CARY, NC. (July 29, 2023) — NorthCarolina FC defeated the Chattanooga Red Wolves 2-0 at CHI Memorial Stadium. This now gives North Carolina a six-game unbeaten streak making their record 10-4-4 with 34 points.
The Red Wolves had more than 50% of possession in the first half. However late in the first half Raheem Somersall started the scoring. After Chris Lue Young laid a ball off for Somersall to hit right past the Chattanooga goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Only five minutes later Rafa Mentzingen added to the tally of goals. He hit a volley over the goalkeeper into the net off a long ball from Somersall making it 2-0 right before half.
The second half was more difficult for North Carolina as they held less possession than the first half and had less than half the shots that the Red Wolves took. Chattanooga put pressure on NCFC and came out with a goal late in the second half. Pedro Hernandez jumped for a header to the far post making it 2-1. North Carolina held the Red Wolves off, giving them a six-game unbeaten streak.
Quoting North Carolina FC
Head Coach John Bradford on the match and Raheem Somersall:
“I’m extremely proud of this group for grinding out an extremely important road win after a challenging midweek game. We have a determined group that was focused on getting the result tonight. “
“Raheem was important for the group tonight with the quality and work rate he brings. It was great to see him get on the scoresheet with a goal and an assist. “
Goalkeeper Brooks Thompson on his first appearance and playing with NCFC:
“Was a great experience, a tough fought game but one the team deserved. The team has been very welcoming and made me feel at home in a short period of time!
It feels great to contribute towards the team’s success and it will be important for us to keep building on the positives and negatives of each game”
Midfielder Raheem Somersall on getting a goal and an assist:
“It’s amazing to get the goal and the assist tonight & It’s also my first professional goal and that makes it more special. I Really want to thank my teammates for pushing me and encouraging me to shoot more and giving me the confidence to do so!”
Match Notes:
- North Carolina have scored in each of their last 6 games in the USL League One, scoring 12 goals in that run
- North Carolina are undefeated in their last 6 games in the USL League One, their last joint longest unbeaten streak was from 2nd April 2023 to 6th May 2023.
- Goalkeeper Brooks Thompson made his North Carolina FC debut.
- Raheem Somersall recorded his first professional goal.
Next Up:
North Carolina FC will travel to Statesboro, Georgia to face South Georgia Tormenta FC this Saturday, August 5, at 7:30 PM. The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and @NorthCarolinaFC will provide social media updates.
Box Score:
NCFC (4-4-2): Brooks Thompson, Nelson Blanco, David Garcia, Gustavo Fernandes, Christian Lue Young, Rafael Mentzingen (Max Flick – 87’), Michael Maldonado, Raheem Somersall, Louis Perez (Dj Benton –79), Oalex Anderson (Luis Arriaga –74), Garrett McLaughlin (Preston Popp – 87’)
Subs Not Used: Marvin Mariche, Pecka,
CHAT(4-3-3): Carlos Avilez, Nicolás Cardona (Manuel Madrid – 83’), Mekeil Williams, Richard Rentería, Ryley Kraft (Mayele Malango 83’), Chevone Marsh, Andrew Paoli (Ropapa Mensah – 87’), Ualefi, Walter Varela (Pedro Hernandez – 57), Omar Gómez (Filipe Liborio, Jr – 57), Aaron Lombardi
Subs Not Used: Ricardo Jerez
Score:
NCFC: 2
CHAT: 1
Goals:
NCFC: R. Sommersall -34’ (C. Lue Young), R. Mentzingen – 39’ (R. Sommerrsall)
CHAT: P. Hernandez – 83’ (A. Lombardi)
Cautions:
NCFC: R. Sommersall – 20’, L. Perez – 40’, B. Thompson – 43’, G. Fernandes – 87’
CHAT: R. Kraft –47’, N. Cardonia – 52’, M. Williams – 58’
Ejections:
NCFC: –
CHAT:
