NCFC Hosts Renewed Rival Tampa Bay Rowdies
March 22, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC returns home to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, March 23. 'Level Up Night' will celebrate all things video games with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Purchase tickets here.
The match reignites a longstanding rivalry with over 30 meetings between the clubs throughout history. Read more about the historic rivalry here.
North Carolina FC fell, 3-1, on the road against early Eastern Conference leaders Loudoun United FC last week in the team's first road match of their return to the USL Championship.
Midfielder Mikey Maldonado notched the team's first goal of the season on an assist from Collin Martin while goalkeeper Antonio Carrera made his USL and team debut, and 17-year-old defender Adrian Pelayo made his professional debut.
Through two weeks of the young season, veterans Paco Craig and Bryce Washington have spearheaded the team's defense efforts, starting both games at the heart of the team's three-back system. The duo has put up a combined 18 clearances, 20 duels won and six tackles.
While the team has found the back of the net just once so far this season, newcomer Rodrigo Da Costa has led the attacking efforts with a team-leading five chances created.
Scouting Tampa Bay
The Rowdies had a bye on opening weekend and got their 2024 season going in Week 2, playing to a 2-2 draw with San Antonio FC at home despite leading for much of the match.
Forward Cal Jennings gave the hosts an early lead before Manuel Arteaga's 72' goal looked likely to secure the win. San Antonio came storming back with goals in the 81' and stoppage time to stun the Rowdies and split the points.
With 51 career USL Championship goals to his name and fresh off a 19-goal 2023 campaign, Jennings will be dangerous for the Rowdies off the right side. Tampa also added Arteaga, who had 15 goals and six assists for 2023 champions Phoenix Rising, to build a front line that will put the North Carolina defense to the test.
North Carolina FC fans will be familiar with Tampa Bay captain Aarón Guillén, who made 57 appearances for NCFC during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Guillén, Forrest Lasso and Jordan Doherty have a combined 35,000 minutes of USL Championship experience under their belts, giving the Rowdies an experienced anchor in defense.
Goalkeeper Jordan Farr, a newcomer to Tampa Bay this offseason, is no spring chicken either. The 29-year-old has racked up 8,000 minutes over 91 matches with 31 clean sheets in his USL Championship career.
Lasso, a Raleigh native, never played for North Carolina FC, but came up through then-Capital Area Soccer League (CASL) and played for Broughton High School.
Next Up
North Carolina FC will be at home for a second weekend in a row to finish the March schedule, hosting Hartford Athletic on Friday, March 29, at 7:00 p.m. ET.
The match will be the team's Throwback Night, honoring the Triangle's soccer legacy with Carolina RailHawks merchandise and throwback trivia throughout the match. Tickets are available for purchase.
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