North Carolina FC Hosts Lansdowne Bhoys FC in Midweek Open Cup Match
May 15, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC will begin its 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign, hosting a second-round match against Lansdowne Bhoys FC. The match will be played on Wednesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Lansdowne advanced to face NCFC after a 2-0 victory over the Brooklyn Italians in the first round of the tournament.
NCFC season ticket members can use 'Game A' in their season ticket books. All seats are only $10 - tickets can be purchased online, at the gate or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
North Carolina FC has had tremendous success in the Open Cup throughout the years, including a semifinal appearance in 2007, three straight wins over the LA Galaxy from 2012-14, and numerous deep runs in the Cup. The team is looking to make another memorable run in the tournament this year.
Lansdowne Bhoys FC comes from the amateur ranks of U.S. Soccer and is in its second Open Cup appearance in the last three years. In 2016, Lansdowne earned the reputation of being upset artists and advanced to the third round with a 2-0 win over the USL's Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Widely regarded as one of the top amateur teams in the United States, Lansdowne Bhoys FC currently hold both amateur national titles - the National Amateur Cup and the National Amateur Open Cup.
Lansdowne Bhoys FC is captained by a former Arsenal youth academy product Sean Kelly where he played alongside Cesc Fabregas. The veteran is in his fifth season with the club. He played for Galaway United, Limerick FC and Cork City before landing at Lansdowne Bhoys FC. Additionally, the roster ties come extremely close with the two clubs, as Lansdowne's goalkeeper, Abdoukarim Danso, is the brother of current NCFC defender Futty Danso. Abdoukarim has starred in goal with Lansdowne and helped his team clinch an upset win over the USL's Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the 2016 Open Cup.
In a tournament prone to upsets, North Carolina FC is hoping to avoid an early exit. NCFC will look to come out fast against a Lansdowne Bhoys side that's hoping to become this year's Open Cup Cinderella.
Last Time Out:
In its last match, North Carolina FC defeated Penn FC 3-0 for its first home win of the season. The match saw Austin da Luz and Kyle Bekker score their first goals of the 2018 season, while Daniel Rios netted his fourth. The team is on a undefeated run that has stretched to 38 days.
Players to Watch
#14 Daniel Rios
Rios came to North Carolina FC on loan from Chivas in February and has been on a tear ever since. The 23-year-old forward has already accounted for four goals in six matches for the club. Rios has scored in three of the last four matches for North Carolina FC.
#11 Lukas Zarges
Zarges has provided valuable minutes in for Lansdowne Bhoys FC, acting as the glue in an already talented midfield for the club. He played collegiately at UNCG, earning First Team All-Southern Conference honors before transferring to NC State for his senior season.
Coming Up Next:
Following its Open Cup match, NCFC will continue league play on Saturday May 19 at Nippert Stadium against FC Cincinnati. This will be North Carolina FC's first league game since a 3-0 victory over Penn FC on April 28th. The club will return to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to host Atlanta United 2 on Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m.
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