USL1 North Carolina FC

Match Preview: North Carolina FC Visits Greenville Triumph SC

Published on April 28, 2023 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - Fresh of back-to-back wins over Union Omaha and Chattanooga Red Wolves, North Carolina FC travels to South Carolina to take on Greenville Triumph SC. Kickoff is set for Saturday, April 29 at 7:00 PM at Paladin Stadium. After three consecutive losses to kick off its campaign, Greenville also enter the match on a two game winning streak.

Scouting Greenville Triumph SC

Greenville got off to an aforementioned rough start to its season, losing four matches in all competitions to start the 2023 season. Back-to-back victories over Central Valley Fuego and Lexington SC have given Greenville a bump up to fourth in the USL League One table and prevented the season from spiraling out of control before it really got started.

Greenville's six point week last week was highlighted by a Player of the Week performance from Lucas Coutinho. The Brazilian midfielder recorded two goals and an assist against CV Fuego. Greenville dominated the match against CV Fuego, outshooting Fuego 18-5, despite holding just 37.9% possession. Against Lexington, Noah Pliato opened the scoring in the 37th minute and Colombian attacker Leo Castro scored a 90+4 minute goal to seal all three points in the Bluegrass state.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - Forward Rafa Mentzingen

Rafa Mentzingen scored two goals last time out for NCFC, propelling him atop of the Golden Boot race in USL League One. The veteran attacker has been in scintillating form to start his NCFC tenure and has shown why his acquisition was vital to NCFC. His two goal output against his former club saw him earn USL League One Team of the Week honors for the third time this season.

Often deployed on the right wing, Mentingen has been a focal point of the NCFC attack, frequently taking on his man and cutting in for a shot. His 23 shots lead the league and have totaled another league high of 4.32 expected goals. The next highest expected goal output is Tormenta FC's Jackson Khoury with 1.73.

Greenville Triumph SC - Midfielder Lucas Coutinho

Lucas Coutinho was instrumental in Greenville's two victories last week, contributing two goals and an assist across the 169 minutes he played. Coutinho's efforts saw him rewarded with the USL League One Player of the Week.

Coutinho became the first player in the league this season to have three goal contributions in a single match, recording his first professional brace and an assist in the 3-0 win over CV Fuego. Coutinho is in his third season in USL League One and second with Greenville, having played in 22 matches in the 2022 season.

Next Up

North Carolina FC heads to the west coast, visiting Central Valley Fuego FC. Kickoff is set for Friday, May 5 at 10:00 PM ET in Fresno, CA at Fresno State Soccer Stadium. You can watch the match, and all 2023 USL League One matches on ESPN+. You can also follow all of the action on North Carolina FC social platforms (@NorthCarolinaFC).

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United Soccer League One Stories from April 28, 2023


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