News Collector

North Carolina FC Announces Mako Medical As Back-Of-Jersey Partner

CARY, N.C. (April 22, 2021) – North Carolina FC has announced that Mako Medical will return as the back-of-jersey sponsor for the 2021 season. Mako Medical, the Official Medical Laboratory of the North Carolina Football Club, was first named the official back-of-jersey sponsor for NCFC when the club resumed play during the 2020 season.

Mako has conducted all COVID testing for both NCFC and NC Courage, demonstrating an incredible commitment to ensuring all players and staff are tested in a timely and efficient manner. Their dedication to the club has kept the teams safe, healthy, and able to compete during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thank you to Mako for doing the testing that keeps our staff and players safe and healthy,” NCFC Head Coach John Bradford said. “They’ve helped us get back on the field in 2020, and now we are looking to the future of the season in 2021. Special thanks to Fain Buete for all of her efforts from last year and going forward into this year.”

“Mako has exceeded our expectations from the start,” NCFC Assistant General Manager Nic Platter said. “They have been professional throughout this process, ensuring the safety of our staff and players on and off the field by providing quick and efficient results.”

“It’s been great to be a part of keeping these athletes and staff safe and on the field through our rapid testing and fast turn around times,” Mako Medical Client Success Senior Executive Fain Buete said. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with NC Courage and North Carolina FC!”

The North Carolina Football Club looks forward to continuing this partnership going into the 2021 season.

Tickets to NCFC’s home opener go on sale April 28. More details can be found here.

Learn more about Mako Medical by visiting ww.makomedical.com. Mako Medical is a health care diagnostic laboratory specializing in helping you take control of your healthcare by offering accurate testing and quick results.

The North Carolina Football Club looks forward to continuing this partnership going into the 2021 season.

Tickets to NCFC’s home opener go on sale April 28. More details can be found here.

NCFC Secures Damian Las on Loan from Fulham FC

Cary, NC (April 21, 2021) – North Carolina FC has secured U.S. Youth National Team goalkeeper Damian Las on loan from Fulham FC, the club announced today. The deal is pending ITC, league and federation approval.

The 19-year-old joined Fulham from the Chicago Fire Academy in September of 2019. Since joining Fulham, he has logged 16 appearances for the U-18 squad and one appearance for the U-23s, recording two clean sheets in that stretch.

“We are thrilled to have Damian join our group for the 2021 season. He is a talented young goalkeeper that brings strong experiences from Fulham FC and US Youth National Team. He represents the high level young players that we aim to incorporate at NCFC, with the focus on providing deserving players with professional matches and development. I want to personally thank Fulham FC for seeing our club as a great opportunity for him and we’re excited to get started with Damian.” -John Bradford, NCFC Head Coach

The Norridge, IL, native has been a fixture for the USYNT, most recently starting five games and recording three shutouts at the 2019 CONCACAF U-17 Championship on the way to helping the U.S. qualify for a record 17th U-17 World Cup.

“We are very excited to welcome Damian into the club. He will be a great leader and role model to our younger goalkeepers and will strongly reinforce our current goalkeeper group.” -Nic Platter, NCFC Assistant General Manager

Las joins currently rostered goalkeepers Jake McGuire, Nicholas Holliday and Samuel Terranova as NCFC fills out its roster ahead of the regular season opener.

North Carolina FC begins its 2021 campaign on Saturday, May 8, at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park against Greenville Triumph SC. Find more information on tickets here.

Las joins currently rostered goalkeepers Jake McGuire, Nicholas Holliday and Samuel Terranova as NCFC fills out its roster ahead of the regular season opener.

North Carolina FC begins its 2021 campaign on Saturday, May 8, at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park against Greenville Triumph SC. Find more information on tickets here.

NCFC Home Opener Tickets On Sale April 28

CARY, N.C. (April 20, 2021) — Tickets to North Carolina FC’s first home match of the 2021 season will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, April 28 at 10 a.m. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be limited seating capacity, so fans are encouraged to act quickly to purchase their tickets.

This 2021 season opener marks NCFC’s debut as a member of USL League One. North Carolina FC, under new Head Coach John Bradford, features a diverse group of returning veterans, international signees, NCFC Academy players, and many more talented new faces.

