Tobacco Road FC won the first leg of the #RDUderby on Thursday night with a 3–1 victory over the Baby Dead Whales of North Carolina FC. After beating the Carolina Dynamo 2–0 last weekend, TRFC continues to show that they can score, now with five goals in their first two matches.

After some threats of rain and postponement, Mother Nature came through and brought out the sun, allowing a first half of balanced, even play early on.

Taff Wadda showed his speed and talent early and often this match, attacking inside in the 7th minute and displaying his passing ability as well, but the NCFC keeper George Marks was up to the task. TRFC keeper Ryan Cretens made some bold saves as well in the first half, coming far off his line to punch away a ball that was in a dangerous area in the first 20 minutes.

In the 23rd, Tobacco Road’s defense saved a ball that deflected off Cretens in the box and rolled to the line but was kicked away at the last second to prevent a early goal for NCFC.

Deeper into the match, Tobacco Road was able to capitalize more off of NCFC mistakes. The first came from Eli Garner in the 29th minute as he stole the ball from a NCFC defender and stuck one pass Marks, a Clemson man who was making his NCFC U23 debut.

Towards the end of the first half, the game began to get a little too physical. After scoring the first goal, Tobacco Road started to press more and began frustrating NCFC. Garner continued to show off his speed and attacking ability late into the half, and Cretens also made a quality save off a set piece.

All in all, the first half was very fun to watch, no matter what side you were on, and it ended 1–0.

In the second half, the match leaned in Tobacco Road’s favor. Several calls went their way, further frustrating the NCFC players. Tobacco Road had several opportunities with free kicks that came from some tough calls from the ref.

One of those free kicks came in the 64th minute when Champe Mendoza fired in a kick from 29 yards out. Yeah, it was far.

Thanks to Davis Boyle for pointing out it was 29, not 35 yards. :)

From that point on, Tobacco Road was able to press more thanks to great passing. There was another goal apiece in the game, as NCFC refused to quit, but TRFC held on for the big win and the derby match ended 3–1.

Players who Impressed

Taff Wadda : After watching Taff for the first time this season, the hype is real. He did have the dagger third goal at the end, but he was also busy the entire match creating opportunities and showing great ball vision on the pitch. He could be the force that Tobenna Uzo was for the division winning Mutiny in 2017.

: After watching Taff for the first time this season, the hype is real. He did have the dagger third goal at the end, but he was also busy the entire match creating opportunities and showing great ball vision on the pitch. He could be the force that Tobenna Uzo was for the division winning Mutiny in 2017. Ryan Cretens: Cretens had another great night recording seven saves, increasing his total to 13 saves after two games against tough competition. Ryan continues to show why he was the PDL Goalkeeper of the year in 2015.

Up next

Los Toros take on the defending PDL National Champion Charlotte Eagles next Wednesday at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

Box score

Tobacco Road FC — 3

North Carolina FC U23 — 1

Goals

Tobacco Road FC: Eli Garner 29', Champe 64', Taff Wadda 75'.

North Carolina FC U23: David Cuperman 70'.

For all our previous coverage of Tobacco Road FC here at SNST, you might want to check out this link. We’ll be trying to cover all things Tobacco Road FC here at Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea throughout the 2018 season. Want to help us? Let us know!

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