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KAREEM MOSES CALLED UP FOR TRINIDAD & TOBAGO FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

CARY, N.C. (Oct. 5, 2017) – North Carolina FC defender Kareem Moses has been called up to the Trinidad and Tobago National Team for a pair of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The two matches will mark the last qualifiers in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying known as ‘The Hexagonal’.
 
Trinidad and Tobago will face Mexico on Oct. 6 at 9:30 p.m. ET at Estadio Alfonso Lastras in Mexico before concluding the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against the United States on Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. ET at Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.
 
“It’s an absolute honor to represent my country and I'm truly blessed to be given this opportunity,” said Moses. “It is always a privilege to wear the red, white and black and I hope to add quality to the squad with the work I've been putting in here with North Carolina FC.”
 
Moses is receiving his first national team call up since 2013 when he appeared in friendlies against Estonia and Peru. Overall, Moses has made 13 appearances and logged 694 minutes, including helping the Soca Warriors to a runner-up finish at the 2012 Caribbean Cup.
 
This season, Moses has played in 16 matches and 988 minutes of NASL play with NCFC. The defender has recently stepped into a starting role and has been selected to NASL Team of the Week twice in the last four weeks.
 
NCFC will be without Moses as it continues its NASL campaign over the weekend. The team will remain at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to face Puerto Rico FC on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Since the matchup was slated to be a home game for Puerto Rico, all tickets will be only $10 and 50% of all ticket sales will go to the Carmelo Anthony Puerto Rico Relief Fund. Fans can donate to the cause here. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NCFCTix.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club box office at 919-459-8144.


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CARY, N.C. (Oct. 5, 2017) – North Carolina FC defender Kareem Moses has been called up to the Trinidad and Tobago National Team for a pair of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The two matches will mark the last qualifiers in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying known as ‘The Hexagonal’.
 
Trinidad and Tobago will face Mexico on Oct. 6 at 9:30 p.m. ET at Estadio Alfonso Lastras in Mexico before concluding the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against the United States on Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. ET at Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.
 
“It’s an absolute honor to represent my country and I’m truly blessed to be given this opportunity,” said Moses. “It is always a privilege to wear the red, white and black and I hope to add quality to the squad with the work I’ve been putting in here with North Carolina FC.”
 
Moses is receiving his first national team call up since 2013 when he appeared in friendlies against Estonia and Peru. Overall, Moses has made 13 appearances and logged 694 minutes, including helping the Soca Warriors to a runner-up finish at the 2012 Caribbean Cup.
 
This season, Moses has played in 16 matches and 988 minutes of NASL play with NCFC. The defender has recently stepped into a starting role and has been selected to NASL Team of the Week twice in the last four weeks.
 
NCFC will be without Moses as it continues its NASL campaign over the weekend. The team will remain at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to face Puerto Rico FC on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Since the matchup was slated to be a home game for Puerto Rico, all tickets will be only $10 and 50% of all ticket sales will go to the Carmelo Anthony Puerto Rico Relief Fund. Fans can donate to the cause here. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NCFCTix.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club box office at 919-459-8144.


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NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB MENS COLLEGE SOCCER ROUND UP WEEK 6

The North Carolina Football Club has over 90 soccer players with ties to the club’s NCFC Youth Academy or North Carolina FC U23 team taking part in men’s college soccer this season. This week, the former players led their schools to a variety of achievements, including a ninth-straight win for one local school.

No. 4 North Carolina Blanks NC State, JMU

UNC Chapel Hill continued to roll through the college season, earning a 1-0 victory over NC State and a 6-0 victory over JMU this week. The Tar Heels defeated Triangle-rival NC State via a penalty kick in the 40thminute. The match featured a combined 24 Academy and U23 players on the rosters. In the match against JMU, former U23 player Alan Winn recorded his eighth goal of the season, while former Academy player Lucas del Rosario picked up an assist. UNC has won nine matches in a row heading into its showdown with No. 2 Wake Forest.

No. 16 UNCW, No. 19 Duke and NC State Rebound in Midweek Games

After all three in-state schools narrowly fell in conference matches over the weekend, UNC Wilmington, Duke and NC State got back into the win column with midweek victories. The Seahawks topped Coastal Carolina with a 3-1 result. Two former Academy players provided offense for UNCW. Kalvin Kromer scored and Ben Fisher notched an assist. Duke powered past Elon with a 1-0 result, as Will Pulisic (NCFC U23) earned another shutout in goal. NC State added a clinical 3-0 victory over Belmont. Former NCFC U23 player Ade Taiwo got on the scoresheet with a goal for the Wolfpack, and Caleb Duvernay (NCFC Youth Academy & NCFC U23) picked up an assist.

Additional Notes:

  • Josh Coan (NCFC Youth Academy & NCFC U23) helped lead Pittsburgh to a historic victory, as the Panthers defeated No. 21 Syracuse. The local product added an assist on the game-winning goal, giving Pitt its first ACC win ever. The Panthers followed up that victory with a second win over a top-25 opponent, knocking off No. 14 Columbia 1-0.
  • A brace from Jason McCartney led to a 5-2 victory for Emory over Piedmont, bringing the Eagles to 8W-2L-0D on the season. McCartney has totaled a team-high seven goals for Emory in 2017.
  • Kenneth Perkinson (NCFC Youth Academy) totaled four saves and a shutout in Winthrop’s 1-0 victory over Longwood.
  • NC Wesleyan has won four straight matches and NCFC U23 teammates Baboucarr Njie and Sheriff Secka are leading the offense for the Fighting Bishops. During the week, NC Wesleyan defeated Greensboro 4-1, while Nije contributed two assists in the win. The squad followed that victory up with a 3-2 win over Ferrum that included two goals from Secka and an assist from Njie.

The North Carolina Football Club has over 90 soccer players with ties to the club’s NCFC Youth Academy or North Carolina FC U23 team taking part in men’s college soccer this season. This week, the former players led their schools to a variety of achievements, including a ninth-straight win for one local school.

No. 4 North Carolina Blanks NC State, JMU

UNC Chapel Hill continued to roll through the college season, earning a 1-0 victory over NC State and a 6-0 victory over JMU this week. The Tar Heels defeated Triangle-rival NC State via a penalty kick in the 40thminute. The match featured a combined 24 Academy and U23 players on the rosters. In the match against JMU, former U23 player Alan Winn recorded his eighth goal of the season, while former Academy player Lucas del Rosario picked up an assist. UNC has won nine matches in a row heading into its showdown with No. 2 Wake Forest.

No. 16 UNCW, No. 19 Duke and NC State Rebound in Midweek Games

After all three in-state schools narrowly fell in conference matches over the weekend, UNC Wilmington, Duke and NC State got back into the win column with midweek victories. The Seahawks topped Coastal Carolina with a 3-1 result. Two former Academy players provided offense for UNCW. Kalvin Kromer scored and Ben Fisher notched an assist. Duke powered past Elon with a 1-0 result, as Will Pulisic (NCFC U23) earned another shutout in goal. NC State added a clinical 3-0 victory over Belmont. Former NCFC U23 player Ade Taiwo got on the scoresheet with a goal for the Wolfpack, and Caleb Duvernay (NCFC Youth Academy & NCFC U23) picked up an assist.

Additional Notes:

  • Josh Coan (NCFC Youth Academy & NCFC U23) helped lead Pittsburgh to a historic victory, as the Panthers defeated No. 21 Syracuse. The local product added an assist on the game-winning goal, giving Pitt its first ACC win ever. The Panthers followed up that victory with a second win over a top-25 opponent, knocking off No. 14 Columbia 1-0.
  • A brace from Jason McCartney led to a 5-2 victory for Emory over Piedmont, bringing the Eagles to 8W-2L-0D on the season. McCartney has totaled a team-high seven goals for Emory in 2017.
  • Kenneth Perkinson (NCFC Youth Academy) totaled four saves and a shutout in Winthrop’s 1-0 victory over Longwood.
  • NC Wesleyan has won four straight matches and NCFC U23 teammates Baboucarr Njie and Sheriff Secka are leading the offense for the Fighting Bishops. During the week, NC Wesleyan defeated Greensboro 4-1, while Nije contributed two assists in the win. The squad followed that victory up with a 3-2 win over Ferrum that included two goals from Secka and an assist from Njie.

NORTH CAROLINA FC PUTS FIVE PAST INDY ELEVEN IN SHUTOUT WIN

CARY, N.C. (Oct. 1, 2017) – North Carolina FC looked every bit the part of a NASL playoff contender, rolling to a resounding 5-0 victory over the Indy Eleven on Sunday afternoon at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The win was NCFC’s largest margin of victory in NASL play ever.
 
The win keeps NCFC in third place with 39 points in the combined standings, further cementing its status in a playoff position. The side has won three of its last four matches and earned four shutouts in its last five matches. The victory also stops a four-match winless streak against the Indy Eleven that dated back to 2016.

“Obviously it was a great performance with five goals, said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. "We’ve had our troubles here at home and it was nice to get the first win in front of our fans in the Fall Season in an important game. It’s pleasing to see them develop and evolve as a team and a group moving forward towards the playoffs."
 
The home side rolled to a 4-0 lead by halftime. NCFC started the offensive outburst with a goal from Renan Gorne in the 10th minute. The Brazilian notched his fourth strike of the year after getting on the end of a cross from Kareem Moses who earned his first assist of the season.
 
In the 32nd minute, Nazmi Albadawi had a give and go with Austin da Luz. Albadawi sliced through the middle of Indy’s defense and found the back corner of the net for his fourth goal of the season.
 
The attacking play continued to flow, as the third goal came three minutes later. In a true team effort, da Luz started the play by feeding Gorne on the right flank. Gorne opted to play in Steven Miller who converted the easy finish into the open net for his third goal of the year.
 
In the closing stages of the half, Albadawi was pulled down in the box and Gorne converted the chance from the spot for the brace and his fifth goal of the season. NCFC’s 4-0 lead at the half was the largest halftime lead since the side put four past Jacksonville Armada in the first half on May 30, 2015.
 
The teams played out the final 45 minutes to a quiet second half that saw Indy place one shot on goal, which Macklin Robinson saved. In the final minute, Dre Fortune ended the dominating performance with an exclamation point by scoring the fifth goal via a free kick from 20 yards out that snuck into the top corner of the goal.
 
Coming Up Next:
Due to destruction from Hurricane Maria, North Carolina FC will remain at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to face Puerto Rico FC on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Since the matchup was slated to be a home game for Puerto Rico, all tickets will be only $10 and 50% of all ticket sales will go to the hurricane relief fund that was set up by Puerto Rico FC owner Carmelo Anthony. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NCFCTix.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club box office at 919-459-8144.
 
Notes:

  • Renan Gorne added a first-half brace to reach five goals on the season.
  • Nazmi Albadawi scored his fourth goal of the season.
  • Steven Miller recorded his third goal of the season.
  • Dre Fortune tallied his third goal of the season.
  • Austin da Luz, Kareem Moses and Gorne all chipped in assists during the match.
  • NCFC’s 4-0 lead at the half was the largest halftime lead since the side put four past Jacksonville Armada in the first half on May 30, 2015.
  • Following the halftime break, Macklin Robinson made his NASL regular season debut for NCFC
  • North Carolina FC earned its first win over Indy since a 3-2 win on Aug. 20, 2016.
  • The 5-0 victory was NCFC’s largest margin of victory in NASL play ever and is the most goals scored since a 5-4 win over the New York Cosmos on Sept. 20, 2014.

 
Box Score
 
Lineups
 
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre (Macklin Robinson, 46’); Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Kareem Moses; Austin da Luz (Tiyi Shipalane, 76’), Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora (Bolu Akinyode, 65’), Nazmi Albadawi ©, Steven Miller; Renan Gorne  

Subs not used: James Marcelin, Lance Laing, Billy Schuler, Jonathan Glenn, 

IND: Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Colin Falvey © (Kwame Watson-Siriboe, 46’),
Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Craig Henderson, Brad Ring (Daniel Keller, 46’); Paulo Junior, Ben Speas (Adrian Ables, 65’), Tanner Thompson; David Goldsmith
 
Subs not used: Keith Cardona, Eamon Zayed, Don Smart, 


Score:
NCFC: 5
IND: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: Renan Gonre (Kareem Moses, 10’, 45+’), Nazmi Albadawi (Austin da Luz, 32’), Steven Miller (Renan Gorne, 35’), Dre Fortune (Unassisted, 90’) 
IND: 
 
Cautions:
NCFC: —
IND: —
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
IND: —
 
Attendance: 4,209


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CARY, N.C. (Oct. 1, 2017) – North Carolina FC looked every bit the part of a NASL playoff contender, rolling to a resounding 5-0 victory over the Indy Eleven on Sunday afternoon at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The win was NCFC’s largest margin of victory in NASL play ever.
 
The win keeps NCFC in third place with 39 points in the combined standings, further cementing its status in a playoff position. The side has won three of its last four matches and earned four shutouts in its last five matches. The victory also stops a four-match winless streak against the Indy Eleven that dated back to 2016.

“Obviously it was a great performance with five goals, said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “We’ve had our troubles here at home and it was nice to get the first win in front of our fans in the Fall Season in an important game. It’s pleasing to see them develop and evolve as a team and a group moving forward towards the playoffs.”
 
The home side rolled to a 4-0 lead by halftime. NCFC started the offensive outburst with a goal from Renan Gorne in the 10th minute. The Brazilian notched his fourth strike of the year after getting on the end of a cross from Kareem Moses who earned his first assist of the season.
 
In the 32nd minute, Nazmi Albadawi had a give and go with Austin da Luz. Albadawi sliced through the middle of Indy’s defense and found the back corner of the net for his fourth goal of the season.
 
The attacking play continued to flow, as the third goal came three minutes later. In a true team effort, da Luz started the play by feeding Gorne on the right flank. Gorne opted to play in Steven Miller who converted the easy finish into the open net for his third goal of the year.
 
In the closing stages of the half, Albadawi was pulled down in the box and Gorne converted the chance from the spot for the brace and his fifth goal of the season. NCFC’s 4-0 lead at the half was the largest halftime lead since the side put four past Jacksonville Armada in the first half on May 30, 2015.
 
The teams played out the final 45 minutes to a quiet second half that saw Indy place one shot on goal, which Macklin Robinson saved. In the final minute, Dre Fortune ended the dominating performance with an exclamation point by scoring the fifth goal via a free kick from 20 yards out that snuck into the top corner of the goal.
 
Coming Up Next:
Due to destruction from Hurricane Maria, North Carolina FC will remain at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to face Puerto Rico FC on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Since the matchup was slated to be a home game for Puerto Rico, all tickets will be only $10 and 50% of all ticket sales will go to the hurricane relief fund that was set up by Puerto Rico FC owner Carmelo Anthony. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NCFCTix.com or by calling the North Carolina Football Club box office at 919-459-8144.
 
