USL1 North Carolina FC

Match Preview: North Carolina FC Travel to Union Omaha

September 5, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


OMAHA, Neb. - North Carolina FC hit the road to face Union Omaha this Wednesday, September 6, at 8:00 PM ET at Werner Park. North Carolina enters the two-match week sitting top of the table with 47 points and a 14-5-5 record.

North Carolina won, 2-1, at home against Central Valley Fuego this past weekend. An early Fuego goal was conceded after a penalty was called at the edge of the box. Jaden Servania equalized late in the first half on a set piece combination with Rafa Mentzingen. The 30-yard banger was Servania's second goal on the year. NCFC rallied through the second half building to a late winner when DJ Benton headed home a perfectly crossed ball from Luis Arriaga in the final minutes to secure the three points at home.

North Carolina leads the league in shots with 348 and is third in goals with 42. Mentzingen alone has attempted 85 shots this season, more than any other player in the USL League One. North Carolina had two first-time NCFC goal scorers in the past month in David Garcia and Benton. With North Carolina's depth on the field they are lethal on set pieces and corners. They look to use this to their advantage in this upcoming two-match week.

Scouting Union Omaha

Union Omaha is on a six-match winning streak, dating back to July 29, to climb back up the USL League One table. They now sit tied for second with Northern Colorado with 43 points. The Owls are tied fourth in goals with 40, tied for second in shots with 343, and have six clean sheets on the year. North Carolina won the first meeting of the season, 2-1, but the surging Owls will look to even the series.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - Midfielder Jaden Servania

The Puerto Rican national team member has been on fire for North Carolina. Servania put away his first USL League one assist against Richmond on August 19th. In the past two matches, he has tallied an additional assist and a goal for his first of the season. After coming back from a minor knee injury, Servania is making waves in the USL League One. With his dominant left foot, the midfielder will continue to have the perfect set pieces to set NCFC up for success in the final weeks of regular season.

Union Omaha - Goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu

Rashid Nuhu made his mark in the past three seasons as one of the best goalkeepers in the USL League One. Within the last three seasons with Union Omaha, Nuhu has won the Golden Glove twice and has been named to an All-League team twice. This season, Nuhu has saved 53 shots and has six clean sheets this season. Nuhu is a vital part to the Owls success going into post season and will look to keep a clean sheet with an extremely offensive NCFC.

Next Up

North Carolina FC has a quick turnaround as they head to South Carolina this Saturday, September 9, at 7:00 PM ET to take on Greenville Triumph SC at Paladin Stadium. The match will stream live on ESPN+ and @NorthCarolinaFC will have live updates on social media.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League One Stories from September 5, 2023


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.

OurSports Central