Midfielder Dre Fortune scored his fourth goal of the season, moving him into a two-way tie for the fourth-most on the team. 

– Saturday’s loss ends NCFC’s unbeaten run at home, a streak that spanned 10 matches to start the USL Championship season (6W-0L-4D). 

– Justin Rennicks, a 20-year-old forward, made his NCFC debut, coming on a substitute in the 83rd minute. The U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team standout arrived on loan through the end of the season from the New England Revolution on Thursday. 

– At halftime, NCFC honored Robert Screen of NCFC U23, an NCFC Academy product, as this year’s Farouk Bseiso Award winner. The award recognizes a player that has shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the success of NCFC U23. Screen, a player at the University of Kentucky, led NCFC U23 this past season in scoring with five goals. 

– NCFC’s youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly illustrated Saturday, as NCFC Academy products DJ Taylor, Manny Perez and Dre Fortune were named in the starting lineup, as was former NCFC U23 standout Nazmi Albadawi. Caleb Duvernay, an NCFC Academy standout, was named to the bench. 

– NCFC won the corner kick battle 11-3. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will hit the road to take on Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET at AutoZone Park. NCFC drew 1-1 at home against Memphis on April 13 in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 p.m. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Box Score:

NCFC (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen ©, Sam Brotherton, Victor Igbekoyi. Victor Igbekoyi; Nazmi Albadawi (Justin Rennicks, 83’), Dre Fortune; Yamikani Chester (Robert Kristo, 89’), Ben Speas, Manny Perez (Graham Smith, 46’); Donovan Ewolo
 
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Duval Wapiwo, Austin da Luz, Caleb Duvernay
 
IND (4-5-1): Evan Newton; Lucas Farias, Paddy Barrett, Karl Ouimette, Neveal Hackshaw; Ayoze Garcia, Matt Watson © (Ilija Ilic, 80’), Tyler Gibson, Kenney Walker (Macauley King, 90+4’), Tyler Pasher; Dane Kelly (Thomas Enevoldsen, 81’)
 
Subs not used: Jordan Farr, Kim Do-heon, Alioune Diakhate, Mitchell Osmond,
 
Score:
NCFC: 2
IND: 1

Goals:
NCFC: Dre Fortune (Aaron Guillen, 69’)
IND: Matt Watson (Tyler Pasher, 15’), Ilija Ilic (Tyler Gibson, 87’)

Cautions:
NCFC: Aaron Guillen 27’, Nazmi Albadawi 43’, Ben SPeas 90+4’
IND: Paddy Barrett 84’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
IND: —

Attendance: 4,393

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. INDY ELEVEN
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvIND

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 1, 2019) – Two of the top teams in the USL Championship Eastern Conference will do battle when North Carolina FC hosts Indy Eleven in a pivotal match on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7:00 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Fourth-place NCFC (10W-4L-7D, 37 points) and third-place Indy (11W-4L-4D, 37 points) are currently even on points in a heated race near the top of the standings, with Saturday’s visitors holding the wins tiebreaker. 

The last time the two teams met, NCFC walked away with a point following a 0-0 draw at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on May 4, as NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third clean sheet of the season with a five-save performance. 

On Saturday, NCFC will hope to replicate the offensive outburst it had in a 4-2 win over Atlanta United 2 last weekend and once again give the home fans a lot to cheer about. In its last two home matches (both wins), NCFC has scored a combined seven goals, and head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is unbeaten (6W-0L-4D) at their home ground in 2019. 

Following a two-goal, one assist-performance against Atlanta, midfielder Steven Miller – the current USL Championship Player of the Week –  leads NCFC in both goals (seven) and assists (five) on the season. As a team, NCFC ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 35 goals and has nine players with two-plus goals. A well-rounded squad, NCFC’s defense has matched its offense. With Tambakis leading the charge in goal (five clean sheets, .787 save percentage), NCFC has conceded just 18 goals, the third-fewest in the Eastern Conference. 

Indy, coached by former Carolina RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie, has likewise had a strong defense. The 14 goals given up by Indy are the fewest in the USL Championship, and goalkeepers Evan Newton and Jordan Farr have combined for 11 shutouts. 

Indy gave up a pair of goals last weekend, however, as it fell 2-0 on the road to Nashville SC. On the season, Indy is 5W-4L-0D on the road. 

Last Time Out 

NCFC picked up its 10th victory of the season and remained unbeaten at home with a 4-2 victory over Atlanta United 2 last weekend. 

A fast start and strong showings by midfielder Steven Miller and forward Donovan Ewolo helped NCFC pick up its sixth league victory at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in 2019. 

Both Miller and Ewolo recorded two-goal, one assist-performances, with Miller earning USL Championship Player of the Week honors. NCFC scored three goals in the game’s first 19 minutes, as Ewolo opened up the scoring in the seventh minute on a strike named a nominee for USL Championship Goal of the Week. 

