North Carolina FC opened their preseason schedule against the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on Saturday afternoon, besting the Spartans 1-0 behind an early goal from NCFC newcomer Garrett McLaughlin.
With twenty minutes expired in the first half, midfielder Raheem Somersall slotted a driven ball to McLaughlin in the UNCG box. McLaughlin took advantage of his opportunity, hammering a one-touch shot past the UNCG goalkeeper to give NCFC the upper hand. Several new signees recorded their first preseason minutes with the club, including McLaughlin, Somersall, Jaden Servania, Jordan Skelton, Christian Lue Young, Showkat Tahir, and Nicolás Molina.
Returning to NCFC for his second season as a professional, Nick Holliday recorded the start in net, making a key save in the first half to preserve the clean sheet and render UNCG scoreless throughout the match.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will host the University of North Carolina at Wilmington on Saturday, February 26 for their second preseason match of the year. This contest will be closed-door, with live updates to be posted during the match and a match recap to be made available afterwards.
Notes:
- Garrett McLaughlin recorded his first preseason goal with the club, with Raheem Somersall adding the assist.
- Nick Holliday recorded his first clean sheet of the preseason slate.
- Garrett McLaughlin, Raheem Somersall, Jaden Servania, Jordan Skelton, Christian Lue Young, Showkat Tahir, and Nicolás Molina recorded their first preseason minutes with the club in today’s match.
