NCFC back in first place with 3-0 win at Central Valley Fuego FC

Fresno, Calif. — North Carolina FC take a 3-0 victory in their first match of the week over Central Valley Fuego FC Wednesday night at Fresno State Soccer Stadium. North Carolina FC propel themselves atop the USL League One table once again ahead of Northern Colorado by goal differential.

North Carolina FC came out strong with their offense however they could not seem to stay onsides, as they had 6 offsides calls in the first half.. NCFC finally broke through as Nathan Ntalu ran onto a through ball off a free kick, serving in a perfect cross to Oalex Anderson for the 1-0 lead at halftime. Ntalu recorded his first professional assist, and Anderson got his 15th goal of the season.

After bringing in substitutions, North Carolina had an offensive breakthrough a quarter of the way through the match. Jaden Servania played a square ball to Garrett McLaughlin who juked out a defender to hit a screaming shot into the upper left corner doubling their lead. Only seven minutes later Servania got pulled down drawing a penalty kick for Rafa Mentzingen to put away the third and final goal of the match, giving NCFC the 0-3 win. North Carolina FC go into the weekend with three points, a clean sheet, and sitting in first place in the USL League One standings.

Quoting NCFC

“Overall, I am pleased with the collective response of this group after this past Saturday where we know we let points slip away. The entire group was focused and willing to put in the effort tonight and it showed in the result,” said head coach John Bradford.

“We’ve got an important next two days of recovery and preparation to get ready for a challenging match in Colorado on Saturday,” said Bradford.

“It’s a tough place to play, rough travel but I thought we played a great game. After we got the first goal, we were hungry to keep going and get the next two, as well as keep a clean sheet. Next step is taking care of our bodies, continue to stay together and focus on Saturday,” said Garrett McLaughlin

“Very proud of the work and focus that everyone put into this game after coming off of a loss at home and being able to come away and get 3 points. Everyone was determined and ready and I had a different role today but was able to come and bring energy and get an assist and draw a PK which is always a good feeling. Now we have a quick turnaround again and just have to get prepared for this next game and keeping the same mindset as this game going into the next one,“ said Jaden Servania.

Match Notes

North Carolina have scored in their last 16 games in the USL League One, their longest scoring streak this season.

North Carolina have scored in 25 of their 28 games, no team has done so more often in the USL League One this season.

Nathan Ntalu has assisted his first goal in the USL League One this season.

Next Match: North Carolina FC stays on out west to face Northern Colorado on Saturday, September 23, for a 10:00 p.m. ET (7 PT) kickoff at Ticket Smarter Stadium. The match will stream live on ESPN+.