Lexington, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2023) – North Carolina FC makes their final road trip of the 2023 USL League One regular season as they visit Lexington SC this Saturday, October 7, for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Toyota Stadium. North Carolina FC, sitting second in the current table at 18-6-6 (57 points) has already clinched a top-three seed in the playoffs and at least a home quarterfinal fixture, controlling their own destiny for a bye, while the league newcomer Lexington SC has been eliminated from playoff contention.
North Carolina played to a 1-1 draw in a critical home match against Union Omaha last Friday. NCFC struck early with a 12’ finish from Rafa Mentzingen, but Luis Gil answered for the Owls at the tail end of the half. Both teams would probe in the second period, but neither side found themselves overly dangerous as the two league leaders split the points. For Mentzingen, the goal was a cap on a brilliant September in which the Brazilian midfielder registered six chances created, four goals and one assist. He added 39 duels won, 32 recoveries and nine shots on target to earn a nomination for USL League One September Player of the Month.
NCFC is the only team with multiple players in the top-5 of the Golden Boot race in Oalex Anderson (2nd, 16) and Rafa (T-4th, 13). Those two continue to drive the offensive machine that is North Carolina FC, who enters the penultimate match week of 2023 leading all of USL League One in goals (55) and total shots (427).
Scouting Lexington SC
Lexington was the latest team eliminated from playoff contention, dropping to 7W-13L-10D and now winless in their last five matches to fall out of the playoff race. As an expansion franchise in 2023, they set a strong foundation and have proven to be able to hold their own in USL League One for much of the season. The momentum will only continue to grow as they build a new professional stadium and grow roots in the heart of Kentucky. Despite playing at Georgetown’s Toyota Stadium, they have had a significant home field advantage this season, getting a result in 12 of their 15 home matches (6W, 6D, 3L). They will look for some more home cooking to play spoiler for NCFC and get back on the upswing as the season comes to a close.
They have scored 45 goals on 243 shots this season while allowing 55 goals against. They are an aggressive side, winning 65% of their tackles but also committing 427 fouls and seeing 87 yellow cards and three red. Passing at 82% accuracy for the season, Lexington has shown the ability to build from the back and create line by line, forcing defenses into difficult decisions. Press and front-line defending will be key for NCFC to avoid overloads in build-ups against their back line. In the third and final meeting of the season, NCFC will look to stay unbeaten against the first-year opponent in what may be the only season these two line up on opposite sides in league competition.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – Defender Gustavo Fernandes
The center back has been a key piece of the North Carolina defense all season, playing 2,388 minutes – which ranks second on the team – in the middle of the back line. He ranks second on the team with 72 clears, 14 blocks, and 48 aerial duels won while sitting fourth with 110 overall duels won and fifth with 24 tackles. At 25 years old, his blend of youthful energy and spirit with veteran savvy and temperament make him a key piece in the leadership and success of North Carolina FC.
Lexington SC – Alasanne Ates Diouf
The focal point of Lexington’s offense is 23-year-old Senegalese forward Diouf. His 15 goals this season rank third in USL League One, netting a third of the team’s scoring this season. He’s had brief stints with three other USL clubs including Orlando City B, Austin Bold and San Antonio FC before becoming the second professional signing by the expansion club Lexington this past January. He’s rattled off 62 shots this year, 22 more than any other member of the team and will be a consistent threat throughout the match. His ability to find dangerous pockets and get open looks heightens the importance of full field defense and consistency.
Next Up
North Carolina FC wrap up regular season play as they host One Knoxville on Saturday, October 14, for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fan Appreciation Night and NCFC Youth Shield Night will bring a great crowd, so get tickets early. The match will also stream live on ESPN+.
