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USL North Carolina FC

Playoff Qualification Race Continues with North Carolina FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

August 31, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC's mission to qualify for the 2018 USL playoffs continues as the team faces the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. NCFC enters the weekend just three points away from eighth place, the final playoff spot.

Coming off one of the biggest wins of the season so far - a dominating 6-2 victory over in-state rival the Charlotte Independence, NCFC is riding a seven-match home undefeated streak, a run that dates back to June 9. NCFC has worked hard to establish Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park as a fortress. The team is averaging over two goals per game, while outscoring opposition 27-17 at home this season.

As the playoff race enters the homestretch, NCFC is making its way up the table and closing in on a coveted top-eight spot. A win will keep NCFC firmly in the race to qualify. Two teams, Ottawa Fury FC - 35 points and New York Red Bulls II - 37 points are within reach this week. While other games around the league will also impact the table, a win will push NCFC up to 37 points.

The home side will face off against another playoff hopeful in the Tampa Bay Rowdies - who are approaching a make-or-break portion of the season. Tampa is winless in its last six matches and sits nine points back from eighth place. NCFC has played a part in Tampa's recent struggles, handing the visitors a 2-0 loss just three weeks ago at Al Lang Stadium. Both Marcel Kandziora and Daniel Rios tallied goals in the victory. If Tampa wants to get back into the playoff picture, it will need to quickly pick up multiple victories.

NCFC and Tampa have a long-standing rivalry that goes back to 2011. The teams have met multiple times nearly every year and NCFC holds a 10W-6L-9D record against the South Florida side.

Last Time Out:

NCFC defeated Southern Derby rival Charlotte Independence 6-2. After going down a goal early in the first half, new signee Zach Steinberger found the equalizer soon after with a world class scissor kick. The goals continued to pour in for NCFC as Steinberger and Daniel Rios each ended the game with a brace. Steven Miller and Austin da Luz also scored in NCFC's rout of Charlotte.

Players To Watch:

North Carolina FC - #6 Austin Da Luz

Da Luz continues to prove age is nothing but a number. The 30-year old has been a consistent piece in Head Coach Colin Clarke's midfield, starting in all but one of NCFC's USL league matches this season. In addition to his playmaking and collected touch on the ball, da Luz has found the back of the net four times this season, with his most recent goal coming against the Charlotte Independence. He'll look to find more of the same magic against a tough Tampa Bay side.

Tampa Bay Rowdies - #56 Stefano Bonomo

Bonomo is in his first season with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He's a constant scoring threat and logged 13 goals for New York Red Bulls II in 2017. In 2018, he's scored six goals so far, including three with New York and three with Tampa.

Coming Up Next:

NCFC returns to Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park for the final match of their three game home stand as the team hosts Nashville SC on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available online, over the phone at 919-459-8144 or in person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 31, 2018


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