NCFC U-23s

North Carolina Football Club Talent Seen Across NCAA Tournament

Monday afternoon, the NCAA released the 48-team field for the 2019 Division I Men's Soccer Championship, which will conclude with the College Cup at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park from Dec. 13-15 (broadcast on ESPNU). North Carolina Football Club connections are seen throughout the field, as 10 of the schools participating in the tournament collectively feature 25 players from NCFC Youth, NCFC Youth Academy or NCFC U23.

The state of North Carolina is sending four schools to the tournament, as No. 4 Wake Forest, N.C. Sate, Campbell and Charlotte each qualified.

The Atlantic Coast Conference, which held its conference title match between Virginia and Clemson at WakeMed Soccer Park this past Sunday, has a record-setting 10 teams playing in the tournament, the most ever from a single conference.

View the full bracket here and purchase your tickets to the College Cup now!

Teams with North Carolina Football Club ties:

NC State (vs. Coastal Carolina, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

David Loera (NCFC U23)

Vincent Durand (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

Sheldon China (NCFC Youth Academy)

Eleo Domingos (NCFC Youth Academy)

Aidan Foster (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

James Orozco (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

Jose Morales Jr. (NCFC Youth Academy)

David Merola (NCFC Youth Academy)

Bailey O’Connor (NCFC Youth Academy)

Harry Adanuty (NCFC Youth Academy)

Charlotte (vs. Mercer, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Delasi Batse (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

MacLean Holbrook (NCFC Youth Academy)

Preston Popp (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

Austin Mullins (NCFC Youth Academy)

Campbell (at James Madison, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Braden Teller (NCFC Youth)

Peter Gilder (NCFC Youth)

Kentucky (vs. Loyola Chicago, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Jackson Hawthorne (NCFC Youth Academy)

Robert Screen (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

No. 3 Georgetown (First Round Bye)

Daniel Wu (NCFC Youth Academy)

Witt Conger (NCFC Youth Academy)

Denver (at Missouri State, Nov. 21, 8 p.m.)

William Palmquist (NCFC U23)

No. 2 Clemson (First Round Bye)

George Marks (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23, NCFC First Team)

Lehigh (at Pittsburgh, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Tyler Dressman (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

No. 10 Virginia Tech (First Round Bye)

James Kasak (NCFC U23)

Providence (vs. NJIT, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Cameron Revels (NCFC Youth Academy)

Monday afternoon, the NCAA released the 48-team field for the 2019 Division I Men’s Soccer Championship, which will conclude with the College Cup at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park from Dec. 13-15 (broadcast on ESPNU). North Carolina Football Club connections are seen throughout the field, as 10 of the schools participating in the tournament collectively feature 25 players from NCFC Youth, NCFC Youth Academy or NCFC U23.

The state of North Carolina is sending four schools to the tournament, as No. 4 Wake Forest, N.C. Sate, Campbell and Charlotte each qualified.

View the full bracket here and purchase your tickets to the College Cup now!

Teams with North Carolina Football Club ties:

NC State (vs. Coastal Carolina, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

David Loera (NCFC U23)

Vincent Durand (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

Sheldon China (NCFC Youth Academy)

Eleo Domingos (NCFC Youth Academy)

Aidan Foster (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

James Orozco (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

Jose Morales Jr. (NCFC Youth Academy)

David Merola (NCFC Youth Academy)

Bailey O’Connor (NCFC Youth Academy)

Harry Adanuty (NCFC Youth Academy)

Charlotte (vs. Mercer, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Delasi Batse (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

MacLean Holbrook (NCFC Youth Academy)

Preston Popp (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

Austin Mullins (NCFC Youth Academy)

Campbell (at James Madison, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Braden Teller (NCFC Youth)

Peter Gilder (NCFC Youth)

Kentucky (vs. Loyola Chicago, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Jackson Hawthorne (NCFC Youth Academy)

Robert Screen (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

No. 3 Georgetown (First Round Bye)

Daniel Wu (NCFC Youth Academy)

Witt Conger (NCFC Youth Academy)

Denver (at Missouri State, Nov. 21, 8 p.m.)

William Palmquist (NCFC U23)

No. 2 Clemson (First Round Bye)

George Marks (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23, NCFC First Team)

Lehigh (at Pittsburgh, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Tyler Dressman (NCFC Youth Academy, NCFC U23)

No. 10 Virginia Tech (First Round Bye)

James Kasak (NCFC U23)

Providence (vs. NJIT, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.)

Cameron Revels (NCFC Youth Academy)

Season tickets for North Carolina FC’s 2020 season are on sale now. Click here to learn more about season tickets or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144 to speak with a ticket representative.

North Carolina FC Signs Academy Product Ryan Spaulding

CARY, N.C.. (Sept. 20, 2019) – North Carolina FC has signed former NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23 standout Ryan Spaulding to a contract through the end of the 2019 season pending federation approval, the club announced on Friday.

A Cary native, the 21-year-old midfielder played for the NCFC Academy U16 and U18 teams as a youngster. In the summer before his sophomore season at UNC Charlotte, Spaulding led NCFC U23 in scoring with five goals during the 2017 PDL (now known as USL League 2) campaign.

In two seasons at UNC Charlotte, Spaulding scored three goals and recorded two assists in 32 appearances, as he helped the 49ers win the 2016 Conference USA regular-season title and reach the 2017 Conference USA Tournament Championship game.

In January 2018, Spaulding went to Europe to play for French club Stade Briochin, where he made nine appearances and played 209 minutes with the fourth-division outfit.

With the addition of Spaulding, NCFC’s squad now features five Academy products and four former NCFC U23 players, further evidence of the club’s fruitful youth-to-pro pipeline.

Spaulding will be available for selection when NCFC plays at the Charleston Battery on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (match broadcast on WRAL2) before returning home to host Ottawa Fury FC on Sat., Sept. 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET. For tickets and information please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.

Player Profile:

Name: Ryan Spaulding

Position: Midfielder

Birthdate: 09/10/1998 (Age 21)

Birthplace: Cary, N.C.

Height: 5’7”

Weight: 150 lbs.

Citizenship: American

Robert Screen of NCFC U23 Named 2019 Farouk Bseiso Award Winner

CARY, N.C. (Aug. 5, 2019) – North Carolina Football Club has named North Carolina FC U23 player Robert Screen the winner of the 2019 Farouk Bseiso Award for his exemplary dedication and commitment to the success of the NCFC U23 program during the 2019 season. The award honors the legacy of former NCFC U23 player Farouk Bseiso, who passed away in 2014.

Bseiso played with the club’s U23 squad for three years, including the 2011 USASA U-23 championship team. He was also a four-year letter winner with the NC State men’s soccer program from 2008-11 and served as a team captain of the Wolfpack in 2011.

Screen, a product of the NCFC Youth Academy and a Raleigh native, was recognized at halftime of the NCFC-Indy Eleven match at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Aug. 3.

Screen, who is entering his sophomore season at the University of Kentucky, played a crucial role in the midfield for NCFC U23, as the team finished in second place in the South Atlantic Division. Screen finished with a team-high five goals in 13 matches and also led the team in minutes played (990). Throughout the summer, Screen has also spent time training with the NCFC senior team.

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North Carolina FC's Adam Armour Named to U.S. U-17 National Team

CHICAGO (July 23, 2019) – North Carolina FC’s Adam Armour has been included in the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team squad for a domestic training camp at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. from July 26 to Aug. 7.

The 16-year-old Armour is currently on an academy contract with NCFC and also plays for the NCFC Academy’s U-18/19 squad and the NCFC U23 team, a leading example of the club’s youth-to-pro pipeline.

Fourteen players return from the USA’s 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship squad that clinched a record 17th qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in May. Earlier this month, the U.S. was drawn into Group D for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil alongside Senegal, Japan and the Netherlands.

U.S. U-17 MNT Roster by Position (Club; Hometown)
GOALKEEPERS (4): Aaron Cervantes (Orange County Soccer Club; Chino Hills, Calif.), Bryan Dowd (FC United; Willow Springs, Ill.), Damian Las (Chicago Fire; Norridge, Ill.), Seth Wilson (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas)

DEFENDERS (10): Axel Alejandre (FC United; Chicago, Ill.), Sebastian Anderson (Colorado Rapids; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Adam Armour (North Carolina FC; Cary, N.C.), Nicolas Carrera (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas), Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Tayvon Gray (New York City FC; Bronx, N.Y.), Kobe Hernandez (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Mason Judge (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Tampa, Fla.), Joshua Ramsey (Solar Soccer Club; Plano, Texas), Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City FC/ENG; Plano, Texas)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Maximilian Dietz (SC Freiburg/GER; Frankfurt, Germany), Ethan Dobbelaere (Seattle Sounders FC; Seattle, Wash.), Gilbert Fuentes (San Jose Earthquakes; Tracy, Calif.), Bryang Kayo (D.C. United; Poolesville, Md.), Daniel Leyva (Seattle Sounders FC; Las Vegas, Nev.), Adam Saldana (LA Galaxy; Panorama City, Calif.)

FORWARDS (6): Jack de Vries (Philadelphia Union; Wayne, Pa.), Tyler Freeman (Sporting Kansas City; Shawnee, Kan.), Andres Jasson (New York City FC; Greenwich, Conn.), Noah Jones (RB Leipzig/GER; Berlin, Germany), Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez (Seattle Sounders FC; Kent, Wash.), Griffin Yow (D.C. United; Clifton, Va.)

Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 are age-eligible for the U-17 World Cup. Wicky has called 23 players born in 2002 and three born in 2003: defender Mauricio Cuevas, midfielder Daniel Leyva and forward Tyler Freeman.

