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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Hosts Memphis 901 FC on Thursday on ESPN+ and WRAL-2

September 9, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Match Info:

North Carolina FC vs Memphis 901 FC

Thursday, September 10- 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN+, WRAL-2

Cary, NC (September 9, 2020)- North Carolina FC hosts Memphis 901 FC tomorrow, September 10 at 7 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match is the second between the two teams this season, and one of two matches to be played between the Group G rivals in four days. It will air on ESPN+ and WRAL-2.

If NCFC captain Nazmi Albadawi makes an appearance in Thursday's match, it will be his 150th appearance with the club. The local star and former North Carolina FC Youth Academy player has made his mark in the record books as he is the club's all-time assist leader. The midfielder is fourth in games played, games started, and goals scored for North Carolina FC (formerly the Carolina RailHawks).

"It's quite an achievement to have played 150 games for what I consider to be a young guy," said NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan. "It is a testament to his durability and to his quality. He has a desire to make this club the best club it can be. Whether it's on the field or off the field, he bleeds this club. Having him a part of things given his connection to the community and his vast experience with all of these games is very important within our team."

North Carolina FC and Memphis 901 FC last played on August 8 at Autozone Park in Memphis. Akeem Ward's 38th-minute goal was the game-winner in a very close match. The goal was Ward's first professional goal and earned the defender a spot on the USL Team of the Week.

In the team's most recent match, NCFC fell to the Charlotte Independence 3-1 on Saturday, September 5. Dre Fortune scored the lone goal for NCFC thanks to an assist from Manny Perez. Fortune leads North Carolina FC in scoring this season with four goals. He was named to the USL Team of the Week bench following his performance against Charlotte.

"Dre has been a guy that when he gets in positions to get chances at goal, his quality and his percentage of getting balls on goal or in the goal has been good," said Sarachan. "He's a guy we are asking cover not only the attacking piece of the puzzle but also the defending. It requires a lot of work in his role but clearly the moments when he is within 25 yards of the goal, he's shown that he can be dangerous. We want to encourage him to be in those spots."

Following Thursday night's match, NCFC and Memphis will face each other again on Sunday, September 13 at 6 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Players to Watch Presented by Aetna

North Carolina FC- #1 Alex Tambakis

Tambakis is a well-known keeper in the USL as he comes up with big saves during important moments. The Greek goalkeeper will look to add another clean sheet to his two earned this season, including one against Memphis 901 on August 8. He has 25 saves so far in 2020.

Memphis 901 FC- #9 Keanu Marsh-Brown

Marsh-Brown has scored three goals in eight games including one in Memphis 901's most recent match against Birmingham Legion FC. All three of the midfielder's goals have been scored with his right foot, inside the box. Tambakis will be ready to face shots from this Memphis midfielder.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 9, 2020


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