The year 2020 can be described as unorthodox, challenging, and unpredictable. For North Carolina FC and head coach Dave Sarachan, the USL season can be described in much the same way. There were ups and downs but NCFC was resilient in their play and grateful to play the game they love during a worldwide pandemic. The recap below highlights NCFC’s one-of-a-kind season.
On the first day of training, it was clear that Sarachan had built a promising roster for the 2020 season. The potential of the team was one of the clearest things in an uncertain year. In February, training started like every other season in North Carolina FC’s history with veterans, like Nazmi Albadawi and Steven Miller, taking the field with new faces like Akeem Ward and Daniele Proch. The chemistry built over the weeks of preseason as the team prepared for the season’s first match against Louisville City FC.
The North Carolina Football Club unveiled the hashtag #WeAreNC for North Carolina FC ahead of the season’s start to encompass the club’s rich history in the state of North Carolina. The phrase came to life as homegrown players, like Conor Donovan, unzipped their warmup tops at media day to show off the 2020 jerseys with Raleigh-based Dreamville Festival as the front-of-jersey sponsor. The partnership marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the music festival, put on by J. Cole’s Dreamville record label, and North Carolina FC, with soccer fans and music lovers alike purchasing the trendy uniform. Yes, you can still get your hands on one of these jerseys on our online store!
The first game on March 7 came quickly and NCFC took the field at WakeMed Soccer Park for opening day. There were fireworks as the team came out of the tunnel, a red carpet set for the starting XI, and most importantly, fans in the stands. The team came up just short of a win but was already looking ahead to the next chance to take the field and grow as a group.
It was just a few days before the season began that Sarachan went viral for a post-training crossbar challenge. The act of hitting the crossbar was impressive but not as magnificent as the coach’s front roll celebration. Don’t worry, we went back and found the video for you to see here.
With Sarachan’s front roll, the United States was suddenly in limbo as COVID-19 became prevalent. Although the team was eager to avenge their home opening loss, they would have to push pause on their ambitions because of the escalating concerns associated with COVID-19. The rapid spread and contagiousness of the virus forced a halt in play across the USL. Players began adhering to strict quarantine protocols to ensure their health and safety.
The uncertainty of the first few weeks of quarantine was excruciating as the players awaited the fate of their season. Amidst the uncertainty, many players took the time to make a difference, showing the community-driven spirit of the team.
Each player joined a North Carolina FC Youth team for a Q&A and to provide a message of inspiration to the young players who weren’t able to practice and play. Alex Comsia, Ward, and Albadawi led workouts for Special Olympics North Carolina to help those with special needs stay active in their homes. The team as a whole led a #SponsorToGoWeek, picking up food to-go from local restaurant partners who were affected by the shutdown. Players donated items to fans who also purchased meals to-go from the partners.
The time in quarantine also brought out the creativity in many players. Comsia took advantage of a booming TikTok platform to show off his soccer skills and tricks. Other players submitted trick videos to social media for NCFC Youth players to try at home. Proch channeled his passion for writing and journalism and started a blog called NCFC Insider. Each week Proch highlighted a different player, providing fans with behind-the-scenes access and untold stories about both NCFC and NC Courage players.
Time ticked on with unpredictability through the months of March and April as players worked out from home and tried to stay sharp. It was not until early May that they were able to set foot on the pitch again, but only to train in small groups of four. While it seemed like a small step in the process of returning to play, it boosted the confidence of the boys in blue.
With some normalcy beginning to develop and the hope to see the season resume, NCFC added Shane DeLeon and Nicholas Holliday to the roster as the fourth and fifth academy players to sign academy contracts with the team. At only 14-years-old, Holliday was the youngest player in club history to sign an academy contract.
June was a turning point in the season in many ways. The Black Lives Matter movement became the center of attention around the United States and locally at the North Carolina Football Club. As the USL announced a 16-match schedule, members of the team prepared to use their platform to support the black community and their black teammates. The actions included wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts for warmups, kneeling for a moment of silence before games, and seventh-minute stoppages. The actions taken by players in June and July would eventually lead to the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force that continues to build a better forum for collaboration on community initiatives at the North Carolina Football Club.
The newly condensed season resumed for NCFC on July 17. While Group G included Charlotte Independence, Birmingham Legion FC, and Memphis 901 FC, the team’s first opponent was the Tampa Bay Rowdies of Group H. One of just a handful of games outside their group, North Carolina FC understood the importance of the match and how lucky they were to be able to return to the field.
After a less-than-impressive first half, the team turned itself around with a powerful, energetic comeback from a two-goal deficit. Dre Fortune and Robert Kristo led the surge, scoring the two goals to earn the draw. NCFC was back and ready to overcome the odds.
NCFC won two straight following the game against Tampa, including their first match played at WakeMed Soccer Park in 146 days. On August 8, Ward scored his first professional goal against Memphis 901 FC. The curling shot turned out to be the game-winner and earned Ward his first USL Team of the Week award.
