September 3, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
SEVERANCE, CO – North Carolina FC fell to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on the road on Saturday night, with forward Garrett McLaughlin adding his eleventh goal of the season during the match. The Hailstorm relied on a hat trick from Trevor Amann and a goal from Lachlan McLean to see through the 4-1 victory. NCFC return to action at home on Saturday, September 9, as the squad returns to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on Central Valley Fuego FC for the final time during the regular season.
The Hailstorm opened the scoring in the 15th minute of play, capitalizing on a free kick from the right flank. Arthur Rogers took the kick, floating a cross into the NCFC box and finding the head of McLean, who registered his fourth goal of the season to give Colorado the upper hand. The Hailstorm doubled their lead in the 31st minute, as Amann slotted home Colorado’s second of the night. Later, the striker picked up a brace in the final minute of stoppage time, pulling Colorado’s lead to 3-0 as the first half expired.
Determined to cut into the Hailstorm’s lead as the second half began, NCFC relied on a spark from Oalex Anderson, who entered the match as a substitute in the 57th minute. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines international created several chances throughout the half, utilizing his quick footwork to beat defenders up the sideline and deliver shots on goal. However, it was Colorado who found the net for a fourth time, as Amann converted an unfortunate penalty kick to collect the hat trick and extend Northern Colorado’s lead to 4-0.
Finally breaking through in the 83rd minute was none other than McLaughlin, as Anderson drew a foul and subsequent penalty kick in the Colorado box. The Oklahoma City native set a new career best in goals scored on the play, putting away his eleventh goal of the season and jumping into second place in the USL League One Golden Boot race. Unable to find the net for a second time despite several dangerous chances in the final minutes, the 4-1 scoreline held as the final whistle blew.
Up Next: North Carolina FC will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Friday, September 9 to take on Central Valley Fuego FC at 7 p.m. ET for Star Wars Night. Tickets to the match are available here, and the game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Box Score:
NCFC (4-4-2): Will Pulisic, Max Flick, Gustavo Fernandes (Britton Fischer – 80′), Jordan Skelton ©, Nelson Flores…