The U-17s will face two USL Championship teams during its training camp in Southern California: Orange County Soccer Club on July 31 at 11:30 a.m. at the Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif. and LA Galaxy II on Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park. Both matches will be open to the public.

Twenty-four of the 26 players headed to Carson have spent at least one season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Many just wrapped up postseason campaigns with their clubs at the Academy Playoffs and Championships. Defender Tayvon Gray and midfielder Andres Jasson helped New York City FC U-18/19 to its second-straight national title, while defender Joshua Ramsey helped Solar Soccer Club U-16/17 to the Academy Championship.

ROSTER NOTES:
•   Eighteen clubs are represented on the roster, with 22 players coming from domestic teams and four based abroad: Germany (three), England (one).
•   The most players come from LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC with three players each. D.C. United, FC Dallas, FC United (Chicago) and New York City FC each have two players on the roster.
•   Goalkeeper Seth Wilson, defenders Nicolas Carrera, Jonathan Tomkinson and Joshua Ramsey as well as forward Noah Jones make their camp debut with the U-17s. Defender Sebastian Anderson was called into camp before the 2018 Nike International Friendlies but did not make the final tournament roster.
•   Dating back to the 2017 Nike International Friendlies, defenders Axel Alejandre and Adam Saldana along with goalkeeper Damian Las have appeared in all 11 U-17 camps this cycle.
•   Thirteen players have logged pro minutes this season in MLS, USL Championship or USL League 1.
•   Three players have made pro debuts since May’s Concacaf U-17 Championship. Mauricio Cuevas earned his first pro start with LA Galaxy II on May 30 vs. Tacoma, Daniel Leyva made his first MLS start for Seattle on June 6 vs. Montreal and Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez made his MLS debut for Seattle on June 30 vs. Vancouver.
•   Anderson scored his first MLS goal on July 21 vs. New York City.
•   Goalkeeper Aaron Cervantes has started the last two games for Orange County SC, keeping a clean sheet against San Antonio on July 21.
•   Forward Tyler Freeman scored his first pro goal on July 18 for Swope Park Rangers vs. Hartford.
•   Defender Jonathan Tomkinson recently completed a move from Solar Soccer Club to England’s Norwich City.

ACADEMY NOTES:
•   Twenty-three of 26 players played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy during the recently-concluded 2018-19 season [2019 Award Winners].
•   Kobe Hernandez was named DA West Conference Player of the Year.
•   Andres Jasson took home the Golden Boot at the U-18/19 Academy Playoffs as the postseason’s leading scorer, helping NYCFC to back-to-back national titles.
•   Five players were named to conference Best XI’s: defenders Adam Armour and Tayvon Gray plus midfielder Bryang Kayo (East), defender Jonathan Tomkinson (Central) and defenders Mauricio Cuevas and Hernandez (West).
•   Cuevas, Hernandez and midfielder Adam Saldana helped LA Galaxy U-16/17 to the Academy semifinals.

NCFC U23's' Three-Match Winning Streak Comes to End at Tobacco Road FC

Durham, N.C. (July 6, 2019) – Despite goals from Cam Holbrook and Robert Screen, NCFC U23 saw its three-match winning streak come to an end Saturday night, as it found itself on the wrong end of a 4-2 result at Tobacco Road FC.

With one match remaining in the USL League 2 regular season, NCFC U23 holds a 7W-6L-0D record (21 points).

The youth-to-pro pipeline was evident Saturday, with eight current or former members of the NCFC Youth Academy named in the starting lineup and an additional six included on the bench.

On a night where NCFC U23 created a bevy of chances, the opening goal came early. In just the seventh minute, Cam Holbrook gave NCFC U23 its first lead of the game. Making a run toward goal, Holbrook, of Appalachian State, tapped in Alex Rose’s on-target cross from just a few yards out, as there was nothing Tobacco Road goalkeeper Zac Scott could do.

After Tobacco Road drew even, NCFC nearly regained the lead in the 28th minute with a duplicate of its opening goal, with Rose, of UNC, once again setting up Holbrook. Only this time, Holbrook was unlucky to see his close-range effort deflect off the crossbar.

Despite having an advantage in chances created, NCFC found itself trailing 2-1 at halftime, as Tobacco Road took the lead in the 34th minute.

But head coach Tom Harris’ team eagerly searched for an equalizer out of the break, and one came in the 56th minute. Robert Screen converted from the penalty spot to make it a 2-2 game after Tobacco Road's Tyler Agiovlassits was shown a red card for taking down Preston Popp, who was in on goal after dispossessing Agiovlassits of the ball. The goal was the second in as many games for Screen, a University of Kentucky product.

Against the run of play, Tobacco Road regained the lead in the 73rd minute on a penalty kick and would eventually add one more goal.

