Recent News

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. LOUISVILLE CITY FC
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, MARCH 7– 2:30 PM ET

WATCH: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvLOU

CARY, N.C. (March 5, 2020) – Coming off a promising first season under head coach Dave Sarachan in 2019 that included a trip to the USL Championship Playoffs, North Carolina FC will kick off its 2020 campaign against Louisville City FC on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

For the second time in as many years, Louisville City serves as NCFC’s opening day opponent, as NCFC defeated Saturday’s visitors 4-1 on March 9, 2019 in Sarachan’s first-ever match in charge. That win was the first of 16 in the regular season for NCFC, which tied a club record. 

NCFC returns 14 players from last year’s squad, including goalkeeper Alex Tambakis (NCFC MVP), midfielder Steven Miller (NCFC Offensive Player of the Year) and defender DJ Taylor (NCFC Defensive Player of the Year.)

Miller, NCFC’s longest active tenured player, led NCFC in assists (six) in 2019 and was also the team’s joint leading scorer (nine goals) along with forward Robert Kristo, also back in 2020. 

In addition to returning a productive core group of players, NCFC strengthened its squad over the offseason with eight newcomers, including four with Major League Soccer experience. Fuquay-Varina native and NCFC Youth Academy product Conor Donovan is back home, with the defender having previously played for Orlando City and Houston Dynamo. Like Donovan, new forward Hadji Barry is a former first-round MLS SuperDraft pick of Orlando, and was a Second Team All-USL selection in 2018 with Swope Park Rangers. 

Adding experience and physicality is Brazilian midfielder Pecka, who most recently served as captain of San Antonio FC. A 2019 first-round MLS SuperDraft selection by D.C. United, outside back Akeem Ward provides versatility and depth to NCFC’s backline. 

Saturday’s match is the first of two straight at home to start off the year for NCFC, which should bode well for Sarachan’s group. Last season, NCFC went 11W-1L-5D in 17 regular-season matches in Cary, which ranked as the third-best home record in the USL Championship. 

Louisville City will serve as a tough opening test for NCFC, however. Coached by John Hackworth, Louisville City has appeared in the last three USL Championship Finals, winning it all in 2017 and ‘18.
Last season, the two teams split the regular-season series, with the home side winning on both occasions. 

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC – #11 Robert Kristo
Back for his second season with the club, Kristo quickly made himself a fan-favorite in 2019 with his goalscoring record at home and his creative celebrations. The 6’4” targetman co-led NCFC in scoring with nine goals, all of which came at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kristo was one of four NCFC players to find the back of the net in last year’s opener against Louisville City, and a goal from him on Saturday would go a long way in helping NCFC secure all three points.

Louisville City FC – #9 Cameron Lancaster
The USL Championship’s Golden Boot winner in 2018, Lancaster returns to Louisville City in 2020 on loan from MLS side Nashville SC. The former Tottenham Hotspur man is clinical in front of goal, and the NCFC defense will be sure to keep an eye on him at all times. 

Next Time Out 

NCFC will stay put, remaining at home to host Philadelphia Union II on Saturday, March 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. For tickets and information, please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 

MATCHDAY INFO:
NORTH CAROLINA FC VS. LOUISVILLE CITY FC
SAHLEN’S STADIUM AT WAKEMED SOCCER PARK
SATURDAY, MARCH 7– 2:30 PM ET

WATCH: ESPN+
LIVE UPDATES: @NORTHCAROLINAFC, #NCvLOU

CARY, N.C. (March 5, 2020) – Coming off a promising first season under head coach Dave Sarachan in 2019 that included a trip to the USL Championship Playoffs, North Carolina FC will kick off its 2020 campaign against Louisville City FC on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

For the second time in as many years, Louisville City serves as NCFC’s opening day opponent, as NCFC defeated Saturday’s visitors 4-1 on March 9, 2019 in Sarachan’s first-ever match in charge. That win was the first of 16 in the regular season for NCFC, which tied a club record. 

NCFC returns 14 players from last year’s squad, including goalkeeper Alex Tambakis (NCFC MVP), midfielder Steven Miller (NCFC Offensive Player of the Year) and defender DJ Taylor (NCFC Defensive Player of the Year.)

Miller, NCFC’s longest active tenured player, led NCFC in assists (six) in 2019 and was also the team’s joint leading scorer (nine goals) along with forward Robert Kristo, also back in 2020. 

In addition to returning a productive core group of players, NCFC strengthened its squad over the offseason with eight newcomers, including four with Major League Soccer experience. Fuquay-Varina native and NCFC Youth Academy product Conor Donovan is back home, with the defender having previously played for Orlando City and Houston Dynamo. Like Donovan, new forward Hadji Barry is a former first-round MLS SuperDraft pick of Orlando, and was a Second Team All-USL selection in 2018 with Swope Park Rangers. 

Adding experience and physicality is Brazilian midfielder Pecka, who most recently served as captain of San Antonio FC. A 2019 first-round MLS SuperDraft selection by D.C. United, outside back Akeem Ward provides versatility and depth to NCFC’s backline. 

Saturday’s match is the first of two straight at home to start off the year for NCFC, which should bode well for Sarachan’s group. Last season, NCFC went 11W-1L-5D in 17 regular-season matches in Cary, which ranked as the third-best home record in the USL Championship. 

Louisville City will serve as a tough opening test for NCFC, however. Coached by John Hackworth, Louisville City has appeared in the last three USL Championship Finals, winning it all in 2017 and ‘18.
Last season, the two teams split the regular-season series, with the home side winning on both occasions. 

