Match Info:

North Carolina FC at New York Red Bulls II

Friday, May 24 – 7 p.m.

MSU Soccer Park



Broadcast Info:

ESPN+ (https://es.pn/2HyANJV)





CARY, N.C. (May 23, 2019) –North Carolina FC faces another big test with a visit to MSU Soccer Park to play New York Red Bulls II on Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m. The game is a pivotal match in the USL Championship playoff race. A win could boost NCFC as high as third place in the Eastern Conference.



Red Bulls II have developed into an early contender in the playoff race, and currently sit at second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 6W-2L-2D record and 20 points. The only losses of the season are an out-of-character 3-1 loss against Loudoun United and a recent 2-0 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.



The side was led by Tom Barlow, but after scoring eight goals in eight games, the dynamic player was signed by the New York Red Bulls MLS side. The team still has attacking options in Jared Stroud (4 goals, 3 assists) and three-goal scorers Derrick Etienne and Mathias Jørgensen. Additionally, the team is full of Red Bulls Academy products who currently play important minutes, including Chris Lema and Evan Louro.



NCFC will aim to return to form with a plethora of scoring options. Robert Kristo has scored four goals in all competitions, including two goals last week in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play. Marios Lomis has six goals on the season, while eight other players have found the back of the net for NCFC.



Last Time Out:

Despite controlling most of the play last weekend, NCFC settled for a scoreless draw with Birmingham Legion FC. Alex Tambakis came up with three huge saves in the shutout, while NCFC hit the woodwork in both halves and visiting goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg added some high-quality saves.



Players To Watch:

North Carolina FC – No. 7 Donovan Ewolo

After a goal and an assist against Louisville City FC in the season opener, Ewolo has not made the scoresheet since. The speedy, athletic winger is a handful for defenders and it’s only a matter of time before his scoring form returns. Watch for the capable Cameroonian to pressure New York’s defenders. His efforts in the last trip to MSU Soccer Park earned NCFC a late equalizer against the Red Bulls.



New York Red Bulls II – No. 42 Brian White

White, a former NCFC U-23 player, returned to his hometown club after an impressive college career with Duke. The forward has split time between the MLS and USL Championship New York Red Bulls teams. If he makes it on the pitch this weekend, look for the dangerous attacking option to show his quality. In 28 total USL Championship appearances, White has scored 11 goals.



Up Next:

NCFC’s USL Championship road swing continues next weekend with a trip to Hartford Athletic on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. NCFC continues Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play on Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. against the Florida Soccer Soldiers on Field 2 at WakeMed Soccer Park. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.



###