CARY, N.C. (Dec. 14, 2017) – North Carolina FC has secured a crucial signing for the 2018 season as midfielder Austin da Luz is set to return for his seventh season with the club. The experienced midfielder is expected to be a primary contributor for the team in NCFC’s first season in the United Soccer League (USL). Per club policy, further details on the deal were not released.
“Austin is a very important player for our club,” said North Carolina FC President and GM Curt Johnson. “He’s a proven leader on and off the field and we know he'll continue to make an impact next season and beyond. We look forward to continuing to build a solid foundation for the 2018 season with further player announcements in the coming days.”
Da Luz returns to North Carolina FC as one of the most tenured players in club history. In total, da Luz has played in 128 matches across all competitions, totaling more than 9,000 minutes on the pitch while adding 14 goals and eight assists.
“I couldn’t be happier to be staying with the club for what’s sure to be another exciting season,” said da Luz. “This is home for me, and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the club’s progress over the past few years. The opportunity to continue that progress and chase a championship in a new league is one that I will relish.”
The North Carolina native was a feature in the midfield and helped North Carolina FC return to the playoffs in 2017. He surpassed 100 total appearances and added two goals and two assists while playing over 2,500 minutes across all competitions.
Da Luz is a Wake Forest University product that helped guide the Demon Deacons to four College Cup appearances and a national title in 2007. After three years in the MLS with stops at DC United and New York Red Bulls, da Luz joined NCFC in 2012. After a stint with Orlando City in 2014, the midfielder returned and has remained with the club.
The veteran midfielder is not only a key contributor on the pitch, but has consistently shown leadership in the community. Last season, da Luz was named NASL Humanitarian of the Year for creating Playing for Pride, a global fundraiser to benefit the Human Rights Campaign and draw attention to LGBTQ issues. To date, the campaign has raised over $13,000 and has involved players and fans from across the globe.
Season tickets for North Carolina FC’s 2018 season are on sale now. Fans can secure their seats at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park with a $50 deposit. To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action, click here or call the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919-459-8144.
Player Profile:
Name: Austin da Luz
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: 10/09/1987 (Age 30)
Birthplace: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 155
Citizenship: USA
College: Wake Forest
Previous Club: North Carolina FC
Transaction: North Carolina FC has re-signed Austin da Luz.
CARY, N.C. (Dec. 14, 2017) – North Carolina FC has secured a crucial signing for the 2018 season as midfielder Austin da Luz is set to return for his seventh season with the club. The experienced midfielder is expected to be a primary contributor for the team in NCFC’s first season in the United Soccer League (USL). Per club policy, further details on the deal were not released.
“Austin is a very important player for our club,” said North Carolina FC President and GM Curt Johnson. “He’s a proven leader on and off the field and we know he’ll continue to make an impact next season and beyond. We look forward to continuing to build a solid foundation for the 2018 season with further player announcements in the coming days.”
Da Luz returns to North Carolina FC as one of the most tenured players in club history. In total, da Luz has played in 128 matches across all competitions, totaling more than 9,000 minutes on the pitch while adding 14 goals and eight assists.
“I couldn’t be happier to be staying with the club for what’s sure to be another exciting season,” said da Luz. “This is home for me, and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the club’s progress over the past few years. The opportunity to continue that progress and chase a championship in a new league is one that I will relish.”
The North Carolina native was a feature in the midfield and helped North Carolina FC return to the playoffs in 2017. He surpassed 100 total appearances and added two goals and two assists while playing over 2,500 minutes across all competitions.
Da Luz is a Wake Forest University product that helped guide the Demon Deacons to four College Cup appearances and a national title in 2007. After three years in the MLS with stops at DC United and New York Red Bulls, da Luz joined NCFC in 2012. After a stint with Orlando City in 2014, the midfielder returned and has remained with the club.
The veteran midfielder is not only a key contributor on the pitch, but has consistently shown leadership in the community. Last season, da Luz was named NASL Humanitarian of the Year for creating Playing for Pride, a global fundraiser to benefit the Human Rights Campaign and draw attention to LGBTQ issues. To date, the campaign has raised over $13,000 and has involved players and fans from across the globe.
Season tickets for North Carolina FC’s 2018 season are on sale now. Fans can secure their seats at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park with a $50 deposit. To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action, click here or call the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919-459-8144.
Player Profile:
Name: Austin da Luz
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: 10/09/1987 (Age 30)
Birthplace: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 155
Citizenship: USA
College: Wake Forest
Previous Club: North Carolina FC
Transaction: North Carolina FC has re-signed Austin da Luz.