USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Prepares for Weekend Test at Indy Eleven

May 3, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC will continue its USL Championship campaign Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium against Indy Eleven. Winners of two straight, NCFC will look to keep momentum high against a strong home side.

Indy Eleven holds the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 4W-2L-1D. The side's four wins have all come against teams currently sitting at 10th or lower in the Eastern Conference, while the two losses are from frontrunners New York Red Bulls II and Saint Louis FC.

Offseason acquisitions of forwards Dane Kelly and Thomas Enevoldsen have already paid off for the Eleven. The duo has combined for six goals, while new midfielder and former Carolina RailHawk Kenney Walker has added three assists. Speaking of former connections, Matt Watson is still logging important minutes for the Eleven, while Martin Rennie, who coached the RailHawks from 2009-2011, now leads the Indy side.

NCFC must continue its form that has shaped a successful run so far. Striker Marios Lomis has scored in the last four games, a streak that is tied for the second-longest in franchise history. Additionally, the team can look to a large pool of players to provide an offensive presence for NCFC. Eight different players have scored this season already, and five players have recorded an assist.

A third-consecutive victory can push North Carolina FC as high as second place with a game in hand over many of its closest competitors. The season is quickly becoming one of the best starts in club history. Since beginning play in 2007, only the 2011 team has earned more points in its first seven games than this 2019 squad.

Last Time Out:

North Carolina FC rattled Hartford Athletic in a 4-1 victory last weekend. Marios Lomis, Sam Brotherton, Steven Miller and Robert Kristo all scored, while the NCFC defense once again stood tall to keep Hartford away throughout much of the match.

Players To Watch:

No. 10 Ben Speas

Ben Speas will face off against the team that has loaned him out for the season. The forward scored just two matches ago against Charlotte and will certainly look to get on the scoresheet again. The last time NCFC visited Indy, Speas suited up for Indy and scored a stunning long-distance goal in a 3-2 victory for Indy.

No. 17 Dane Kelly

The all-time leading scorer in USL Championship history is back in form and scoring in bunches for Indy Eleven this season. Kelly has four goals already and is showing no signs of slowing down. If NCFC wants a positive result, it will have to outmatch Kelly's scoring prowess.

Up Next:

North Carolina FC faces an away match at Ottawa Fury FC next weekend, before returning home on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. NCFC will face the winner between Richmond Kickers and Virginia United. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 3, 2019


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.

OurSports Central