Cary, NC (March 3, 2017)- North Carolina FC announced today the signing of 27-year-old defender Christian Ibeagha. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Christian is someone who has a history with the club," said Head Coach Colin Clarke. "He's someone we knew about and followed for a time. We are very impressed by him in a lot of different areas. He has a great work ethic and is a great communicator and organizer. He is someone who is really going to help us this year in our back line."
The Nigeria native most recently played with the Colorado Switchbacks of the United Soccer League. Ibeagha played there for the 2016 season, where he appeared in 30 games, amassing 2,656 minutes and contributing one assist.
He played collegiately at Duke University, where he played in 61 games and was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team in 2007.
Ibeagha was a member of NCFC's U23 team in 2009 and played for USL PDL team Brandenton Academics prior. He also spent two seasons with the Carolina Dynamo fro 2011-2012. Ibeagha has made one appearance for the United States as a member of the U.S. U17 National Team.
In 2012, Ibeagha signed his first professional contract with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the North American Soccer League.
In October 2013, he signed with Bohemians 1905 in the Czech Republic. Ibeagha then signed with the Faroese club FC Suouroy on loan in February 2015, where he had 29 appearances and one goal.
"This feels like a homecoming for me, and I'm glad to be back," said Ibeagha. "Since I've been here, the guys have been great transitioning me to the team and making me feel welcome. I'm going to perform the best that I can and win as many games as possible, and win a championship along the way"
North Carolina FC also announced today that it has mutually parted ways with midfielder Matt Watson.
Watson joined the club in 2008 , spending four seasons in North Carolina, before moving to the Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. He returned to the club in 2016 for one more season.
The North Carolina Football Club thanks Watson for his service and wishes him all the best.
Ibeagha and the club will begin the 2017 NASL campaign on March 25 and North Carolina FC season tickets are now on sale. Fans interested in more information about membership should visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or call the NCFC Box Office at 919-459-8144.
Current North Carolina FC Roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Brian Sylvestre, Macklin Robinson, Matias Reynares
Defenders (6): Christian Ibeagha, Connor Tobin, Steven Miller, Kareem Moses, Paul Black, James Marcelin
Midfielders (8): Tiyi Shipalane, Nazmi Albadawi, Austin da Luz, Marcel Kandziora, Alex Molano, Bolu Akinyode, Jonathon Orlando, Saeed Robinson
Forwards (3): Matt Fondy, Brian Shriver, Billy Schuler
About North Carolina FC
North Carolina FC (NCFC, formerly the Carolina RailHawks) are an American professional soccer team based in Cary, North Carolina. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the North American Soccer League (NASL). NCFC plays their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park, where they have played since 2007. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Cary, NC (March 3, 2017)- North Carolina FC announced today the signing of 27-year-old defender Christian Ibeagha. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Christian is someone who has a history with the club,” said Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He’s someone we knew about and followed for a time. We are very impressed by him in a lot of different areas. He has a great work ethic and is a great communicator and organizer. He is someone who is really going to help us this year in our back line.”
The Nigeria native most recently played with the Colorado Switchbacks of the United Soccer League. Ibeagha played there for the 2016 season, where he appeared in 30 games, amassing 2,656 minutes and contributing one assist.
He played collegiately at Duke University, where he played in 61 games and was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team in 2007.
Ibeagha was a member of NCFC’s U23 team in 2009 and played for USL PDL team Brandenton Academics prior. He also spent two seasons with the Carolina Dynamo fro 2011-2012. Ibeagha has made one appearance for the United States as a member of the U.S. U17 National Team.
In 2012, Ibeagha signed his first professional contract with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the North American Soccer League.
In October 2013, he signed with Bohemians 1905 in the Czech Republic. Ibeagha then signed with the Faroese club FC Suouroy on loan in February 2015, where he had 29 appearances and one goal.
“This feels like a homecoming for me, and I’m glad to be back,” said Ibeagha. “Since I’ve been here, the guys have been great transitioning me to the team and making me feel welcome. I’m going to perform the best that I can and win as many games as possible, and win a championship along the way”
North Carolina FC also announced today that it has mutually parted ways with midfielder Matt Watson.
Watson joined the club in 2008 , spending four seasons in North Carolina, before moving to the Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. He returned to the club in 2016 for one more season.
The North Carolina Football Club thanks Watson for his service and wishes him all the best.
Ibeagha and the club will begin the 2017 NASL campaign on March 25 and North Carolina FC season tickets are now on sale. Fans interested in more information about membership should visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or call the NCFC Box Office at 919-459-8144.
Current North Carolina FC Roster:
Goalkeepers (3): Brian Sylvestre, Macklin Robinson, Matias Reynares
Defenders (6): Christian Ibeagha, Connor Tobin, Steven Miller, Kareem Moses, Paul Black, James Marcelin
Midfielders (8): Tiyi Shipalane, Nazmi Albadawi, Austin da Luz, Marcel Kandziora, Alex Molano, Bolu Akinyode, Jonathon Orlando, Saeed Robinson
Forwards (3): Matt Fondy, Brian Shriver, Billy Schuler
About North Carolina FC
North Carolina FC (NCFC, formerly the Carolina RailHawks) are an American professional soccer team based in Cary, North Carolina. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the North American Soccer League (NASL). NCFC plays their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park, where they have played since 2007. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.