September 24, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC – North Carolina FC fell short of the Charlotte Independence at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Saturday night, 2-1. Despite a valiant push in the final 20 minutes that saw Garrett McLaughlin score his 13th goal of the season to halve Charlotte’s lead, NCFC were unable to complete the comeback on the road.
Charlotte drew first blood in tonight’s match, as Tresor Mbuyu made his way down the right sideline and was able to feed a driven ball across the face of the NCFC goal, finding Chris Hegardt at the far post. Hegardt’s first touch was a left-footed finish into the upper 90, giving the home side the advantage in the 10th minute of play. Later, in the opening minute of added time, Omar Ciss tacked onto the Independence lead, going bar down to send the match into halftime.
In the 82nd minute, a scramble in the Charlotte box gave way to a scoring opportunity for Max Flick at close range. Attempting to get a shot off, the defender was brought down to earn NCFC a chance from the spot. McLaughlin stepped up to take the kick, converting the PK in the 85th minute to bring the scoreline to 2-1.
Ten minutes of stoppage time were added as the second half wound to a close, offering NCFC ample opportunity to level the score. Gustavo Fernandes registered back-to-back chances in the final minutes, first getting on the end of a free kick to redirect a header and later taking a one-touch shot that was sent high as the final chances at an equaliser went by the boards. The rivalry series is now even at one win apiece with a rubber match slated for late October in Charlotte.
PLAYOFF SCENARIO: If the Chattanooga Red Wolves defeat FC Tucson tonight (9/24), North Carolina FC will be eliminated from USL League One playoff contention.
Up Next: North Carolina FC returns home to WakeMed Soccer Park for the first time in over a month as they host Central Valley Fuego FC on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET. This match was originally scheduled for Sept. 9 but was postponed due to travel issues with Fuego. Themes include Star Wars Night, $2 Natural Lights and a special College Night $5 ticket offer. All other tickets can be purchased here. Tickets purchased for the Sept. 9 date have been automatically updated for this match.
Box Score:
NC (4-4-2): Will Pulisic, Christian Lue Young, Jordan Skelton ©, Gustavo Fernandes, Max Flick, Raheem Somersall, Pecka, Jaden Servania (Nicolás…