Notes:

  • Renan Gorne added a first-half brace to reach five goals on the season.
  • Nazmi Albadawi scored his fourth goal of the season.
  • Steven Miller recorded his third goal of the season.
  • Dre Fortune tallied his third goal of the season.
  • Austin da Luz, Kareem Moses and Gorne all chipped in assists during the match.
  • NCFC’s 4-0 lead at the half was the largest halftime lead since the side put four past Jacksonville Armada in the first half on May 30, 2015.
  • Following the halftime break, Macklin Robinson made his NASL regular season debut for NCFC
  • North Carolina FC earned its first win over Indy since a 3-2 win on Aug. 20, 2016.
  • The 5-0 victory was NCFC’s largest margin of victory in NASL play ever and is the most goals scored since a 5-4 win over the New York Cosmos on Sept. 20, 2014.

 
Box Score
 
Lineups
 
NCFC: Brian Sylvestre (Macklin Robinson, 46’); Paul Black, Connor Tobin, Christian Ibeagha, Kareem Moses; Austin da Luz (Tiyi Shipalane, 76’), Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora (Bolu Akinyode, 65’), Nazmi Albadawi ©, Steven Miller; Renan Gorne  

Subs not used: James Marcelin, Lance Laing, Billy Schuler, Jonathan Glenn, 

IND: Jon Busch; Nemanja Vukovic, Colin Falvey © (Kwame Watson-Siriboe, 46’),
Cory Miller, Marco Franco; Craig Henderson, Brad Ring (Daniel Keller, 46’); Paulo Junior, Ben Speas (Adrian Ables, 65’), Tanner Thompson; David Goldsmith
 
Subs not used: Keith Cardona, Eamon Zayed, Don Smart, 


Score:
NCFC: 5
IND: 0
 
Goals:
NCFC: Renan Gonre (Kareem Moses, 10’, 45+’), Nazmi Albadawi (Austin da Luz, 32’), Steven Miller (Renan Gorne, 35’), Dre Fortune (Unassisted, 90’) 
IND: 
 
Cautions:
NCFC: —
IND: —
 
Ejections:
NCFC: —
IND: —
 
Attendance: 4,209


###

CAPITAL AREA RAILHAWKS ACADEMY TEAMS SET FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYOFFS

North Carolina FC, the most comprehensive youth-to-professional soccer club in the United States, has qualified both its U16 and U18 Academy teams for the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy Playoffs group stage from June 22-26 at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. The tournament features the top youth teams in the country and has been a platform for academies to step into the national spotlight.

The Capital Area RailHawks are one of 23 academy clubs to qualify both its U16 and U18 teams for the playoffs.

“To have both our 16/18’s qualified to compete in the US Soccer Development Academy Playoffs again in 2017 is a special accomplishment that we as a program are very proud of,” said Capital Area RailHawks Academy Director John Bradford. “This is a testament to the dedication of our players, families, and staff throughout the year. We are thrilled to be one of only 23 clubs in the country that qualified both age groups and even more proud to have placed both groups in the top 10 in the U.S. heading into the competition.”

The U16s enter the competiton as the No. 6 overall seed and the top seed in Group D. The team is paired with Bethesda SC, Real So Cal and Oakwood Soccer Club. The U16 RailHawks finished second in the Southeast Division with a 18-5-7 record for 61 points. The U16s will have its game against Real So Cal on June 24 at 3:30 p.m. broadcast live on the Developmental Academy Facebook page here.

The U18s were drawn into Group F along with MLS academy teams from Chicago Fire and Colorado Rapids. The Baltimore Armour is the top seed in the group and is ranked eighth nationally. The U18 RailHawks finished third in the Southeast Division with a 19-5-6 record for 63 points, earning the ninth overall seed.

Following the group stages, the eight group winners will advance to the knockout round (hosted by the higher seed) on July 6. The winners from the knockout round will advance to the Development Academy Championships in Carson, Calif. on July 14-16.

Both teams are aiming for a successful showing on the national stage. 

“Each year when our teams go to playoffs, we have high hopes of our teams performing well. This year, we have a firm belief within both groups that we can advance out of our group and progress towards a national championship,” Bradford added. “Our staff and players have been preparing tirelessly to be able to execute our style of soccer in Indianapolis and represent our program to the highest standard. We look forward to taking the event game by game and enjoying the process as we go. For our 16A, this represents an opportunity to continue their individual and team development after a strong spring season and resume taking positive steps in the right direction. For the majority of the 18A players, this represents the culmination of their youth soccer careers and I know they intend to give their best efforts for themselves, each other, and the program.”
 
U16 Group D Preview
The U16 Capital Area RailHawks headline Group D as the top seed. The team earned its national seed with strong play throughout the regular season, securing points from 25 of its 30 contests, while posting a goal differential of +29. They will face off against No. 10 national seed and East Atlantic champions Bethesda SC, as well as wildcard opponents Real So Cal and Oakwood Soccer Club.

U18 Group F Preview                                                                                                                                                           
The U18 Capital Area RailHawks enter the playoffs as the most dangerous attacking unit in the country. The team has scored 104 goals this season, 12 goals more than the next closest team. Baltimore enters the competition as the top seed in the group, just one spot higher in the national rankings than the RailHawks. MLS academies from Chicago and Colorado round out the group. Both teams advanced to the group stage via the wildcard pool.
 