Players to Watch

North Carolina FC – #11 Robert Kristo
Back for his second season with the club, Kristo quickly made himself a fan-favorite in 2019 with his goalscoring record at home and his creative celebrations. The 6’4” targetman co-led NCFC in scoring with nine goals, all of which came at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kristo was one of four NCFC players to find the back of the net in last year’s opener against Louisville City, and a goal from him on Saturday would go a long way in helping NCFC secure all three points.

Louisville City FC – #9 Cameron Lancaster
The USL Championship’s Golden Boot winner in 2018, Lancaster returns to Louisville City in 2020 on loan from MLS side Nashville SC. The former Tottenham Hotspur man is clinical in front of goal, and the NCFC defense will be sure to keep an eye on him at all times. 

Next Time Out 

NCFC will stay put, remaining at home to host Philadelphia Union II on Saturday, March 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. For tickets and information, please visit www.northcarolinafc.com or call the Coastal Credit Union Box Office at 919-459-8144.
 

Curt Johnson stood on stage with big news to deliver at North Carolina FC’s preseason media luncheon: NCFC’s new, eye-catching front-of-jersey sponsor is Dreamville Festival. As in the locally based, globally recognized music event put on at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park and created by rap star J. Cole, a North Carolina native. 

“Our players, I think they’re the most excited of all,” said North Carolina Football Club’s President and General Manager, turning to the five NCFC players accompanying him on stage at One Glenwood in downtown Raleigh.  

Johnson might as well have been a fly on the wall two days prior at the team’s preseason marketing day photoshoot, the first time players saw the uniforms they would be rocking on 2020 – and the distinctive, outside-the-box sponsor featured front and center. 

“These jerseys are so dope,” defender DJ Taylor said with excitement as he held up NCFC’s away top, a white jersey with a pink, blue and yellow color scheme, both on Dreamville’s logo and the NCFC crest. 

Roughly 48 hours later, the Internet’s collective response mirrored Taylor’s, going something like this: You’ve got to see these new kits. 

A testament to how much of a crossover hit the collaboration between Dreamville Festival and NCFC is proving to be, music and soccer fans from across the world have being expressing on social media their admiration for the partnership between the two organizations and the aesthetically pleasing kits it’s produced – in the form of fire emojis, mostly. Well, that and their willingness to make sure they get one for themselves. Both the white kit and NCFC’s traditional blue home uniform have been praised for their color schemes and sleek designs. 

Buy the NCFC x Dreamville Festival Jerseys

A day following the Dreamville Festival announcement, Johnson announced NCFC had already sold more jerseys in the first 24 hours of availability than all of last season. That’s one way of validating Johnson’s prediction one day earlier that “people are going to be excited about this.” 

Going beyond the physical uniforms, NCFC’s partnership with Dreamville Festival speaks to the club’s ambition to represent the region and partner with like-minded organizations. Like NCFC, Dreamville Festival has proven itself to be committed to making the Triangle a fun and exciting place to live. In its inaugural event last year, over 40,000 fans attended the festival, and as many as 50,000 are expected to turn out on April 4 for this year’s version. 

The night before, NCFC on April 3 will host the Charlotte Independence on what’s being dubbed Dreamville Festival Night. 

“We’re excited,” North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik said. “We try to be innovative and one of the things that we’re trying to do is represent the region. That’s a pretty good, front-and-center representation of where we’re going with the club.”

For Taylor, a 22-year-old Raleigh native, the collaboration hits home and is the perfect example of two worlds colliding. Taylor grew up a fan of J. Cole, listening to the fellow North Carolinian regularly. But Dreamville Festival on the jersey he and his teammates will be suiting up in? There was no way to see that coming. 

“Obviously for my generation and for young kids growing up in Raleigh, to have Dreamville Festival, sponsored by J. Cole, I grew up listening to J. Cole and he’s from North Carolina. To have a tie with that and traditional roots, it’s incredible.” 
 

Curt Johnson stood on stage with big news to deliver at North Carolina FC’s preseason media luncheon: NCFC’s new, eye-catching front-of-jersey sponsor is Dreamville Festival. As in the locally based, globally recognized music event put on at Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park and created by rap star J. Cole, a North Carolina native. 

“Our players, I think they’re the most excited of all,” said North Carolina Football Club’s President and General Manager, turning to the five NCFC players accompanying him on stage at One Glenwood in downtown Raleigh.  

Johnson might as well have been a fly on the wall two days prior at the team’s preseason marketing day photoshoot, the first time players saw the uniforms they would be rocking on 2020 – and the distinctive, outside-the-box sponsor featured front and center. 

“These jerseys are so dope,” defender DJ Taylor said with excitement as he held up NCFC’s away top, a white jersey with a pink, blue and yellow color scheme, both on Dreamville’s logo and the NCFC crest. 

Roughly 48 hours later, the Internet’s collective response mirrored Taylor’s, going something like this: You’ve got to see these new kits. 

A testament to how much of a crossover hit the collaboration between Dreamville Festival and NCFC is proving to be, music and soccer fans from across the world have being expressing on social media their admiration for the partnership between the two organizations and the aesthetically pleasing kits it’s produced – in the form of fire emojis, mostly. Well, that and their willingness to make sure they get one for themselves. Both the white kit and NCFC’s traditional blue home uniform have been praised for their color schemes and sleek designs. 