Moving forward, NCFC U23 concludes the regular season with an away match against NC Fusion U23 on Wednesday, July 10, at Macpherson Stadium at 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

TRFC: Zac Scott; Matthew Cuttler, Vincente Gallardo, Tyler Agiovlassits, William Ramirez; Antonio Lopez (Charles Williams, 75’), Javier Alcarria (Ibrahim Diouf, 91’), Joaquin del Rosario Ludovic Rocha, 65’); Taff Wadda, Pol Monells, Dario Pavon (Quinton Kipara, 80’)

Subs not used: James Johnson, Emmanuel Petrov

NCFC U23: Will Pulisic; David Mejia (Orlin Roque, 80’), Tyler Dressman (Delasi Batse, 46’), Aidan Foster, Adam Armour; Mauricio Pineda, Ricardo Yofre (Gabe Mercer, 46’), Robert Screen; Jeremy Kelly, Cam Holbrook (Preston Popp, 46’), Alex Rose

Subs not used: Trace Alphin, Aidan Whitlock

Score
TRFC: 4
NCFC U23: 2

Goals:
TRFC: Taff Wadda (unassisted, 14’), Taff Wadda (unassisted, 34’), Taff Wadda (penalty, 73’), Dario Pavon (Taff Wadda, 76’)
NCFC U23: Cam Holbrook (Alex Rose, 7’), Robert Screen (penalty, 56’)

Cautions:
TRFC: –
NCFC U23: – Aidan Foster, 43’; David Mejia, 52’

Ejections:
TRFC: Tyler Agiovlassits, 55’
NCFC U23: –

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Durham, N.C. (July 6, 2019) – Despite goals from Cam Holbrook and Robert Screen, NCFC U23 saw its three-match winning streak come to an end Saturday night, as it found itself on the wrong end of a 4-2 result at Tobacco Road FC.

With one match remaining in the USL League 2 regular season, NCFC U23 holds a 7W-6L-0D record (21 points).

The youth-to-pro pipeline was evident Saturday, with eight current or former members of the NCFC Youth Academy named in the starting lineup and an additional six included on the bench.

On a night where NCFC U23 created a bevy of chances, the opening goal came early. In just the seventh minute, Cam Holbrook gave NCFC U23 its first lead of the game. Making a run toward goal, Holbrook, of Appalachian State, tapped in Alex Rose’s on-target cross from just a few yards out, as there was nothing Tobacco Road goalkeeper Zac Scott could do.

After Tobacco Road drew even, NCFC nearly regained the lead in the 28th minute with a duplicate of its opening goal, with Rose, of UNC, once again setting up Holbrook. Only this time, Holbrook was unlucky to see his close-range effort deflect off the crossbar.

Despite having an advantage in chances created, NCFC found itself trailing 2-1 at halftime, as Tobacco Road took the lead in the 34th minute.

But head coach Tom Harris’ team eagerly searched for an equalizer out of the break, and one came in the 56th minute. Robert Screen converted from the penalty spot to make it a 2-2 game after Tobacco Road’s Tyler Agiovlassits was shown a red card for taking down Preston Popp, who was in on goal after dispossessing Agiovlassits of the ball. The goal was the second in as many games for Screen, a University of Kentucky product.

Against the run of play, Tobacco Road regained the lead in the 73rd minute on a penalty kick and would eventually add one more goal.

Moving forward, NCFC U23 concludes the regular season with an away match against NC Fusion U23 on Wednesday, July 10, at Macpherson Stadium at 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

TRFC: Zac Scott; Matthew Cuttler, Vincente Gallardo, Tyler Agiovlassits, William Ramirez; Antonio Lopez (Charles Williams, 75’), Javier Alcarria (Ibrahim Diouf, 91’), Joaquin del Rosario Ludovic Rocha, 65’); Taff Wadda, Pol Monells, Dario Pavon (Quinton Kipara, 80’)

Subs not used: James Johnson, Emmanuel Petrov

NCFC U23: Will Pulisic; David Mejia (Orlin Roque, 80’), Tyler Dressman (Delasi Batse, 46’), Aidan Foster, Adam Armour; Mauricio Pineda, Ricardo Yofre (Gabe Mercer, 46’), Robert Screen; Jeremy Kelly, Cam Holbrook (Preston Popp, 46’), Alex Rose

Subs not used: Trace Alphin, Aidan Whitlock

Score
TRFC: 4
NCFC U23: 2

Goals:
TRFC: Taff Wadda (unassisted, 14’), Taff Wadda (unassisted, 34’), Taff Wadda (penalty, 73’), Dario Pavon (Taff Wadda, 76’)
NCFC U23: Cam Holbrook (Alex Rose, 7’), Robert Screen (penalty, 56’)

Cautions:
TRFC: –
NCFC U23: – Aidan Foster, 43’; David Mejia, 52’

Ejections:
TRFC: Tyler Agiovlassits, 55’
NCFC U23: –

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NCFC U23 Earns Third-Straight Victory With 3-1 Win Over Wake FC

Cary, N.C. (July 3, 2019) – North Carolina FC U23 extended its winning streak to three matches with an impressive performance Wednesday night, defeating Wake FC 3-1 at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Head coach Tom Harris’ team now sits atop the South Atlantic Division standings with two matches remaining in the USL League 2 regular season, having improved to 7W-5L-0D (21 points) with Wednesday’s victory.

