Sports stats



USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Returns Home to Host Loudoun United

July 15, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


Cary, N.C. - North Carolina FC begins a two-match week on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET when it hosts Loudoun United at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

NCFC saw its eight-game unbeaten run in USL Championship play come to a close with a 1-0 loss at Birmingham Legion FC last weekend, but head coach Dave Sarachan's team hopes to bounce back on Wednesday, as it has following losses earlier this season. Between league and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play, NCFC is 3W-0L-0D when coming off a loss.

The good news for NCFC is that it will return to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, a venue that has been very kind to the team. Entering Wednesday's match, NCFC holds a 4W-0L-4D record at home in league play, one of three teams in the Eastern Conference to have avoided defeat at its home ground. In three of the last four home matches, NCFC has kept a clean sheet.

Despite falling at Birmingham on Saturday, NCFC remained in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and holds an 8W-3L-7D record (31 points). A win against Loudoun United would put NCFC even on points (34) with third-place Indy Eleven.

Just past the halfway point of the season, NCFC has taken Sarachan's directive of being a tough team to play against to heart, and that's started with its defense. Through 18 matches, NCFC has conceded the third-fewest goals in the league (15). Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis has played a pivotal role in the team's defensive success, saving 80% of the shots he's faced and recording five shutouts. Tambakis was named the USL Championship Fans' Choice Midseason Goalkeeper of the Year and has earned the league's Save of the Month award three times in a row (April, May and June).

Offensively, NCFC has utilized a true team approach. Forward Marios Lomis, out with injury, leads with a team-high six goals, but midfielder Steven Miller has five tallies to his name and four assists, the most on the team. Overall, nine NCFC players have scored two or more goals this season.

In its first-ever season, Loudoun United is in 13th place with a 4W-6L-4D record (16 points). Loudoun United, coached by Ryan Martin, last played on July 6, earning a 2-2 draw at Saint Louis FC.

Last Time Out

Riding an eight-game unbeaten run in league play, NCFC headed south to conclude its regular-season series with Birmingham Legion FC this past weekend. After weathering a bright start by the hosts, NCFC threatened with good efforts by Miller in the 26th minute and midfielder Ben Speas in the 38th minute, the latter of which glanced off the crossbar.

Nothing separated the two sides following a scoreless first half, and a great save by Tambakis on Birmingham midfielder Prosper Kasim in the 58th minute kept it that way.

NCFC earned the better of the chances for a large portion of the second half, including a golden opportunity in the 77th minute. Out on the right flank, Miller played in a cross that second-half substitute Robert Kristo headed on target, but his shot was saved by Birmingham goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel, who reacted quickly.

Not long after, Birmingham scored the game's only goal in the 79th minute on a shot from substitute Brian Wright. Despite a push near the end, NCFC couldn't find an equalizer.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #10 Ben Speas

In his first year with the club and on loan from Indy Eleven, Speas has been a reliable piece in head coach Dave Sarachan's lineup. Speas, 28, is one of only two NCFC players to have appeared in every match (Steven Miller is the other), and he leads the team in minutes played (1,542). The former UNC Tar Heel has a pair of goals and three assists to his name, while his 40 chances created are the fifth-most in the Eastern Conference.

Loudoun United FC - #9 Kyle Murphy

Loudoun United is only 14 games into the 34-match season, but the team's leading scorer is already on pace for a career season. Kyle Murphy, a Clemson product who arrived from San Antonio FC, leads the team with five goals and three assists. Murphy has either recorded a goal or an assist in four of Loudoun United's last five matches. Before this season, Murphy scored a career-high seven goals for the Rio Grande Valley Toros in 2017.

Looking Ahead

NCFC hits the road and visits Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. ET. The two teams split the regular-season series in 2018, with the home side winning each time. NCFC returns to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when it hosts Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. ET. 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



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 15, 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