The Red Wolves look to extend a nine-game unbeaten run Tuesday night, taking on North Carolina FC at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Red Wolves will be frustrated, even with a nine-game unbeaten run, having secured only one win in their last seven outings. However, Obleda’s side sits second in the table and go to face the side that currently sits bottom of the USL League One standings.
The last two outings have seen José Carrera-García score two goals, leading the Red Wolves to a point apiece against Greenville Triumph and Tormenta FC. Outside of finding new goal production from the captain, goalkeeper Tim Trilk has shined in the last several outings. His efforts were recognized by USL League One, and he was awarded save of the week for his brilliant double stop against Tormenta at the weekend to save a point.
Sitting last in the USL League One standings, John Bradford will look for a jumpstart to the campaign Tuesday night at WakeMed Soccer Park. Coaching in his third season, things have not gone to plan for his Cary, North Carolina outfit, who have managed only three wins and 12 points from their first 14 games. Things seemed to be turning, following a resounding 4-0 win against Richmond and a gripping 3-2 victory over Fort Lauderdale CF. However, New England Revolution II sent them flying back down to Earth with a 3-0 drubbing at Gillette Stadium.
Robert Kristo has been a bright spot for North Carolina, leading the side with 4 goals from only 8 matches. However, Jay Tee Kamara has snatched up headlines with his play so far in the 2021 campaign. The 19-year-old midfielder, on loan USL Championship side Louisville City, has dazzled with his playmaking and pace on the ball. His 8 goal contributions, 3 goals and 5 assists, means he has been involved in 47% of all the goals North Carolina has scored this season. Manager John Bradford will continue to look to his midfield starlet Tuesday night, who figures to play a key role for the home side if they are to take 3 points off the Red Wolves.
The Red Wolves will be looking to jumpstart the play of their forwards Tuesday night, as Obleda’s side has now gone three matches without a goal from prolific striker Juan “Galigol” Galindrez. In addition, the side will be hungry to keep a hold of a lead should they get one Tuesday night, as they have lost points from winning positions in their last nine outings.
On the other side of the pitch, North Carolina will have their work cut out for them against a vaunted Red Wolves defense that currently holds the second-best defensive record in USL League One. Their lack of firepower so far this campaign will make finding goals that much more difficult Tuesday night, going up against a backline showing great form.
The last outing between the two sides saw an early North Carolina FC goal cancelled out by a late brace from Galindrez, and then finished off by a superb effort from Marky Hernandez in a game that would finish 3-2.
The Rematch at Sahlen’s Stadium kicks off at 7 PM EST, as the Red Wolves look to fend off North Carolina FC and stay in the thick of the race at the top of the USL League One table.