The youth-to-pro pipeline was fully displayed Wednesday, with eight current or former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in the starting lineup and an additional five featured on the bench. Former Academy standouts Robert Screen, of University of Kentucky, and Jeremy Kelly, of UNC, scored in the win, as did Gabe Mercer, a current Academy player preparing for his freshman season at UNC Wilmington.

After both teams took time to settle into the match, Screen opened up the scoring with an impressive strike from well beyond the 18-yard box. Unchallenged by any defender, Screen confidently stepped into a shot that flew into the upper right corner of the net.

NCFC U23 took a one-goal advantage into halftime, but it didn’t take long for the home team to double the advantage out of the break.

In the 50th minute, 16-year-old left back Adam Armour made a run into the box and set up Mercer, who slid in and poked his effort past Wake FC goalkeeper Nick Cournoyer. Armour, a current Academy member, has also played with the U.S. U-17 Youth National Team.

Perhaps inspired by Screen’s first-half stunner, Kelly made it a 3-0 game in the 59th minute with a long-distance strike, his second goal in as many games.

NCFC U23 goalkeeper Trace Alphin, a 16-year-old Academy player who's been included in the senior team's matchday squad twice this season, started between the posts and kept Wake FC quiet for most of the night, making numerous saves. The visitors didn’t get on the board until the 68th minute, when Francis Eto pulled one back for the visitors.

However, NCFC U23’s advantage was never in doubt, and Harris’ team was able to secure all three points.

Moving forward, NCFC U23 visits Tobacco Road FC on Saturday, July 6, at 7 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium. In the most-recent matchup between the two teams, NCFC U23 defeated Tobacco Road 2-0 in Cary on May 24.

BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: Trace Alphin; Aidan Foster, David Mejia, Tyler Dressman, Adam Armour; Sergi Nus (Jeremy Kelly, 46’), Gabe Mercer (Luke Hille, 77’), Robert Screen (Yofre Ricardo, 81’); Witt Conger (Alex Rose, 57’), James Kasak (Mauricio Pineda, 46’), Preston Popp (Camden Holbrook, 68’)

Subs not used: Will Pulisic

Wake FC: Nick Cournoyer; Johnny McNeill, Cyrus Raad, Baboucarr Njie (Zach Elston, 79’), Daniel Wright (Justin Stone, 81’), Alex Contreras; Pa-Lieu Ann, Brandon Williamson (Pablo Rodriguez-Benitez, 39’, Tiyi Shipalane ‘63), Nehe Lamtoukou, Colin Daughtry (Ade Taiwo, 59’); Francis Eto (Declan Brose, 75’)

Subs not used: Peter Gilder, Parker Norris

Score
NCFC U23: 3
Wake FC: 1

Goals:
NCFC U23: Robert Screen (unassisted, 24’), Gabe Mercer (Adam Armour, 50’), Jeremy Kelly (unassisted, 59’)
Wake FC: Francis Eto (Unassisted, 68’)

Cautions:
NCFC U23: –
Wake FC: –

Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Wake FC: –

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Cary, N.C. (July 3, 2019) – North Carolina FC U23 extended its winning streak to three matches with an impressive performance Wednesday night, defeating Wake FC 3-1 at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Head coach Tom Harris’ team now sits atop the South Atlantic Division standings with two matches remaining in the USL League 2 regular season, having improved to 7W-5L-0D (21 points) with Wednesday’s victory.

The youth-to-pro pipeline was fully displayed Wednesday, with eight current or former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in the starting lineup and an additional five featured on the bench. Former Academy standouts Robert Screen, of University of Kentucky, and Jeremy Kelly, of UNC, scored in the win, as did Gabe Mercer, a current Academy player preparing for his freshman season at UNC Wilmington.

After both teams took time to settle into the match, Screen opened up the scoring with an impressive strike from well beyond the 18-yard box. Unchallenged by any defender, Screen confidently stepped into a shot that flew into the upper right corner of the net.

NCFC U23 took a one-goal advantage into halftime, but it didn’t take long for the home team to double the advantage out of the break.

In the 50th minute, 16-year-old left back Adam Armour made a run into the box and set up Mercer, who slid in and poked his effort past Wake FC goalkeeper Nick Cournoyer. Armour, a current Academy member, has also played with the U.S. U-17 Youth National Team.

Perhaps inspired by Screen’s first-half stunner, Kelly made it a 3-0 game in the 59th minute with a long-distance strike, his second goal in as many games.

NCFC U23 goalkeeper Trace Alphin, a 16-year-old Academy player who’s been included in the senior team’s matchday squad twice this season, started between the posts and kept Wake FC quiet for most of the night, making numerous saves. The visitors didn’t get on the board until the 68th minute, when Francis Eto pulled one back for the visitors.

