CARY, N.C. (Dec. 6, 2023) – North Carolina FC and head coach John Bradford today announce the returning players signed for the 2024 USL Championship season. With the jump to the USL Championship, all former contracts are voided with nine returning players signing new contracts, pending league and federation approval.
The returners from the 2023 USL League One champions roster include two forwards, five midfielders, and two defenders. The returning players, listed alphabetically, are:
- Forward Oalex Anderson
- Defender Nelson Flores Blanco
- Midfielder Mikey Maldonado
- Forward Garrett McLaughlin
- Midfielder Rafa Mentzingen
- Defender Daniel Navarro
- Midfielder Louis Perez
- Midfielder Jaden Servania
- Midfielder Raheem Somersall
All have signed two-year contracts through 2025 except Navarro, who has signed a one-year contract for 2024, and Perez, who has signed for 2024 with a club option for 2025.
North Carolina FC is also amid contract negotiations with several under-18 players including Nicholas Holliday, Kyrome Lumsden, Adrian Pelayo, and others, as well as goalkeeper Trevor Mulqueen.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back a solid core of talented players who understand our identity and values. We believe these players will all be contributors at the Championship level and this is a great foundation on which to build a highly competitive roster. These players believed in themselves, each other and our coaches to win a title in 2023 and that experience will set the tone for our next chapter,” said Bradford.
Anderson was a USL League One All-League first team selection in 2023 and finalist for Player of the Year. He finished as the runner-up in the Golden Boot race in his second season with the club, scoring 17 goals and adding six assists. He was named July Player of the Month and earned Team of the Week seven times in 2023 campaign, including Player of the Week distinction once.
Flores Blanco continues his long tenure with the club, originally joining in 2017. He appeared in 30 games, including 28 starts, at outside back for NCFC in 2023.
Maldonado was a USL League One All-League first team selection in his first season with NCFC, leading the team in minutes from his critical center midfield spot. He racked up a team-high 52 tackles and maintained an 85.2% pass accuracy while leading the team with 2,699 minutes played. He chipped in on the offensive end with one highlight-reel goal and two assists.
McLaughlin finished sixth in the league in total goal contributions with nine goals and seven assists. He wore the captain’s band for much of the season, including both playoff matches and was co-selected for the team vote Leadership Award.
Rafa was another USL League One All-League first team honoree in a banner debut season with NCFC. His 18 goal contributions ranked third in USL League One with his 13 goals tied for fourth most. He was named the League’s Player of the Month in April and was an eight-time Team of the Week honoree.
Navarro was a team captain and member of the leadership council while starting the season in a starting center back role. The veteran provided great knowledge and leadership both on and off the field.
Perez was sensational in 2023, earning the team vote for Newcomer of the Year. He scored seven goals with one assist, completed a team-high 31 crosses, and created the second-most chances with 38. Perez earned Team of the Week honors from the league on five occasions in 2023.
Servania appeared in 28 matches with 21 starts in the NCFC midfield, scoring three times while also winning 126 duels and 27 tackles.
Somersall was the USL League One Final MVP, forcing the own goal that tied the match in added extra time to force penalties. He was NCFC co-Leadership Award winner alongside McLaughlin, appearing in 28 matches with 17 starts with a pair of goals and three assists.
North Carolina FC will soon begin announcing new signings to join this core of returning players.
ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA FC
North Carolina FC returns to play in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship (USSF Division II) in 2024. North Carolina FC enters its 18th season of competition in 2024, having played in several professional leagues as both North Carolina FC and the Carolina RailHawks. The team won the NASL (USSF Division II) regular season championship in 2011 and 2013 and won the USL League One (USSF Division III) Championship in 2023. Follow North Carolina FC on the web at www.northcarolinafc.com and on social media @NorthCarolinaFC.
