News

TAMPA, Fla. & CARY, NC (January 27, 2022) – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced the North Carolina Courage U23s as the latest club to join the USL W League. The club out of Cary, North Carolina will begin play in 2022 as part of the league’s inaugural season.

“We are excited to be a part of this new league that will bring so many more opportunities for talented young athletes and coaches in our area to take their careers to the next level,” Curt Johnson, Chief Soccer Officer of the North Carolina Football Club said. “Developing a world-class youth-to-pro pipeline, as well as a pathway for coaches, is a priority of ours on the women’s side of our club and this is an important investment toward that goal. North Carolina is home to some of the most talented youth and collegiate athletes in the country, and we look forward to providing them with an elite training environment through the NC Courage U23s W League team to help them reach their full potential.”

NC Courage U23s team will be operated in partnership with NCFC Youth and will be comprised of mostly college players, as well as players from the academy. The W League season will run from May to July and the Courage U23s team will play home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the North Carolina Courage organization to the W League for our inaugural season,” said Betsy Haugh, USL Director of Women’s Soccer Operations. “The Courage has shown a tremendous commitment to the women’s game, and we look forward to working with them as they continue their investment by fielding a team in the W League. Together we will provide more player development opportunities for girls and women looking to achieve their dreams in the sport of soccer.”

The North Carolina Football Club is the largest youth-to-pro club in the nation and is comprised of the NC Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League, North Carolina FC in USL League One, North Carolina FC’s U23 squad in USL League Two and now the Courage U23s team in the W League. NCFC Youth offers a full spectrum of opportunities for players ages 2.5-19 from recreation and intermediate to the highest levels of elite competition. 

“Adding a W League team to our existing programming is another step in the right direction for our club and fills the gap in an area we have yet to serve,” said Paul Forster, NCFC Youth Director of Soccer.  “The W league will provide a natural next step for our current and former players from the club and to continue working toward their career aspirations in the women’s collegiate and professional game. We cannot wait to take the field this summer.”  

To learn more about the North Carolina Courage, visit www.NCCourage.com or follow the club on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

TAMPA, Fla. & CARY, NC (January 27, 2022) – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced the North Carolina Courage U23s as the latest club to join the USL W League. The club out of Cary, North Carolina will begin play in 2022 as part of the league’s inaugural season.

“We are excited to be a part of this new league that will bring so many more opportunities for talented young athletes and coaches in our area to take their careers to the next level,” Curt Johnson, Chief Soccer Officer of the North Carolina Football Club said. “Developing a world-class youth-to-pro pipeline, as well as a pathway for coaches, is a priority of ours on the women’s side of our club and this is an important investment toward that goal. North Carolina is home to some of the most talented youth and collegiate athletes in the country, and we look forward to providing them with an elite training environment through the NC Courage U23s W League team to help them reach their full potential.”

NC Courage U23s team will be operated in partnership with NCFC Youth and will be comprised of mostly college players, as well as players from the academy. The W League season will run from May to July and the Courage U23s team will play home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the North Carolina Courage organization to the W League for our inaugural season,” said Betsy Haugh, USL Director of Women’s Soccer Operations. “The Courage has shown a tremendous commitment to the women’s game, and we look forward to working with them as they continue their investment by fielding a team in the W League. Together we will provide more player development opportunities for girls and women looking to achieve their dreams in the sport of soccer.”

The North Carolina Football Club is the largest youth-to-pro club in the nation and is comprised of the NC Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League, North Carolina FC in USL League One, North Carolina FC’s U23 squad in USL League Two and now the Courage U23s team in the W League. NCFC Youth offers a full spectrum of opportunities for players ages 2.5-19 from recreation and intermediate to the highest levels of elite competition. 

“Adding a W League team to our existing programming is another step in the right direction for our club and fills the gap in an area we have yet to serve,” said Paul Forster, NCFC Youth Director of Soccer.  “The W league will provide a natural next step for our current and former players from the club and to continue working toward their career aspirations in the women’s collegiate and professional game. We cannot wait to take the field this summer.”  

To learn more about the North Carolina Courage, visit www.NCCourage.com or follow the club on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

CARY, NC (January 21, 2022) – Midfielder Jaden Servania has signed a contract with North Carolina FC for the 2022 season, the club announced today. The deal is pending league and federation approval. 

“I am excited about joining NCFC and am looking forward to working with the coaching staff as well as meeting the team,” Servania said. “I thank the organization for this opportunity to represent them. I plan to give my best effort and to do whatever I can to make the team better.”

Servania joins North Carolina FC from the Birmingham Legion of the USL Championship, for whom he made 44 appearances and clocked 1,502 minutes of playing time. Over the course of two seasons with the club, the 20-year-old collected three goals and four assists, registering 12 appearances in the starting lineup. The Birmingham native has also posted 45 minutes of playing time in the USL Championship playoffs and 90 minutes of playing time in the US Open Cup.

