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USL1 North Carolina FC

Match Preview: NCFC to Host New England Revolution II in Captain Nazmi Albadawi's Last Match with the Club

September 9, 2021 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - North Carolina FC will continue their home stretch as they take on the New England Revolution II for the second time this season on Saturday, September 11 at 7 p.m. ET at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match will be captain Nazmi Albadawi's last with the club, as the veteran retires after an eight-year career that entailed time spent in the MLS, USL, and the NASL. Tickets to the match are available here.

Albadawi is one of the most accomplished players in club history, spending time with FC Cincinnati and North Carolina FC and representing Palestine on the international stage throughout his career. The Raleigh native plans to stay connected with the club as he continues to coach his 2011 and 2009 NCFC Academy teams. He has also accepted a full-time time sales role at a local technology company in Raleigh.

"There are so many people to thank, and it is hard to cover everyone that has helped me throughout my career," Albadawi said in a statement released via his social media. "To all my teammates that I have been blessed to play with, thank you for giving me some of my best memories and best friendships of my life. I have been fortunate enough to play with some amazing players, but more importantly, I have been blessed to meet such amazing people. Last but not least, thank you to all the fans that have cheered myself and my teammates on throughout my career, without you all we have nothing to play for."

Last Time Out

North Carolina FC fell to the visiting Union Omaha, 3-0, in a chippy contest that saw five yellow cards between the two sides last Saturday. The match featured Daniel Steedman's club debut, a second-half spark from substitute Jay Tee Kamara, and a standout performance from Jake McGuire, who totaled four impressive saves throughout the game.

"I think in critical moments we let ourselves down," said Head Coach John Bradford following the match. "In terms of flow of play, we responded after giving up an early goal in both halves but I don't think that response was good enough to get ourselves back into things. Daniel's been a really positive addition to the group. To get him on the field and see him in a live game was great. He brings a lot of good things, like his athleticism and explosiveness, and once we figure out what position fits him best I think he'll show what a bright future he has ahead of him. I feel bad for this group, because everybody trained incredibly well all week. It's disappointing that we weren't able to get out of this week what we put into it. The effort and the intensity that these guys continue to play with are still positives."

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #6 Nelson Flores

Flores has appeared in 19 matches this season, clocking 1,527 minutes of playing time and notching three assists. The defender has been a staple piece in the North Carolina FC backline and has also been able to move the ball through the midfield, getting involved in three of North Carolina FC's goals this season. His passing accuracy, ability on the ball, and impressive field vision will serve him well against a talented New England Revolution II side as Flores looks to bolster the NCFC defense against some of the league's top scorers, including Damian Rivera and Edward Kizza.

New England Revolution II - #34 Ryan Spaulding

Named to the USL League One Team of the Week for the sixth time this season, Spaulding scored the lone goal for the Revolution in their recent draw with Tormenta FC, also creating a chance and winning seven duels. The defender will look to repeat this performance against North Carolina FC as New England Revolution II works to climb from seventh place in the table. With a win and three points on Saturday, the Revolution have the opportunity to jump into third place in league standings, and Spaulding will likely shoulder a large role in this leap.

Next Match: North Carolina FC will travel to face the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Saturday, September 18 at CHI Memorial Stadium in Chattanooga, TN at 7 p.m. ET. That match will air on ESPN+.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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