Match Info:
North Carolina FC vs Sunderland A.F.C
Friday, July 21 , at 7:00 p.m. ET | WakeMed Soccer Park| Cary, North Carolina
Social Media: @NorthCarolinaFC
CARY, N.C. (July 21, 2023) – North Carolina FC will play an exhibition match against Sunderland A.F.C Friday, July 21, at 7:00 PM ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. After a comeback in the second half North Carolina secured a point this past weekend and now sit fourth in the table.
North Carolina FC competed against Forward Madison for the third time this season, and the second time at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina were put behind early in the first half as Derek Gebhard received a cross and got one past NCFC goal keeper Trevor Mulqueen. Right before halftime Madison doubled their lead as Gebhard had a rolling pass through the box that deflected off of NCFC giving Nazeem Bartman the opportunity to get the second goal of the match.
The second half started off rough for the Flamingos as Sam Brotherton received a red card only seven minutes after he subbed into the match. North Carolina capitalized off of this opportunity when Garrett McLaughlin passed a direct ball to Oalex Anderson who hit it right past the Madison keeper. To tie up the scoring Raheem Somerall headed a ball that deflected off Forward Madison, giving Anderson yet another chance with a rocket of a shot to tie up the match. North Carolina FC walked away with a dramatic comeback, a 2-2 draw, and a point.
Scouting Sunderland A.F.C
As Sunderland A.F.C travels to WakeMed Soccer park, they will become the first English Football League team to face North Carolina FC since 2017, when NCFC played Swansea City to a scoreless draw. The Black cats were semifinalists in the English Championship last season. Sunderland was sixth in their league table last season and had 18 wins and 68 goals on the season.
Players to Watch
North Carolina FC – Kyrome Lumsden
Kyrome Lumsden has been a member of the Los Angeles FC Academy, and has just signed his first professional contract with North Carolina FC. He's been a member of the U.S. Youth National system since the U15 level. He recently earned the right to serve as captain for his team during their tournament in Italy last year. Lumsden will be making his professional debut during this match. Lumsden will bring his young energy and national team experience to the table.
Sunderland A.F.C midfielder– Pierre Ekwah
Coming off a win this past Wednesday, midfielder Pierre Ekwah is a forced to be reckoned with tonight. The Frenchman scored against New Mexico United with a screaming shot from 25-yards out. The North Carolina defense will look to stop his speed and his strong offense in the upcoming exhibition.
Next Up
North Carolina FC will host top of the table team, Northern Colorado on Wednesday July 26, at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets HERE.
