By NCFC

North Carolina FC advanced to the Round of 32 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 win over Carolina Core FC in third-round play Wednesday night at WakeMed Soccer Park. Julian Placias’ second half goal was the difference in the clean sheet win.

The home side finished the night with a 15-4 edge in shots, including an 8-0 advantage in shots on target. North Carolina FC held 60% possession and passed at 87% accuracy while the visitors committed 19 fouls to NCFC’s 12. There were nine total cards shown to players, split five to Carolina Core. They also saw three yellow cards, including a double-yellow, to their bench.

North Carolina FC held a 6-2 edge in shots in the first half, but no one could crack the board. NCFC had the best chance late in the half when Shaft Brewer, Jr. launched a cross in stride to Nelson Flores Blanco on the back post, but his shot was saved by a stretched paw of the Core keeper as he slid across the frame to deny the opening goal.

Placias, getting his second start of the week, broke the deadlock in the 61’ minute with his first goal in an NCFC jersey. Garrett McLaughlin bullied his way past the Core back line, to muscle off a tough shot on frame, then scrapped for his own rebound and slid the ball across goal to Placias, who calmly collected and passed into the open net.

North Carolina FC will learn their Round of 32 scenario on Thursday, April 18, in the fourth round draw. The final eight USL Championship teams and eight MLS teams enter the mix for the final push for the Cup. North Carolina FC will announce all matchup information via press release, web, and social as it becomes available. The Round of 32 will be played May 7-8.

North Carolina FC will return to USL Championship action on Saturday, April 20, to cap off the three-game homestand as they host New Mexico United FC at 7 p.m. ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game will be the team’s Inked Night with airbrush and temporary tattoo artists in Fan Fest, a megaphone giveaway and more

Source: wralsportsfan.com