However, NCFC U23’s advantage was never in doubt, and Harris’ team was able to secure all three points.

Moving forward, NCFC U23 visits Tobacco Road FC on Saturday, July 6, at 7 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium. In the most-recent matchup between the two teams, NCFC U23 defeated Tobacco Road 2-0 in Cary on May 24.

BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: Trace Alphin; Aidan Foster, David Mejia, Tyler Dressman, Adam Armour; Sergi Nus (Jeremy Kelly, 46’), Gabe Mercer (Luke Hille, 77’), Robert Screen (Yofre Ricardo, 81’); Witt Conger (Alex Rose, 57’), James Kasak (Mauricio Pineda, 46’), Preston Popp (Camden Holbrook, 68’)

Subs not used: Will Pulisic

Wake FC: Nick Cournoyer; Johnny McNeill, Cyrus Raad, Baboucarr Njie (Zach Elston, 79’), Daniel Wright (Justin Stone, 81’), Alex Contreras; Pa-Lieu Ann, Brandon Williamson (Pablo Rodriguez-Benitez, 39’, Tiyi Shipalane ‘63), Nehe Lamtoukou, Colin Daughtry (Ade Taiwo, 59’); Francis Eto (Declan Brose, 75’)

Subs not used: Peter Gilder, Parker Norris

Score
NCFC U23: 3
Wake FC: 1

Goals:
NCFC U23: Robert Screen (unassisted, 24’), Gabe Mercer (Adam Armour, 50’), Jeremy Kelly (unassisted, 59’)
Wake FC: Francis Eto (Unassisted, 68’)

Cautions:
NCFC U23: –
Wake FC: –

Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Wake FC: –

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Peay, Kelly Lead NCFC U23 to 2-1 Win Over Tri-Cities Otters

Cary, NC (June 28, 2019) – North Carolina U23 won its second consecutive match and moved into first place in USL League Two’s South Atlantic Division with a 2-1 victory over Tri-Cities Otters Friday night at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

With the result, NCFC U23 improved to 6W-5L-0D (18 points) with three regular-season matches remaining.

The youth-to-pro pipeline was the center of attention Friday, with eight current or former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in the starting lineup and an additional four featured on the bench. Two of those players are forward Miles Peay and midfielder Jeremy Kelly, who both scored in Friday’s win.

It didn’t take long for NCFC U23 to get going against the Tri-Cities defense, as Peay opened up the scoring in the 9th minute. In on goal, NCFC U23 forward Witt Conger saw his shot saved by the opposing goalkeeper, Carlos Rubio, but Peay, of UNC Asheville, collected the rebound and calmly finished from close range.

Tri-Cities equalized in the 23rd minute despite an impressive save from NCFC U23 goalkeeper Will Pulisic on forward Troy Brady. After Pulisic got a piece of Brady’s shot, Stuart Hendry quickly got to the ball and headed home for the visitors.

Once the two teams were on even terms, both defenses rose to the occasion, despite good build-up play at times from both sides.

NCFC U23’s attack began to build steadily as the second half progressed, however, and Kelly, a second-half substitute, provided the game-winning goal in the 84th minute via a superb free kick. Positioned well beyond the 18-yard box, Kelly’s pacey effort bounced once before evading Rubio and finding the back of the net.

From that point on, the NCFC U23 defense remained strong and Tri-Cities never truly threatened in the game’s final stages, as the home team secured all three points.

Moving forward, NCFC U23 returns to Koka Booth Stadium for its final home match of the regular season, a rivalry game against Wake FC on Wednesday, July 3, at 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: Will Pulisic; Adam Armour (James Kasak, 69’) Aidan Foster, Tyler Dressman, Dalasi Batse; Robert Screen ©, Gabe Mercer (Jeremy Kelly, 56’), Colton Pleasants (Sergi Nus, 69’); Witt Conger (Alex Rose, 56’), Miles Peay (Preston Popp, 62’), David Mejia (Camden Holbrook, 82’)

Subs not used: Trace Alphin

Tri-Cities Otters: Carlos Rubio; James Scasserra (Drew Fulmer, 87’), Diego Thielen, George Stanley, Merveil Bilomba; Oscar Perez © (Matheus Tonon, 67’), Stuart Hendry, Luke Howson (Blake Barribeau, 46’), Taylor Gray; Troy Brady (Joshua Salinas, 77’), Pol Vassart (Marvin Made, 80’)

Subs not used: Tim Trilk, Nathan Ashburn

Score
NCFC U23: 2
Tri-Cities Otters: 1

Goals:
NCFC U23: Miles Peay (unassisted, 9’), Jeremy Kelly (unassisted, 84’)
Tri-Cities Otters: Stuart Hendry (unassisted, 23’)

Cautions:
NCFC U23: Colton Pleasants 66’
Tri-Cities Otters: Matthew Tonon 80’

Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Tri-Cities Otters: –

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Alex Rose's Brace Leads NCFC U23 to Home Win Over Virginia Beach United

Cary, N.C. (June 18, 2019) – In a battle between two teams even on points in the USL League 2 South Atlantic Division, North Carolina U23 earned an important 2-1 win over Virginia Beach United Tuesday night at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

With four games remaining in the regular season, NCFC U23 is 5W-5L-0D (15 points) and in possession of first place.

The youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly evident Tuesday, with six current and former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in head coach Tom Harris’ starting lineup and an additional six named to the bench. Among the six in the starting lineup was Alex Rose, of UNC, who recorded a brace and opened the scoring for NCFC U23 in the 24th minute.

Following a sustained period of early pressure, NCFC U23 found the back of the net for the first time when midfielder Mauricio Pineda accurately placed a pass beyond the Virginia Beach United backline, which Rose tracked down before chipping opposing goalkeeper Oliver Padilla.

After controlling the possession for much of the first half, NCFC U23 took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Out of the break, Harris’ group wasn’t content with just one goal and was eager in its pursuit for a second. Second-half substitute Jack Skahan was a nuisance on the right flanking, forcing multiple corner kicks. In the 76th minute, midfielder Miles Peay, of UNC Asheville, let off a booming shot from beyond the area that nearly produced a wonder goal but instead ricocheted off the right post.

Eventually, NCFC U23 added what proved to be a crucial second goal in the 85th minute. After controlling the ball in the 18-yard-box, Rose fired a shot past Virginia Beach United’s Padilla, giving NCFC U23 some insurance.

For much of the night, the visitors struggled against NCFC U23 goalkeeper George Marks, but ultimately got on the board with a goal in stoppage time. From that point on, NCFC U23 was able to see the result out.

Moving forward, NCFC U23 returns to action at home on Friday, June 28, against the Tri-City Otters at 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: George Marks ©; David Mejia, Zeico Harris (Aidan Foster, 46’), James Dressman, James Kazak (Parker Cross, 59’); Mauricio Pineda, Robert Screen (Alex Charles, 85’), Julian Ngoh (Miles Peay, 26’); Alex Rose, Preston Popp (Jack Skahan, 60’), Jeremy Kelly (Camden Holbrook, 68’)

Subs not used: Alex McCauley

Virginia Beach United: Oliver Padilla; Friedrich Peter, Matthew Ridley, Samuel Pollard (Adam Gannon, 46’), Joseph Barakat (Curtis Kirby, 46’); Roland Aguilera © (Zak Tom, 43’), Blake Leonetti (Oliver Peters, 82’), Luis Martinez, Guilherme Leme (Thomas White, 35’), Jesus Corona Rojas (Dimitri Roumeliotis, 67’); Donnett Sackie

Subs not used: Brett Johnson

Score
NCFC U23: 2
Virginia Beach United: 1

Goals:
NCFC U23: Alex Rose (Mauricio Pineda, 24’), Alex Rose (unassisted, 85’)
Virginia Beach United FC: Donnett Sackie (unassisted, 90+4)

Cautions:
NCFC U23: Jeremy Kelly, 68’; George Marks, 90+3.
Virginia Beach United: Dimitri Roumeliotis, 75’; Oliver Peters, 84’

Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Virginia Beach United: –

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NCFC U23 Narrowly Defeated At Wake FC

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (June 10, 2019) – Despite creating offensive pressure for the bulk of the night, North Carolina U23 found itself on the wrong end of a 1-0 result at Wake FC Monday night at Ting Park. In the 69th minute, the match was delayed because of lightning, and it took an hour and 23 minutes for play to resume.

NCFC U23, which entered the night in first place in USL League 2’s South Atlantic Division, fielded a starting lineup that included eight NCFC Academy players, including goalkeeper George Marks, who currently plays collegiately at Clemson.

It was nearly a dream start for NCFC U23, as forward Jeremy Kelly, of UNC, saw his effort off of a short corner kick curl just wide of the post.

Even after Wake FC went ahead in the sixth minute, NCFC U23 pressured the Wake FC defense for much of the opening 45 minutes but went into halftime trailing.

Head coach Tom Harris’ group continued to push for an equalizer and found itself in attacking positions, both before and after the lightning delay.

In the 85th minute, second-half substitute Alex Charles ambitiously volleyed an effort toward goal following a partial Wake FC clearance, but saw his shot go wide left, not far off frame.

In stoppage time alone, NCFC U23 amassed four corner kicks and came dangerously close to equalizing on chances by midfielder Lucas Del Rosario and forward Orlin Roque.