Miller scored his first of the night in the 15th minute and secured a brace just four minutes later in the 19th minute on a goal set up by Ewolo. After Atlanta United 2 made it a one-goal game with a pair of tallies, Miller returned the favor and assisted on Ewolo’s second score of the night, this one coming in the 45th minute right before halftime. 

From that point on, NCFC maintained its multi-goal advantage and secured the win. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas
No one is more familiar with Saturday’s visitors than Speas, who is on loan this season from Indy Eleven. In his first season with NCFC, the UNC product has impressed, scoring two goals and recording four assists. Oftentimes, a successful offensive sequence for NCFC begins with Speas making a key pass, and his 50 chances created are the sixth-most in the league. Last time out, Speas recorded an assist against Atlanta United 2, and another productive performance could be difference-making on Saturday. 

Indy Eleven– #23 Tyler Pasher 
Playing in the midfield, Pasher has found a home in Indy after previously playing for a number of clubs earlier in his career, including fellow USL Championship sides Swope Park Rangers and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Now in his second year with Indy, the 25-year-old Canadian leads the team in goals with eight. Impressively, Pasher has been efficient in the attack, converting on over half of his 15 shots on target. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will hit the road to take on Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET at AutoZone Park. NCFC drew 1-1 at home against Memphis on April 13 in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 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. INDY ELEVEN
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK 
SATURDAY, AUG. 3 – 7:00 PM ET
 
WATCH: ESPN+, WRAL2
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvIND

Cary, N.C. (Aug. 1, 2019) – Two of the top teams in the USL Championship Eastern Conference will do battle when North Carolina FC hosts Indy Eleven in a pivotal match on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7:00 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

Fourth-place NCFC (10W-4L-7D, 37 points) and third-place Indy (11W-4L-4D, 37 points) are currently even on points in a heated race near the top of the standings, with Saturday’s visitors holding the wins tiebreaker. 

The last time the two teams met, NCFC walked away with a point following a 0-0 draw at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on May 4, as NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third clean sheet of the season with a five-save performance. 

On Saturday, NCFC will hope to replicate the offensive outburst it had in a 4-2 win over Atlanta United 2 last weekend and once again give the home fans a lot to cheer about. In its last two home matches (both wins), NCFC has scored a combined seven goals, and head coach Dave Sarachan’s team is unbeaten (6W-0L-4D) at their home ground in 2019. 

Following a two-goal, one assist-performance against Atlanta, midfielder Steven Miller – the current USL Championship Player of the Week –  leads NCFC in both goals (seven) and assists (five) on the season. As a team, NCFC ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 35 goals and has nine players with two-plus goals. A well-rounded squad, NCFC’s defense has matched its offense. With Tambakis leading the charge in goal (five clean sheets, .787 save percentage), NCFC has conceded just 18 goals, the third-fewest in the Eastern Conference. 

Indy, coached by former Carolina RailHawks head coach Martin Rennie, has likewise had a strong defense. The 14 goals given up by Indy are the fewest in the USL Championship, and goalkeepers Evan Newton and Jordan Farr have combined for 11 shutouts. 

Indy gave up a pair of goals last weekend, however, as it fell 2-0 on the road to Nashville SC. On the season, Indy is 5W-4L-0D on the road. 

Last Time Out 

NCFC picked up its 10th victory of the season and remained unbeaten at home with a 4-2 victory over Atlanta United 2 last weekend. 

A fast start and strong showings by midfielder Steven Miller and forward Donovan Ewolo helped NCFC pick up its sixth league victory at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in 2019. 

Both Miller and Ewolo recorded two-goal, one assist-performances, with Miller earning USL Championship Player of the Week honors. NCFC scored three goals in the game’s first 19 minutes, as Ewolo opened up the scoring in the seventh minute on a strike named a nominee for USL Championship Goal of the Week. 

Miller scored his first of the night in the 15th minute and secured a brace just four minutes later in the 19th minute on a goal set up by Ewolo. After Atlanta United 2 made it a one-goal game with a pair of tallies, Miller returned the favor and assisted on Ewolo’s second score of the night, this one coming in the 45th minute right before halftime. 

From that point on, NCFC maintained its multi-goal advantage and secured the win. 

Players to Watch 

North Carolina FC – #10 Ben Speas
No one is more familiar with Saturday’s visitors than Speas, who is on loan this season from Indy Eleven. In his first season with NCFC, the UNC product has impressed, scoring two goals and recording four assists. Oftentimes, a successful offensive sequence for NCFC begins with Speas making a key pass, and his 50 chances created are the sixth-most in the league. Last time out, Speas recorded an assist against Atlanta United 2, and another productive performance could be difference-making on Saturday. 

