CARY, N.C. (Jan. 19, 2023) – North Carolina FC announced today it has signed goalkeeper Tor Saunders for the 2023 USL League One season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
Saunders joins from USL Championship club Indy Eleven, but spent the 2022 season on loan with USL League One runners up Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. With Chattanooga, Saunders made five appearances, saving 11 of the 16 shots on target he faced.
“We are excited to bring Tor to North Carolina FC for the upcoming 2023 season. He is a quality goalkeeper that has experience in USL League One and the clear potential to develop further. Tor will be a fantastic addition to our club and helps us form, alongside Nicholas Holliday, an extremely strong goalkeeping pair in USL League One,” said head coach John Bradford.
Saunders was selected 74th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Nashville SC and spent the 2021 season with the MLS club before signing with Indy Eleven ahead of the 2022 season.
A native of Bothell, WA, Saunders played college soccer at Akron for three seasons and Coastal Carolina for one. In his lone season with Coastal Carolina, Saunders was earned All-Sun Belt honors and the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year award, and was named to the 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy watchlist.
Saunders’ arrival brings the NCFC roster to 22 full-time professional players. He becomes the second goalkeeper on roster, joining Nicholas Holliday.
SEASON TICKETS: The 2023 North Carolina FC season is right around the corner. Season tickets are on sale now with great discounts, exclusive access to events and several incentives. Visit www.northcarolinafc.com/season-tickets for more information and ways to purchase.
OPEN TRYOUTS: The North Carolina Football Club is hosting open tryouts for the USL One season on Friday, January 27, and Saturday, January 28, at WakeMed Soccer Park. Click here for more information and registration instructions.
