USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC to Conclude Three-Game Road Trip at Ottawa Fury FC

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


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC will conclude its three-game road swing with a visit to Ottawa Fury FC on Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. at TD Place Stadium. The club will look to continue its shutout streak and resume its rivalry with Ottawa Fury FC which it had formally faced from 2014-16.

While the match presents NCFC with a strong opportunity to move up the USL standings, it could also serve as a major milestone for one of the club's all-time great players.

Team co-captain Austin da Luz is set to surpass 10,000 minutes played for North Carolina FC. Combined between league play, playoff games and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, da Luz has played 9,978 minutes heading into the match against Ottawa Fury FC, leaving him just 22 minutes away from passing the historic mark that only five other players in club history have reached. The historic group includes, Kupono Low, Tiyi Shipalane, Connor Tobin, Matt Watson and Nazmi Albadawi.

As da Luz eyes another incredible milestone, North Carolina FC will look to extend its 255-minute shutout streak.

The team will aim to keep the streak alive at a location that has caused problems for the squad in the past. When playing Ottawa away from home, NCFC is just 0W-3L-1D and has been outscored 10-3 against the Fury at TD Place Stadium.

Ottawa enter the match still searching for their first points of the 2018 campaign. With only three matches under its belt, the club has struggled early on, sitting last in the USL's Eastern Conference standings with no points and a -9 goal differential. Ottawa is entering the game with a full week to prepare for the contest and will look to take advantage of NCFC's third game in eight days.

Last Time Out:

North Carolina FC battled Toronto FC II to a 0-0 draw in a midweek contest at BMO Field. Despite the overall score line, the match featured end-to-end play throughout and saw North Carolina push for the late win. However, Marios Lomis had a shot hit the crossbar in the 89th minute and Bernhard Luxbacher's last minute one-on-one attempt was saved.

Players To Watch:

No. 9 Marios Lomis

Lomis has only played 99 minutes this season, but has made an impact each time he's stepped on the field. The attacker has scored once and provided an assist. Even when he hasn't scored, the rookie has been an attacking threat and created chances in each match he's played. Look for Lomis to continue to breakthrough and cause problems for the Ottawa defense.

No. 11 Sito Seoane

Seoane is a scoring threat in front of goal, and will draw the attention of the NCFC defense. Scoring the lone goal for the Fury this season against the Charlotte Independence, look for Seoane to feature prominently in the Ottawa attack.

Coming Up Next:

North Carolina FC will return home to host Penn FC on Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match will be Educator Appreciation Night. Tickets are available online or over the phone at 919-459-8144.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics

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



United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 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