To ensure a safe and exciting experience for fans, the North Carolina Football Club has implemented a wide range of safety protocols for the 2021 season including a mask requirement, socially distanced seating, temperature checks at entry gates, and sanitizing stations. A complete rundown of health and safety info can be found here.

Season Ticket Members will have access to purchase additional tickets 24-hours before the general public. Individual tickets will then open to the public on April 28 at 10 a.m. ET at ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at (919) 459-8144.

North Carolina FC Signs Max Flick to Roster

Cary, NC (April 15, 2021) – North Carolina FC announced today that they have signed defender Max Flick. The deal is pending league and federation approval and, per club policy, no further details of the transaction have been disclosed.

  “Max is a strong addition to our roster and can play in a number of different roles in our back line," NCFC Head Coach John Bradford said. "Max is a player that came to our NCFC Open Tryouts and AX Soccer Combine, showed well, and we’ve had him in with our group since the start of preseason. We feel Max will make the most of his opportunity with our team this season.”

  Flick joins NCFC after spending the last four seasons with Pittsburgh Hotspurs and Fort Pitt Regiment. The Point Park University grad also played for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' USL League Two team while in college. He was named a member of an All-Conference XI while with Fort Pitt Regiment in 2018.   

NCFC kicks off the 2021 season against Greenville Triumph at Sahlen's Stadium at Wakemed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 8. The full NCFC schedule can be found here.

â¨â¨“Max is a strong addition to our roster and can play in a number of different roles in our back line,” NCFC Head Coach John Bradford said. “Max is a player that came to our NCFC Open Tryouts and AX Soccer Combine, showed well, and we’ve had him in with our group since the start of preseason. We feel Max will make the most of his opportunity with our team this season.”

â¨â¨Flick joins NCFC after spending the last four seasons with Pittsburgh Hotspurs and Fort Pitt Regiment. The Point Park University grad also played for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ USL League Two team while in college. He was named a member of an All-Conference XI while with Fort Pitt Regiment in 2018. â¨â¨

NCFC kicks off the 2021 season against Greenville Triumph at Sahlen’s Stadium at Wakemed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 8. The full NCFC schedule can be found here.

Jay Tee Kamara Joins NCFC on Loan from Louisville City FC

Cary, NC (April 12, 2021) – NCFC has secured another promising young addition to its squad by adding midfielder Jay Tee Kamara (full name John Thomas Kamara) on loan from Louisville City FC pending league and federation approval. The 18-year-old Sierra Leone native brings a spark to North Carolina FC ahead of the 2021 season.

“Jay Tee is an exciting young player that will add further attacking quality to our group," said Head Coach John Bradford. "He is extremely dangerous off the dribble, sees the game well, and I believe will have a strong impact in our league. He’s another perfect fit for our club’s continued dedication to developing young players, and I’m excited for NCFC to play a role in his overall pathway. We’re also pleased to continue our great relationship with Louisville City FC, a like-minded organization for youth development. I want to thank Louisville City FC Head Coach John Hackworth, and his staff, for thinking of NCFC to provide this opportunity for Jay Tee and his progression.”

Kamara, who featured for the Sierra Leone U-20 national team, is a recent graduate of the highly touted Monteverde Academy in Florida, which has seen 10 grads sign professional contracts since 2013.
The addition of the left-footed Kamara brings the NCFC roster near completion as preseason matches are underway. Kamara joins an NCFC roster that now includes Nazmi Albadawi, Luis Arriaga, Josh Coan, Malyk Hamilton, Robert Kristo, Malick Mbaye, Pecka, Peter Pearson, Shermaine Martina, Selmir Miscic, Jake McGuire, Nelson Flores, Nelson Martinez, Will Buete, Curtis DeLeon, Britton Fischer, Cole Frame, Nicholas Holliday, Drew Kerr, Marvin Mariche, Nata Martinez, Collin McCamy, Aaron Messer, Parker O’Ferral, Yekeson Subah, Samuel Terranova, Rohit Thakur, and Caden Tolentino.

NCFC kicks off the 2021 season against Greenville Triumph at Sahlen's Stadium at Wakemed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 8. The full League One schedule can be found here.

