The reigning wooden spoon winner meets an expansion side with both clubs looking for their first win.
NCFC: What to Know
Last Result: NCFC hosted Tormenta FC and lost 1-0; their week two match at Fuego FC was postponed until September.
What NCFC Brings from the Last Result: lessons learned from week one. The club controlled possession and had multiple scoring chances but could not find the back of the net. They’ve had two weeks to figure it out, and certainly have the talent to do so, especially against one of the weaker clubs in the league.
NCFC’s X-Factor: the availability of Louis Perez. The French attacking midfielder finally joined the club last week and should be available for this match. If so, he adds a potent attack alongside Rafa Mentzingen and Coach Bradford’s choice of Shak Adams, Jaden Servania, or Oalex Anderson.
Available on the bench squad:
- In week one, 2022 goals leader Garrett McLaughlin started on the bench, replacing Preston Popp in the 56th minute.
- Shak Adams and Nico Rincon also came off the bench in the second half.
- Raheem Somersall, Max Flick and Christian Lue Young did not appear in week one.
- Tor Saunders backed up keeper Nick Holiday.
Not Available or Questionable for Week 3: Luke Croll, Cole Frame, David Garcia, Marvin Mariche, Pecka
North Carolina FC Previous Week Setup
Opponent: Tormenta FC
Result: LOSS 1-0
Lexington SC: What to Know
Last Result: 2-1 loss at One Knox SC
What Lexington SC Brings from the Last Result: much-needed league experience. It was the first league match for the expansion side, and they were a little outplayed by fellow expansion side One Knox SC. They’ve had two weeks to regroup and see if they can figure out any tactics to handle a dangerous NCFC squad on the road.
Lexington SC’s X-Factor: handling Don Smart’s red card suspension. Losing a senior veteran, especially one who was so impactful prior to exiting the previous match, is a huge blow for a young team like Lexington SC. They’ll need to figure out a way to replace his dominating presence in the midfield against a pressing NCFC attack.
Available on the bench squad:
- Striker Will Baynham, winger Nico Brown and attacking midfielder Ates Diouf all subbed into the match in the second half of week one to provide some extra offensive support.
- Defender Diallo Irakoze appeared in the 90th minute.
- Erick Ceja Gonzalez and Seo-in Kim did not appear.
- Austin Causey backed up Amal Knight in goal
Not Available or Questionable for Week 3: Pierre Mané, Drew Patterson, Don Smart (suspension)
ANOTHER TAKE: Crane Kicks Lex’s match preview
Lexington SC’s Previous Week Setup
Opponent: One Knox SC
Result: LOSS 2-1
Head to Head
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