April 29, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
GREENVILLE, SC – North Carolina FC jumps to the top of the USL League One table following a 2-1 road victory over Greenville Triumph SC. Two first half penalties, both of which eventually found their way to the back of the net, shaped the matchup between the two that saw the visitors take all three points.
The first real action of the match took place in the 16th minute when Rafa Mentzingen was taken down in the box by Hassan Gabo and the referee pointed to the spot. Mentzingen stepped up to take the penalty, but Jared Mazzola guessed the right way and saved the shot. Before the ball could reach the ground, Louis Perez got a touch on it and was able to somehow divert it into the goal.
Minutes later Mentzingen almost found himself on the scoresheet, rattling the post with a first-time shot from the edge of the box.
With the first half winding down, Jaden Servania attempted to take on two Greenville defenders, but was taken down in the box and the refs awarded NCFC another penalty. Mentzingen would step up again and this time he sent the keeper the wrong way.
NCFC would cede much of the possession in the second half, defending in their own half for much of the final 45 minutes. In spite of that, the NCFC defensive line would do a great job preventing any real threats on goal.
Once again coming off the bench, Garrett McLaughlin made an immediate impact, firing in a couple crosses and shots, but none of his efforts would come to fruition. Midfielder Raheem Somersall was also an injection of energy off the bench, orchestrating play from the middle of the field.
The hosts would find a late consolation goal through former NCFC Youth member Daniel Wu, but the defender’s headed effort was too little too late.
Match Notes:
North Carolina FC jumps to the top of the USL League One table
Rafa Mentzingen scored his league-leading fifth goal of the season
Next Match
North Carolina FC heads to the west coast, visiting Central Valley Fuego FC. Kickoff is set for Friday, May 5 at 10:00 PM ET in Fresno, CA at Fresno State Soccer Stadium. You can watch the match, and all 2023 USL League One matches on ESPN+. You can also follow all of the action on North Carolina FC social platforms (@NorthCarolinaFC).
Quoting NCFC:
Head Coach John Bradford
On the performance…
“The immediate thought is I know the group is actually disappointed. Disappointed to concede there at the end, they really wanted the shutout…
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