While there were hard matches lost towards the end of August, the month of September brought with it a clean slate as NCFC looked to finish in the top two in Group G. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis made a penalty kick save in the final minutes against Birmingham on September 2 during the first match of the month that helped swing the team’s momentum in a positive direction.
On September 10, NCFC captain Albadawi made his 150th appearance for the club. The Raleigh native has played the fourth most matches in NCFC history. It was Albadawi that stepped up and scored the 89th-minute game-winning goal against Memphis 901 FC on September 13.
As teams moved up and down the Group G table, it became apparent that North Carolina FC could clinch a playoff berth by winning their last four games of the season, which would also propel them to the top of the group. Sarachan’s team prepared with a renewed focus in training, ready to take on four games in 10 days.
NCFC defeated Birmingham Legion FC first, with goals from Fortune and Manny Perez. Next, the team traveled to Richmond, Virginia to play the New York Red Bulls at City Stadium. A solid 3-0 victory advanced the team into the next match against the Charlotte Independence.
North Carolina FC had to win the match to advance and Charlotte knew what was on the line, setting the teams up for a dramatic match on October 3. The match was also the first time WakeMed Soccer Park was open to a limited number of fans since March. The boys in blue fought hard for the entire match, urging the ball to find the back of the net. The final minutes ticked down and the match was still tied 0-0. Knowing a draw would not be enough to move on, the team pushed everyone up for the final minutes of stoppage time. Charlotte intercepted a pass and was off to the races, scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time. NCFC players shook hands with the Independence players and stepped off the field for the final time in 2020.
The loss was hard to swallow but there was an overall sense of accomplishment amongst the players as the season came to a close. Despite the worldwide pandemic, they were able to play soccer in front of their families and fans for the first time in seven months. While everyone hoped to end the season with a championship, the group ended as a close-knit band of brothers already looking ahead to a redemption year.
The USL Championship ultimately ended the season without a Champion as COVID-19 got in the way of a championship match. While North Carolina FC did not have a chance to make a run in the playoffs, they are champions in the eyes of their loyal fans and supporters. They took the mask-wearing, COVID testing, and protocols like champs, staying safe while preparing to compete. It was only appropriate that the team put their stamp on 2020 by closing the season with a team photo wearing masks and looking ahead with hope to 2021. #WeAreNC
The year 2020 can be described as unorthodox, challenging, and unpredictable. For North Carolina FC and head coach Dave Sarachan, the USL season can be described in much the same way. There were ups and downs but NCFC was resilient in their play and grateful to play the game they love during a worldwide pandemic. The recap below highlights NCFC’s one-of-a-kind season.
On the first day of training, it was clear that Sarachan had built a promising roster for the 2020 season. The potential of the team was one of the clearest things in an uncertain year. In February, training started like every other season in North Carolina FC’s history with veterans, like Nazmi Albadawi and Steven Miller, taking the field with new faces like Akeem Ward and Daniele Proch. The chemistry built over the weeks of preseason as the team prepared for the season’s first match against Louisville City FC.
The North Carolina Football Club unveiled the hashtag #WeAreNC for North Carolina FC ahead of the season’s start to encompass the club’s rich history in the state of North Carolina. The phrase came to life as homegrown players, like Conor Donovan, unzipped their warmup tops at media day to show off the 2020 jerseys with Raleigh-based Dreamville Festival as the front-of-jersey sponsor. The partnership marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the music festival, put on by J. Cole’s Dreamville record label, and North Carolina FC, with soccer fans and music lovers alike purchasing the trendy uniform. Yes, you can still get your hands on one of these jerseys on our online store!
The first game on March 7 came quickly and NCFC took the field at WakeMed Soccer Park for opening day. There were fireworks as the team came out of the tunnel, a red carpet set for the starting XI, and most importantly, fans in the stands. The team came up just short of a win but was already looking ahead to the next chance to take the field and grow as a group.
It was just a few days before the season began that Sarachan went viral for a post-training crossbar challenge. The act of hitting the crossbar was impressive but not as magnificent as the coach’s front roll celebration. Don’t worry, we went back and found the video for you to see here.
With Sarachan’s front roll, the United States was suddenly in limbo as COVID-19 became prevalent. Although the team was eager to avenge their home opening loss, they would have to push pause on their ambitions because of the escalating concerns associated with COVID-19. The rapid spread and contagiousness of the virus forced a halt in play across the USL. Players began adhering to strict quarantine protocols to ensure their health and safety.
The uncertainty of the first few weeks of quarantine was excruciating as the players awaited the fate of their season. Amidst the uncertainty, many players took the time to make a difference, showing the community-driven spirit of the team.
