NCFC Visits In-State Rival Charlotte to Finish 2022 Season Saturday
October 14, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CHARLOTTE – North Carolina FC can still impact the USL One post-season on the final weekend of the regular season when they visit their in-state rival, the Charlotte Independence, this Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. ET at American Legion Memorial Stadium. With a win, NCFC can deny Charlotte a spot in the playoff bracket.
The clubs from the Tar Heel State clubs have split their first two meetings of the season, with the home side earning the three points. This will be NCFC’s second trip to the Queen City, looking to avenge a 2-1 loss back on Sept. 24. Garrett McLaughlin is still in contention for the Golden Boot, two goals off the lead entering the season finale. He has recorded a penalty goal in both matches against the Independence this season, helping NCFC to a 3-2 aggregate lead through the first two meetings.
Scouting Charlotte Independence
After a three-match win streak had the Independence in the thick of the postseason race, back-to-back losses now leave them on the outside looking in of the bracket. Northern Colorado and South Georgia both sit three points ahead of them, but all are even in the win column. Total wins is the first tie-breaker in league standings, so if the Independence win and either team ahead of them loses, Charlotte’s season continues.
The Independence have allowed the second-most goals (47) this year, one fewer than NCFC. They’ve scored 43 times, which ranks third in the league, and they’re second in both total passes and passing accuracy. Defender Héctor Acosta is a reigning Team of the Week member after winning 78% of duels and four clearances.
Last Time Out
Nearly 5,000 fans poured into WakeMed Soccer Park for the North Carolina FC home finale, celebrating Fan Appreciation Night and a rain-rescheduled Noche Latina. The electric atmosphere wasn’t enough to push the home side to a result, falling 0-1 to the Chattanooga Red Wolves in a physical, tightly contested affair. Eleven yellow cards were shown including a season-high eight to NCFC and a double-yellow ejection in the 75′ to further strain the comeback attempt.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #19 Garrett McLaughlin
Garrett McLaughlin was brought to Cary to find the back of the net. In his first season with the club, he’s certainly delivered. McLaughlin sits alone in second in the USL One Golden Boot race, two off the pace with one match to go. He’s converted five penalties this season, including a pair against the very Charlotte Independence on the docket Saturday. After falling a bit off the pace in the scoring race, McLaughlin went on a four-goal-in-five-match tear in September to vault back into the thick of the chase. He’s been held off the score sheet in each of the last two matches despite a bevy of chances and now looks to return to form to help NCFC play spoiler.
Charlotte Independence – #6 Omar Ciss
Celebrating his 21st birthday this week, Omar Ciss already has an impressive professional soccer resume in the United States. He’s started all 28 matches in which he’s played for the Independence this season, ranking second on the team with 2,472 minutes, after a pair of seasons with Austin FC in USL Championship. The Senegal native has proven to be a threat to score from anywhere on the field, with two of his three goals coming from outside the penalty area this season. The athletic midfielder provides both a pace and physical challenge and will look to help the Independence dictate the match as they search for three points that could punch their ticket to the post-season.
Next Up
Follow the club on social media @NorthCarolinaFC and on the web at www.northcarolinafc.com for news and updates throughout the off-season. Information on the 2023 schedule, player transactions, ticket availability, promotions and more will be updated regularly in preparation for the 2023 season.
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