Buy the NCFC x Dreamville Festival Jerseys

A day following the Dreamville Festival announcement, Johnson announced NCFC had already sold more jerseys in the first 24 hours of availability than all of last season. That’s one way of validating Johnson’s prediction one day earlier that “people are going to be excited about this.” 

Going beyond the physical uniforms, NCFC’s partnership with Dreamville Festival speaks to the club’s ambition to represent the region and partner with like-minded organizations. Like NCFC, Dreamville Festival has proven itself to be committed to making the Triangle a fun and exciting place to live. In its inaugural event last year, over 40,000 fans attended the festival, and as many as 50,000 are expected to turn out on April 4 for this year’s version. 

The night before, NCFC on April 3 will host the Charlotte Independence on what’s being dubbed Dreamville Festival Night. 

“We’re excited,” North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik said. “We try to be innovative and one of the things that we’re trying to do is represent the region. That’s a pretty good, front-and-center representation of where we’re going with the club.”

For Taylor, a 22-year-old Raleigh native, the collaboration hits home and is the perfect example of two worlds colliding. Taylor grew up a fan of J. Cole, listening to the fellow North Carolinian regularly. But Dreamville Festival on the jersey he and his teammates will be suiting up in? There was no way to see that coming. 

“Obviously for my generation and for young kids growing up in Raleigh, to have Dreamville Festival, sponsored by J. Cole, I grew up listening to J. Cole and he’s from North Carolina. To have a tie with that and traditional roots, it’s incredible.” 
 

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 28, 2020) – In a move that brings back one of its most promising young players, North Carolina FC has signed midfielder and Raleigh native Dre Fortune to a contract ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season, the club announced on Friday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

Fortune, 23, is entering his fourth consecutive season with NCFC and is coming off a 2019 campaign that saw the Trinidad & Tobago international notch nine goals and two assists in 29 matches across all competitions.

“For us as a club, to have Dre back and to continue where we left off is important,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “He became a guy that was capable of creating goals, both as a goalscorer and also by setting up his teammates. Having him back again, his starting point will be that much further, and I think he’s going to be a guy who can continue to increase his production.” 

A product of the NCFC Youth Academy, Fortune had a career year in 2019, setting personal highs in games (29), minutes played (2,179) and goals (nine). A crafty midfielder with an attacking flair, Fortune twice earned USL Championship Player of the Week honors last season, as he scored twice in a Week 14 win at previously unbeaten Tampa Bay and recorded a two-goal, one-assist performance in a Week 24 victory against Pittsburgh. 

Fortune’s excellent form throughout the 2019 season led to Trinidad & Tobago naming him to its senior squad for the first time in September. In October, Fortune made his senior international debut against Venezuela. 

After developing in the NCFC Youth Academy, Fortune began his professional career with the Rochester Rhinos in 2016 before returning to his hometown club in 2017. In three seasons with NCFC, Fortune has recorded 13 goals and seven assists in 70 matches. 

With Fortune added, NCFC’s roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor, Akeem Ward, Adam Armour and Malick Mbaye; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez, Luke Hille and Dre Fortune; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch. 

NCFC opens its 2020 USL Championship regular season at home on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 28, 2020) – In a move that brings back one of its most promising young players, North Carolina FC has signed midfielder and Raleigh native Dre Fortune to a contract ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season, the club announced on Friday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

Fortune, 23, is entering his fourth consecutive season with NCFC and is coming off a 2019 campaign that saw the Trinidad & Tobago international notch nine goals and two assists in 29 matches across all competitions.

“For us as a club, to have Dre back and to continue where we left off is important,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “He became a guy that was capable of creating goals, both as a goalscorer and also by setting up his teammates. Having him back again, his starting point will be that much further, and I think he’s going to be a guy who can continue to increase his production.” 

A product of the NCFC Youth Academy, Fortune had a career year in 2019, setting personal highs in games (29), minutes played (2,179) and goals (nine). A crafty midfielder with an attacking flair, Fortune twice earned USL Championship Player of the Week honors last season, as he scored twice in a Week 14 win at previously unbeaten Tampa Bay and recorded a two-goal, one-assist performance in a Week 24 victory against Pittsburgh. 

Fortune’s excellent form throughout the 2019 season led to Trinidad & Tobago naming him to its senior squad for the first time in September. In October, Fortune made his senior international debut against Venezuela. 

After developing in the NCFC Youth Academy, Fortune began his professional career with the Rochester Rhinos in 2016 before returning to his hometown club in 2017. In three seasons with NCFC, Fortune has recorded 13 goals and seven assists in 70 matches. 

With Fortune added, NCFC’s roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor, Akeem Ward, Adam Armour and Malick Mbaye; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez, Luke Hille and Dre Fortune; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch. 

NCFC opens its 2020 USL Championship regular season at home on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 28, 2020) – North Carolina FC solidified its defense with the signing of rookie defender Malick Mbaye, the club announced on Friday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

Mbaye, a native of Dakar, Senegal, was selected in the second round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft with the No. 33 pick by Toronto FC following a decorated collegiate career at Clemson University. 

In 2019, Mbaye captained Clemson, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors as he led the Tigers with 1,950 minutes played. A Third Team All-America selection, Mbaye scored three goals and added an assist for Clemson in 2019. 

“Malick is obviously one of the better defenders coming out of college soccer, from a very good program in Clemson,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “To get a young guy to begin the development process in the professional setting, I think he’ll be a good addition, and we’re pleased to have a young and capable defender to call on as we move through the season.”

