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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC's Open Cup Run Continues against Ocean City Nor'Easters

May 21, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC will look to keep it's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run going against the Ocean City Nor'easters on Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. With both teams aiming to add to their respective Open Cup histories, the matchup presents another exciting game for NCFC.

A sound and professional 3-0 victory over Lansdowne Bhoys FC sent NCFC to the third round. Connor Tobin, who made his season debut, scored on his first touch of the game to put NCFC up 1-0. Marios Lomis and Bernhard Luxbacher also added goals for NCFC.

The home team will need to replicate that professional display against an Ocean City side that have its fair share of Open Cup upsets throughout the years - including a 3-1 victory over the Charlotte Independence last week. In total, the Nor'easters have upset six professional sides in their history. Notably, Ocean City advanced to the third round of the competition in 2013, where the side eventually fell 2-1 to MLS opponent Philadelphia Union.

The 2018 Ocean City roster is highlighted by several local connections. NCFC Youth Academy product and former NCFC U-23 player Alex Rose currently plays for Ocean City. He's joined with fellow UNC-Chapel Hill teammates Alex Smir (Greensboro, N.C. native) and Sam Jones. Additionally, Campbell's Matt Barrow also features for Ocean City.

Last Time Out:

North Carolina FC's five-game unbeaten run was halted with a 4-1 loss to FC Cincinnati over the weekend. Marios Lomis scored NCFC's goal off an assist from Kyle Bekker. The strike moved Lomis to three goals between all competitions this season and his second in as many matches. Bekker's assist was his fifth of the season and his third-straight game recording an assist.

Players To Watch:

No. 31 Steven Miller

Miller is a former member of Ocean City, featuring with the PDL side from 2008-09 when the team was known as the Ocean City Barons. He made 23 appearances and scored eight goals with the team. Miller, who has scored big Open Cup goals for NCFC in the past, will look to continue that trend against his former club. This season, Miller has already logged one goal and one assist, while featuring in all eight of NCFC's league contests.

No. 16 Kyle Gurrieri

Gurrieri, a New Jersey native, has come through the United States pipeline, playing with the U-14, U-15, and U-17 national teams throughout his development. After completing his freshman season at Syracuse, Gurrieri began playing for Nordvarmland FF, a team in the Swedish second division. Gurrieri has been big for Ocean City in the Open Cup already. His two early goals were ultimately the difference in his team's 3-1 win over the Charlotte Independence in its Open Cup tie on Wednesday night.

Coming Up Next:

North Carolina FC will remain at home for a USL match against Atlanta United 2, reigniting a soccer rivalry between the two cities that dates back to 1995. NCFC will face Atlanta on Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m. 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. The night will be Military Appreciation Night and feature exclusive merchandise and ticket packages.

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 21, 2018


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