USL1 North Carolina FC

Match Preview: North Carolina FC to Take on Forward Madison FC at Home on Wednesday

Published on August 23, 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 to face off against Forward Madison FC on Wednesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. ET, looking to add to the win column and bounce back from recent results. Tickets are available here.

Last Time Out

North Carolina FC came up short against North Texas SC, 4-0, in a chippy contest which featured six yellow cards and 28 fouls. NCFC out-possessed the home side, but an impressive solo-goal from Kalil ElMedkhar preceded a pair of counter-attacking goals from Kazu and Gabriel Morais before a penalty kick from Dominic Hernandez capped off the win for North Texas.

"Obviously a disappointing result," Head Coach John Bradford said. "There was a failure to defend in and around our box in the first half. We allowed the opponent too much time and space on their first two real moments in our defensive third and we were punished with conceding two early goals. Although there were some encouraging moments throughout the game, it doesn't change the result and how we desperately need to improve the details in our defending. This has been a tough stretch of games for the group having played four games in under two weeks. We will use the next few days to recover and then shift our focus to improving and getting back on the right track."

Where to Watch: ESPN+

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #12 Peter Pearson

Appearing in sixteen matches for North Carolina FC this season and clocking 1,053 minutes of playing time, Peter Pearson has provided composure in the midfield throughout the year. Upon Pearson's signing with the club, Head Coach John Bradford called the VCU alum a "young, motivated professional player" and complimented his abilities as an "aggressive ball-winner defensively and a quality player in the attack." Pearson has been the catalyst for several of North Carolina FC's goals this season, supplying key passes and providing an option for his teammates in the attacking third, a feat he will look to achieve once again in Wednesday's matchup.

Forward Madison FC - #9 Ryan Sierakowski

Joining Forward Madison FC on loan from the New England Revolution II, Sierakowski netted a goal in the squad's most recent match as the Flamingos drew with North Texas SC last week, his goal being the difference as the Wisconsin side earned a point. The striker has scored three goals in total throughout his 865 minutes of playing time, averaging 288 minutes per goal this season, and will look to lead Forward Madison to a win over North Carolina FC in Wednesday night's competition, providing the NCFC backline with a difficult task at hand.

What's Next

North Carolina FC will hit the road on Saturday, August 28 to take on the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium in Richmond, VA, at 6:30 p.m. ET. The match will air live on ESPN+.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

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