NCFC to Conclude Season Series against Union Omaha Saturday
September 30, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, NC – North Carolina FC continues their final homestand of the 2022 season as they welcome in Union Omaha this Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina looks to build momentum off their midweek win and keep their hopes for a post-season berth alive against the defending league champions.
This is the third and final meeting of the season with Omaha with NCFC earning one point through the first two meetings. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in Cary back on July 9 before NCFC got off to a rough start in a 4-1 defeat in Nebraska on August 20.
Scouting Union Omaha
The defending league champions look to right the ship down the stretch of the USL1 season, winning just once and earning four points in their last five matches to fall to third in the league standings. Low-scoring affairs have been the calling card of this defense-minded side. They’ve scored the second-fewest goals as a team (32) but have conceded the fewest goals (29) and their nine clean sheets are tied for the USL1 lead. They haven’t been the cleanest on possession, their 73% passing accuracy is last in the league, but they make up for it in discipline with the fewest fouls conceded on the year.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC made a triumphant return to WakeMed Soccer Park, winning their first home match in more than a month, 2-1, over Central Valley Fuego Wednesday night. Garrett McLaughlin netted his 14th goal of the season, moving within two of both the Golden Boot race and the all-time USL1 single-season record in the 22nd minute to take the lead. The assist came from 16-year-old Nico Rincon who, after Central Valley equalized later in the half, scored his first professional goal in the 69th minute for what would prove to be the game-winner.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #4 Max Flick
After serving as a role player for much of the first half of this season, Max Flick has been penned into John Bradford’s back line since the end of August. He’s played the full 90 minutes in six of NCFC’s last seven matches after doing so just twice before this stretch. The 28-year-old has provided strong clearance and tackling ability and shown strong soccer IQ and versatility to play both center and outside back. His work rate and effort have helped provide cover for a young NCFC team to take chances, making sure that turnovers don’t lead to ultimately dangerous chances for the opposition.
Union Omaha – #9 Corey Hertzog
Twelve-year professional Corey Hertzog has been a leader both on the field and in the locker room for Union Omaha. After starting this season in the USL Championship, Hertzog joined the squad midway through the season and has made an immediate impact in 10 matches. He’s scored three goals, including a penalty, and dished an assist. The former first round pick in MLS out of Penn State continues to be productive on the field and will be a tough test for a young NCFC squad.
Up Next: North Carolina FC hosts Noche Latina and their first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 8. The free festival runs from 5:00 p.m. ET to 7:00 p.m. ET leading into NCFC’s home match with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets to the match are not required to attend the festival, which will feature live entertainment, food and beverage trucks and vendor booths designed to showcase and celebrate Hispanic culture.
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