Match Preview: North Carolina FC vs. Loudoun United FC (USL Jägermeister Cup)

Jul 25, 2025 201 Views USL CHAMPIONSHIP

CARY, N.C. (July 25, 2025) — North Carolina FC wraps up its three-match homestand with a final Group 5 showdown against Loudoun United FC in the USL Jägermeister Cup on Saturday, July 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET at First Horizon Stadium, WakeMed Soccer Park. The match will stream live on ESPN+, with tickets available here.

NCFC's Cup Standings

Entering the final match of group play, North Carolina FC (1W–2L–0D, 3 points) is unable to advance to the knockout stage, either by winning the group or as a wildcard. Their only victory in the cup came with a 1–0 win over the Richmond Kickers, where Adam Luckhurst scored his first professional goal in the 81st minute, assisted by Patrick Burner.

Trevor Mulqueen has been the consistent presence in goal, starting all three cup matches. With 10 shots faced, Mulqueen has made seven saves, conceding three goals, and maintains a 70% save percentage in the tournament.

Scouting Loudoun United FC

Loudoun United FC (2W–0L–1D, 8 points) has carried its solid regular season form into the cup and currently sits atop Group 5. The match on Saturday is a win-and-in scenario for Loudoun — they advance to the knockout stage with a win, regardless of regulation or penalty shootout. A loss to NCFC, however, opens the door for Louisville City FC or Charlotte Independence to take the top spot in the group and secure an automatic place in the next round.

Offensively, Loudoun has scored four goals in the cup, tied for 21st best in the tournament. Abdellatif Aboukoura has been the standout player, contributing half of the team’s goals and continuing his strong 2025 season, which sees him tied for first in the USL Championship with 11 goals.

Defensively, goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux has been solid, conceding just two goals from 13 shots, resulting in an impressive 84.62% save percentage.

Looking Ahead

Following Saturday's cup clash, North Carolina FC will hit the road for a regular season match against Louisville City FC on Saturday, August 2, at 8 p.m. ET at Lynn Family Stadium. In their last regular season encounter, NCFC handed Louisville its first loss of the season, thanks to goals from Finn Sundstrom and Adam Luckhurst. The match will also stream live on ESPN+.