Mbaye, 23, impressed early on at Clemson as a freshman in 2016. After a campaign that included two goals and an assist, Mbaye was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team and TopDrawerSoccer’s Freshman Best XI. From 2017-19, Mbaye started in 50 of the 53 matches he appeared in, becoming a key cog on Clemson’s backline. 

With Mbaye now part of the squad, NCFC’s roster features the past two winners of the ACC’s Defender of the Year award. Fellow center back Alex Comsia, entering his second year with NCFC, earned the honor in 2018 with the University of North Carolina. 

NCFC’s roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor, Akeem Ward, Adam Armour and Malick Mbaye; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch. 

NCFC opens its 2020 USL Championship regular season at home on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 28, 2020) – North Carolina FC solidified its defense with the signing of rookie defender Malick Mbaye, the club announced on Friday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

Mbaye, a native of Dakar, Senegal, was selected in the second round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft with the No. 33 pick by Toronto FC following a decorated collegiate career at Clemson University. 

In 2019, Mbaye captained Clemson, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors as he led the Tigers with 1,950 minutes played. A Third Team All-America selection, Mbaye scored three goals and added an assist for Clemson in 2019. 

“Malick is obviously one of the better defenders coming out of college soccer, from a very good program in Clemson,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “To get a young guy to begin the development process in the professional setting, I think he’ll be a good addition, and we’re pleased to have a young and capable defender to call on as we move through the season.”

Mbaye, 23, impressed early on at Clemson as a freshman in 2016. After a campaign that included two goals and an assist, Mbaye was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team and TopDrawerSoccer’s Freshman Best XI. From 2017-19, Mbaye started in 50 of the 53 matches he appeared in, becoming a key cog on Clemson’s backline. 

With Mbaye now part of the squad, NCFC’s roster features the past two winners of the ACC’s Defender of the Year award. Fellow center back Alex Comsia, entering his second year with NCFC, earned the honor in 2018 with the University of North Carolina. 

NCFC’s roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor, Akeem Ward, Adam Armour and Malick Mbaye; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch. 

NCFC opens its 2020 USL Championship regular season at home on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

CARY, N.C. (February 27, 2020) – The North Carolina Football Club announced today that Dreamville Festival will serve as its front-of-jersey sponsor for its men’s professional soccer team, North Carolina FC (NCFC), leading into the world-renowned annual music festival in April. The sponsorship includes Dreamville Festival’s logo on the front of NCFC’s official home and away jerseys. 

The second annual Dreamville Festival will take place on Saturday, April 4 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. The festival was founded by GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist and producer, J. Cole and offers the Fayetteville, N.C. native a unique opportunity to give back to his home state that helped shape him into the successful and creative artist he is today. Last year, the festival event welcomed over 40,000 guests from across the globe, including attendees hailing from all 50 states and more than 10 international countries.

Dreamville Festival 2020 will again offer attendees a lineup of music artists personally selected by J. Cole, combining some of the biggest names in music with exciting up-and-comers from across the country. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned as the full lineup of music performers is set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

“We are excited about this groundbreaking opportunity for North Carolina FC to partner with the globally recognized Dreamville Festival, which takes place right here in our own backyard,” said North Carolina Football Club Executive Vice President, Peter Sciandra. “We look forward to actively supporting the continued recognition and success of the Dreamville Festival.” 

The collaboration between the organizations includes the sale of the jerseys on the Dreamville Festival website leading up to the festival and on-site at the festival itself. Jerseys will also be available for purchase at NCFC’s online merchandise store and at home games. NCFC has adopted the Dreamville Festival colors for its logo on its white jersey, while Dreamville Festival has adopted NCFC’s colors for its logo on its blue jersey. 

“Dreamville Festival is thrilled to be collaborating with North Carolina Football Club on this front-of-jersey partnership,” said Adam Rodney, Festival Producer and Creative Director. “Local partnerships like this are vital for both of our organizations to help build a strong community of supporters for years to come. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with NCFC and wish them the best in the upcoming season.”

Starting today, North Carolina FC and Dreamville Festival fans will be able to purchase the authentic jersey online at store.https://www.northcarolinafc.com and bit.ly/dreamvillefestjersey. Each jersey purchased between now and March 6 will come with a complimentary ticket to NCFC’s home opener on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. In addition, those who purchase a NCFC jersey during this period will also be entered into a contest to win two VIP tickets to the Dreamville Festival and two VIP Suite tickets to an NCFC home game of the winner’s choice. North Carolina FC’s full season schedule can be found online at https://www.northcarolinafc.com. 

Be sure to visit www.DreamvilleFest.com, as well as follow along on all social media platforms @dreamvillefest to stay up to date on all Dreamville Festival news and announcements.

# # #

ABOUT DREAMVILLE FESTIVAL:

The second annual Dreamville Festival will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. Produced in partnership with Dreamville Records, the event will provide a large-scale, multi-stage music festival from J. Cole, who was raised in nearby Fayetteville, North Carolina. 

The festival offers Cole a unique opportunity to give back to his home state that helped shape him into the successful and creative artist he is today. Dreamville Festival will offer attendees a lineup of music artists personally selected by Cole, combining some of the biggest names in music with exciting up-and-comers from across the country. The festival also benefits the Dreamville Foundation and the Dix Park Conservancy. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit DreamvilleFest.com.

