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USL1 North Carolina FC

MATCH Preview: North Carolina FC to Face Charlotte Independence in Battle for NC

June 17, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, NC - North Carolina FC will return to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on the Charlotte Independence in the Battle for NC on Saturday, June 18 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets to the match are available here, and the contest will be available to stream on ESPN+.

Ahead of the match, the club will host its Juneteenth Festival in partnership with Our Stop Shop at the stadium from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ET, featuring exhibitors, food and beverages, and live entertainment. While admission to the festival is free and open to the public, parking for the festival and game is $10.

Last Time Out

The points were shared last Wednesday as North Carolina FC traveled to face Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, drawing with the Hailstorm 1-1. Showkat Tahir scored his first professional goal during the match, and Irvin Parra tallied the equalizer for the home side.

"I was really pleased with the way our group battled on the road tonight, particularly in the second half," said Head Coach John Bradford following the match. "I thought we defended collectively well and we were determined to not give any goals away. As the game wore on, we continued to create quality chances and I know our locker room feels unlucky to not come away with all three points. Congratulations to Showkat on his first professional goal and a strong performance overall."

Tahir opened the scoring for NCFC, taking a pass from Luis Arriaga in stride, beating his defender to place a shot just over the fingertips of Colorado goalkeeper Johan Penaranda and into the back of the net. The goal was Tahir's first of his professional career and his first of the regular season, edging the North Carolina side into a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute. Arriaga collected the assist, now registering three on the season.

Where to Watch: ESPN+

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #7 Luis Arriaga

Leading NCFC in assists and locked in a three-way tie for the third-most assists in the league, Arriaga continues to assert his utility in the midfield. With nine matches played this season, the Santa Rosa, CA native has scored one goal and assisted three more in 810 minutes of playing time, leading the North Carolina side to four wins thus far. In order for NCFC to remain competitive for a top spot in the USL League One table, collecting three points against the Independence will be vital. Arriaga will look to contribute on both sides of the ball in Saturday's matchup, creating scoring opportunities while also tracking back to bolster the NCFC backline.

Charlotte Independence - #11 Tresor Mbuyu

One of the top competitors in this year's Golden Boot race, Mbuyu has scored five of Charlotte's 13 goals this season in seven appearances, clocking 521 minutes of playing time. Having dropped their most recent contests against the Greenville Triumph and the Richmond Kickers, the Independence will look to re-enter the win column in Saturday's match against NCFC, with Mbuyu leading the charge on offense in hopes of adding his name to the scoresheet as the Battle for NC ensues.

Up Next: North Carolina FC will hit the road to face Central Valley Fuego FC for the first time this season at Fresno State Soccer Stadium in Fresno, CA on Saturday, June 25th at 10:30 p.m. ET. The match will be available to stream on ESPN+.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League One Stories from June 17, 2022


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