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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Begins New Chapter with USL Home Opener against Tampa Bay

March 16, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC will start its USL journey on Saturday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, as it hosts a familiar foe in the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The match is highlighted by several engaging fan initiatives for the St. Patrick's Day celebration.

READ MORE: What's New In 2018

North Carolina FC and Tampa Bay have enjoyed a long-standing series rivalry that dates back to 2010. NCFC has posted the better record in the series history with a 10W-6L-9D ledger against the Rowdies. The club has won two of the last three matches against Tampa Bay, with 3-1 and 4-1 victories in 2016.

The Rowdies roster is highlighted by former NCFC fan favorite Akira Fitzgerald and former England International Joe Cole. Fitzgerald starred as a goalkeeper with NCFC for six seasons from 2011-2016, appearing in 87 matches across all competitions. Cole joined Tampa in 2016 after a highly successful career in the English Premier League.

The new-look North Carolina FC team features eight returners from the 2017 season plus a host of new talent. The club's busy offseason saw players join the team from all over the world, including new players from Austria, the Netherlands, Greece, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Gambia and Mexico.

In addition to the melting pot of different cultures on the team, North Carolina FC's roster is loaded with exciting prospects and experienced professionals. Fan favorites and reliable options Connor Tobin, Austin da Luz and Steven Miller are all back with the club. Expect them to feature alongside new signings that include Canadian international Kyle Bekker, MLS veteran and North Carolina homegrown Michael Harrington and former NCFC player Futty Danso. Keep your eye on up-and-coming players like NCFC Youth Academy product Dre Fortune and Chivas Guadalajara youth product Daniel Rios. The young but talent duo will develop quickly.

Players To Watch:

No. 14 Daniel Rios

The Chivas Guadalajara youth product is set to be a dangerous attacking option for the club this season. After netting a goal in preseason play, look for the on-loan striker to make an immediate impact on the field.

No. 50 Akira Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald ranks ninth in North Carolina FC club history with 87 all-time appearances and eighth with 7,380 minutes played. However, the former fan favorite will don the Tampa Bay away kit on his return to Cary as he looks to stop a dangerous NCFC attack.

Last Time Out:

North Carolina FC closed out its preseason with three-straight clean sheet victories. The club downed in-state rival Charlotte Independence 1-0 before toppling NC State 2-0 and the Charleston Battery 1-0 to close out the preseason slate. Steven Miller led the club with two preseason goals, while Peabo Doue and Daniel Rios also found the back of the net in the preseason.

Coming Up Next:

North Carolina FC will face its first away match of the season as it travels to face defending USL Cup Champions Louisville City FC on Saturday, March 24 at 3 p.m. The club will return home the following weekend to host the Indy Eleven on Saturday, April 7 at 7 p.m. for College Night. Tickets are available online or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919-459-8144.

MATCHDAY INFO:

NORTH CAROLINA FC VS TAMPA BAY ROWDIES

KICKOFF: SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018 - 3:30 P.M. ET

SAHLEN'S STADIUM at WAKEMED SOCCER PARK

TV: FOX 50

DIGITAL: YOUTUBE - USL PRO

RADIO: 95.7 THE TICKET (95.7 FM & 1550 AM)

LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC #NCvTBR

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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