ABOUT DREAMVILLE RECORDS:

Established by Jermaine Cole, better known as J. Cole, the GRAMMY Award-winning artist and producer. With a growing roster of talent, the label is home to artists including Bas, J.I.D, Cozz, Omen, EarthGang, Ari Lennox, and Lute. Dreamville prides itself on “keeping a pulse on our community while exploring new sounds, new visuals and new ways to authentically and genuinely connect with all people, around the world.” Visit Dreamville.com for more information.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB:

North Carolina Football Club is the largest youth-to-professional soccer organization in the country, home to over 14,000 players. The club is comprised of a women’s First Division team, 2019 NWSL Champions, 2018 NWSL and Women’s International Champions Cup champion North Carolina Courage (NWSL), a men’s Second Division team, North Carolina FC (USL), as well as a Premier Development League team, North Carolina FC U23 (USLPDL). The organization is also home to both Boys and Girls U.S. Soccer Development Academies in collaboration with NCFC Youth, effectively creating a true pyramid from youth recreational to the professional teams. 

The North Carolina Football Club is owned by local entrepreneur, Steve Malik, and managed by North Carolina native and longtime soccer executive Curt Johnson. North Carolina Football Club was established in 2016 to bring the highest levels of men’s and women’s professional soccer to the state. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

DREAMVILLE FESTIVAL MEDIA CONTACT:

Giant Noise // press@dreamvillefest.com // 512.382.9017

NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:

Morgan Brown // mbrown@https://www.northcarolinafc.com

CARY, N.C. (February 27, 2020) – The North Carolina Football Club announced today that Dreamville Festival will serve as its front-of-jersey sponsor for its men’s professional soccer team, North Carolina FC (NCFC), leading into the world-renowned annual music festival in April. The sponsorship includes Dreamville Festival’s logo on the front of NCFC’s official home and away jerseys. 

The second annual Dreamville Festival will take place on Saturday, April 4 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh. The festival was founded by GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist and producer, J. Cole and offers the Fayetteville, N.C. native a unique opportunity to give back to his home state that helped shape him into the successful and creative artist he is today. Last year, the festival event welcomed over 40,000 guests from across the globe, including attendees hailing from all 50 states and more than 10 international countries.

Dreamville Festival 2020 will again offer attendees a lineup of music artists personally selected by J. Cole, combining some of the biggest names in music with exciting up-and-comers from across the country. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned as the full lineup of music performers is set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

“We are excited about this groundbreaking opportunity for North Carolina FC to partner with the globally recognized Dreamville Festival, which takes place right here in our own backyard,” said North Carolina Football Club Executive Vice President, Peter Sciandra. “We look forward to actively supporting the continued recognition and success of the Dreamville Festival.” 

The collaboration between the organizations includes the sale of the jerseys on the Dreamville Festival website leading up to the festival and on-site at the festival itself. Jerseys will also be available for purchase at NCFC’s online merchandise store and at home games. NCFC has adopted the Dreamville Festival colors for its logo on its white jersey, while Dreamville Festival has adopted NCFC’s colors for its logo on its blue jersey. 

“Dreamville Festival is thrilled to be collaborating with North Carolina Football Club on this front-of-jersey partnership,” said Adam Rodney, Festival Producer and Creative Director. “Local partnerships like this are vital for both of our organizations to help build a strong community of supporters for years to come. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with NCFC and wish them the best in the upcoming season.”

Starting today, North Carolina FC and Dreamville Festival fans will be able to purchase the authentic jersey online at store.https://www.northcarolinafc.com and bit.ly/dreamvillefestjersey. Each jersey purchased between now and March 6 will come with a complimentary ticket to NCFC’s home opener on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. In addition, those who purchase a NCFC jersey during this period will also be entered into a contest to win two VIP tickets to the Dreamville Festival and two VIP Suite tickets to an NCFC home game of the winner’s choice. North Carolina FC’s full season schedule can be found online at https://www.northcarolinafc.com. 

Be sure to visit www.DreamvilleFest.com, as well as follow along on all social media platforms @dreamvillefest to stay up to date on all Dreamville Festival news and announcements.

# # #

ABOUT DREAMVILLE FESTIVAL:

The second annual Dreamville Festival will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. Produced in partnership with Dreamville Records, the event will provide a large-scale, multi-stage music festival from J. Cole, who was raised in nearby Fayetteville, North Carolina. 

The festival offers Cole a unique opportunity to give back to his home state that helped shape him into the successful and creative artist he is today. Dreamville Festival will offer attendees a lineup of music artists personally selected by Cole, combining some of the biggest names in music with exciting up-and-comers from across the country. The festival also benefits the Dreamville Foundation and the Dix Park Conservancy. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit DreamvilleFest.com.

ABOUT DREAMVILLE RECORDS:

Established by Jermaine Cole, better known as J. Cole, the GRAMMY Award-winning artist and producer. With a growing roster of talent, the label is home to artists including Bas, J.I.D, Cozz, Omen, EarthGang, Ari Lennox, and Lute. Dreamville prides itself on “keeping a pulse on our community while exploring new sounds, new visuals and new ways to authentically and genuinely connect with all people, around the world.” Visit Dreamville.com for more information.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB:

North Carolina Football Club is the largest youth-to-professional soccer organization in the country, home to over 14,000 players. The club is comprised of a women’s First Division team, 2019 NWSL Champions, 2018 NWSL and Women’s International Champions Cup champion North Carolina Courage (NWSL), a men’s Second Division team, North Carolina FC (USL), as well as a Premier Development League team, North Carolina FC U23 (USLPDL). The organization is also home to both Boys and Girls U.S. Soccer Development Academies in collaboration with NCFC Youth, effectively creating a true pyramid from youth recreational to the professional teams. 

