USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Rolls on to Face Nashville SC this Saturday

Published on June 15, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC will make its first-ever visit to face Nashville SC on Saturday, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. at First Tennessee Park. On the heels of an impressive midweek 4-2 victory over Ottawa Fury FC, NCFC will look to build off that momentum against a difficult side to beat.

The home side has gotten off to a quick start in its first-ever professional season. Through 12 matches, Nashville sits at 6th place in the USL Eastern Conference standings.

The side has climbed the table with impressive play in the last two months. Nashville is undefeated since April 14 and hasn't lost a home match in any competition all season. During the run, Nashville has relied heavily on its defense that has only allowed one goal at home - a run that includes a 2-0 result over the MLS' Colorado Rapids in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

NCFC will aim to break through the tough Nashville defense with an in-form attack. NCFC's offense is led by strikers Daniel Rios and Marios Lomis up top. The duo has combined to score over half of the team's USL goals this season and will likely need to continue that form for a result against Nashville. In the midfield, Kyle Bekker has been relied on as the club's assist man, recording a team-high five assists through 12 matches.

Last Time Out:

NCFC came away with an important three points against Ottawa Fury FC in a 4-2 victory on Wednesday night. An NCFC corner kick in the third minute of the match got the team off to a quick start, as Connor Tobin scored. NCFC added first-half goals from Daniel Rios and Marios Lomis to extended its advantage. A final goal from Steven Miller in the second half helped clinch the victory for the team.

Players To Watch:

#14 Daniel Rios

Rios continued his productive season with a goal in the team's last match against Ottawa. The forward has been impactful in front of goal in his first season with the club. His six goals lead the team, while he has also dished out an assist in 11 USL appearances on the season. NCFC will continue to lean on his production while searching for a result.

#19 Alan Winn

Winn has scored two goals in seven appearances for Nashville SC in his first professional season. He played four years at UNC - Chapel Hill, earning All-ACC honors in his final three seasons at the school. The forward led the team with 11 goals in his senior season. Winn also played for NCFC's U-23 squad in 2016, scoring one goal in three appearances. Winn was selected 25th overall in 2018 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids prior to joining Nashville SC in February.

Coming Up Next:

North Carolina FC will return home to face Louisville City FC on Saturday, June 23 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 15, 2018


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