Cary, NC (April 12, 2021) – NCFC has secured another promising young addition to its squad by adding midfielder Jay Tee Kamara (full name John Thomas Kamara) on loan from Louisville City FC pending league and federation approval. The 18-year-old Sierra Leone native brings a spark to North Carolina FC ahead of the 2021 season.

“Jay Tee is an exciting young player that will add further attacking quality to our group,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “He is extremely dangerous off the dribble, sees the game well, and I believe will have a strong impact in our league. He’s another perfect fit for our club’s continued dedication to developing young players, and I’m excited for NCFC to play a role in his overall pathway. We’re also pleased to continue our great relationship with Louisville City FC, a like-minded organization for youth development. I want to thank Louisville City FC Head Coach John Hackworth, and his staff, for thinking of NCFC to provide this opportunity for Jay Tee and his progression.”

Kamara, who featured for the Sierra Leone U-20 national team, is a recent graduate of the highly touted Monteverde Academy in Florida, which has seen 10 grads sign professional contracts since 2013.
The addition of the left-footed Kamara brings the NCFC roster near completion as preseason matches are underway. Kamara joins an NCFC roster that now includes Nazmi Albadawi, Luis Arriaga, Josh Coan, Malyk Hamilton, Robert Kristo, Malick Mbaye, Pecka, Peter Pearson, Shermaine Martina, Selmir Miscic, Jake McGuire, Nelson Flores, Nelson Martinez, Will Buete, Curtis DeLeon, Britton Fischer, Cole Frame, Nicholas Holliday, Drew Kerr, Marvin Mariche, Nata Martinez, Collin McCamy, Aaron Messer, Parker O’Ferral, Yekeson Subah, Samuel Terranova, Rohit Thakur, and Caden Tolentino.

NCFC kicks off the 2021 season against Greenville Triumph at Sahlen’s Stadium at Wakemed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 8. The full League One schedule can be found here.

North Carolina FC Announces Preseason Schedule

CARY, N.C. (March 31, 2021) – After beginning preseason training Monday, North Carolina FC has announced its preseason schedule, which includes two games at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

NCFC will first travel to face Richmond Kickers at City Stadium on Monday, April 5th before traveling to Charleston to face off against the Battery on Friday, April 16th. The squad then rounds out the preseason at home, first playing Charlotte Independence on Friday, April 23rd followed by a rematch with the Battery on Friday, April 30th. The matches will all be closed to the public.

NCFC’s regular season kicks off at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 8th with a home match against Greenville Triumph SC.

North Carolina FC 2021 Preseason Matches

Monday, April 5th @ Richmond Kickers
Friday, April 16th @ Charleston Battery
Friday, April 23rd vs Charlotte Independence
Friday, April 30th vs. Charleston Battery

CARY, N.C. (March 31, 2021) – After beginning preseason training Monday, North Carolina FC has announced its preseason schedule, which includes two games at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

NCFC will first travel to face Richmond Kickers at City Stadium on Monday, April 5th before traveling to Charleston to face off against the Battery on Friday, April 16th. The squad then rounds out the preseason at home, first playing Charlotte Independence on Friday, April 23rd followed by a rematch with the Battery on Friday, April 30th. The matches will all be closed to the public.

NCFC’s regular season kicks off at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, May 8th with a home match against Greenville Triumph SC.

North Carolina FC 2021 Preseason Matches

Monday, April 5th @ Richmond Kickers
Friday, April 16th @ Charleston Battery
Friday, April 23rd vs Charlotte Independence
Friday, April 30th vs. Charleston Battery

NCFC Signs Nelson Flores and Nelson Martinez to Contracts for 2021 Season

Cary, NC (March 26, 2021) – Nelson Flores and Nelson Martinez have signed with NCFC, the club announced today. Both deals are one-year contracts with one-year club options for the 2022 season. Both deals are pending league and federation approval.

El Salvador native Flores rejoins North Carolina FC following his 2017/18 stint with the club. He most recently spent time with Oakland Roots SC, with a spell at San Diego 1904 between North Carolina and Oakland. The last three seasons of his youth career were with D.C. United Academy, where he made 52 appearances and scored 21 goals from 2015-2017. His pro career has seen him make 12 appearances, scoring one goal.

