On Saturday, March 16th, North Carolina FC lost 3-1 against Loudoun United FC at Segra Field in their first away game of the season.

Loudoun currently has four points this season, while North Carolina FC is still 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.

In the 23rd minute, Loudoun took the lead when Kwame Awuah’s curved pass found Kalil ElMedkhar at the far post, who then scored with a diving header.

In the 38th minute, Mikey Maldonado scored a goal to tie the game, taking advantage of a mistake made by Loudoun goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux. Louis Perez sent in a free kick from a deep corner and the keeper attempted to punch the ball away, but missed. Collin Martin then headed the ball back into play, finding Maldonado at the far post among a crowded field of players.

In the 61st minute, Zach Ryan helped Loudoun regain the lead by scoring during a counterattack after a skillful pass from ElMedkhar split the defense.

Oalex Anderson was a substitute in the 69th minute and posed a threat, generating several opportunities to equalize the game. However, he was unable to score.

In the 85th minute, Loudoun substitute Abdellatif Aboukoura scored an additional goal for the hosts by executing a give-and-go with Ryan near the top of the field and then skillfully placing the ball past North Carolina FC’s 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

• Adrian Pelayo, a 17-year-old defender, played in his first professional game and was on the field for 83 minutes.

• The initial goal of the current season for NCFC was scored by Mikey Maldonado.

• Antonio Carrera, the goalkeeper, began his USL career as the starting goalkeeper.

Source: wralsportsfan.com