CARY, N.C. – Oalex Anderson scored an early goal to lead No. 3 seed North Carolina FC to a 1-0 victory against No. 6 seed Loudoun United in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix at First Horizon Stadium, earning the club’s first trip to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in club history.

North Carolina opened the game on the front foot and went close to taking the lead in the second minute when Pedro Dolabella shot just wide after a long throw-in by Mikey Maldonado was flicked on inside the penalty area. The hosts went ahead four minutes later, though, when Anderson cut in from the right side at the top of the penalty area and fired home at the near post.

Loudoun came into the game after going behind, and both Omari Glasgow and Abdellatif Aboukoura forced saves from NCFC’s Oliver Semmle in the opening half. The hosts also went close to doubling their lead shortly before the break when Ahmad Al-Qaq was denied via a kick-save by United’s Ryan Jack.

The visitors had an opportunity to level again six minutes into the second half as Semmle was caught outside his penalty area, with defender Taylor Washington blocking an effort by Drew Skundrich with the net empty. NCFC also hit the crossbar through Raheem Somersall after good work by Anderson just before the hour-mark, while Loudoun’s Florian Valot fired an effort just wide of the left post with 10 minutes to go as United continued to press forward. Anderson had a chance late to ice the game, only to pull his chance wide of the right post, but the hosts were able to see out the result and move on.

Takeaways

North Carolina FC: The hosts’ early goal set up an impressive display that saw NCFC’s defense bend but not break against good Loudoun pressure, sending the side through as it posted a third consecutive shutout after two in a row to end the regular season.

Loudoun United FC: The visitors’ first postseason came to an end at the first hurdle after applying plenty of pressure but only forcing NCFC goalkeeper into three saves out of 19 shots overall as they were unable to make their opportunities count.

Key moment

North Carolina FC defender Bryce Washington made a crucial block to deny Loudoun’s Drew Skundrich with goalkeeper Oliver Semmle stranded out of his goal early in the second half, keeping North Carolina ahead.

Key stat

North Carolina claimed victory despite recording only 28.9 percent of possession, only the fourth team to win with a sub-30 percent possession mark in the 2025 USL Championship season.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Ahmad Al-Qaq, North Carolina FC – The midfielder provided the assist on Oalex Anderson’s goal and was solid throughout defensively, winning 5 of 6 duels and recording two clearances and two interceptions.

Scoring Summary
NC – Oalex Anderson (Ahmad Al-Qaq) 6’