“I’m very excited to bring Nelson Flores into our group this year," said Head Coach John Bradford. "He is a talented player that adds quality and versatility to our team, as he can play in a number of different roles. Obviously, he knows our club and area well, having spent time here in 2018, which is great for him to come in and be impactful immediately."

The 20-year-old Martinez, a native of Woodbridge, VA, also played in the DC United Academy for four years, where he started 85 games and scored seven goals. In 2019, Martinez logged 25 appearances for USL Championship side Loudoun United and scored his first professional goal against Saint Louis FC on July 6, 2019. Martinez also assisted twice in his debut season.

“Nelson is another player that I had the opportunity to work within the US Youth National Team system and have kept up with his young career ever since," said Bradford. "He’s a competitive player with quality and can play either as an outside back or in the midfield. I’m thrilled to add him to our group and can’t wait to get started with him next week."

Following NCFC Academy Signing Day and the addition of Flores and Martinez, the team’s current squad now includes Nazmi Albadawi, Luis Arriaga, Josh Coan, Malyk Hamilton, Robert Kristo, Malick Mbaye, Pecka, Peter Pearson, Shermaine Martina, Selmir Miscic, Jake McGuire, Nelson Flores, Nelson Martinez, Will Buete, Curtis DeLeon, Britton Fischer, Cole Frame, Nicholas Holliday, Drew Kerr, Marvin Mariche, Nata Martinez, Collin McCamy, Aaron Messer, Parker O’Ferral, Yekeson Subah, Samuel Terranova, Rohit Thakur, and Caden Tolentino.

Cary, NC (March 26, 2021) – Nelson Flores and Nelson Martinez have signed with NCFC, the club announced today. Both deals are one-year contracts with one-year club options for the 2022 season. Both deals are pending league and federation approval.

El Salvador native Flores rejoins North Carolina FC following his 2017/18 stint with the club. He most recently spent time with Oakland Roots SC, with a spell at San Diego 1904 between North Carolina and Oakland. The last three seasons of his youth career were with D.C. United Academy, where he made 52 appearances and scored 21 goals from 2015-2017. His pro career has seen him make 12 appearances, scoring one goal.

“I’m very excited to bring Nelson Flores into our group this year,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “He is a talented player that adds quality and versatility to our team, as he can play in a number of different roles. Obviously, he knows our club and area well, having spent time here in 2018, which is great for him to come in and be impactful immediately.”

The 20-year-old Martinez, a native of Woodbridge, VA, also played in the DC United Academy for four years, where he started 85 games and scored seven goals. In 2019, Martinez logged 25 appearances for USL Championship side Loudoun United and scored his first professional goal against Saint Louis FC on July 6, 2019. Martinez also assisted twice in his debut season.

“Nelson is another player that I had the opportunity to work within the US Youth National Team system and have kept up with his young career ever since,” said Bradford. “He’s a competitive player with quality and can play either as an outside back or in the midfield. I’m thrilled to add him to our group and can’t wait to get started with him next week.”

Following NCFC Academy Signing Day and the addition of Flores and Martinez, the team’s current squad now includes Nazmi Albadawi, Luis Arriaga, Josh Coan, Malyk Hamilton, Robert Kristo, Malick Mbaye, Pecka, Peter Pearson, Shermaine Martina, Selmir Miscic, Jake McGuire, Nelson Flores, Nelson Martinez, Will Buete, Curtis DeLeon, Britton Fischer, Cole Frame, Nicholas Holliday, Drew Kerr, Marvin Mariche, Nata Martinez, Collin McCamy, Aaron Messer, Parker O’Ferral, Yekeson Subah, Samuel Terranova, Rohit Thakur, and Caden Tolentino.

North Carolina FC Takes Monumental Step in Youth-to-Professional Development, Signing 15 Academy Players

Cary, NC (March 24, 2021) – NCFC has signed 15 players from the NCFC Academy to academy contracts, the club announced today. Will Buete, Curtis DeLeon, Britton Fischer, Cole Frame, Nicholas Holliday, Drew Kerr, Marvin Mariche, Nata Martinez, Collin McCamy, Aaron Messer, Parker O’Ferral, Yekeson Subah, Samuel Terranova, Rohit Thakur, and Caden Tolentino will be available to train and play in first-team matches while maintaining their college eligibility.

