Stoppage Time Equalizer Sees North Carolina FC Draw 1-1 with Charleston Battery
March 30, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC remained undefeated with a 1-1 draw against Southern Derby rival Charleston Battery on Saturday night at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tommy McCabe provided the heroics for NCFC with a clinical left-footed volley from outside the box for the late equalizer.
The result moves North Carolina FC to 2W-0L-1D (7 points) on the season, good for third place in the USL Eastern Conference standings and a point in the 2019 Southern Derby Cup standings.
"We will take the point on a night were I don't think it was our best soccer," said North Carolina FC Head Coach Dave Sarachan. "I think it's important that we got something out of this game, because down the road those points will matter."
Both teams were deadlocked after the opening 45 minutes. NCFC had chances in front of goal. Early in the game, Steven Miller's shot from a tight angle skimmed over the bar and late in the half, Marios Lomis and Donovan Ewolo both had chances, but their attempts were just off target.
In the second half, both teams had opportunities to score, but the Battery struck first. Ian Svantesson scored in the 70th minute after a quick break caught the NCFC defense out of position. Zieko Lewis earned the assist as he provided the through ball to a dashing Svantesson, who scored with a low, powerful shot past Tambakis.
NCFC injected its lineup with more attacking flair with the addition of Manny Perez in the 67th minute and Robert Kristo and Yamikani Chester in the 79th minute. The new-look attack caused plenty of problems for Charleston on the wings and Kristo nearly headed in an equalizer late in the match.
In the closing seconds, Charleston gave up a free kick on the edge of the box. The incoming attempt was cleared to the waiting foot of McCabe who smashed home a first-time volley. The rookie's shot flew through the crowded box and landed in the back corner of the net. The goal marked McCabe's second of the season.
Just seconds after the teams lined up for the restart, the referee blew the final whistle, sealing a point for NCFC.
Up Next:
The season continues with another home match. North Carolina FC will face expansion side Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online now or over the phone by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
Notes:
Tommy McCabe scored his second goal of the season with an equalizer in stoppage time.
North Carolina FC and Charleston split the points in the first Southern Derby Cup match of 2019. NCFC still has an away match at Charleston and home and away fixtures against Charlotte left to earn points for the Southern Derby.
Dave Sarachan opted for the same starting XI from the previous two USL matches. Manny Perez, Robert Kristo and Yamikani Chester all appeared as substitutes.
NCFC Academy and NCFC U-23 product Caleb Duvernay made the bench for his first official match. Duvernay made an appearance and scored a goal in an international exhibition against Necaxa last weekend.
Box Score:
NCFC (4-3-2-1):Alex Tambakis; Aaron Guillen, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor; Donovan Ewolo (Manny Perez, 67'), Tommy McCabe, Steven Miller (Yamikani Chester, 79'); Austin da Luz ©, Ben Speas; Marios Lomis (Robert Kristo, 79')
Subs not used: Darrin MacLeod, Victor Igbekoyi, Graham Smith, Caleb Duvernay
CHS (4-4-2):Joe Kuzminsky; Jay Bolt, Leland Archer, O'Brian Woodbine, Taylor Mueller ©; Nico Rittmeyer, Jarad Van Schaik, Vincenzo Candela, Romario Piggott; Zeiko Lewis (Angelo Kelly, 84'), Ian Svantesson
Subs not used: Robert Beebe, AJ Paterson, Dante Marini, Arthur Bosua, Higashi Kotaro
Score:
NCFC: 1
CHS: 1
Goals:
NCFC: Tommy McCabe (Unassisted, 90+3')
CHS: Ian Svantesson (Zeiko Lewis, 70')
Cautions:
NCFC: Austin da Luz 45+1', Sam Brotherton 78'
CHS: Vincenzo Candela 81', Jay Bolt 90'
Ejections:
NCFC: --
CHS: --
Attendance: 3,584
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