The North Carolina Football Club is owned by local entrepreneur, Steve Malik, and managed by North Carolina native and longtime soccer executive Curt Johnson. North Carolina Football Club was established in 2016 to bring the highest levels of men’s and women’s professional soccer to the state. For more information, please visit www.www.northcarolinafc.com.

DREAMVILLE FESTIVAL MEDIA CONTACT:

Giant Noise // press@dreamvillefest.com // 512.382.9017

NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:

Morgan Brown // mbrown@https://www.northcarolinafc.com

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 26, 2020) – North Carolina FC legend Austin da Luz will join play-by-play announcer Dean Linke in the broadcast booth as a color commentator for NCFC matches in 2020, the club announced Wednesday. 

Da Luz, a Winston-Salem native and longtime Triangle resident, recently retired in 2019 following a 10-season professional career, the majority of which was spent with NCFC following stints with D.C. United and New York Red Bulls of MLS. The Wake Forest University alumnus ranks near the top of numerous categories in the NCFC record books, including minutes played (13,397, second-most) games (182, third-most), assists (18, fourth-most) and goals (23, fifth-most). 

“I’m very excited about the chance to stay involved with North Carolina FC and the community here following my playing career through this new opportunity,” da Luz said. “I look forward to working with a true professional like Dean and following NCFC’s season.” 

Da Luz, who captained NCFC in 2013, ‘18 and ‘19, enters his new role with previous broadcast experience, having called collegiate matches for ACC Network Extra and a handful of Carolina RailHawks matches with Linke when sidelined due to injury. 

Linke, the voice of North Carolina Football Club, has called NCFC matches since the team’s inaugural season in 2007 and also serves as a play-by-play announcer for the Big Ten Network. In the past, Linke has also called games on ESPN and the ACC Network among other outlets. 

NCFC home matches are broadcast on ESPN+, and the club plans on announcing its local TV broadcasting deal in the coming weeks. To sign up for ESPN+, click here. 

“As both a person and a player, Austin has been nothing but terrific for our club,” North Carolina Football Club President & General Manager Curt Johnson said. “I’m thrilled that he will remain a part of NCFC, and I look forward to the great work he’ll do with Dean.”

Off the field, da Luz has made an impact as the founder of Playing for Pride, a global fundraiser to benefit the Human Rights Campaign and draw attention to LGBTQ issues. For his efforts, da Luz was named as the 2017 NASL Humanitarian of the Year. Using his platform as a professional soccer player to make a difference, da Luz has helped Playing for Pride raise over $60,000 since 2017.

NCFC opens up its 2020 USL Championship season on Saturday, March 7, when it hosts Louisville City FC at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 26, 2020) – North Carolina FC legend Austin da Luz will join play-by-play announcer Dean Linke in the broadcast booth as a color commentator for NCFC matches in 2020, the club announced Wednesday. 

Da Luz, a Winston-Salem native and longtime Triangle resident, recently retired in 2019 following a 10-season professional career, the majority of which was spent with NCFC following stints with D.C. United and New York Red Bulls of MLS. The Wake Forest University alumnus ranks near the top of numerous categories in the NCFC record books, including minutes played (13,397, second-most) games (182, third-most), assists (18, fourth-most) and goals (23, fifth-most). 

“I’m very excited about the chance to stay involved with North Carolina FC and the community here following my playing career through this new opportunity,” da Luz said. “I look forward to working with a true professional like Dean and following NCFC’s season.” 

Da Luz, who captained NCFC in 2013, ‘18 and ‘19, enters his new role with previous broadcast experience, having called collegiate matches for ACC Network Extra and a handful of Carolina RailHawks matches with Linke when sidelined due to injury. 

Linke, the voice of North Carolina Football Club, has called NCFC matches since the team’s inaugural season in 2007 and also serves as a play-by-play announcer for the Big Ten Network. In the past, Linke has also called games on ESPN and the ACC Network among other outlets. 

NCFC home matches are broadcast on ESPN+, and the club plans on announcing its local TV broadcasting deal in the coming weeks. To sign up for ESPN+, click here. 

“As both a person and a player, Austin has been nothing but terrific for our club,” North Carolina Football Club President & General Manager Curt Johnson said. “I’m thrilled that he will remain a part of NCFC, and I look forward to the great work he’ll do with Dean.”

Off the field, da Luz has made an impact as the founder of Playing for Pride, a global fundraiser to benefit the Human Rights Campaign and draw attention to LGBTQ issues. For his efforts, da Luz was named as the 2017 NASL Humanitarian of the Year. Using his platform as a professional soccer player to make a difference, da Luz has helped Playing for Pride raise over $60,000 since 2017.

NCFC opens up its 2020 USL Championship season on Saturday, March 7, when it hosts Louisville City FC at 2:30 p.m. at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 20, 2020) – In conjunction with club partner Issuer Direct, North Carolina Football Club will host its preseason media luncheon at the One Glenwood building in downtown Raleigh on Glenwood Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 12 p.m.

The event – open only to members of the press and invited guests – will include interviews with NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan and select players ahead of the upcoming USL Championship season. The team will also unveil its 2020 uniforms and front-of-jersey sponsor, and North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik will provide an update on the Downtown South project.

