USL1 North Carolina FC

Match Preview: North Carolina FC Return Home to Take on Toronto FC II on Sunday Night

Published on July 16, 2021 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


North Carolina FC vs. Toronto FC II

Sunday, July 18 at 6 p.m. ET

Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Cary, NC

CARY, NC - North Carolina FC will look to continue their three-game unbeaten streak this weekend, returning home to face off against Toronto FC II for the first time this season on Sunday, July 18 at 6 p.m. ET at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Last Time Out

North Carolina FC drew with Greenville Triumph SC, 0-0, last Saturday. A strong defensive performance from North Carolina prevented Greenville's prolific offense from creating enough scoring chances. NCFC's best chances fell to Jay Tee Kamara and Nazmi Albadawi who forced Greenville goalkeeper Paul Christensen into difficult saves.

NCFC's best scoring chance came off of a set piece delivery to Thorn Simpson who's flicked-on header bounced up kindly for Nazmi Albadawi. Albadawi connected the side volley to strike on frame, only to see his attempt saved by Triumph keeper Paul Christensen.

"I am proud of the effort that the guys put into tonight on the field," Head Coach John Bradford said following the match. "We're certainly improving and being able to secure a point on the road at a tough place like Greenville is something we'll certainly build on."

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #14 Nelson Martinez

Martinez was recently named to the USL League One Team of the Week for his performance against the Greenville Triumph, winning seven duels and making three interceptions to render last year's League One champions scoreless through 90 minutes of play. The 20-year-old also posted an 80% passing accuracy rate throughout the contest, bringing the level of precision required of any defensive line that faces challengers like Marios Lomis, the league's top scorer this season. Martinez will look to repeat his stellar performance against Toronto FC II on Sunday.

Toronto FC II - #49 Garrett McLaughlin

Having scored five goals in twelve appearances this season, McLaughlin is Toronto FC II's leading scorer. The forward also leads his squad in shots, posting 23 shots thus far, tied for the seventh-most number of shots in the league with John Scearce of Union Omaha. McLaughlin will look to add his name to the scoresheet once more this weekend against North Carolina FC, posing an imminent threat to the backline in hopes of lifting Toronto FC II to their fifth win of the season.

Up Next: North Carolina FC will remain at home to face the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, July 21 at 7 p.m. ET at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

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