NCFC looks to extend its unbeaten streak while Chattanooga looks to continue its dominance.
Match Information
Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC
Kickoff: 7:00 PM EST
Weather: Sunny, 80F
North Carolina FC – What to Know
NCFC has never won a match against Red Wolves SC in seven tries. But with a talented lineup and a three game unbeaten streak, they’ll look to make this the first. Rafa Mentzingen and Louis Perez have grown comfortable in their roles as the offensive playmakers, good with both setting up and assisting their forwards or just scoring the goals themselves.
Defender DJ Benton will return after a red card suspension. Last week saw Christian Lue Young get the start at right back and David Garcia at center back. Veteran defensive midfielder Pecka returned to the roster last week, but did not appear. He provides another defensive option for Coach Bradford should NCFC find itself up later in the match.
Absent or Questionable: Luke Croll, Max Flick, Cole Frame, Marvin Mariche, Tor Saunders
NCFC – Last Result
NCFC travelled to Omaha and came away with a 2-1 victory on goals from Rafa Mentzingen and Louis Perez. The former converted a penalty kick in the third minute while the latter scored from the top of the box in the 43rd.
Red Wolves SC – What to Know
One of several 1-1-1 clubs clogging the middle of the table, Red Wolves SC looks to separate itself from the rest of the pack with a win at NCFC, where they have never lost. However, this is an almost entirely new squad from years past, which has seen a bit of offensive inconsistency in their three league matches so far. After no goals in the first two matches, they finally found the back of the net twice against One Knox SC last week.
Off-season acquisition Ropapa Mensah should join the roster after finishing injury recovery and paperwork. The 25-year-old striker had 25 goals and 15 assists in 107 USL Championship appearances but has not seen serious action since 2021.
Absent or questionable: Christian Enriquez (injury), Manuel Madrid (personal), Richard Rentería (visa)
Red Wolves SC – Last Result
The Wolves hosted One Knox and came away with a 2-1 victory on the strength of goals from Walter Varela and Andrew Paoli.
