USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC to Begin Home Swing against Toronto FC II

Published on July 20, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC will start a three-game home swing on Saturday, July 21 against Toronto FC II at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. NCFC has strung together four positive results in its last five matches and will look to build on the streak with the upcoming string of home games.

A good run of form is exactly what the team needs at this critical juncture in the season. Just past the midway point in 2018, NCFC sits seven points away from a playoff spot and will need to navigate through a crowded mid-table to clinch a postseason appearance.

The team has achieved recent success and earned points while coming from behind in three of its last five games. Notably, the team tallied a 3-1 win over Richmond, and draws with USL Eastern Conference contenders Louisville City FC and Charleston Battery in comeback fashion. Most recently, a 1-1 draw on the road against Bethlehem Steel FC gave the home side another point in the right direction.

The match will present NCFC with a big opportunity to gain points against a Toronto side that sits at the bottom of the league. While the team is set for a move to USL D-III in the offseason, USL league play has been a challenge for Toronto FC II - who have just three points from 17 games. Despite the standings, NCFC can't look past the visitors. Toronto FC II earned a draw against NCFC the last time the two teams met.

Last Time Out:

NCFC earned a point away from home against Bethlehem Steel FC in a 1-1 draw last Saturday. NCFC jumped ahead midway through the first half with a goal from Marcel Kandziora before ultimately conceding an equalizer early in the second half. The two teams battled through the heat in the second half, but neither team managed to find a winner.

Players to Watch:

#10 Kyle Bekker

It will be another reunion of sorts for Bekker, who is from a suburb about 30 minutes outside of Toronto. Bekker began his professional career with Toronto FC after being drafted third overall by the team in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He has been a constant threat in the NCFC attack, scoring one goal and dishing out the third-most assists in the USL with seven on the season. Bekker also leads the team with 32 chances created.

#55 Aidan Daniels

Daniels is in his third season with Toronto FC II, making 11 starts in 13 appearances this season. He is one of the team's most consistent attacking options as he is tied for second on the team in goals scored with two, tied for first with two assists, tied for second in shots with 12, and tied for first with 14 chances created. The midfielder made his MLS debut for the parent club on April 21, entering the match against the Houston Dynamo in the 78th minute.

Coming Up Next:

NCFC stays home for a rematch with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m. 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

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 20, 2018


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