After starting the Fall Season off with a draw against Puerto Rico FC, the Oaks travel down to sunny Florida to battle NASL heavyweight Miami FC. Miami FC and their owner have been in the news a bit lately, but the battle on the pitch will leave all that behind.

In 2017 play, NCFC has performed well against the Spring champs with 1 win and 2 draws on the year.

Miami FC is coming off of a US Open Cup match that was delayed and played on August 2nd. They lost that game 1–0 to FC Cincinnati, and they lost their Fall Season opener too, 3–1 to the New York Cosmos. The Oaks also host Miami 10 days after tonight match’s in a midweek contest at Sahlen’s Stadium August 15th.

New additions

North Carolina FC has recently made some key signings to help bolster their line up. Brazilian forward Renan Gorne arrived on loan Thursday from Brazil’s Botafogo. The 21-year-old will add another offensive threat for Colin Clarke to use in the Fall campaign.

The club has also signed Jose Carranza to a professional contract. Carranza is a part of the United States U18 National Team and signed an amateur contract with the Oaks back in March. He earned NASL Team of the Week honors after the July 6th game when he got his first assist.

With all of the recent weapons added to their squad, including a re-signed Lance Laing, NCFC has no reason to lack goal-scoring threat this Fall. And it’s do or die for North Carolina FC: the Oaks need to finish in the top 2 to make the playoffs in 2017. Miami has already clinched the first spot, so it’s time for NCFC to put the ball in the net and win games.

Recent Form

North Carolina FC: W | L | W | D | D

Miami FC: L | W | W | L | L

Game Details

What: Miami FC vs. North Carolina FC (NASL Fall Season)

Where: Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami, Florida

When: 7:30 pm ET

Prediction Time

North Carolina FC started off the Fall Season with a Draw against Puerto Rico FC at home. The game was so close to being a loss, but a last minute penalty kick tied the game up at 1 to give the Oaks one point to start the season. Ryan Jernigan wrote about it from a fan perspective earlier this week.

Miami FC started the season off with a huge 3–1 loss to the NY Cosmos. Miami seemed to lack in defense after dominating the Spring Season, and then they lost to FC Cincinnati too.

I think both teams will come out firing early to try and get ahead before the half, and Miami will hope to rebound from some difficult losses in the last week, but they’re tired too, and NCFC’s new additions should help them take advantage.

Zack’s prediction: 2–2 Draw