TAMPA, Fla. - USL League One announced on Wednesday that North Carolina FC’s John Bradford had been named Cleer Audio League One Coach of the Month for July. After a slow start to the season, Bradford’s NCFC side kept three shutouts in four games during the month and lost only once.

The club opened the month with a pair of hard-earned away draws against South Georgia Tormenta FC and Greenville Triumph SC, shutting out both opponents. Following July’s only blip - a loss to Toronto FC II - NCFC’s season hit its high point with a dominant 4-0 win over the Richmond Kickers.

“I’m extremely pleased for the players to have put together a performance more in line with what we feel our group’s potential is,” said Bradford of the victory over Richmond. “We had several quality performances from our group that game, but were also fortunate with some bounces that went our way - particularly in the beginning of the second half.

“But this game certainly helped grow our team’s confidence and provided a snapshot of what our group can do when all available and healthy.”

In that match, Robby Kristo scored one of the best goals in League One history, striking a line-drive finish from 50 yards out inside the center circle. Bradford’s team also won its final game of June and its first match of August, completing a run of form which saw it compile an impressive 11 points from six games.

NCFC’s recent run is even more eye-catching considering the team gathered just one point from its opening seven games of the season. For Bradford, getting the team back on the right track has been a testament to the strong mentality of the group.

“Our group has continued to believe in themselves and the process of improving,” said Bradford. “We never felt like we were completely outplayed in any of the early losses, but rather that we were in the process of gaining valuable experience while more players were becoming available and healthy.

“Our personnel, specifically our returning veterans, have had a massively positive effect on keeping a quality mindset for our team overall.”

Bradford was selected as League One’s Coach of the Month by the USL League One Technical Committee.