NCFC falls 3-1 at Loudoun United
Posted March 16, 2024 11:56 p.m. EDT
North Carolina FC fell, 3-1, to Loudoun United FC at Segra Field on Saturday, March 16, in the team’s first road match of the season.
Loudoun now sits at four points on the season, while North Carolina FC remains at one.
North Carolina FC outshot Loudoun 12-7, but the hosts were able to capitalize on more of their chances to pick up their first win of the 2024 USL Championship season.
Loudoun opened the scoring in the 23' as Kwame Awuah’s curling cross connected with Kalil ElMedkhar at the back post for a diving header.
Mikey Maldonado leveled the game in the 38', capitalizing on a mistake from Loudoun goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux. Louis Perez whipped in a free kick from deep in the corner and the keeper tried to punch the ball clear, but missed. Collin Martin got on the end of the cross and put the ball back across goal, finding Maldonado at the far post through a sea of players.
Zach Ryan gave Loudoun their lead back in the 61', finishing off a counter attack following a defense-splitting pass from ElMedkhar.
Oalex Anderson came off the bench in the 69' and looked dangerous, creating multiple chances to tie the game, but could not find the back of the net.
Loudoun substitute Abdellatif Aboukoura gave the hosts an insurance goal in the 85th minute, combining with Ryan on a give-and-go at the top of the box before curling the ball around North Carolina FC goalkeeper Antonio Carrera.
Carrera, who joined the team on loan from FC Dallas this offseason, made his USL and North Carolina FC debut in the loss, making one save.
Match Notes
- 17-year-old defender Adrian Pelayo made his professional debut, starting the game and playing 83 minutes.
- Mikey Maldonado scored the first goal of the season for NCFC.
- Goalkeeper Antonio Carrera got the start in net, making his USL debut.
