USL North Carolina FC

Undefeated North Carolina FC Hosts Memphis 901 FC this Weekend

April 4, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


North Carolina FC continues its USL Championship season with a matchup against expansion side Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. With a record of 2W-0L-1D (7 points) and a game in hand, North Carolina FC will look to remain undefeated this season with its first-ever match against Memphis.

Last weekend, North Carolina FC scored a last-second equalizer to level the game against the Charleston Battery. After conceding in the 70th minute, NCFC pushed hard for an equalizer. In the dying moments of the game, Tommy McCabe's remarkable strike from outside the box found its way in the back of the net. The strike was also named the USL Championship's Goal of the Week.

That result, paired with victories over Louisville City FC and Bethlehem Steel FC has secured North Carolina FC's great start to the season. The team will look to keep confidence and momentum high against Memphis, who has seen mixed results to start the season.

The expansion team lost 1-0 on opening day to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Results steadily improved over the next two weeks with a 1-1 draw against Loudoun United FC and a victory over Bethlehem Steel FC. However, Memphis lost a 3-2 thriller against New York Red Bulls II in its last match.

The visitor's roster features a healthy mix of veterans and youth. Fans may recognize longtime MLS player Marc Burch or former Richmond Kickers' players Raul Gonzalez and Heviel Cordoves. Additionally, up and coming talents, Adam Najem and Luca Uccello played for different teams last season, and are now looking to improve their production with Memphis.

Whoever lines up for Memphis this weekend, look for NCFC to control the tempo on its home field. A win will keep NCFC firmly in contention at the top of the USL Championship Eastern Conference.

Players To Watch:

North Carolina FC - No. 10 Ben Speas

Although he just arrived this season, Speas has already made himself at home in North Carolina FC's midfield. He's played in every league game to date and also chipped in an assist in the victory against Louisville City FC. Look for the experienced midfielder to continue facilitating NCFC's attack.

Memphis 901 FC - No. 1 Jeff Caldwell

Starting Memphis goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell has deep ties to North Carolina. He grew up in Todd, N.C., located in the western part of the state, and played club soccer for NC Fusion. He also boasts a ton of U.S. Soccer Youth National Team experience and played college soccer with University of Virginia. He's the man between the posts NCFC must beat if it wants to find the back of the net.

Coming Up Next:

North Carolina FC hits the road for two away games before returning home on Saturday, April 27 to face Hartford Athletic at 7 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online now, or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Match Info:

North Carolina FC vs. Memphis 901 FC

Saturday, April 6 - 7 p.m.

Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park

Broadcast:

ESPN+

Check out the North Carolina FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 4, 2019


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