“In January, we made the strategic move to compete in USL League One to build and invest in a clear youth-to-professional player pathway and development model,” said NCFC Head Coach John Bradford. “Today’s signing of 15 youth Academy players marks a key moment for our club, as we take the first of many steps in bringing this vision to life. This landmark signing serves as a message to our community, both locally and nationally, that North Carolina FC is the place to be for professional development. I’m excited to bring this deserving group of academy standouts and our professionals together to build a highly competitive development environment for all.”

Will Buete is a graduate of Crossroads Flex who will be attending NC State in the fall. The midfielder has played for NCFC Youth for seven years, five of which were with the NCFC Academy team.

17-year-old Curtis DeLeon will be signing his academy contract ahead of attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In 2019, the midfielder played with the U17 Trinidad Youth National Team. DeLeon’s older brother, Shane, was one of five players on academy contracts during NCFC’s 2020 season.

“The ability for our incoming players to sign a USL Academy contract is extraordinary,” said UAB Men’s Soccer Head Coach Jeff Kinney. “High-level training with high-level matches for North Carolina FC will only help prepare these players for the next chapter in their playing careers. We are excited that Curtis has earned this opportunity, and we look forward to his growth within the program before coming to us.”

Britton Fischer is a junior at DH Conley in Greenville, NC who has been part of the NCFC Academy for two years. The defender is a past NCFC Hamilton Sportsmanship Award recipient for his sportsmanship shown on and off the field. Fischer competed in the 2018-2019 ECNL National Finals.

The youngest of the group, Nicholas Holliday, signs an academy contract at 15 years old. The goalkeeper also signed an academy contract in 2020, training with the first team for a good portion of the season. Just a freshman in high school, Holliday has been a member of NCFC Youth for three years.

Cole Frame, a senior at Crossroads Flex, has logged 12 years at NCFC Youth, including five years with the NCFC Academy. Frame is a 2019 SuperCup NI Globe Champion as well as a 2016 US Youth Soccer National Champion.

Midfielder Drew Kerr will sign an academy contract following five years as a player for the NCFC Academy. The sophomore is excited for the opportunity to learn alongside the other academy players:

“I’m excited to learn and grow in this professional environment and to play alongside other ambitious players on a daily basis,” said Kerr. “I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the NCFC coaches and players.”

Marvin Mariche brings youth national team experience with him as he signs an academy contract with North Carolina FC. In 2018, Mariche was called up to the U15 US Youth National Team camp. The sophomore in high school has played for the NCFC Academy for three years.

Nata Martinez is a midfielder and has been a player for NCFC Academy for the past three years. Martinez recently graduated from Jordan High School. He signs an academy contract alongside the 14 other academy players.

Midfielder Collin McCamy signs an academy contract for the second consecutive year. McCamy trained with the first team during the 2020 season. He graduated from Crossroads Flex and will be attending West Point in the fall. While the 2020 season gave him great experience, McCamy feels this year will provide more on-field opportunities. “It is very exciting," McCamy said. "I had the chance last year to sign, but now I feel there is more opportunity to make a big impact on the field.”

McCamy's college coach also shares in the excitement:

“Exciting times ahead for Collin at the USL professional level as he continues to grow towards his potential ability and versatility,” said Army Men’s Soccer Head Coach Russell Payne. “His experiences with NCFC have had the most positive impact on his development, and we are looking forward to watching him continue on his path this spring with the USL Academy team. He will be in an optimal high-performance environment that will prepare him to make an impact at both the college and professional level.”

Aaron Messer adds leadership to NCFC as he brings his experience as captain of the U17 and U19 NCFC Academy teams. The midfielder is committed to play at the University of Pennsylvania:

“Being able to develop homegrown talent through your system is a trademark of a strong organization,” said University of Pennsylvania Men’s Soccer Head Coach Brian Gill. “I think it is highly commendable by NCFC to provide Aaron and the rest of these players the opportunity to experience the game at the pro level with their boyhood club. I hope it will be something that will educate as much as it will motivate them about the next step in their process.”

