North Carolina FC to host USL semifinal after beating One Knoxville, 2-1, Saturday night
Posted October 14, 2023 10:33 p.m. EDT
North Carolina FC got a late winner from captain Garrett McLaughlin to earn a 2-1 win over One Knoxville in the USL League One 2023 regular season finale Saturday night in front of 5,795 fans at WakeMed Soccer Park. The win clinches the two-seed in the USL League One playoffs and a home semifinal match on Saturday, October 28.
The home side grabbed the lead at the half hour mark on a recycled corner insert from Rafa Mentzingen, which found the head of Gustavo Fernandes to deflect past the keeper. It was the first career goal for the center back and Rafa’s fifth assist of the year. NCFC would carry the lead into the break for the 15th time this season, entering the match with 13 wins and a draw when leading at the half.
Knoxville equalized on a counter against the run of play in the 55’ when a ping around found Kyle McDowell, who slotted a centering ball for Ross Frank to hammer on first touch into the top corner for an equalizer. Rafa had a couple more brilliant chances, as did Garrett McLaughlin over the next several minutes to try and regain the advantage.
In the waning moments of regulation, another build-up gave the home side the goal they needed. A great cross found Nathan Ntalu, who flicked the ball along to McLaughlin. His initial header was saved, but, with his parents in the stands, a one-time rebound slammed into the top shelf for the winner to ignite the celebration for a semifinal berth.
North Carolina FC will host the USL League One semifinal on Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
