North Carolina FC Grabs 2-1 Road Victory Over Union Omaha

April 15, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release

OMAHA, NE – North Carolina FC held on to secure three points in its first road match in the league this season, defeating Union Omaha 2-1. NCFC improves to 2-1-1 on the season, totaling seven points from its first four matches.

NCFC got a quick start, winning a penalty less than one minute into the match. A collective high press from the team led to NCFC winning the ball in Union Omaha’s box and Oalex Anderson being fouled. Rafa Mentzingen stepped up to the spot and calmly sent Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu the wrong way.

Immediately following the goal, NCFC would maintain momentum of the match, but couldn’t turn any of its sustained possession into a goal. Mentzingen almost doubled his tally from a set routine on a corner kick, but his shot from the edge of the box fizzed just past the post.

Omaha would start to find its way back into the match, but a big save from Nick Holliday and a block from Chris Lue Young prevented Omaha’s best chances from finding the back of the net.

Minutes before the halftime interval, Louis Perez doubled the visitor’s lead from well outside the box. Perez took a rip with his left foot, but a deflection from an Omaha player sent the ball past Rashid Nuhu into the back of the net.

After the halftime break, NCFC would continue to be on top of the match creating tons of chances. David Garcia almost scored his first professional goal from a corner, but Nuhu punched the ball over the bar. Minutes later, Luis Arriaga played a ball to Anderson on the edge of the box, but he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Strikers Garrett McLaughlin and Preston Popp would enter the match for NCFC in the 67th minute, and both would make immediate impacts, creating multiple chances.

Union Omaha would grab a consolation goal in the 84th minute, from a well struck free kick by Joe Gallardo. Gallardo struck the underside of the bar with the ball careening into the back of the net.

Omaha would put pressure on in the remaining time, but never had any great chances and NCFC was able to hold onto all three points.

Match Notes:

Louis Perez scored his first goal for North Carolina FC

This is NCFC’s first ever victory over Union Omaha

Next Match:

North Carolina FC will return to Cary, NC as they host the Chattanooga Red Wolves. Kickoff is set for Friday, April 21, at 7:00 PM ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets can be purchased here. The match, and all regular season USL League One matches,…