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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Kicks off 2020 Season at Home on Saturday against Louisville City

March 5, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - Coming off a promising first season under head coach Dave Sarachan in 2019 that included a trip to the USL Championship Playoffs, North Carolina FC will kick off its 2020 campaign against Louisville City FC on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

For the second time in as many years, Louisville City serves as NCFC's opening day opponent, as NCFC defeated Saturday's visitors 4-1 on March 9, 2019 in Sarachan's first-ever match in charge. That win was the first of 16 in the regular season for NCFC, which tied a club record.

NCFC returns 14 players from last year's squad, including goalkeeper Alex Tambakis (NCFC MVP), midfielder Steven Miller (NCFC Offensive Player of the Year) and defender DJ Taylor (NCFC Defensive Player of the Year.)

Miller, NCFC's longest active tenured player, led NCFC in assists (six) in 2019 and was also the team's joint leading scorer (nine goals) along with forward Robert Kristo, also back in 2020.

In addition to returning a productive core group of players, NCFC strengthened its squad over the offseason with eight newcomers, including four with Major League Soccer experience. Fuquay-Varina native and NCFC Youth Academy product Conor Donovan is back home, with the defender having previously played for Orlando City and Houston Dynamo. Like Donovan, new forward Hadji Barry is a former first-round MLS SuperDraft pick of Orlando, and was a Second Team All-USL selection in 2018 with Swope Park Rangers.

Adding experience and physicality is Brazilian midfielder Pecka, who most recently served as captain of San Antonio FC. A 2019 first-round MLS SuperDraft selection by D.C. United, outside back Akeem Ward provides versatility and depth to NCFC's backline.

Saturday's match is the first of two straight at home to start off the year for NCFC, which should bode well for Sarachan's group. Last season, NCFC went 11W-1L-5D in 17 regular-season matches in Cary, which ranked as the third-best home record in the USL Championship.

Louisville City will serve as a tough opening test for NCFC, however. Coached by John Hackworth, Louisville City has appeared in the last three USL Championship Finals, winning it all in 2017 and '18.

Last season, the two teams split the regular-season series, with the home side winning on both occasions.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #11 Robert Kristo

Back for his second season with the club, Kristo quickly made himself a fan-favorite in 2019 with his goalscoring record at home and his creative celebrations. The 6'4" targetman co-led NCFC in scoring with nine goals, all of which came at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kristo was one of four NCFC players to find the back of the net in last year's opener against Louisville City, and a goal from him on Saturday would go a long way in helping NCFC secure all three points.

Louisville City FC - #9 Cameron Lancaster

The USL Championship's Golden Boot winner in 2018, Lancaster returns to Louisville City in 2020 on loan from MLS side Nashville SC. The former Tottenham Hotspur man is clinical in front of goal, and the NCFC defense will be sure to keep an eye on him at all times.

Next Time Out

NCFC will stay put, remaining at home to host Philadelphia Union II on Saturday, March 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. For tickets and information, please visit NorthCarolinaFC.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



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