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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Revives Rivalry with Atlanta United 2 this Friday

May 24, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. -North Carolina FC will host Atlanta United 2 on Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, aiming for its fourth-straight home victory.

The match is the first ever between the two teams, although NCFC has a history of competing against Atlanta-based soccer clubs. For years, the club competed against the Atlanta Silverbacks in the USL First Division and the NASL. Raleigh's history with Atlanta goes back even further, as the Raleigh Flyers faced professional soccer teams from Atlanta since 1998.

In Atlanta United 2, however, NCFC will face a side affiliated with Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. While its parent club began competition in 2017, the 2018 season is Atlanta United 2's first.

Ten matches into the season, Atlanta United 2 finds itself in 13th place in the USL standings after a 2-1 loss at Louisville City FC on Saturday.

The Atlanta United 2 squad features several young players with great upsides, including homegrown talent Andrew Carleton. A talented winger who has appeared for the U.S. U-20 National Team, Carleton is just 17 years old but has already made three senior appearances with Atlanta United. The Powder Springs, Ga., native has also made five appearances with Atlanta United 2 and scored his first USL goal in a 1-1 draw against Louisville City FC in April.

Carleton and his Atlanta United 2 teammates will be facing an NCFC squad that's been in good league form as of late. NCFC has taken points from four of its last five USL matches.

A key factor in NCFC's recent success has been the emergence of midfielder Kyle Bekker. Entering the week, the Canadian International has recorded five assists in his last three matches.

NCFC head coach Colin Clarke's group also received a boost when center back and co-captain Connor Tobin made his season debut against Lansdowne Bhoys FC after missing the first seven matches of the season due to injury. Tobin scored with his first touch of the season on a header in the second minute against Lansdowne, and his return helps solidify an already steady NCFC defense.

Last Time Out:

NCFC rolled past the Ocean City Nor'easters 4-1 to advance to the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Marios Lomis, Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune and Donovan Ewolo all scored in the route. The win marked NCFC's third win in a row at home.

Players to Watch:

#31 Jose Carranza

Carranza will make his return to Cary after spending the 2017 season with NCFC. Across all competitions, he featured in nine matches and played 488 minutes while recording one assist. This season, Carranza has been a big part of Atlanta's midfield and has already played nine matches while logging 420 minutes. Look for the familiar face to play a big role in Atlanta's distribution.

#1 Alex Tambakis

Tambakis signed with North Carolina FC in the offseason and has been a mainstay in net for the club in USL play. The goalkeeper is tied for sixth in the league with three shutouts on the season. Facing an Atlanta side with a keen eye for scoring goals, Tambakis will need to be sharp in this match.

Coming Up Next:

NCFC will remain at home to face Bethlehem Steel FC on Saturday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match is presented by Aetna and will be Campout Night.Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coast Credit Union Box Office.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 24, 2018


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