Each player joined a North Carolina FC Youth team for a Q&A and to provide a message of inspiration to the young players who weren’t able to practice and play. Alex Comsia, Ward, and Albadawi led workouts for Special Olympics North Carolina to help those with special needs stay active in their homes. The team as a whole led a #SponsorToGoWeek, picking up food to-go from local restaurant partners who were affected by the shutdown. Players donated items to fans who also purchased meals to-go from the partners.
The time in quarantine also brought out the creativity in many players. Comsia took advantage of a booming TikTok platform to show off his soccer skills and tricks. Other players submitted trick videos to social media for NCFC Youth players to try at home. Proch channeled his passion for writing and journalism and started a blog called NCFC Insider. Each week Proch highlighted a different player, providing fans with behind-the-scenes access and untold stories about both NCFC and NC Courage players.
Time ticked on with unpredictability through the months of March and April as players worked out from home and tried to stay sharp. It was not until early May that they were able to set foot on the pitch again, but only to train in small groups of four. While it seemed like a small step in the process of returning to play, it boosted the confidence of the boys in blue.
With some normalcy beginning to develop and the hope to see the season resume, NCFC added Shane DeLeon and Nicholas Holliday to the roster as the fourth and fifth academy players to sign academy contracts with the team. At only 14-years-old, Holliday was the youngest player in club history to sign an academy contract.
June was a turning point in the season in many ways. The Black Lives Matter movement became the center of attention around the United States and locally at the North Carolina Football Club. As the USL announced a 16-match schedule, members of the team prepared to use their platform to support the black community and their black teammates. The actions included wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts for warmups, kneeling for a moment of silence before games, and seventh-minute stoppages. The actions taken by players in June and July would eventually lead to the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force that continues to build a better forum for collaboration on community initiatives at the North Carolina Football Club.
The newly condensed season resumed for NCFC on July 17. While Group G included Charlotte Independence, Birmingham Legion FC, and Memphis 901 FC, the team’s first opponent was the Tampa Bay Rowdies of Group H. One of just a handful of games outside their group, North Carolina FC understood the importance of the match and how lucky they were to be able to return to the field.
After a less-than-impressive first half, the team turned itself around with a powerful, energetic comeback from a two-goal deficit. Dre Fortune and Robert Kristo led the surge, scoring the two goals to earn the draw. NCFC was back and ready to overcome the odds.
NCFC won two straight following the game against Tampa, including their first match played at WakeMed Soccer Park in 146 days. On August 8, Ward scored his first professional goal against Memphis 901 FC. The curling shot turned out to be the game-winner and earned Ward his first USL Team of the Week award.
While there were hard matches lost towards the end of August, the month of September brought with it a clean slate as NCFC looked to finish in the top two in Group G. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis made a penalty kick save in the final minutes against Birmingham on September 2 during the first match of the month that helped swing the team’s momentum in a positive direction.
On September 10, NCFC captain Albadawi made his 150th appearance for the club. The Raleigh native has played the fourth most matches in NCFC history. It was Albadawi that stepped up and scored the 89th-minute game-winning goal against Memphis 901 FC on September 13.
As teams moved up and down the Group G table, it became apparent that North Carolina FC could clinch a playoff berth by winning their last four games of the season, which would also propel them to the top of the group. Sarachan’s team prepared with a renewed focus in training, ready to take on four games in 10 days.
NCFC defeated Birmingham Legion FC first, with goals from Fortune and Manny Perez. Next, the team traveled to Richmond, Virginia to play the New York Red Bulls at City Stadium. A solid 3-0 victory advanced the team into the next match against the Charlotte Independence.
North Carolina FC had to win the match to advance and Charlotte knew what was on the line, setting the teams up for a dramatic match on October 3. The match was also the first time WakeMed Soccer Park was open to a limited number of fans since March. The boys in blue fought hard for the entire match, urging the ball to find the back of the net. The final minutes ticked down and the match was still tied 0-0. Knowing a draw would not be enough to move on, the team pushed everyone up for the final minutes of stoppage time. Charlotte intercepted a pass and was off to the races, scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time. NCFC players shook hands with the Independence players and stepped off the field for the final time in 2020.
The loss was hard to swallow but there was an overall sense of accomplishment amongst the players as the season came to a close. Despite the worldwide pandemic, they were able to play soccer in front of their families and fans for the first time in seven months. While everyone hoped to end the season with a championship, the group ended as a close-knit band of brothers already looking ahead to a redemption year.
The USL Championship ultimately ended the season without a Champion as COVID-19 got in the way of a championship match. While North Carolina FC did not have a chance to make a run in the playoffs, they are champions in the eyes of their loyal fans and supporters. They took the mask-wearing, COVID testing, and protocols like champs, staying safe while preparing to compete. It was only appropriate that the team put their stamp on 2020 by closing the season with a team photo wearing masks and looking ahead with hope to 2021. #WeAreNC
