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USL1 North Carolina FC

NCFC Draw with Richmond in Outstanding Defensive Performance

August 28, 2021 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


RICHMOND, VA - North Carolina FC saw through a scoreless draw on the road on Saturday night, the points shared between the North Carolina side and the Richmond Kickers. Match highlights included a second consecutive clean sheet from Jake McGuire, who made a save, a catch and a punch to render the opponent scoreless through 95 minutes of play, as well as standout performances from Academy products Parker O'Ferral and Britton Fischer on the backline. Aziel Jackson also earned his first start for the club in tonight's contest.

"I'm really proud of this group for earning a very solid result on the road tonight," said Head Coach John Bradford following the match. "I felt our guys were up for the fight from the first minute and kept their concentration and intensity through the match. Tons of credit to the whole group on a strong defensive performance, but especially the young back four defenders and Jake. To earn a shutout on the road and make two clean sheets in four days is not easy in this league. I also thought we were effective in creating scoring opportunities and had our moments to win the game. A special thank you to the Oak City Supporters and all the traveling fans that made the trip up tonight. We heard you and we appreciate you!"

North Carolina FC created several scoring chances in the final minutes of the second half, with Robert Kristo nearly flicking in a game-winner in stoppage time only to be denied with a diving save from Richmond goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald. As time expired, neither side was able to find a go-ahead goal, earning a point apiece. Captain Nazmi Albadawi won seven duels, created four chances, and completed two dribbles to earn the nod as USL League One's Player of the Match.

"I thought we dominated the game and were unlucky not to get the win," said Albadawi. "Two shutouts in a row is a positive for the team to grow upon and if we can continue to play the way we have the last two games, we will be able to get some important wins."

Match Notes:

- North Carolina FC maintained 61.7% of possession.

- Aziel Jackson earned his first start in tonight's match.

- Jake McGuire recorded his second consecutive clean sheet.

- Defensively, North Carolina FC posted twelve interceptions and a 54.4% success rate in duels.

Up Next: North Carolina FC will return to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Union Omaha for the first time this season on Saturday, September 4 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Box Score:

NCFC (4-5-1): Jake McGuire, Nelson Flores, Britton Fischer (Malick Mbaye - 70'), Max Flick, Parker O'Ferral, Nelson Martinez (Pecka - 71'), Nazmi Albadawi, Josh Coan Selmir Miscic - 90+4'), Nazmi Albadawi, Aziel Jackson (Jay Tee Kamara - 57'), Cole Frame, Robert Kristo

Subs Not Used: Nick Holliday, Peter Pearson, Thorn Simpson

RIC (4-3-3): Akira Fitzgerald, Juan Pablo Monticelli, Ivan Magalhaes, Zaca Moran (Cameron Vickers - 79'), Matt Bolduc, Ethan Bryant, Jalen Crisler, Jonathan Bolanos (Oalex Anderson - 80'), Esteban Calvo, Stanley Alves (Nathan Aune - 31'), Emiliano Terzaghi

Subs Not Used: Austin Causey, Chris Cole, Hernan Gonzalez, Mumbi Kwesele

Score:

NCFC: 0

RIC: 0

Goals:

NCFC: --

RIC: --

Cautions:

NCFC: Max Flick - 27', Jay Tee Kamara - 76'

RIC: Esteban Calvo - 43', Jalen Crisler - 90+3'

Ejections:

NCFC: --

RIC: --

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