USL1 North Carolina FC

Match Preview: NCFC to Face Union Omaha for the First Time this Season

Published on September 2, 2021 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - North Carolina FC will return to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park this weekend, looking to add to the win column as they face off against Union Omaha on Saturday, September 2 at 7 p.m. ET. This match marks the first meeting between the two teams this season and may prove one of North Carolina FC's most significant tests as they face a top-of-the-table team. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Last Time Out

North Carolina FC saw through a scoreless draw on the road last Saturday, the points shared between the North Carolina side and the Richmond Kickers. Match highlights included a second consecutive clean sheet from Jake McGuire, who made a save, a catch, and a punch to render the opponent scoreless through 95 minutes of play, as well as standout performances from Academy products Parker O'Ferral and Britton Fischer on the backline. Aziel Jackson also earned his first start for the club during the contest.

"I'm really proud of this group for earning a very solid result on the road tonight," said Head Coach John Bradford following the match. "I felt our guys were up for the fight from the first minute and kept their concentration and intensity through the match. Tons of credit to the whole group on a strong defensive performance, but especially the young back four defenders and Jake. To earn a shutout on the road and make two clean sheets in four days is not easy in this league. I also thought we were effective in creating scoring opportunities and had our moments to win the game. A special thank you to the Oak City Supporters and all the traveling fans that made the trip up tonight. We heard you and we appreciate you!"

North Carolina FC created several scoring chances in the final minutes of the second half, with Robert Kristo nearly flicking in a game-winner in stoppage time only to be denied with a diving save from Richmond goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald. As time expired, neither side was able to find a go-ahead goal, earning a point apiece..

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #10 Nazmi Albadawi

Named to the USL League One Team of the Week in Week 21 for his performance against the Richmond Kickers, Albadawi won seven duels, created four chances, and completed two dribbles through 95 minutes of play last Saturday. For his efforts, the captain also earned the honor of Player of the Match. In this weekend's matchup against the Owls, Albadawi will look to rally the young squad to a win against one of the league's top teams, controlling the midfield, creating chances on the attack, and maintaining a strong defensive presence, a necessity when facing dangerous offenses such as Union Omaha's.

Union Omaha - #9 Greg Hurst

Hurst is Union Omaha's leading scorer, notching nine goals and creating sixteen chances for the club in seventeen appearances. The forward will look to add his name to the scoresheet in this weekend's match, as Union Omaha battles the Chattanooga Red Wolves for first place in the league. As the table stands currently, only two points lie between Chattanooga and Union Omaha. A win and three points on Saturday would be just enough to lift the Owls into first place, and with Hurst at the helm of their offense, Union Omaha will pose a significant threat to the North Carolina FC backline.

Up Next: North Carolina FC will host a First Responders Night at their next home match against New England Revolution II on Saturday, September 11 at 7 p.m. ET.

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