"We are excited about the upcoming season and being a part of helping North Carolina FC with their news dissemination through our Accesswire platform," Issuer Direct President and CEO Brian Balbirnie said.

Issuer Direct will broadcast an online stream of the event, giving viewers the opportunity to ask questions remotely. Click here to access the online stream of the event. In addition to Sarachan, NCFC players Nazmi Albadawi, Alex Tambakis, Conor Donovan, DJ Taylor and Steven Miller will answer questions.

"We appreciate Issuer Direct's enthusiasm in supporting our club and are thankful for the role they are playing in helping put on this exciting event," said Santiago Lucio, North Carolina Football Club Director of Corporate Sponsorships. "We look forward to continuing to work with Issuer Direct on future projects involving our two organizations."

Coming off a 16-win season that included a trip to the postseason and the third-best home record in the USL Championship, NCFC opens its regular season on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 20, 2020) – In conjunction with club partner Issuer Direct, North Carolina Football Club will host its preseason media luncheon at the One Glenwood building in downtown Raleigh on Glenwood Avenue on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 12 p.m.

The event – open only to members of the press and invited guests – will include interviews with NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan and select players ahead of the upcoming USL Championship season. The team will also unveil its 2020 uniforms and front-of-jersey sponsor, and North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik will provide an update on the Downtown South project.

“We are excited about the upcoming season and being a part of helping North Carolina FC with their news dissemination through our Accesswire platform,” Issuer Direct President and CEO Brian Balbirnie said.

Issuer Direct will broadcast an online stream of the event, giving viewers the opportunity to ask questions remotely. Click here to access the online stream of the event. In addition to Sarachan, NCFC players Nazmi Albadawi, Alex Tambakis, Conor Donovan, DJ Taylor and Steven Miller will answer questions.

“We appreciate Issuer Direct’s enthusiasm in supporting our club and are thankful for the role they are playing in helping put on this exciting event,” said Santiago Lucio, North Carolina Football Club Director of Corporate Sponsorships. “We look forward to continuing to work with Issuer Direct on future projects involving our two organizations.”

Coming off a 16-win season that included a trip to the postseason and the third-best home record in the USL Championship, NCFC opens its regular season on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 18, 2020) – Adding versatility to its defense, North Carolina FC signed defender Akeem Ward on Tuesday, the club announced. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

D.C. United drafted Ward with the No. 14 pick in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The Creighton University product played for D.C. United as well as USL Championship sides Loudoun United and Birmingham Legion FC during his rookie season. In 23 league matches with the three clubs, the 24-year-old Ward totaled 1,882 minutes and recorded four assists as he played both left back and right back at different times.  

“I’ve watched Akeem over the last year and a half,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “He can play on the left or the right, which is a big plus for players to have that kind of versatility. He can keep up with the pace of the game with his speed, so I think he’s a guy that adds good experience who will push to see minutes.”

From March-July 2019, Ward split time with D.C. United and its affiliated USL Championship side, Loudoun United. Ward played in nine matches with Loudoun United and was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week in Week 7. D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen named Ward to his matchday squad seven times, and the Vienna, Va., native made his MLS debut on May 15, starting in a scoreless draw against Toronto FC. 

Birmingham signed Ward in July, and he started in 12 of his 13 appearances with the team. 

Prior to the start of his professional career, Ward first spent one season at Hastings College before playing at Creighton for three years. As a Bluejay, Ward made 47 appearances, scoring twice and dishing out six assists. In 2018, Ward earned multiple accolades, including selections to the United Soccer Coaches All-East First Team and the All-Big East First Team. 

With Ward added, NCFC’s current roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor, Akeem Ward and Adam Armour; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch. 

NCFC opens its 2020 USL Championship regular season at home on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 18, 2020) – Adding versatility to its defense, North Carolina FC signed defender Akeem Ward on Tuesday, the club announced. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

D.C. United drafted Ward with the No. 14 pick in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The Creighton University product played for D.C. United as well as USL Championship sides Loudoun United and Birmingham Legion FC during his rookie season. In 23 league matches with the three clubs, the 24-year-old Ward totaled 1,882 minutes and recorded four assists as he played both left back and right back at different times.  

“I’ve watched Akeem over the last year and a half,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “He can play on the left or the right, which is a big plus for players to have that kind of versatility. He can keep up with the pace of the game with his speed, so I think he’s a guy that adds good experience who will push to see minutes.”

From March-July 2019, Ward split time with D.C. United and its affiliated USL Championship side, Loudoun United. Ward played in nine matches with Loudoun United and was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week in Week 7. D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen named Ward to his matchday squad seven times, and the Vienna, Va., native made his MLS debut on May 15, starting in a scoreless draw against Toronto FC. 

Birmingham signed Ward in July, and he started in 12 of his 13 appearances with the team. 

Prior to the start of his professional career, Ward first spent one season at Hastings College before playing at Creighton for three years. As a Bluejay, Ward made 47 appearances, scoring twice and dishing out six assists. In 2018, Ward earned multiple accolades, including selections to the United Soccer Coaches All-East First Team and the All-Big East First Team. 

With Ward added, NCFC’s current roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor, Akeem Ward and Adam Armour; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch. 

NCFC opens its 2020 USL Championship regular season at home on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 17, 2020) – Adding depth and talent to the goalkeeper position, North Carolina FC signed Brazilian rookie Paulo Pita ahead of the USL Championship season, the club announced Monday The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy.

