NCFC Looking for Important Win against Charlotte Independence on Saturday
September 4, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) - North Carolina FC News Release
Cary, NC - North Carolina FC will look to climb in the USL Group G standing in an important match against the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, September 5 at 7 p.m. at Matthews Sportsplex. With a win, NCFC would have two games in hand and come within two points of the Independence, who sit in second place in the group.
Nazmi Albadawi and Dre Fortune led North Carolina FC to a victory on Wednesday night over Group G leader, Birmingham Legion FC. The two former NCFC Youth Academy products each scored in the 2-1 win. Hadji Barry assisted Albadawi's goal from outside the box. Fortune was then able to convert a penalty kick in the 61st minute to score the team's second goal.
Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis continues to impress as he has 23 saves on the season. Against Birmingham, Tambakis made a save on a penalty kick in the 90th minute to help NCFC secure all three points.
The Charlotte Independence is also coming off of a win heading into Saturday's contest. An own goal and goal from Luke Haakenson helped the Independence secure three points against Memphis 901 FC.
NCFC and Charlotte last played on August 26 in Matthews. The only goal of the game came from Independence midfielder Rey Ortiz. Tambakis had two saves in the match. This meeting between the two teams will be the second of four scheduled for 2020.
Aetna Players to Watch
North Carolina FC- #8 Dre Fortune
Fortune leads NCFC in scoring with three goals. The midfielder's most recent goal came off of a penalty kick that he earned in the box against Birmingham Legion FC. The former NCFC Youth Academy product has appeared in six matches for 438 minutes.
Charlotte Independence- #7 Rey Ortiz
NCFC's defense will be on the lookout for Ortiz in Charlotte's midfielder as he scored the game-winning goal in the last match between the two teams. Ortiz has appeared in all 10 of the Independence's games and has played a total of 572 minutes.
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