Indy Eleven– #23 Tyler Pasher 
Playing in the midfield, Pasher has found a home in Indy after previously playing for a number of clubs earlier in his career, including fellow USL Championship sides Swope Park Rangers and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Now in his second year with Indy, the 25-year-old Canadian leads the team in goals with eight. Impressively, Pasher has been efficient in the attack, converting on over half of his 15 shots on target. 

Looking Ahead 

NCFC will hit the road to take on Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET at AutoZone Park. NCFC drew 1-1 at home against Memphis on April 13 in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. NCFC returns home to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7:00 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. (August 1, 2019)– North Carolina FC announced on Thursday the addition of forward Justin Rennicks on a loan deal with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer through the end of the 2019 season, pending federation approval. Per club policy, no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

Rennicks, a 20-year-old native of Beverly, Mass., has extensive international experience with the U.S. U-18 and U-20 national teams, most recently playing in four matches at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. On June 4, Rennicks helped the U.S. reach the quarterfinals of the competition with the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over France in the Round of 16. 

Following four seasons in the Revolution Academy – which included two Academy Player of the Year nods –  and two collegiate seasons at Indiana University, Rennicks signed with New England as a Homegrown Player in January. 

Across all competitions, Rennicks has appeared in three matches in his rookie season, making his debut as a second-half substitute against the Columbus Crew on March 9. On June 19, Rennicks scored his first professional goal in extra time of New England’s Round of 16 match against Orlando City SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

Rennicks was given his first MLS start by New England head coach Bruce Arena on June 29, playing 61 minutes in a 2-1 win against the Houston Dynamo. Earlier this week, Rennicks played in the 2019 MLS Homegrown Game, helping his team advance past Chivas Guadalajara U-20 on penalty kicks. 

With his move to NCFC through the end of the season, Rennicks is set to reunite with former Indiana teammates Austin Panchot and Timmy Mehl, also in their rookie seasons. In two years with the Hoosiers, Rennicks made 29 appearances and scored six goals. 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Player Profile:

Name: Justin Rennicks 

Position: Forward

Birthdate: 03/20/1999 (Age 20)

Birthplace: Beverly, Mass.

Height: 5’11’

Weight: 165 lbs.

Citizenship: American

College: Indiana

Previous Club: New England Revolution

Transaction: North Carolina FC acquires forward Justin Rennicks on loan from New England Revolution.

###

CARY, N.C. (August 1, 2019)– North Carolina FC announced on Thursday the addition of forward Justin Rennicks on a loan deal with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer through the end of the 2019 season, pending federation approval. Per club policy, no further details of the transaction were disclosed. 

Rennicks, a 20-year-old native of Beverly, Mass., has extensive international experience with the U.S. U-18 and U-20 national teams, most recently playing in four matches at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. On June 4, Rennicks helped the U.S. reach the quarterfinals of the competition with the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over France in the Round of 16. 

Following four seasons in the Revolution Academy – which included two Academy Player of the Year nods –  and two collegiate seasons at Indiana University, Rennicks signed with New England as a Homegrown Player in January. 

Across all competitions, Rennicks has appeared in three matches in his rookie season, making his debut as a second-half substitute against the Columbus Crew on March 9. On June 19, Rennicks scored his first professional goal in extra time of New England’s Round of 16 match against Orlando City SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

Rennicks was given his first MLS start by New England head coach Bruce Arena on June 29, playing 61 minutes in a 2-1 win against the Houston Dynamo. Earlier this week, Rennicks played in the 2019 MLS Homegrown Game, helping his team advance past Chivas Guadalajara U-20 on penalty kicks. 

With his move to NCFC through the end of the season, Rennicks is set to reunite with former Indiana teammates Austin Panchot and Timmy Mehl, also in their rookie seasons. In two years with the Hoosiers, Rennicks made 29 appearances and scored six goals. 

NCFC returns to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for a pivotal match against Indy Eleven on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Player Profile:

Name: Justin Rennicks 

Position: Forward

Birthdate: 03/20/1999 (Age 20)

Birthplace: Beverly, Mass.

Height: 5’11’

Weight: 165 lbs.

Citizenship: American

College: Indiana

Previous Club: New England Revolution

Transaction: North Carolina FC acquires forward Justin Rennicks on loan from New England Revolution.

###

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fact To Know 

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

Notes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

Box Score:

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

Subs not used: Paul Christensen, Allesandro Castro

Score:
NCFC: 4
ATL: 2

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

Cautions:
NCFC:
ATL: Andrew Carleton 66’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
ATL: —

Attendance: 4,175

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fact To Know 

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

Notes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead 

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

Box Score:

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

Subs not used: Paul Christensen, Allesandro Castro

Score:
NCFC: 4
ATL: 2

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

Cautions:
NCFC:
ATL: Andrew Carleton 66’

Ejections:
NCFC: —
ATL: —

Attendance: 4,175