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USL1 North Carolina FC

Match Preview: North Carolina FC Host Central Valley Fuego

September 1, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - North Carolina FC are back at home to face Central Valley Fuego FC. Kickoff at WakeMed Soccer Park is set for Saturday, September 2, at 4:00 PM ET. NCFC enters the match still sitting atop the league table, with 44 points and a 13-5-5 record.

This past weekend North Carolina FC fell 2-1 to the Northern Colorado Hailstorm, ending their 10-match unbeaten streak. The Hailstorm started the scoring after Golden Boot Leader Trevor Amann got a through ball to put in the back of the net. North Carolina answered with a David Garcia header off a corner kick from Jaden Servania. Garcia scored his first goal in USL League One. However Northern Colorado would respond with a Nortei Nortey winner.

North Carolina ranks third in USL League One in goals for the season with 40 and second in shots with 337. Forward Oalex Anderson is sitting second in Golden Boot race with 13 goals. Anderson and Rafa Mentzingen sit third and fourth in the league with 63 and 53 shots, respectively, this season. North Carolina look to use their strong offensive line to get back on track to stay first in the league table.

Scouting Central Valley Fuego FC

CV Fuego has had a tough go this season, as they have been sitting bottom of the USL League One for multiple matches. Fuego haven't won in eight matches since they beat Lexington on July 15. With only 25 goals and 230 shots, Fuego has the lowest goal and shot output in the league this season. In their last two matches, CV Fuego have found some offense with seven combined goals in draws with Forward Madison and Richmond. These two draws allowed Fuego to gain points, but they still have work to do to get back into the USL League One playoff conversation.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - Defender David Garcia

David Garcia has been a staple in the back line for NCFC and continues to impress, earning his second USL League One Team of the Week for this performance against Northern Colorado. Garcia leads North Carolina in clears with 68 this season, including a game high of 10. Garcia and the NCFC defense will look to cool off the suddenly hot Fuego offense this weekend.

Central Valley Fuego FC - Midfielder Alexis Cerritos

Alexis Cerritos has been a versatile part of the CV Fuego attack in 2023, lining up in central midfield, on the wing, and as an attacking midfielder. The El Salvadorian international has been a creative outlet, with six goals on 19 shots. He has contributed to Fuego's offensive third and has played a big part in the build-up and transition play. Cerritos' versatility makes him difficult to prepare for and will require full attention throughout the match.

Next Up

North Carolina FC heads to Nebraska for a midweek match to face Union Omaha. The match is set for kickoff at Werner Park on Wednesday, September 6, at 8:00 PM ET. You can watch the match, and all 2023 USL League One matches on ESPN+. You can also follow all the action on North Carolina FC social platforms (@NorthCarolinaFC).

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League One Stories from September 1, 2023


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