UNC commit Parker O’Ferral is looking forward to developing his game with NCFC as he prepares for the beginning of his collegiate career in the fall of 2022. O’Ferral has played for NCFC Youth for 11 years, four of which were with the NCFC Academy. He was named to the 2018-2019 ECNL Mid-Atlantic All-Conference Team:

"Signing with the first team allows me to continue my development by providing me the chance to play with and learn from more experienced players,” said O’Ferral. “This invaluable opportunity will also help to prepare me to play at UNC in the fall of 2022.”

Forward Yekeson Subah, a junior a Rolesville High School who is committed to play collegiately at UNC, has been playing for the NCFC Academy for five years:

“I just want to say thank you to the coaches for this amazing opportunity,” said Subah. “I also want to give thanks to my family, friends and teammates for always pushing me to be the best me and always motivating me to work hard every day. It’s been an honor to represent this club at an academy level, and it’s going to be an honor to represent NCFC at a professional level because it’s always been a dream of mine to play professional soccer.”

Samuel Terranova will have the opportunity to learn from recent NCFC signee Jake McGuire at the goalkeeper position. The junior in high school attends Terry Sanford High School and has been a member of the NCFC Academy for five years.

Forward Rohit Thakur signs his academy contract after three years as a member of the NCFC Academy. Thakur has an impressive resume including EECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference Best XI and Player of the Year.

Caden Tolentino joins the NCFC first team following five years with the NCFC Academy. He brings leadership to the team as the captain of the U15 and U17 academy teams. Tolentino is a midfielder who is committed to play at NC State.

The 15 academy players will join the NCFC roster which already includes Nazmi Albadawi, Luis Arriaga, Josh Coan, Malyk Hamilton, Robert Kristo, Shermain Martina, Malick Mbaye, Jake McGuire, Selmir Miscic, Pecka, and Peter Pearson. On Monday, the USL League One schedule was announced. Click here to view the schedule.

Cary, NC (March 24, 2021) – NCFC has signed 15 players from the NCFC Academy to academy contracts, the club announced today. Will Buete, Curtis DeLeon, Britton Fischer, Cole Frame, Nicholas Holliday, Drew Kerr, Marvin Mariche, Nata Martinez, Collin McCamy, Aaron Messer, Parker O’Ferral, Yekeson Subah, Samuel Terranova, Rohit Thakur, and Caden Tolentino will be available to train and play in first-team matches while maintaining their college eligibility.

“In January, we made the strategic move to compete in USL League One to build and invest in a clear youth-to-professional player pathway and development model,” said NCFC Head Coach John Bradford. “Today’s signing of 15 youth Academy players marks a key moment for our club, as we take the first of many steps in bringing this vision to life. This landmark signing serves as a message to our community, both locally and nationally, that North Carolina FC is the place to be for professional development. I’m excited to bring this deserving group of academy standouts and our professionals together to build a highly competitive development environment for all.”

Will Buete is a graduate of Crossroads Flex who will be attending NC State in the fall. The midfielder has played for NCFC Youth for seven years, five of which were with the NCFC Academy team.

17-year-old Curtis DeLeon will be signing his academy contract ahead of attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In 2019, the midfielder played with the U17 Trinidad Youth National Team. DeLeon’s older brother, Shane, was one of five players on academy contracts during NCFC’s 2020 season.

“The ability for our incoming players to sign a USL Academy contract is extraordinary,” said UAB Men’s Soccer Head Coach Jeff Kinney. “High-level training with high-level matches for North Carolina FC will only help prepare these players for the next chapter in their playing careers. We are excited that Curtis has earned this opportunity, and we look forward to his growth within the program before coming to us.”

Britton Fischer is a junior at DH Conley in Greenville, NC who has been part of the NCFC Academy for two years. The defender is a past NCFC Hamilton Sportsmanship Award recipient for his sportsmanship shown on and off the field. Fischer competed in the 2018-2019 ECNL National Finals.

The youngest of the group, Nicholas Holliday, signs an academy contract at 15 years old. The goalkeeper also signed an academy contract in 2020, training with the first team for a good portion of the season. Just a freshman in high school, Holliday has been a member of NCFC Youth for three years.