MLS' Los Angeles FC selected Pita, 25, in the first round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft in January following the conclusion of his college career, which included stops at University of Charleston and Marshall University. 

“We kept an eye on Paulo throughout his senior year, and when we had the ability to bring him, we took advantage,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “He’s pretty mature for a first-year player out of college. His starting point is a little bit further along than many. Technically, he’s got a good presence and demeanor in goal. He has a lot of components that can help him develop into an outstanding goalkeeper.” 

Pita, a native of Santos, Brazil, won a national championship and earned First Team All-America honors during his two-year stint with the University of Charleston at the Division II level. From 2018-19, Pita played a pivotal role in helping Marshall reach new heights as a program, as the Thundering Herd in 2019 won the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles, and was ranked as high as No. 11 nationally, a program record. 

In 2019, Pita led C-USA in saves (74) and ranked second in shutouts (eight), as he received All-Conference USA Second Team and United Soccer Coaches Southeast Region Third Team honors. 

Pita joins Alex Tambakis and Trace Alphin in NCFC’s group of goalkeepers, which is looking to build on a 2019 that included 10 clean sheets. 

With the addition of Pita, NCFC’s current roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor and Adam Armour; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch.

NCFC kicks off its regular season on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 17, 2020) – Adding depth and talent to the goalkeeper position, North Carolina FC signed Brazilian rookie Paulo Pita ahead of the USL Championship season, the club announced Monday The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy.

MLS’ Los Angeles FC selected Pita, 25, in the first round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft in January following the conclusion of his college career, which included stops at University of Charleston and Marshall University. 

“We kept an eye on Paulo throughout his senior year, and when we had the ability to bring him, we took advantage,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “He’s pretty mature for a first-year player out of college. His starting point is a little bit further along than many. Technically, he’s got a good presence and demeanor in goal. He has a lot of components that can help him develop into an outstanding goalkeeper.” 

Pita, a native of Santos, Brazil, won a national championship and earned First Team All-America honors during his two-year stint with the University of Charleston at the Division II level. From 2018-19, Pita played a pivotal role in helping Marshall reach new heights as a program, as the Thundering Herd in 2019 won the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles, and was ranked as high as No. 11 nationally, a program record. 

In 2019, Pita led C-USA in saves (74) and ranked second in shutouts (eight), as he received All-Conference USA Second Team and United Soccer Coaches Southeast Region Third Team honors. 

Pita joins Alex Tambakis and Trace Alphin in NCFC’s group of goalkeepers, which is looking to build on a 2019 that included 10 clean sheets. 

With the addition of Pita, NCFC’s current roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor and Adam Armour; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch.

NCFC kicks off its regular season on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. 

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2020) – Adding another local ACC standout to its roster, North Carolina FC has signed rookie striker Daniele Proch out of Duke University, the club announced on Thursday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

Proch, 23, is a native of Riva Del Garda, Italy, and spent the first season of his collegiate career at Catawba College before playing three years with the Blue Devils. From 2017-19, Proch notched 28 goals and nine assists in 80 matches with Duke, earning second-team all-America honors in 2018. 

Familiar to NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan, Proch previously trained with both the NCFC first team and NCFC U-23 squad in 2019. 

“We did have a glimpse of Daniele last summer when he was here for a couple weeks of training,” Sarachan said. “We saw something in him that we liked. For him to showcase himself again these past few days sort of solidified himself. He can play in a variety of positions in the final third, either as a central guy or from both sides.”

Before coming to the U.S. in 2016, Proch spent time with Italian clubs Dro Calcio and FC Suditrol. As a freshman with Catawba, Proch led his team with eight goals and was the South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year. 

After ranking second on Duke in scoring in 2017 (five goals and two assists), Proch was the Blue Devils’ top scorer in both 2018 and ‘19, recording 23 goals and seven assists in that two-year span. 

With Proch in the fold, NCFC’s current roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Trace Alphin; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor and Adam Armour; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry, and Proch. 

NCFC opens up its regular season at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC. 
 

CARY, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2020) – Adding another local ACC standout to its roster, North Carolina FC has signed rookie striker Daniele Proch out of Duke University, the club announced on Thursday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy. 

Proch, 23, is a native of Riva Del Garda, Italy, and spent the first season of his collegiate career at Catawba College before playing three years with the Blue Devils. From 2017-19, Proch notched 28 goals and nine assists in 80 matches with Duke, earning second-team all-America honors in 2018. 

Familiar to NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan, Proch previously trained with both the NCFC first team and NCFC U-23 squad in 2019. 

“We did have a glimpse of Daniele last summer when he was here for a couple weeks of training,” Sarachan said. “We saw something in him that we liked. For him to showcase himself again these past few days sort of solidified himself. He can play in a variety of positions in the final third, either as a central guy or from both sides.”

Before coming to the U.S. in 2016, Proch spent time with Italian clubs Dro Calcio and FC Suditrol. As a freshman with Catawba, Proch led his team with eight goals and was the South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year. 

After ranking second on Duke in scoring in 2017 (five goals and two assists), Proch was the Blue Devils’ top scorer in both 2018 and ‘19, recording 23 goals and seven assists in that two-year span. 

With Proch in the fold, NCFC’s current roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Trace Alphin; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor and Adam Armour; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez and Luke Hille; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry, and Proch. 

NCFC opens up its regular season at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC.