USL1 Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

The Forecast: Hailstorm Travel to North Carolina for Initial 2023 Matchup

July 25, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC News Release


WINDSOR, Colo. - Looking to extend their lead at the top of the USL League One table, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC will travel to the Tar Heel State to take on North Carolina FC for the first time in 2023 on Wednesday.

"It's another challenge, and it's fresh, something the lads are looking forward to," Hailstorm head coach Éamon Zayed said.

With both teams having played 16 matches this season, NCFC sits seven points behind Hailstorm FC in the table, currently in fifth place.

The strength of NCFC is in attack, with a trio of players having scored five goals or more. Forwards Oalex Anderson and Rafa Mentzingen have scored nine and six, respectively, while midfielder Louis Perez has added five.

"You only have to look at their front four," Zayed said. "Players that can produce moments of real quality out of nothing."

That NCFC attack will have the task of breaking down a strong Hailstorm defense which has allowed just 13 goals this season, the fewest in the league. Northern Colorado's defense is anchored by goalkeeper Lalo Delgado, whose eight clean sheets are tied for the most in the league.

"We're coming in with confidence, but we know it's going to be a good defensive challenge for us," Delgado said.

Hailstorm also boast a strong attack led by USL League One Golden Boot leader Trevor Amann, who has scored six goals in five matches in July, as well as midfielder Arthur Rogers, who has five assists this month.

Kickoff between Hailstorm and NCFC is scheduled for 5 p.m. Mountain time Wednesday at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Check out the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC Statistics



United Soccer League One Stories from July 25, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central