Cole Frame, a senior at Crossroads Flex, has logged 12 years at NCFC Youth, including five years with the NCFC Academy. Frame is a 2019 SuperCup NI Globe Champion as well as a 2016 US Youth Soccer National Champion.

Midfielder Drew Kerr will sign an academy contract following five years as a player for the NCFC Academy. The sophomore is excited for the opportunity to learn alongside the other academy players:

“I’m excited to learn and grow in this professional environment and to play alongside other ambitious players on a daily basis,” said Kerr. “I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the NCFC coaches and players.”

Marvin Mariche brings youth national team experience with him as he signs an academy contract with North Carolina FC. In 2018, Mariche was called up to the U15 US Youth National Team camp. The sophomore in high school has played for the NCFC Academy for three years.

Nata Martinez is a midfielder and has been a player for NCFC Academy for the past three years. Martinez recently graduated from Jordan High School. He signs an academy contract alongside the 14 other academy players.

Midfielder Collin McCamy signs an academy contract for the second consecutive year. McCamy trained with the first team during the 2020 season. He graduated from Crossroads Flex and will be attending West Point in the fall. While the 2020 season gave him great experience, McCamy feels this year will provide more on-field opportunities. “It is very exciting,” McCamy said. “I had the chance last year to sign, but now I feel there is more opportunity to make a big impact on the field.”

McCamy’s college coach also shares in the excitement:

“Exciting times ahead for Collin at the USL professional level as he continues to grow towards his potential ability and versatility,” said Army Men’s Soccer Head Coach Russell Payne. “His experiences with NCFC have had the most positive impact on his development, and we are looking forward to watching him continue on his path this spring with the USL Academy team. He will be in an optimal high-performance environment that will prepare him to make an impact at both the college and professional level.”

Aaron Messer adds leadership to NCFC as he brings his experience as captain of the U17 and U19 NCFC Academy teams. The midfielder is committed to play at the University of Pennsylvania:

“Being able to develop homegrown talent through your system is a trademark of a strong organization,” said University of Pennsylvania Men’s Soccer Head Coach Brian Gill. “I think it is highly commendable by NCFC to provide Aaron and the rest of these players the opportunity to experience the game at the pro level with their boyhood club. I hope it will be something that will educate as much as it will motivate them about the next step in their process.”

UNC commit Parker O’Ferral is looking forward to developing his game with NCFC as he prepares for the beginning of his collegiate career in the fall of 2022. O’Ferral has played for NCFC Youth for 11 years, four of which were with the NCFC Academy. He was named to the 2018-2019 ECNL Mid-Atlantic All-Conference Team:

“Signing with the first team allows me to continue my development by providing me the chance to play with and learn from more experienced players,” said O’Ferral. “This invaluable opportunity will also help to prepare me to play at UNC in the fall of 2022.”

Forward Yekeson Subah, a junior a Rolesville High School who is committed to play collegiately at UNC, has been playing for the NCFC Academy for five years:

“I just want to say thank you to the coaches for this amazing opportunity,” said Subah. “I also want to give thanks to my family, friends and teammates for always pushing me to be the best me and always motivating me to work hard every day. It’s been an honor to represent this club at an academy level, and it’s going to be an honor to represent NCFC at a professional level because it’s always been a dream of mine to play professional soccer.”

Samuel Terranova will have the opportunity to learn from recent NCFC signee Jake McGuire at the goalkeeper position. The junior in high school attends Terry Sanford High School and has been a member of the NCFC Academy for five years.

Forward Rohit Thakur signs his academy contract after three years as a member of the NCFC Academy. Thakur has an impressive resume including EECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference Best XI and Player of the Year.

Caden Tolentino joins the NCFC first team following five years with the NCFC Academy. He brings leadership to the team as the captain of the U15 and U17 academy teams. Tolentino is a midfielder who is committed to play at NC State.

The 15 academy players will join the NCFC roster which already includes Nazmi Albadawi, Luis Arriaga, Josh Coan, Malyk Hamilton, Robert Kristo, Shermain Martina, Malick Mbaye, Jake McGuire, Selmir Miscic, Pecka, and Peter Pearson. On Monday, the USL League One schedule was announced. Click here to view the schedule.

