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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Travels for Saturday Match against FC Cincinnati

May 18, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC is set for a big test this weekend with its match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Nippert Stadium. NCFC will look to keep momentum high against Cincinnati who are tied at the top of the USL Eastern Conference standings with the Charleston Battery.

NCFC enters the match on a five-game unbeaten run between USL and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play. During the streak, NCFC has outscored opponents 9-1, most recently earning a 3-0 victory over Lansdowne Bhoys this past Wednesday in the Open Cup and a 3-0 victory over Penn FC on April 28 in league play.

NCFC's run will be put to the test against an FC Cincinnati side that enters the match with plenty to show for early in the season. The team has 17 points in its league campaign to date and is looking to stay in the driver's seat of the playoff qualification hunt. Despite having its four-match unbeaten run broken via a 4-1 loss to Charlotte last weekend, Cincinnati bounced back this week with a 4-1 victory over Detroit City FC in the Open Cup.

Led by a host of household names, Cincinnati's roster is loaded with talent. 2017 NCFC stars, Nazmi Albadawi and Lance Laing both moved to FC Cincinnati in the offseason and are currently featuring regularly for their new team. Additionally, former NASL opponents, Emanuel Ledesma, Richie Ryan and Emery Welshman - to name a few - are also part of Cincinnati's deep squad.

Last Time Out:

NCFC is set to resume league play after a two-week bye. The club defeated Penn FC 3-0 on April 28 in its last USL match with goals from Austin da Luz, Kyle Bekker and Daniel Rios. NCFC also started its Open Cup campaign this week and knocked out Lansdowne Bhoys FC to advance to the third round with a 3-0 result. Connor Tobin returned to the field and scored, while Marios Lomis and Bernhard Luxbacher also tallied goals for NCFC.

Players to Watch

No. 5 Nazmi Albadawi

After leaving NCFC last season, Albadawi joined FC Cincinnati and has proven to be a difference maker in the midfield for his new club. In three USL games played so far for the club, Albadawi has already netted a goal. Prior to joining FC Cincinnati, Albadawi spent his career with NCFC, including time with NCFC U-23. Overall, Albadawi ranks as one of the most decorated players in club history with 10,139 minutes in 121 matches played, while adding 21 goals and 18 assists during his time with the club.

No. 10 Kyle Bekker

Bekker has been an instrumental part of an NCFC midfield that's won the possession battle in over half of its matches. The midfielder is in fine form after coming off two consecutive two-assist games. Bekker also found himself on the other end of the ball during this streak, adding a goal to his tally.

Coming Up Next:

NCFC will continue its Open Cup and USL campaigns at home next week. The team will host the Ocean City Nor'easters in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. All seats are $10 and available for purchase online. NCFC will return to league action against Atlanta United 2 on Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m. To buy tickets for the match.Tickets can also be purchased at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office in person or over the phone at 919-459-8144.

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