May 13, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC had their six-match unbeaten streak snapped in an 0-2 loss to Forward Madison Saturday night at WakeMed Soccer Park. The defeat also snapped a four-match win streak, which was the longest for NCFC since joining USL League One.
Despite the two-goal loss, the stats from the match were relatively even, with NCFC holding a 18-13 edge in shots. Isidro Martinez opened the scoring at the quarter-hour mark when he sent a long-range screamer from 35 yards out into the upper-90. Madison got their insurance midway through the second half when a corner insert from Martinez found the head of Mitch Osmond to put the match out of reach.
Quoting North Carolina FC:
Head Coach John Bradford
On the match
“We were not good enough from the start tonight and never did enough to better compete with a good Madison team. We’ll learn from this one and immediately get prepared for another battle against Richmond on Wednesday. We appreciated a strong crowd tonight and look forward to putting together a better performance for the fans on Wednesday.”
Defender Chris Lue Young
On the result
“We have to accept that we were second best on the night. There’s not any unfairness in the result. It’s a long season, we have to bounce back and be ready for the next one. We lost a lot of duels, we were late to a lot of them, and that’s how they were able to break us. We need to bring more intensity from the start on Wednesday but there’s some positives to take. We got into their box a few times and had some good moments.”
Midfielder Luis Arriaga
On a quick turnaround to next match
“It’s a tough result to take. We worked hard throughout the week but it just didn’t go our way tonight. But we want all the fans there Wednesday since it’s a big match and we want all their support. We’re still top of the table, it’s a long season, so we just go again.”
Match Notes:
North Carolina FC played their first home match since April 21, 2023
This was the first time NCFC has been shut out since the season opener
Forward Madison have beaten North Carolina for the first time in the USL League One since 16th May 2021, a run of 4 games without a win.
Next Match: North Carolina FC hosts the Richmond Kickers in midweek USL League One action this Wednesday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The match will stream live on ESPN+ while @NorthCarolinaFC provides live updates on social media and tickets are available for purchase…