LEESBURG, Va. (March 16, 2024) — North Carolina FC fell, 3-1, to Loudoun United FC at Segra Field on Saturday, March 16, in the team’s first road match of the season.
Loudoun now sits at four points on the season, while North Carolina FC remains at one.
North Carolina FC outshot Loudoun 12-7, but the hosts were able to capitalize on more of their chances to pick up their first win of the 2024 USL Championship season.
Loudoun opened the scoring in the 23′ as Kwame Awuah’s curling cross connected with Kalil ElMedkhar at the back post for a diving header.
Mikey Maldonado leveled the game in the 38′, capitalizing on a mistake from Loudoun goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux. Louis Perez whipped in a free kick from deep in the corner and the keeper tried to punch the ball clear, but missed. Collin Martin got on the end of the cross and put the ball back across goal, finding Maldonado at the far post through a sea of players.
Zach Ryan gave Loudoun their lead back in the 61′, finishing off a counter attack following a defense-splitting pass from ElMedkhar.
Oalex Anderson came off the bench in the 69′ and looked dangerous, creating multiple chances to tie the game, but could not find the back of the net.
Loudoun substitute Abdellatif Aboukoura gave the hosts an insurance goal in the 85th minute, combining with Ryan on a give-and-go at the top of the box before curling the ball around North Carolina FC goalkeeper Antonio Carrera.
Carrera, who joined the team on loan from FC Dallas this offseason, made his USL and North Carolina FC debut in the loss, making one save.
Match Notes
- 17-year-old defender Adrian Pelayo made his professional debut, starting the game and playing 83 minutes.
- Mikey Maldonado scored the first goal of the season for NCFC.
- Goalkeeper Antonio Carrera got the start in net, making his USL debut.
Quotes from NCFC:
John Bradford on the game:
“I thought we were good in moments, but got exposed in transition defending on some avoidable turnovers. We definitely created several quality chances that we should have done better with. Those will come as our group gets sharper. I was proud of our group’s fight throughout.”
Bradford on Pelayo making his debut:
“Today was a big step forward for Adrian Pelayo, as he made his first professional start and his NCFC debut. He showed his qualities and gained valuable experience against a good Loudoun team.”
Maldonado on his goal:
“Honestly just did my role for the set piece: Make a run, wait on the back post just in case the ball came back and I did what I had to do. Ball went through a lot of traffic, but happy it fell to me for my first of the season.”
Pelayo on making his debut:
“I am excited to get my professional career started and make my debut for North Carolina FC. I still have a lot of work ahead of me and am looking forward to continuing to grow.”
Next Up
Following the trip to Virginia, North Carolina FC will return home for a rivalry matchup against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, March 23. The game is set to kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET at WakeMed Soccer Park as the team celebrates video games with Level Up Night. Tickets are available here.
Box
NCFC (3-4-2-1): Antonio Carrera; Shaft Brewer Jr. (Rafa Mentzingen – 61’), Bryce Washington, Paco Craig, Adrian Pelayo (Julian Placias – 83’), Nelson Flores Blanco (Ezra Armstrong – 84’); Mikey Maldonado, Collin Martin (Raheem Somersall 69’), Rodrigo Da Costa, Louis Perez; Evan Conway (Oalex Anderson – 69’)
Subs Not Used: Jake McGuire, Justin Malou
LDN (4-3-3): Hugo Fauroux; Kwame Awuah, Jacob Erlandson, Keegan Hughes, Robby Dambrot (Yanis Leerman – 83’); Drew Skundrich, Tommy McCabe, Florian Valot; Kalil ElMedkhar (Abdellatif Aboukoura 69’); Wesley Leggett (Ellis Norris – 83’), Zach Ryan (Isaac Espinal – 88’)
Subs Not Used: Dane Jacomen, Brett St. Martin, Alessandro Maldonado
Score:
NCFC: 1
LDN: 3
Goals:
NCFC: M. Maldonado – 38’ (Martin),
LDN: K. ElMedkhar – 23’ (Awuah), Z. Ryan – 61’ (ElMedkhar), A. Aboukoura – 85’ (Ryan)
NCFC: R. Da Costa – 36’
LDN: W. Leggett – 37’, Z. Ryan 71’
Ejections:
NCFC:
LDN:
