September 16, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, NC – North Carolina FC kicks off the first leg of their upcoming six-day road trip against Forward Madison on Saturday, September 17 at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, WI. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET. Saturday’s match marks the third and final meeting between the two sides, with the season series sitting at 1-0-1 in favor of NCFC. The contest will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
North Carolina FC fell to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on the road in their most recent match, with forward Garrett McLaughlin adding his eleventh goal of the season during the match. The Hailstorm relied on a hat trick from Trevor Amann and a goal from Lachlan McLean to see through the 4-1 victory.
Finally breaking through in the 83rd minute was none other than McLaughlin, as Anderson drew a foul and subsequent penalty kick in the Colorado box. The Oklahoma City native set a new career best in goals scored on the play, putting away his eleventh goal of the season and jumping into second place in the USL League One Golden Boot race. Unable to find the net for a second time despite several dangerous chances in the final minutes, the 4-1 scoreline held as the final whistle blew.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – #2 Christian Lue Young
Scoring the game-winner against Forward Madison in the first meeting between the two sides, Lue Young has been a consistent performer throughout the course of the season and boasts the accolades to prove it. The defender has been named to the USL League One Team of the Week four times this season, collecting 58 clearances, four blocks, and 31 interceptions across 22 appearances. As NCFC travels to face the Flamingoes for the final time this season, Lue Young will look to deny Madison an opportunity to get on the board while also getting up the field to contribute to the NCFC attack.
Forward Madison FC – #15 Mikey Maldonado
Maldonado tallied a goal in Madison’s last match against the Chattanooga Red Wolves, his second of the season. Across 23 matches played, the defender has won 25 tackles and maintained a 58.1% tackle success rate, also picking up 31 clearances and seven shots on frame. Only one point out of a playoff spot, a result for Madison in Saturday’s match is vital as the league inches closer to the postseason. Maldonado will aim to lift the Wisconsin side to three points as the regular season series between…