Academy Playoffs Schedule:

U18:
June 22nd 6:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Chicago Fire
June 24th 6:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Colorado Rapids
June 26th 6:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Baltimore Armour

U16:
June 22nd 3:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Oakwood Soccer Club
June 24th 3:30 p.m. Capital Area Railhawks vs. Real So Cal (Watch Live)
June 26th 3:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Bethesda SC

North Carolina FC, the most comprehensive youth-to-professional soccer club in the United States, has qualified both its U16 and U18 Academy teams for the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy Playoffs group stage from June 22-26 at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. The tournament features the top youth teams in the country and has been a platform for academies to step into the national spotlight.

The Capital Area RailHawks are one of 23 academy clubs to qualify both its U16 and U18 teams for the playoffs.

“To have both our 16/18’s qualified to compete in the US Soccer Development Academy Playoffs again in 2017 is a special accomplishment that we as a program are very proud of,” said Capital Area RailHawks Academy Director John Bradford. “This is a testament to the dedication of our players, families, and staff throughout the year. We are thrilled to be one of only 23 clubs in the country that qualified both age groups and even more proud to have placed both groups in the top 10 in the U.S. heading into the competition.”

The U16s enter the competiton as the No. 6 overall seed and the top seed in Group D. The team is paired with Bethesda SC, Real So Cal and Oakwood Soccer Club. The U16 RailHawks finished second in the Southeast Division with a 18-5-7 record for 61 points. The U16s will have its game against Real So Cal on June 24 at 3:30 p.m. broadcast live on the Developmental Academy Facebook page here.

The U18s were drawn into Group F along with MLS academy teams from Chicago Fire and Colorado Rapids. The Baltimore Armour is the top seed in the group and is ranked eighth nationally. The U18 RailHawks finished third in the Southeast Division with a 19-5-6 record for 63 points, earning the ninth overall seed.

Following the group stages, the eight group winners will advance to the knockout round (hosted by the higher seed) on July 6. The winners from the knockout round will advance to the Development Academy Championships in Carson, Calif. on July 14-16.

Both teams are aiming for a successful showing on the national stage. 

“Each year when our teams go to playoffs, we have high hopes of our teams performing well. This year, we have a firm belief within both groups that we can advance out of our group and progress towards a national championship,” Bradford added. “Our staff and players have been preparing tirelessly to be able to execute our style of soccer in Indianapolis and represent our program to the highest standard. We look forward to taking the event game by game and enjoying the process as we go. For our 16A, this represents an opportunity to continue their individual and team development after a strong spring season and resume taking positive steps in the right direction. For the majority of the 18A players, this represents the culmination of their youth soccer careers and I know they intend to give their best efforts for themselves, each other, and the program.”
 
U16 Group D Preview
The U16 Capital Area RailHawks headline Group D as the top seed. The team earned its national seed with strong play throughout the regular season, securing points from 25 of its 30 contests, while posting a goal differential of +29. They will face off against No. 10 national seed and East Atlantic champions Bethesda SC, as well as wildcard opponents Real So Cal and Oakwood Soccer Club.

U18 Group F Preview                                                                                                                                                           
The U18 Capital Area RailHawks enter the playoffs as the most dangerous attacking unit in the country. The team has scored 104 goals this season, 12 goals more than the next closest team. Baltimore enters the competition as the top seed in the group, just one spot higher in the national rankings than the RailHawks. MLS academies from Chicago and Colorado round out the group. Both teams advanced to the group stage via the wildcard pool.
 
Academy Playoffs Schedule:

U18:
June 22nd 6:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Chicago Fire
June 24th 6:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Colorado Rapids
June 26th 6:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Baltimore Armour

U16:
June 22nd 3:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Oakwood Soccer Club
June 24th 3:30 p.m. Capital Area Railhawks vs. Real So Cal (Watch Live)
June 26th 3:30 p.m. Capital Area RailHawks vs. Bethesda SC

North Carolina Courage Defeat the Portland Thorns 1-0 in Inaugural Home Opener

Cary, NC (April 22, 2017)– The North Carolina Courage (2W-0L-0T; 6 pts) played to an impressive 1-0 win in their inaugural home opener on Saturday night against the Portland Thorns (1W-1L-0T; 3 pts) at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Debinha scored the club’s first home goal in history in the 81st minute with a running header after she found Jessica McDonald’s cross.
 
After both teams settled in, the NC Courage had their first opportunity in the 7thminute, as they earned a free kick, which McDonald took from the right wing.
 
Though McDonald was unable to convert, the Courage got another quality chance nine minutes later, as McCall Zerboni, who scored the Courage’s first ever goal last weekend against the Washington Spirit, had a powerful shot from a distance that veered wide.
 
The Courage continued to apply pressure, as McDonald had another opportunity in the 19th minute with a header from the left side of the six-yard box that missed just left.
 
In the 30th minute, the Courage were just inches away, as Debinha nearly netted a goal off a bicycle kick, following a cross from Lynn Williams and a shot from Makenzy Doniak, creating chaos in the box.
 
Williams was causing trouble, as she had consecutive chances in the 39th and 42ndminutes, with one shot going high and wide, and the other forcing Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch to make a save.
 
