Match Info:
North Carolina FC (0-1-0, 0 points) vs. Lexington SC (0-1-0, 0 points)
Saturday, Apr. 1, at 7:00 p.m. ET | WakeMed Soccer Park | Cary, N.C.
Broadcast: ESPN+
Social Media: @NorthCarolinaFC
CARY, N.C. (March 31, 2023) – Following a two week hiatus, North Carolina FC is set to host USL League One newcomers Lexington SC on Saturday, April 1 at 7:00 PM. Both NCFC and Lexington enter the match without a win on the season, with the two clubs dropping their openers.
North Carolina FC fell to reigning League One champions South Georgia Tormenta FC 1-0, while Lexington lost to One Knoxville SC 2-1. Despite the loss, North Carolina FC was in control of the match against Tormenta, having 63.2% possession, 12 shots and 0.91 xG (Expected Goals) compared to Tormenta’s 3 shots and 0.57 xG.
From the Touchline
Head Coach John Bradford on the first match…
“There were a lot of positive signs from the first match. We created good chances, obviously didn’t execute the way we wanted to. But the process that this group is going through every day, the past two weeks have been very positive. We’ve grown together and gotten more together as a group.”
John Bradford on facing Lexington Sporting Club…
“Going into every match is a balance between focusing on us and that being the primary idea of how we want to go into a game, but also with the opponent. Focusing on what we want to do with and without the ball is always the primary objective, but we do take a lot of time scouting and making sure we’re prepared for the opposition. We’ve certainly watched film of their game against One Knox and we know it’s a good group that Sam [Stockley] has with Lexington this year.”
Forward Garrett McLaughlin on the attacking group…
“This group is very unselfish. I’ve enjoyed playing with all the new guys and returning guys, and it’s a very good group. I know we’ll get our goals this year, we just have to continue to be patient and work hard together.”
Scouting Lexington SC
Lexington fell in their first ever USL League One match to One Knoxville SC 2-1. Lexington scored via a Don Smart penalty kick in the 28th minute, but struggled to create opportunities throughout the match. Outside of the penalty, Lexington only had four shots, with just one coming inside the box. The team’s 74% pass accuracy, and 56.5% pass accuracy in the opposition half, leave much to be desired.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – Defender Daniel Navarro
In his North Carolina FC debut Daniel Navarro was named to USL League One’s Team of the Week. Last season Navarro was a finalist for the League One Defender of the Year and helped lead Chattanooga Red Wolves SC to the League One Finals. Navarro captained the side in the season opener and was one of the standout performers on the pitch. His leadership and experience will be crucial for North Carolina FC this season.
Lexington SC – Midfielder Kaelon Fox
The first professional signing of Lexington SC’s history, midfielder Kaelon Fox brings a wealth of experience to a young team. It took Fox a while to find his footing professionally, but he spent successful 2021 and 2022 seasons with FC Tucson. Fox was named the club’s Player of the Year” in 2021 and the Team Captain in 2022.
Next Up
North Carolina FC begins their 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign next week as they travel to face USL Championship side Loudoun United FC. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6, at 7:30 PM at Segra Field. You can follow the match action on North Carolina FC social channels @NorthCarolinaFC.
