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North Carolina FC

Historic Professional Soccer Doubleheader Opens with North Carolina FC, Nashville SC Matchup

September 7, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


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

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

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

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

A win will boost NCFC to 37 points and put the club three points away from seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Fans are encouraged to stick around for the final match of the night as the NC Courage concludes their regular season against the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. One ticket allows fans access to both games. Click here for more information on Saturday's doubleheader.

Last Time Out:

NCFC lost its first game at home in eight matches with last weekend's result against Tampa. The streak spanned almost three months, dating back to a June 9 contest with FC Cincinnati.

Players To Watch:

North Carolina FC - #33 Aarón Guillén

Guillén's knack for clearing lose balls and breaking down the oppositions' attack hasn't gone unnoticed by Head Coach Colin Clarke. After coming on as a sub early in the season, Guillén has worked his way into North Carolina's starting lineup. The 25-year-old is in his first season with North Carolina FC and has proven himself to be one of the club's best defenders, leading the team in clearances and blocks. Guillén has turned away countless shots at the goal line, putting his body on the line time after time.

Nashville SC - #32 Brandon Allen

The striker joined Nashville SC on transfer from Bethlehem Steel FC early in the 2018 USL season. Allen, a college standout at Georgetown University, started his USL career with New York Red Bulls II. He won the USL Rookie of the Year and USL Cup Final MVP honors in 2016. In his sixteen matches with Nashville SC, he has eased into the frontline effortlessly, scoring four goals since the move.

Coming Up Next:

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

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

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