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USL North Carolina FC

NCFC Travels North for Rematch with Bethlehem Steel FC

July 13, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY N.C. - North Carolina FC hits the road for a rematch with Bethlehem Steel FC on July 14 at 5 p.m. The two teams met earlier in the season in Cary, with Steel FC coming away with a close 2-1 victory.

The matchup presents a difficult road test against a team that has earned points in nearly every home game in 2018. The Steel (4W-4D-1L, at home), has scored most of its goals in the friendly confines of Goodman Stadium, additionally posting a mark of 0.89 goals against per game in those matches.

As a USL affiliate for the Philadelphia Union since the club was founded in 2015, Bethlehem's roster is littered with MLS talent. The club has several players that feature for both Steel FC and the Union. Bethlehem's balanced attack is led by Union loanee Fabian Herbers and second-year Steel FC midfielder Santi Moar, who have combined for eight goals and eight assists.

NCFC has shown resilience on its recent run of form. Coming from behind to earn points in three of its last four matches, NCFC earned a draw in the late stages of the match against the Charleston Battery last weekend. The team has claimed points in four of its last six matches.

The match on Saturday will be another opportunity for NCFC to grab points against a playoff contender. NCFC comes into the match hoping to avenge its loss to Steel FC in June, while Bethlehem looks to continue is strong form at home.

Last Time Out:

NCFC battled back from a second-half deficit against Charleston Battery to earn a point at home last Saturday. As NCFC pushed for an equalizer, Daniel Rios scored his ninth goal of the season to bring the team level with Charleston in the 81st minute.

Players to Watch:

#8 Derrick Jones

Jones, the first ever signing for Bethlehem in December 2015, has scored four goals this season while starting in 13 matches for Steel FC. The Union loanee has split time between both clubs in 2018, also making three appearances for the Union. Jones notched an assist in Philadelphia's 5-0 win over the Richmond Kickers in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. The central midfielder scored the lone goal for Steel FC in the team's last match against Atlanta United II.

#99 Nelson Blanco

Blanco has earned his way on to the pitch for NCFC in the last two matches. After making his USL debut on July 4 in Pittsburgh, Blanco came on as a substitute in NCFC's match against Charleston and delivered a game-tying assist late in the match. The rookie midfielder could see an increase in minutes if he continues to produce for NCFC.

Coming Up Next:

NCFC returns to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m. to face Toronto FC II. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 13, 2018


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