April 6, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – North Carolina FC fell in a hard-fought bout with Detroit City FC, 1-0, Saturday afternoon at Keyworth Stadium. An own goal early in the match was the only tally in an otherwise stalemate between two sides that have proven among the most competitive in the USL Championship early in 2024.
North Carolina FC suffered their second loss of the season and dropped to 1-2-2 to remain on five points through five weeks. North Carolina had double the shots of their counterpart, 12-6, for the match but both teams mustered just one shot on target. Antonio Carrera made a big save on the only shot he faced from the opposition right before the halftime whistle.
“We’re certainly disappointed in the result and know we could do better with the details of the game. I thought it took us too long to grow into the game and conceded in the process. To be down a goal against a good team in their home environment is difficult, but I was proud of all of our players commitment to fight until the end.
We’re going to put our heads down and work our hardest this coming week to ensure we put our best performances together over our three-game home stretch,” said Head Coach John Bradford.
Rodrigo Da Costa had a couple of chances to get the visitors level, stretching Detroit’s keeper in the 59′ to force a parry over the bar and striking woodwork in the 75′ to narrowly miss pulling North Carolina level.
Match Notes
Eight yellow cards were shown in the match, split four each team
North Carolina has now conceded two own goals this season
Saturday was the first-ever meeting between Detroit City FC and North Carolina FC
Up Next:
North Carolina FC will return to WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday, April 14, for a 5 p.m. ET kickoff against Birmingham Legion FC. The game will be the team’s Rivals Night in celebration of all the rivalries in the Triangle. The night includes $5 beer, friendly rivalry competitions throughout the night, and bam-bam sticks giveaways for all fans, while supplies last. Tickets are available here.
Box Score:
NCFC (3-4-2-1): Antonio Carrera; Lamar Batista, Paco Craig, Justin Malou; Nelson Flores Blanco (Ezra Armstrong – 73′), Collin Martin (Julian Placias – 89′), Jacori Hayes (Mikey Maldonado – 73′), Rafa Mentzingen (Shaft Brewer Jr. – 90+4′); Rodrigo Da Costa (Garrett McLaughlin – 82′), Louis Perez (Jaden Servania – 82′); Oalex Anderson
Subs Not Used: Jake McGuire
DET (4-2-3-1): Nathan…