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North Carolina FC Downs Miami FC 1-0 on Independence Day

July 5, 2017 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. (July 4, 2017) - North Carolina FC claimed a big three points with a 1-0 shutout win over NASL-leading Miami FC on Saturday night at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to hand Miami its first loss in nearly three months of play. The win moves NCFC within three points of the top four and denies Miami FC the NASL Spring Season title for another week.

"I thought that they put a lot of heart and a lot of hard work into it," said head coach Colin Clarke. "They really stuck together against a very good team. If you read the headlines right now, it's the first time that they've been beaten since April 8. They've been on a good run, but I thought overall we deserved it tonight. I thought we were better, we looked hungry, and we got what we deserved at the end of the night."

Billy Schuler came up with the only goal of the game for his fifth tally across all competitions. Miami FC's potent attack tested NCFC throughout the match, but Brian Sylvestre kept the visitors at bay with four strong saves.

Sylvestre's night began with a diving save off of a well-placed shot from NASL's leading scorer Vincenzo Rennella in the 12^th minute. Ten minutes later, Stéfano Pinho tested Sylvestre with a shot from the right side, but the goalkeeper got a hand on the ball and pushed the shot off of the crossbar.

NCFC's own attack created its fair share of chances and found the woodwork in the 40^th minute. Jose Carranza played in Schuler for NCFC's best chance of the half. Schuler's shot beat the keeper, but clanged off the post and back into play.

Following the scoreless first half, NCFC came out on its front foot and held most of the possession in front of Miami's goal. However, North Carolina couldn't find the elusive tally, as Miami FC eased into the half.

The visitors tested Sylvestre again in the 56^th minute, and Calvin Rezende forced the keeper to make another diving save. Three minutes later, Sylvestre came up with another stop on a goal-bound shot, diving to his right to send Ariel Martinez's effort over the bar and out of play.

Making his first NASL start, Carranza led NCFC's attacking efforts throughout the game and provided the assist on the game-winning goal.

"We all gave 100 percent to beat Miami," added Carranza. "Miami is a great team, and it feels great. I hope that I can keep providing for the team and that we can keep getting wins and that we can get momentum out of this game."

Carranza sent a perfectly-placed through ball to Billy Schuler behind Miami FC's defensive line. Schuler slotted the ball past Miami goalkeeper Daniel Vega for his fourth goal of the season across all competitions.

The goal was enough, as NCFC denied the league leaders down the stretch to hold on for its second shutout of the season.

Notes: - Jose Carranza made his first NASL start and recorded his first professional assist - Billy Schuler scored his third NASL goal and fifth goal across all competitions with a tally in the 65^th minute - NCFC earned its second shutout of the season behind a four-save effort from Brian Sylvestre - NCFC won its first matchup in series history against Miami. The team is now 1-4-1 overall against Miami FC - The win denied Miami FC the Spring Season title. Miami will face San Francisco in a home and away series to decide the winner of the Spring Season


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