NCFC to Face FC Tucson for Final Time in Regular Season Action
September 19, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, NC – North Carolina FC will wrap their six-day road trip when they face FC Tucson on Tuesday, September 20 at Kino North Stadium in Tucson, AZ. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. The contest will be the third and final regular season meeting between the two sides, the season series sitting at 1-0-1 in favor of the North Carolina side.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC defeated Forward Madison, 2-1, in the final minutes of stoppage time last Saturday night at Breese Stevens Field. Shak Adams scored on a set piece in added time to break the tie and give NCFC a 2-0-1 record against the Flamingos for the 2022 season.
“I’m proud of this group for grinding out a massive win on the road tonight,” Head Coach John Bradford said following the match. “Our group came out prepared to play and started aggressively on the front foot with some early positive attacking play. It was important for us to score early and then continue to apply pressure as the game wore on.”
“It feels great to be able to get three points on the road, especially being able to do it in that kind of fashion,” Adams said. “Everyone put in an incredible effort all the way until the very last minute.”
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #19 Garrett McLaughlin
Currently tied for second place in the USL League One Golden Boot race, McLaughlin tallied his 12th goal of the season in last Saturday’s match against Forward Madison. The Oklahoma City native continues to set a new career high in goals scored, shattering his previous record of ten goals scored in a single season while with Toronto FC II. With only six matches remaining in the regular season slate, McLaughlin’s ability to find the net in Tuesday’s tilt is more vital than ever if NCFC is to sneak into a playoff spot. The striker will look to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates as the squad braves the desert in search of three points.
FC Tucson – #5 Kaelon Fox
Named to the USL League One Team of the Week for a standout performance in Week 24, Fox has played a large role in Tucson’s recent success – a fact especially evident when the squad stunned the visiting Union Omaha 3-0 on September 12. Across 20 appearances, the defender has registered 58 clearances, 12 blocks and 21 interceptions, maintaining an impressive 87.3% passing success rate. Falling to the bottom of the table after NCFC’s win over Forward Madison, Fox will look to lead the Arizona side to a necessary three points to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will travel to face the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, September 24 at 7 p.m. ET at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The match will be available to stream on ESPN+.
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