USL League One Unveils Full 2021 Schedule

Add the NCFC regular season schedule to your calendar by clicking here

CARY, N.C. (March 22, 2021) – North Carolina FC unveiled its 2021 USL League One schedule on Monday, and the club will play 28 games over the course of a regular season that spans 168 days from May through October.

NCFC will begin its campaign with a home match against Greenville Triumph SC, as head coach John Bradford’s team will host the defending USL League One champions on Saturday, May 8th at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The two clubs have yet to face off in a match, but the stage is set for the kindling of a new rivalry between the only two League One clubs in the Carolinas.

The May 8th fixture marks the first of 14 home games and one of two in the month of May, as NCFC will also host FC Tucson on Saturday, May 29th. NCFC’s first away game of the season comes on May 15th, as it travels to face Forward Madison FC.

NCFC will play four matches in 2021 against long-time regional rivals Richmond Kickers, twice at home on June 26th and July 21st, and twice away on May 22nd and August 28th. Since 2018, NCFC is 3-1 versus the Kickers. The teams last met in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup in 2019 where NCFC recorded a 4-1 win behind a brace from Robbie Kristo, who returns for the 2021 season.

The 2021 NCFC League One schedule places an emphasis on exciting regional matchups, with NCFC taking on Richmond, Greenville, and Chattanooga Red Wolves four times each, with home and away fixtures against the league’s remaining eight clubs rounding out the remainder of the 28-game schedule.

NCFC will come full circle with their final match on Saturday, October 30th, when Greenville Triumph return to Cary for a Saturday night tilt as part of an action-packed final fixture date for the League One season. Eight League One teams will square off on the final day of the regular season, providing a host of matchups that are sure to have playoff implications.

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the top six teams in League One will qualify for the 2021 USL League One Playoffs, which will open with the Quarterfinals, to be held on November 6th and 7th. The Semifinal matches will then be held between November 13th and 14th, with the League One Final contenders squaring off on the weekend of November 20th.

With under two months remaining until the season kicks off, NCFC continues to build its roster. The team’s current squad includes Nazmi Albadawi, Luis Arriaga, Josh Coan, Malyk Hamilton, Robert Kristo, Malick Mbaye, Pecka, Peter Pearson, Shermaine Martina, Selmir Miscic, and Jake McGuire.

Every game of the 2021 League One season can be viewed in the United States on ESPN+, with international viewers able to take in the action on YouTube. To view the complete League One schedule, click here.

Season tickets for North Carolina FC’s 2021 season, as well as multi-year season ticket plans, are on sale now. Click here to learn more about season tickets or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144 to speak with a ticket representative.

Add the NCFC regular season schedule to your calendar by clicking here

Selmir Miscic Joins NCFC on Loan from Philadelphia Union II

Cary, NC (March 18, 2021)- Youth standout Selmir Miscic will join NCFC on loan from Philadelphia Union II pending league and federation approval. The 18-year-old brings an impressive resume to North Carolina FC ahead of the 2021 season.

“Selmir is a talented young player that I have known since I had the opportunity to work with him with our US Youth National Teams, said Bradford. “He brings creativity, quality, and will be an exciting player in our attacking group. I’m thrilled to get him into our environment and happy we can help this player in his overall development.”

Miscic joins NCFC on-loan from the Philadelphia Union as an academy product with experience playing for Union II. The 18-year-old made 11 appearances for Union II in 2020, starting five of the matches. Miscic scored one goal and played a total of 443 minutes during the season.

The midfielder played for Bethlehem Steel during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Miscic scored his first professional goal on October 9, 2019, becoming the youngest goal scorer in Steel FC history since the club's modern-era founding at 16 years. He then made his first professional start in the following match. On the international level, the midfielder represented the United States at the U16 level in 2018 and 2019.

The midfielder played for Bethlehem Steel during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Miscic scored his first professional goal on October 9, 2019, becoming the youngest goal scorer in Steel FC history since the club’s modern-era founding at 16 years. He then made his first professional start in the following match. On the international level, the midfielder represented the United States at the U16 level in 2018 and 2019.