On the verge of clinching the NASL Spring Title, Miami FC had not lost in nearly three months going into their Independence Day match with North Carolina FC in Cary. On the other hand, North Carolina FC had not won a league match since a 2–1 win in Puerto Rico on May 20th.

Ninety minutes and one Billy Schuler goal later, that all changed as NCFC prevailed 1–0.

Though Miami FC were without Kwadwo Poku (suspension), they still brought plenty of firepower in Stefano Pinho, Ariel Martinez, and NASL’s leading goal-scorer Vincenzo Renella. It showed. Before Schuler’s strike, most of NCFC’s highlights came by way of goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre. His 12th minute diving save denied Renella a spectacular goal. Sylvestre was at it again ten minutes into the half, leaping across his box to nab an Ariel Martinez curler.

That said, North Carolina did a relatively good job withstanding Miami FC’s onslaught. Miami’s 56% possession resulted in just four shots on target, a marked improvement over the two dropped Indy games.

After the game, Colin Clarke rightfully praised the suddenly stout defense, who gave the talented NCFC attack a chance to shine. Schuler nearly broke it open in the 40th minute when his effort careened off the post.

A few minutes before the goal, Carranza started making his impact on the game, sending in an extremely dangerous cross in front of goal that narrowly missed a streaking Nazmi Albadawi. That cross was the result of an extended passing sequence the likes of which had been rare for NCFC of late.

Albadawi and Carranza started to control the midfield at around the 60th, pressing down on the Miami backline before, finally, Carranza sprung Schuler with an expertly crafted through ball that cut between Miami’s centerbacks. Schuler calmly redirected the ball past Daniel Vega for the 65th-minute winner.

It was Schuler’s goal but the play, and the night, belonged to Jose Carranza, an 18-year-old out of the D.C. United Academy making his first professional start. It was an exciting start for the young midfielder and perhaps a sign of things to come provided the ankle injury that took him out in the 73rd minute isn’t serious.

While the Spring Season didn’t go as NCFC had hoped, they can take pride in remaining undefeated against the likely Spring Title winners. Through three matchups, two in Cary and one in South Beach, the Oaks are 1–0–2 against Alessandro Nesta’s side.

Two games remain in NCFC’s Spring Season, as they head to Canada to take on FC Edmonton on Friday before returning home to take on Puerto Rico FC next Saturday.