CARY, NC. (July 15, 2023) — North Carolina FC walked away with a 2-2 draw against Forward Madison SC at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina had more than triple the shots, and had 57% of possession. This now makes North Carolina’s record against Forward Madison 0-1-2.
North Carolina FC had a tough fought match against top of the table rivals Forward Madison. The Flamingos started off the scoring early with a cross from Stephen Payne to Derek Gebhard to pass it into the net. Madison then doubled their lead moments before the half ended as Gebhard had a rolling pass through the box that deflected off of NCFC giving Nazeem Bartman the opportunity to get the second goal of the match.
The second half started off with a red card for Forward Madison defender Sam Brotherton after he was on the ground and grabbed the ball during a play. Then 67 minutes into the match Oalex Anderson and Garrett McLaughlin made yet another connection to get the score to 1-2. McLaughlin passed a direct ball to Anderson who hit it right past the Madison keeper. With a huge chance in extra time Raheem Somerall headed a ball that deflected off of Forward Madison, giving Anderson yet another chance with a rocket of a shot to tie up the match. North Carolina FC walked away with a 2-2 draw and will be back at home next weekend to face Sunderland.
Quoting North Carolina FC
Head Coach John Bradford on the match with Forward Madison:
“Mixed emotions after a game like that where you’re pleased to be able to come back from a deficit and being 2 0 down and get back a point. Disappointed that, we carve out the hole to begin with and have to come back because I think it’s some, some more defending on our part and a lot of fight within the guys. Unfortunate not to have gotten a few more goals or another goal to win the game, but at least pleased with the competitive spirit to go down and fight back.”
Head Coach John Bradford on Trevor Mulqueen’s first start:
I thought Trevor was good overall. I think when he was called upon he did well. For him to come in and get his first start tonight, I’m really proud of him and pleased for his performance. I think he showed a lot of character tonight. He had that next man up mentality and kind of at that point in the season where the bumps and bruises were really starting to pile up, so it was good.
Goalkeeper Trevor Mulqueen on the match tonight:
“This is a game that, we could catch up and even win. Obviously disappointed not to get a third goal, but man, this crowd is incredible. It’s different being in the match rather than on the bench or in the stands. Their support kept us in this game and it’s just great to get a result.”
Match Notes:
- Garrett McLaughlin now is tied for assists in second in USL League One.
- O. Anderson has contributed to goals in his last 3 games and now is tied for second with 9 goals in USL League One.
- Forward Madison played almost the entire second half with ten players.
Next Match: North Carolina FC will be back home next weekend for an exhibition match against Sunderland on Friday, July 21 at 7PM ET.
Box Score:
NCFC (4-4-2): Trevor Mulqueen, Devin Benton (Nelson Flores Blanco – 60’), Gustavo Fernandes (David Garcia –46’), Daniel Navarro (Preston Popp – 88’), Christian Lue Young (Max Flick – 72’), Jaden Servania, Luis Arriaga, Louis Perez, Shakeem Adams (Raheem Somersall – 46’), Oalex Anderson, Garrett McLaughlin
Subs Not Used:, Marvin Mariche, Marzuq Puckerin,
MAD(4-3-3): Bernd Schipmann, Jacob Crull, Mitchell Osmond, Timmy Mehl, Derek Gebhard (Eric Conerty – 72’), Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Isidro Martinez, Nazeem Bartman (Mauro Cichero – 73’), Stephen Payne, Jayden Onen (Robert Screen –94’), Christian Chaney
Subs Not Used: Martin Sanchez, , Demitrius Kigeya, Francis Jno-Baptiste
Score:
NCFC: 1
MAD: 2
Goals:
NCFC: O. Anderson – 67’ (G. McLaughlin), O. Anderson – 92’
MAD: D. Gebhard – 16’ (S. Payne), N. Bartman – 37’ (D. Gebhard)
Cautions:
NCFC: M. Flick – 81’
MAD: D. Gebhard – 11’, C. Chaney– 27’, Assistant Coach J. Pascarella – 60,E. Conerty– 85’
Ejections:
NCFC: –
MAD: S. Brotherton – 54’
