USL1 North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Travel to Face South Georgia Tormenta FC for Third Time this Season

July 21, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
North Carolina FC News Release


Match Info:

North Carolina FC vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC

Saturday, July 23 at 7 p.m. ET

Erk Russell Park

Statesboro, GA

CARY, NC - North Carolina FC will travel to face South Georgia Tormenta FC for the third time this season on Saturday, July 23 at Erk Russell Park in Statesboro, GA. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and the match will stream live on ESPN+. This weekend's match has major implications for the North Carolina side, who could once more become playoff contenders should they secure three points.

Last Time Out

Following a hard-fought, physical battle that saw nine yellow cards administered between the two sides, North Carolina FC were bested by the Chattanooga Red Wolves on the road last Saturday, 2-1. Juan Galindrez and Rafael Mentzingen each scored a goal apiece for the Red Wolves, while Luis Arriaga bagged his second goal of the season for the NCFC side. Shak Adams made his starting debut in tonight's match, having joined NCFC earlier this month on loan from the Charleston Battery.

Chattanooga grabbed an early lead in tonight's contest, as a call for a handball in the box earned the home side a penalty kick in the 13th minute. Galindrez stepped up to take the kick, converting the attempt to score his eighth goal of the season and grab a 1-0 advantage for the Red Wolves. Later, in the 42nd minute, Mentzingen bent a shot into the lower 90 to double Chattanooga's lead as the first half came to a close.

Determined to recover the 2-0 deficit in the latter half of the match, NCFC worked desperately to create scoring chances, relying on a spark from several substitutes - among them Cole Frame, Nico Molina, and Oalex Anderson - to press the Red Wolves' defense. Finally breaking through in the 68th minute was Arriaga, who buried his second goal of the season from distance to cut Chattanooga's lead in half. Molina added the assist on Arriaga's goal.

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC - #7 Luis Arriaga

Scoring a goal in NCFC's most recent match against the Chattanooga Red Wolves, Arriaga has been nothing short of outstanding in the midfield this year. Thus far, the Santa Rosa, CA native has collected two goals and three assists while maintaining 69.2% shooting accuracy and completing 16 key passes. As NCFC looks to return to the win column against one of their regional rivals this weekend, Arriaga will play a key role in distribution on the attack - as well as tracking back defensively - and will aim to add to his goal tally on the season against the South Georgia side while creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

South Georgia Tormenta FC - #9 Kazaiah Sterling

Contributing two goals in Tormenta's record-setting 5-5 tie with Greenville Triumph SC on July 13, Sterling has collected a trio of both goals and assists across 715 minutes of playing time this season. Tormenta currently sit at fifth in the table with 21 points, and in order to continue their push for a playoff spot, Saturday's match is a must-win. Sterling has played an integral role in Tormenta's success this season, a pattern he will look to continue as the Ibises take on the visiting NCFC.

Up Next: North Carolina FC will return to WakeMed Soccer Park to face off against the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday, July 27 at 7 p.m. ET.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



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