NCFC U23 returns to Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Virginia Beach United on June 18, at 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

Wake FC: Sean Caulfield; Hassan Pinto (Jamil Garcia, 79’), Matthew Constant, Cyrus Raad, Spencer Glass; James Ellis (Ty Shipalane, 62’), AJ Palazzolo ©, Nehemie Lamtoukou, Nije Baboucarr (Bryce Meredith, 62’), Colin Daughtry; Kuda Muskwe

Subs not used: Nicholas Cournoyer, Yannick Shad, Daniel McDonald, Sheriff Secko

NCFC U23: George Marks ©; James Kasak (Parker Cross, 46’), Tyler Dressman (Camden Holbrook, 69’), Aidan Foster, David Mejia (Alex Charles, 69’); Mauricio Pineda, Dominic Jensen (Lucas Del Rosario, 46’), Robert Screen (Kalvin Kromer, 69); Jeremy Kelly, Alex Rose, Preston Popp (Orlin Roque, 60’)

Subs not used: Will Pulisic

Score
Wake FC: 1
NCFC U23: 0

Goals:
Wake FC: James Ellis (Nije Baboucarr, 6’)
NCFC U23:

Cautions:
Wake FC: James Ellis 43’, Kuda Muskwe 68’, Bryce Meredith 83’
NCFC U23: Preston Popp 20’, Mauricio Pineda 43’, Kalvin Kromer 86’

Ejections:
Wake FC:
NCFC U23:

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Popp's Stoppage-Time Winner Leads NCFC U23 Past Lionsbridge FC 2-1

CARY, N.C. (June 7, 2019) – North Carolina FC U23 used a big performance by forward Preston Popp that included a game-winning goal four minutes into stoppage time to top Lionsbridge FC 2-1 Friday afternoon at Koka Booth Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

With the result, NCFC improved to 4W-4L-0D and now sits atop the South Atlantic Division standings in USL League 2.

The youth-to-pro pipeline was clearly illustrated on the pitch Friday, with six current and former members of the NCFC Youth Academy included in head coach Tom Harris’ starting lineup. That number included Jeremy Kelly, a forward from the University of North Carolina, who made his first appearance of the season and previously played for the NCFC senior team in 2016.

The match was originally scheduled for 7 p.m., but kickoff was moved up to 3:30 due to the threat of severe weather. Despite the time change, Harris’ players came ready to play, reflected in a clean first half in which they controlled most of the possession.

In the 10th minute, NCFC U23 goalkeeper Will Pulisic did well to gather a low-to-the-ground effort from Lionsbridge’s Thibaut Jacquel. Outside of that save, the Duke product had little to worry about in the first half.

As the first half progressed, so did the NCFC U23 attack. The best scoring opportunity of the opening 45 minutes came in the 22nd minute following a Lionsbridge foul on the edge of the area. Playing in his first game of the USL League 2 season, NCFC U23 defender Mauricio Pineda put forth a threatening free kick but the UNC standout saw his effort glance off the crossbar.

NCFC’s offensive pressure carried into the second half, and the deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute, as second-half substitute Popp set up fellow forward Alex Rose for the game’s first goal, giving NCFC U23 a 1-0 lead.

Despite controlling much of the action during the second half of play, NCFC U23 saw Lionsbridge equalize in stoppage time on a goal by Eren Elbustu.

However, there was more stoppage-time drama to come thanks to Popp. The UNC Charlotte product started a NCFC U23 counterattack that eventually led to defender Parker Cross playing in a service that Popp headed in for the match-deciding goal.

With little time remaining, NCFC U23 remained strong defensively and secured the three points.

Next up for NCFC U23 is a short drive to Ting Park in Holly Springs Monday evening, as the squad faces Wake FC. Following that matchup, NCFC returns to Koka Booth Stadium to take on Virginia Beach United on June 18.

BOX SCORE

NCFC U23: Will Pulisic; David Mejia, Delasi Batse, Aidan Foster, James Kasak; Mauricio Pineda, Robert Screen © (Dom Jensen, 60’), Colton Pleasants (Alex Charles, 75’); Julian Ngoh (Preston Popp, 46’), Jeremy Kelly (Kalvin Kromer, 87’), Alex Rose (Parker Cross, 89’)

Subs not used: George Marks, Sergi Nus

Lionsbridge FC: Rich Dearle; Charlie Ferguson, Eduardo Santana (Sam Bacon, 89’), Gideon Betz, Luke Staats ©( Jamie Gunderson, 63’); Brennen Burton (Jonah Kagen, 43’), JP Scearce, Adrian Rebollar (Rene White, 58’), Emeka Eneli (Ivan Militar, 58’); Thibaut Jacquel (Eren Elbutsu, 73’), Luke Brown

Subs not used: Jacob Reimers

Score
NCFC U23: 2
Lionsbridge FC: 1

Goals:
NCFC U23: Alex Rose (Preston Popp, 52’), Preston Popp (Parker Cross, 90+4’)
Lionsbridge FC: Eren Elbutsu (Luke Brown, 90+1’)

Cautions:
NCFC U23: Mauricio Pineda 16’, Colton Pleasants 49’
Lionsbridge FC: Eduardo Santana 12’

Ejections:
NCFC U23: —
Lionsbridge FC: —

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