Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs. Richmond Kickers
Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET
City Stadium
Richmond, VA
CARY, NC (August 26, 2021) — North Carolina FC will look to add to the win column as they face off against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. This match marks the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with their first three contests resulting in a 0-0 draw, a 2-1 victory, and a 4-0 victory for North Carolina.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC secured a hard-fought three points against Forward Madison FC earlier this week, 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.”
North Carolina FC struck early in Wednesday’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.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #22 Aziel Jackson
Impressing in his first appearance with the club, Jackson created several scoring chances in less than 30 minutes of play against Forward Madison FC earlier this week. Head Coach John Bradford spoke highly of Jackson’s performance and highlighted what he will bring to NCFC: a young, hungry and talented player that is an excellent finisher, and someone they want to get in front of the net. Saturday’s match may be Jackson’s opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet for the first time this season, as the Minnesota United loanee will look to utilize his field vision and agility on the ball to get NCFC on the board.
Richmond Kickers – #4 Ivan Magalhaes
Named to the USL League One Team of the Week in Week 20, Magalhaes helped lift the Kickers to a 2-0 victory over the Greenville Triumph in their most recent match. The center back won nine of eleven attempted duels, made six clearances and created a scoring chance to seal the win. Having lost to North Carolina FC in their last two meetings, the Richmond Kickers will look to redeem themselves at their home stadium on Saturday. With Magalhaes leading the backline, the Kickers will have to weather a significant challenge as they face the North Carolina FC offense, consisting of Robert Kristo, Selmir Miscic, and newcomer Aziel Jackson, who have all proven their ability to create chances this season.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Union Omaha for the first time this season on Saturday, September 4 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs. Richmond Kickers
Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET
City Stadium
Richmond, VA
CARY, NC (August 26, 2021) — North Carolina FC will look to add to the win column as they face off against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. This match marks the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with their first three contests resulting in a 0-0 draw, a 2-1 victory, and a 4-0 victory for North Carolina.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC secured a hard-fought three points against Forward Madison FC earlier this week, 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.”
North Carolina FC struck early in Wednesday’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.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #22 Aziel Jackson
Impressing in his first appearance with the club, Jackson created several scoring chances in less than 30 minutes of play against Forward Madison FC earlier this week. Head Coach John Bradford spoke highly of Jackson’s performance and highlighted what he will bring to NCFC: a young, hungry and talented player that is an excellent finisher, and someone they want to get in front of the net. Saturday’s match may be Jackson’s opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet for the first time this season, as the Minnesota United loanee will look to utilize his field vision and agility on the ball to get NCFC on the board.
Richmond Kickers – #4 Ivan Magalhaes
Named to the USL League One Team of the Week in Week 20, Magalhaes helped lift the Kickers to a 2-0 victory over the Greenville Triumph in their most recent match. The center back won nine of eleven attempted duels, made six clearances and created a scoring chance to seal the win. Having lost to North Carolina FC in their last two meetings, the Richmond Kickers will look to redeem themselves at their home stadium on Saturday. With Magalhaes leading the backline, the Kickers will have to weather a significant challenge as they face the North Carolina FC offense, consisting of Robert Kristo, Selmir Miscic, and newcomer Aziel Jackson, who have all proven their ability to create chances this season.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Union Omaha for the first time this season on Saturday, September 4 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase here.