Though halftime came and the match remained scoreless, the Courage outshot the Thorns 9-2. Additionally, the Courage held about 60 percent of possession in the first half.
 
After returning from halftime, the Courage were incredibly close to netting their first goal at Sahlen’s Stadium in the 55th minute. Sam Mewis forced Franch to make a save, however, the ball dribbled out of her hands and a charging Williams nearly slipped the ball past the keeper, but the play was called offside.
 
It was Williams again in the 59th minute, as the forward made a run with a through ball, but her shot went slightly wide.
 
Another opportunity for North Carolina came in the 74th minute, as a Portland hand ball in the box resulted in a penalty kick that was taken by Sam Mewis, but Franch was able to smother the ball.
 
Finally, the Courage were rewarded for their persistence, as Debinha scored the team’s first goal at Sahlen’s Stadium in the 81st minute. The Brazilian midfielder found a cross from McDonald, and with a running header, slotted the ball past Franch.
 
Overall, the Courage outshot the Thorns 14-2 and picked up all three points from the home win that kept them currently unbeaten in the regular season.
 

Notes: 

  • This was Debinha’s first goal in 2017 and first with the NC Courage.
  • Jessica McDonald recorded her first assist of the season. She recorded a total of seven in 2016.
  • Abby Erceg returned to the lineup after missing the first game of the season due to injury.
  • Ashley Hatch made her professional debut coming on for Jessica McDonald in the 89th minute.

 
Lineups:
NC Courage: Sabrina D’Angelo; Jaelene Hinkle, Abby Erceg ©, Abby Dahlkemper, Yuri Kawamura; McCall Zerboni, Sam Mewis, Debinha (Rosana,85’), Makenzy Doniak (Taylor Smith, 77); Lynn Williams, Jessica McDonald (Ashley Hatch, 89’)
 
Subs not used: Katelyn Rowland, Meredith Speck, Sam Witteman, Kristen Hamilton
 

Portland Thorns: Adrianna Franch; Emily Sonnett, Emily Menges, Meghan Klingenberg (Meghan Cox, 46’); Amandine Henry, Lindsey Horan (Mana Shim, 77’), Allie Long, Celeste Bourielle, Nadia Nadim; Mallory Weber (Hayley Raso, 65’), Christine Sinclair  ©
 
Subs not used: Britt Eckerstrom, Meg Morris

Score:
NC: 1
POR: 0
 
Goals:
NC: Debinha (Jessica McDonald, 81’)
POR: —
 
Cautions: 
NC: Yuri Kawamura (27’), Sam Mewis (76’)
POR: —
 
Ejections:
NC: —
POR: —
 
Attendance: 6,298
 

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Cary, NC (April 22, 2017)– The North Carolina Courage (2W-0L-0T; 6 pts) played to an impressive 1-0 win in their inaugural home opener on Saturday night against the Portland Thorns (1W-1L-0T; 3 pts) at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Debinha scored the club’s first home goal in history in the 81st minute with a running header after she found Jessica McDonald’s cross.
 
After both teams settled in, the NC Courage had their first opportunity in the 7thminute, as they earned a free kick, which McDonald took from the right wing.
 
Though McDonald was unable to convert, the Courage got another quality chance nine minutes later, as McCall Zerboni, who scored the Courage’s first ever goal last weekend against the Washington Spirit, had a powerful shot from a distance that veered wide.
 
The Courage continued to apply pressure, as McDonald had another opportunity in the 19th minute with a header from the left side of the six-yard box that missed just left.
 
In the 30th minute, the Courage were just inches away, as Debinha nearly netted a goal off a bicycle kick, following a cross from Lynn Williams and a shot from Makenzy Doniak, creating chaos in the box.
 
Williams was causing trouble, as she had consecutive chances in the 39th and 42ndminutes, with one shot going high and wide, and the other forcing Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch to make a save.
 
Though halftime came and the match remained scoreless, the Courage outshot the Thorns 9-2. Additionally, the Courage held about 60 percent of possession in the first half.
 
After returning from halftime, the Courage were incredibly close to netting their first goal at Sahlen’s Stadium in the 55th minute. Sam Mewis forced Franch to make a save, however, the ball dribbled out of her hands and a charging Williams nearly slipped the ball past the keeper, but the play was called offside.
 
It was Williams again in the 59th minute, as the forward made a run with a through ball, but her shot went slightly wide.
 
Another opportunity for North Carolina came in the 74th minute, as a Portland hand ball in the box resulted in a penalty kick that was taken by Sam Mewis, but Franch was able to smother the ball.
 
Finally, the Courage were rewarded for their persistence, as Debinha scored the team’s first goal at Sahlen’s Stadium in the 81st minute. The Brazilian midfielder found a cross from McDonald, and with a running header, slotted the ball past Franch.
 
Overall, the Courage outshot the Thorns 14-2 and picked up all three points from the home win that kept them currently unbeaten in the regular season.
 

Notes: 

  • This was Debinha’s first goal in 2017 and first with the NC Courage.
  • Jessica McDonald recorded her first assist of the season. She recorded a total of seven in 2016.
  • Abby Erceg returned to the lineup after missing the first game of the season due to injury.
  • Ashley Hatch made her professional debut coming on for Jessica McDonald in the 89th minute.

