Cary, NC (August 25, 2021) – North Carolina FC secured a hard-fought three points against Forward Madison FC on Wednesday night, a goal from Nelson Martinez being the difference maker in the tight contest. The match also featured an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Jake McGuire, who made several key saves to maintain the clean sheet and keep NCFC in the game, as well as the debut of midfielder Aziel Jackson. Jackson joined North Carolina FC on loan from the MLS’s Minnesota United FC earlier this week, and in less than 30 minutes of play, the newcomer utilized his top-notch ability on the ball to beat several defenders and create a handful of scoring chances.
“It feels great to get a first game in with this new club,” said Jackson following the match. “[This team] has really welcomed me and I want to keep this winning streak going now. I want to make an impact on the team in the best way I can and help them win more games. That’s the most important thing at this club. Since I’m here, I just want to make a difference in the team and just keep going hard.”
Head Coach John Bradford had high praise for Jackson’s performance, saying, “He’s a quick player, he’s very good technically in terms of dribbling, and the guys at Minnesota United told me that he’s the best finisher they have there, so obviously we want to get him in front of the goal and give him some opportunities,” Bradford continued, “When he became available, we reached out and wanted him to join us. He’s a motivated young player, so for us to be able to get him on the field, I think he’s a hungry, talented player that’s going to help us.”
North Carolina FC struck early in tonight’s tilt as Martinez netted his first goal of the season to give the home team the lead just eight minutes into the match. The scoring play began with a slipped pass from Nazmi Albadawi to Selmir Miscic, and with a quick glance up, the forward switched the field to find Martinez well outside the eighteen. Taking a single touch forward and remaining composed, Martinez took a chance, burying an impressive volley to give NCFC the 1-0 advantage. Miscic recorded the assist, his second of the season.
“It feels great,” Martinez said of scoring his first NCFC goal. “I think I’ve been close in a few games, so it felt great getting it, I couldn’t have hit it any better. After this [win], we all feel great. It has been a tough stretch of games, and this will get the team going again. It was a great win overall.”
Match Notes:
– Aziel Jackson made his North Carolina FC debut in tonight’s match.
– Nelson Martinez scored his first NCFC goal in the eighth minute.
– North Carolina FC maintained 84% passing accuracy in tonight’s contest.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will hit the road on Saturday, August 28 to take on the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium in Richmond, VA, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Box Score:
NCFC (4-5-1): Jake McGuire, Nelson Flores, Britton Fischer, Max Flick, Parker O’Ferral, Nelson Martinez, Nazmi Albadawi, Selmir Miscic (Aziel Jackson — 63’), Josh Coan (Malick Mbaye — 89’), Cole Frame, Robert Kristo (Peter Pearson — 77’)
Subs Not Used: Nick Holliday, Jay Tee Kamara, Thorn Simpson
MAD (3-5-2): Phil Breno, Eric Leonard, Cyrus Rad, Aaron Molloy, Jake Keegan, Ryan Sierakowski, Carlos Gomez (Christian Diaz — 46’), Connor Tobin, Derek Gebhard, Justin Sukow, Jesus Perez (Noah Fuson — 75’)
Subs Not Used: Aidan Hogan, Gustavo Fernandes, Audi Jepson, Tyler Allen
Score:
NCFC: 1
MAD: 0
Goals:
NCFC: Nelson Martinez — 8’
MAD: —
Cautions:
NCFC: —
MAD: —
Ejections:
NCFC: —
MAD: —
Cary, NC (August 25, 2021) – North Carolina FC secured a hard-fought three points against Forward Madison FC on Wednesday night, a goal from Nelson Martinez being the difference maker in the tight contest. The match also featured an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Jake McGuire, who made several key saves to maintain the clean sheet and keep NCFC in the game, as well as the debut of midfielder Aziel Jackson. Jackson joined North Carolina FC on loan from the MLS’s Minnesota United FC earlier this week, and in less than 30 minutes of play, the newcomer utilized his top-notch ability on the ball to beat several defenders and create a handful of scoring chances.
“It feels great to get a first game in with this new club,” said Jackson following the match. “[This team] has really welcomed me and I want to keep this winning streak going now. I want to make an impact on the team in the best way I can and help them win more games. That’s the most important thing at this club. Since I’m here, I just want to make a difference in the team and just keep going hard.”
Head Coach John Bradford had high praise for Jackson’s performance, saying, “He’s a quick player, he’s very good technically in terms of dribbling, and the guys at Minnesota United told me that he’s the best finisher they have there, so obviously we want to get him in front of the goal and give him some opportunities,” Bradford continued, “When he became available, we reached out and wanted him to join us. He’s a motivated young player, so for us to be able to get him on the field, I think he’s a hungry, talented player that’s going to help us.”
North Carolina FC struck early in tonight’s tilt as Martinez netted his first goal of the season to give the home team the lead just eight minutes into the match. The scoring play began with a slipped pass from Nazmi Albadawi to Selmir Miscic, and with a quick glance up, the forward switched the field to find Martinez well outside the eighteen. Taking a single touch forward and remaining composed, Martinez took a chance, burying an impressive volley to give NCFC the 1-0 advantage. Miscic recorded the assist, his second of the season.
“It feels great,” Martinez said of scoring his first NCFC goal. “I think I’ve been close in a few games, so it felt great getting it, I couldn’t have hit it any better. After this [win], we all feel great. It has been a tough stretch of games, and this will get the team going again. It was a great win overall.”
Match Notes:
– Aziel Jackson made his North Carolina FC debut in tonight’s match.
– Nelson Martinez scored his first NCFC goal in the eighth minute.
– North Carolina FC maintained 84% passing accuracy in tonight’s contest.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will hit the road on Saturday, August 28 to take on the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium in Richmond, VA, at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Box Score:
NCFC (4-5-1): Jake McGuire, Nelson Flores, Britton Fischer, Max Flick, Parker O’Ferral, Nelson Martinez, Nazmi Albadawi, Selmir Miscic (Aziel Jackson — 63’), Josh Coan (Malick Mbaye — 89’), Cole Frame, Robert Kristo (Peter Pearson — 77’)
Subs Not Used: Nick Holliday, Jay Tee Kamara, Thorn Simpson
MAD (3-5-2): Phil Breno, Eric Leonard, Cyrus Rad, Aaron Molloy, Jake Keegan, Ryan Sierakowski, Carlos Gomez (Christian Diaz — 46’), Connor Tobin, Derek Gebhard, Justin Sukow, Jesus Perez (Noah Fuson — 75’)
Subs Not Used: Aidan Hogan, Gustavo Fernandes, Audi Jepson, Tyler Allen
Score:
NCFC: 1
MAD: 0
Goals:
NCFC: Nelson Martinez — 8’
MAD: —
Cautions:
NCFC: —
MAD: —
Ejections:
NCFC: —
MAD: —
