CARY N.C. (Dec. 12, 2023) — North Carolina FC has signed defender Justin Malou to a one-year contract through the 2024 season with a club option for 2025, the club announced Tuesday. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
The 25-year-old Senegalese defender was selected 27th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew and had a standout career with Clemson University, which included the 2021 National Championship. He brings MLS Next Pro and USL Championship experience to the Triangle.
Malou most recently played for FC Tulsa of the USL Championship, where he appeared in 23 matches in 2023, with 20 starts, and logged 1,590 minutes. Malou won 61.15% of his duels and 65.71% of his tackles while making 41 clearances, 23 interceptions and winning 21 aerial duels. He completed 85.16% of his passes.
“We are excited to welcome Justin to the club. He is a proven winner who knows this region and is a fierce and versatile defender that can play multiple positions along the back line. He is a strong piece around whom we can build our back line and he will give us flexibility in our lineup and in-game tactics,” said NCFC head coach and sporting director John Bradford.
“I am excited to be in NCFC because I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club, from the amazing front office to the awesome fans. This home stadium is also a place I’ve had great memories. I’m excited to be back. I believe in the club’s vision of creating a competitive environment, while having a strong and positive mindset that strives for excellence every single time the opportunity presents itself. I am looking forward to getting to work and continuing to be better each day. Of course, I am also looking forward to winning a USL Championship for NCFC,” Malou said.
After being drafted by Columbus, Malou returned to Clemson for the team’s National Championship run as a fifth-year graduate student due to the COVID-19 eligibility waiver. He then spent the 2022 season with the Crew’s second team in in MLS Next Pro, racking up 1,195 minutes across 19 appearances. The defender completed 90.6% of his passes during the season.
Malou had a decorated five-year collegiate career with the Clemson Tigers. He appeared in 90 games, scoring two goals and adding eight assists across 6,957 minutes. He played at both center and outside back during his time in the ACC, helping the Tigers to the 2021 NCAA Championship and four conference tournament titles.
Malou is the fourth new signing announced by North Carolina FC ahead of the club’s return to the USL Championship in 2024. The team now has 13 players under contract for the 2024 season.
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.