 
Lineups:
NC Courage: Sabrina D’Angelo; Jaelene Hinkle, Abby Erceg ©, Abby Dahlkemper, Yuri Kawamura; McCall Zerboni, Sam Mewis, Debinha (Rosana,85’), Makenzy Doniak (Taylor Smith, 77); Lynn Williams, Jessica McDonald (Ashley Hatch, 89’)
 
Subs not used: Katelyn Rowland, Meredith Speck, Sam Witteman, Kristen Hamilton
 

Portland Thorns: Adrianna Franch; Emily Sonnett, Emily Menges, Meghan Klingenberg (Meghan Cox, 46’); Amandine Henry, Lindsey Horan (Mana Shim, 77’), Allie Long, Celeste Bourielle, Nadia Nadim; Mallory Weber (Hayley Raso, 65’), Christine Sinclair  ©
 
Subs not used: Britt Eckerstrom, Meg Morris

Score:
NC: 1
POR: 0
 
Goals:
NC: Debinha (Jessica McDonald, 81’)
POR: —
 
Cautions: 
NC: Yuri Kawamura (27’), Sam Mewis (76’)
POR: —
 
Ejections:
NC: —
POR: —
 
Attendance: 6,298
 

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North Carolina Football Club Enters into Agreement to Acquire Rights to NWSLs 2016 Champions Western New York Flash

Cary, NC (January 9, 2017)- North Carolina Football Club announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire the rights to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2016 Champion Western New York Flash. The club will be renamed North Carolina Courage (also referred to as NC Courage) and will play at WakeMed Soccer Park in the 2017 NWSL season.
 
“We are excited to be able to bring the highest level of professional women’s soccer back to the Triangle,” said North Carolina Football Club Owner, Steve Malik. “This is an important step in the plan we set forth last month, and as we continue to develop, we look forward to the continued support of our community. I would like to thank the Sahlen family for giving us the opportunity to enter into this agreement to acquire the Western New York Flash and look forward to a long and rewarding partnership as we continue to grow the women’s game in North Carolina and the nation.”
 
The North Carolina Courage crest is a nod to the history of women’s professional soccer in North Carolina, incorporating a stylized lion, a major component of the old Carolina Courage logo, while retaining the brand identity of the club’s parent organization with the signature North Carolina Football Club star and the separated triangle. Additionally, the colors mirror those of the men’s side, uniting the two teams under the North Carolina Football Club umbrella, while maintaining their individual identity.
 
Malik announced his intent to secure the awarding of an NWSL team to the Triangle within three to six months, on December 6, 2016, and this acquisition has achieved that objective in only one month’s time. As part of the deal, the players under contract will remain on the 2017 NC Courage roster. Click here for the full roster.
 
Founded by the Sahlen family in 2008 as the Buffalo Flash in the USL W-League, the North Carolina Courage (former WNY Flash) is one of the most decorated women’s professional soccer teams, winning four championships in three different leagues. Most recently, the club won the 2016 NWSL Championship on October 9 by defeating the Washington Spirit in penalty kicks.
 
Led by team captain and New Zealand international Abby Erceg, the club’s roster includes U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Sam Mewis, Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo and 2016 NWSL Golden Boot Winner and MVP Lynn Williams. Mewis, Williams and fellow teammate Jessica McDonald each earned caps with the USWNT in 2016. The three players listed, along with Taylor Smith and Jaelene Hinkle, have been recently called into the upcoming USWNT training camp set to begin on January 13, 2017.
 
“Welcoming Steve Malik and the entire North Carolina Football Club organization represents a significant milestone in the history of our league,” NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said.  “There is no question that Steve and his leadership team are well-positioned to manage the opportunities ahead of them by acquiring the WNY Flash and relaunching the club in North Carolina.  Specifically, the Triangle has long had a spectacular reputation for its wonderful fans and deep roots in the game, from major youth clubs to excellent college programs. In addition, WakeMed Soccer Park provides a world-class facility that will serve the league, the team and its fans very well.”    
 
The State of North Carolina has always been a leader in women’s soccer. It has produced several legends including Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly, Charmaine Hooper and Carla Overbeck, and UNC women’s coaching legend Anson Dorrance. The Triangle was the home of WUSA’s 2002 Founders Cup Champion Carolina Courage for three seasons before the league folded the following year.
 
North Carolina is also home to the most dominant college soccer program in history, the 22-time NCAA National Champion UNC Tar Heels. Four teams from the state participated in the 2016 Women’s College Cup including UNC-Charlotte, NC State (Third Round), Duke (Quarterfinals), and UNC-Chapel Hill (Semifinals). 
 
The North Carolina Courage will be participating in the upcoming 2017 NWSL Draft on January 12 in Los Angeles, California.
 
Season tickets for the North Carolina Courage are currently on sale. Priority seating will be given to North Carolina FC Season Ticket Members, Flex Members and individual membership holders. Please contact the North Carolina Football Club box office at 919-459-8144 to secure your spot.
 
About the NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a ten-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from around the world. The clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, FC Kansas City, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, and the Washington Spirit. Based in Chicago, the NWSL is supported by the Canadian Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation. For more information about the NWSL, log on to the league’s official website at www.NWSLsoccer.com.
 
