GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (2-2-3, 10th) played North Carolina FC (4-3-2, 3rd) to a riveting 1-1 draw in its home opener on Wednesday evening in front of a crowded Jackson Stadium. The end-to-end match featured a pair of incredible goals from either side and strong outings from goalkeepers Johan Peñaranda and Will Pulisic.
Former Brentford and Fulham youth product Showkat Tahir recorded the first goal of his career as the 21-year-old Londoner took a dribble outside the penalty area before drilling a strike off Peñaranda's palm and into the back of the net. Answering the NCFC goal in a similarly spectacular fashion, Irvin Parra gathered a cross and bent in a perfect volley over Pulisic for his first goal of the month.
USLLeagueOne.com Player of the Match
Irvin Parra (NCO) – In addition to his spectacular goal, Parra was responsible for two of Northern Colorado's three shots on target. The veteran striker also completed nearly 80% of his passes.
Scoring Summary
NC – Tahir (Arriaga) 16' | WATCH
NCO – Parra (Amann) 37' | WATCH