This is it: a win or go home game for the Dead Whales on the road in California. The Boys in Blue head out to the Bay for the last time in 2017 (and the last time ever) to face the San Francisco Deltas… RIP. If NCFC win tonight at 8pm, there’s a chance they can host the NASL Championship in Cary as well. We’ll get to that in a minute: first up, the soon-to-be-defunct Deltas.

First, I would like to start off with saying it has been an honor to cover North Carolina FC this season for Soccer ‘n’ Sweet Tea. What a fun year this has been. And, I’m sad to see a team who was pretty successful on the field have to fold at the end of the season, along with all of the other drama that NASL has seen.

However, I am glad that NCFC was able to face them this season, even if NCFC has yet to beat them. I am hoping that changes tonight, and the Dead Whales dominate the Deltas in their final game.

I do think that North Carolina FC can do it. San Francisco has been good this year, but NCFC has also had a successful fall season, and I don't think it will end. Nazmi and company won’t let it.

Unlike NCFC, the Deltas were strong during both Spring and Fall seasons. NCFC had a poor Spring season and finished 5th, but they only lost twice in the Fall and lifted themselves to a 3rd-place combined finish.

The Deltas are coming off a 2–0 loss at home to Jacksonville and haven’t won in their last three games, hitting a poor run of form that cost them the Fall title (Miami won both Spring and Fall). This couldn’t come at a better time for NCFC.

The one thing the Deltas can do really well is take shots, and not just at their own potential fans for not showing up to games. NCFC had 39 fewer shots on the season than SFD but scored five more goals. It’s a safe bet that the Deltas will take more shots than on us Sunday night. They have managed to get lucky during our last two meetings to earn draws, but with the way our defense has been looking of late, I think we can stop them this time and move on to the Championship final.

Players to Watch

Tommy Heinemann

A veteran of the NASL and a former Railhawk, St. Louis native Tommy Heinemann has had a great season for the Deltas. Expect him to be the focal point of their offense: He scored 10 goals across all competitions this season.

Nazmi Albadawi

Obviously, captain Naz has lead the Boys in Blue all the way this season, and he’ll be the leader when NCFC needs one the most. If Nazmi can get clean touches and help the Dead Whales dominate the midfield, then expect the match to go in favor of NCFC.

Recent Form

North Carolina: D| D| D| W| W

San Francisco: L | D | D| W | W

Game Details

What: North Carolina FC vs. San Francisco Deltas (NASL Semifinal)

Where: Kezar Stadium, San Francisco, California

When: 12/5, 8:00pm EST

Watch Party: London Bridge Pub, Fortnight, wherever you need to be.

Prediction

What are Sundays for? The Dead Whales. I expect North Carolina FC to play hard and offense, come out, and score early. The team is healthy, the defense has been in great form... an early goal will be key to deflating a team who has had our number all season. If we can limit small mistakes, then NCFC will win their first (and last) in San Francisco and head to the Championship final. I think we will.

Zack’s Prediction: 2–1 WIN

COME ON YOU DEAD WHALES!