About North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage is a professional women’s soccer team that plays in the NWSL. NC Courage, the reigning NWSL champion, plays their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. For more information, please visit www.NCCourage.com or follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
 
About North Carolina Football Club
North Carolina Football Club is the state’s largest professional soccer organization and is the parent organization of North Carolina FC (NASL) and North Carolina Courage (NWSL). The organization is owned by local entrepreneur, Steve Malik, and managed by North Carolina native and longtime soccer executive Curt Johnson. North Carolina Football Club was established in 2016 to bring the highest levels of men’s and women’s professional soccer to the state. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

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Cary, NC (January 9, 2017)- North Carolina Football Club announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire the rights to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2016 Champion Western New York Flash. The club will be renamed North Carolina Courage (also referred to as NC Courage) and will play at WakeMed Soccer Park in the 2017 NWSL season.
 
“We are excited to be able to bring the highest level of professional women’s soccer back to the Triangle,” said North Carolina Football Club Owner, Steve Malik. “This is an important step in the plan we set forth last month, and as we continue to develop, we look forward to the continued support of our community. I would like to thank the Sahlen family for giving us the opportunity to enter into this agreement to acquire the Western New York Flash and look forward to a long and rewarding partnership as we continue to grow the women’s game in North Carolina and the nation.”
 
The North Carolina Courage crest is a nod to the history of women’s professional soccer in North Carolina, incorporating a stylized lion, a major component of the old Carolina Courage logo, while retaining the brand identity of the club’s parent organization with the signature North Carolina Football Club star and the separated triangle. Additionally, the colors mirror those of the men’s side, uniting the two teams under the North Carolina Football Club umbrella, while maintaining their individual identity.
 
Malik announced his intent to secure the awarding of an NWSL team to the Triangle within three to six months, on December 6, 2016, and this acquisition has achieved that objective in only one month’s time. As part of the deal, the players under contract will remain on the 2017 NC Courage roster. Click here for the full roster.
 
Founded by the Sahlen family in 2008 as the Buffalo Flash in the USL W-League, the North Carolina Courage (former WNY Flash) is one of the most decorated women’s professional soccer teams, winning four championships in three different leagues. Most recently, the club won the 2016 NWSL Championship on October 9 by defeating the Washington Spirit in penalty kicks.
 
Led by team captain and New Zealand international Abby Erceg, the club’s roster includes U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Sam Mewis, Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo and 2016 NWSL Golden Boot Winner and MVP Lynn Williams. Mewis, Williams and fellow teammate Jessica McDonald each earned caps with the USWNT in 2016. The three players listed, along with Taylor Smith and Jaelene Hinkle, have been recently called into the upcoming USWNT training camp set to begin on January 13, 2017.
 
“Welcoming Steve Malik and the entire North Carolina Football Club organization represents a significant milestone in the history of our league,” NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said.  “There is no question that Steve and his leadership team are well-positioned to manage the opportunities ahead of them by acquiring the WNY Flash and relaunching the club in North Carolina.  Specifically, the Triangle has long had a spectacular reputation for its wonderful fans and deep roots in the game, from major youth clubs to excellent college programs. In addition, WakeMed Soccer Park provides a world-class facility that will serve the league, the team and its fans very well.”    
 
The State of North Carolina has always been a leader in women’s soccer. It has produced several legends including Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly, Charmaine Hooper and Carla Overbeck, and UNC women’s coaching legend Anson Dorrance. The Triangle was the home of WUSA’s 2002 Founders Cup Champion Carolina Courage for three seasons before the league folded the following year.
 
North Carolina is also home to the most dominant college soccer program in history, the 22-time NCAA National Champion UNC Tar Heels. Four teams from the state participated in the 2016 Women’s College Cup including UNC-Charlotte, NC State (Third Round), Duke (Quarterfinals), and UNC-Chapel Hill (Semifinals). 
 
The North Carolina Courage will be participating in the upcoming 2017 NWSL Draft on January 12 in Los Angeles, California.
 
Season tickets for the North Carolina Courage are currently on sale. Priority seating will be given to North Carolina FC Season Ticket Members, Flex Members and individual membership holders. Please contact the North Carolina Football Club box office at 919-459-8144 to secure your spot.
 
About the NWSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a ten-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from around the world. The clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, FC Kansas City, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, and the Washington Spirit. Based in Chicago, the NWSL is supported by the Canadian Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation. For more information about the NWSL, log on to the league’s official website at www.NWSLsoccer.com.
 
About North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage is a professional women’s soccer team that plays in the NWSL. NC Courage, the reigning NWSL champion, plays their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. For more information, please visit www.NCCourage.com or follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
 
About North Carolina Football Club
North Carolina Football Club is the state’s largest professional soccer organization and is the parent organization of North Carolina FC (NASL) and North Carolina Courage (NWSL). The organization is owned by local entrepreneur, Steve Malik, and managed by North Carolina native and longtime soccer executive Curt Johnson. North Carolina Football Club was established in 2016 to bring the highest levels of men’s and women’s professional soccer to the state. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

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