A Puerto Rican international, Servania has represented his country on the international stage on both the U-20 Puerto Rican National Team and the senior Puerto Rican National Team. The midfielder made his debut with the U-20s in November of 2018 at 17 years old, subsequently recording five appearances with the squad and scoring seven goals. Later, in January of 2021, Servania made his debut for the senior national team at 19 and has since logged six appearances and scored one goal. 

“I'm extremely excited to bring Jaden to North Carolina FC this season and have the opportunity to work with him,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “He's a very talented player still with room to grow and potential to play at higher levels. Even at a young age, he has solid professional experience in the USL Championship as well as international experience with the Puerto Rican National Team. He'll be an important piece to our team's attack and I look forward to getting started with him soon.”

Recent Signings:

• Oalex Anderson
• Christian Lue Young
• Jordan Skelton
• Showkat Tahir
• Pecka
• Raheem Somersall
• Nelson Flores Blanco & Luis Arriaga
• Max Flick & Nelson Martinez

CARY, NC (January 21, 2022) – Midfielder Jaden Servania has signed a contract with North Carolina FC for the 2022 season, the club announced today. The deal is pending league and federation approval. 

“I am excited about joining NCFC and am looking forward to working with the coaching staff as well as meeting the team,” Servania said. “I thank the organization for this opportunity to represent them. I plan to give my best effort and to do whatever I can to make the team better.”

Servania joins North Carolina FC from the Birmingham Legion of the USL Championship, for whom he made 44 appearances and clocked 1,502 minutes of playing time. Over the course of two seasons with the club, the 20-year-old collected three goals and four assists, registering 12 appearances in the starting lineup. The Birmingham native has also posted 45 minutes of playing time in the USL Championship playoffs and 90 minutes of playing time in the US Open Cup.

A Puerto Rican international, Servania has represented his country on the international stage on both the U-20 Puerto Rican National Team and the senior Puerto Rican National Team. The midfielder made his debut with the U-20s in November of 2018 at 17 years old, subsequently recording five appearances with the squad and scoring seven goals. Later, in January of 2021, Servania made his debut for the senior national team at 19 and has since logged six appearances and scored one goal. 

“I’m extremely excited to bring Jaden to North Carolina FC this season and have the opportunity to work with him,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “He’s a very talented player still with room to grow and potential to play at higher levels. Even at a young age, he has solid professional experience in the USL Championship as well as international experience with the Puerto Rican National Team. He’ll be an important piece to our team’s attack and I look forward to getting started with him soon.”

Recent Signings:

• Oalex Anderson
• Christian Lue Young
• Jordan Skelton
• Showkat Tahir
• Pecka
• Raheem Somersall
• Nelson Flores Blanco & Luis Arriaga
• Max Flick & Nelson Martinez

CARY, NC (January 14, 2022) – The North Carolina Football Club announced today it has expanded its club leadership, naming Francie Gottsegen as Club President and Curt Johnson as Chief Soccer Officer. Joanna Holder has also been hired as the club’s Chief People Officer.

“I’m thrilled to join the North Carolina Football Club and lead the growth of this best-in-class organization,” Gottsegen said. “It is an honor to guide the club’s front office in elevating the experience for our players, fans and partners. I’m also looking forward to further strengthening the club ties to our community and to our successes ahead.”

A Durham resident and alumna of Duke University, Gottsegen brings a wealth of business development and sports marketing experience to the club, as well as a valuable perspective on sponsorships and relationship building. Most recently, Gottsegen served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sports Systems, a TicketManager Company, delivering guest management and accreditation solutions to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Prior to working at Sports Systems, Gottsegen served as the Senior Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at JP Morgan Chase, which followed a similar role at Wells Fargo. Gottsegen has also worked at notable professional sports organizations including the PGA of America, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Soccer.

In her role as Club President, Gottsegen will lead business operations and revenue generation. Simultaneously, she will lead front office operations, focusing specifically on marketing, communications, broadcasting, and human resources, and will also serve as one of two board representatives on the North Carolina FC Youth Board of Directors, as well as on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce.

Curt Johnson will transition into a role focused on oversight of the technical and team side of the club, as well as strategic projects and board work.  As Chief Soccer Officer for North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage, Johnson’s responsibilities will include oversight of team performance, player and coach development, player experience, and enhancing the youth to professional pipeline.

Johnson will continue to serve on the NWSL and USL Board of Governors, North Carolina FC Youth Board and the club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce, in addition to other community focused boards. Johnson has been with the club as President and GM since 2011, and his role expanded to also oversee the NC Courage in 2017 when the team relocated from Western New York.  Previously, he served as the General Manager of the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) of Major League Soccer and the Richmond Kickers (USL).

“This is a great day for the club,” Johnson said. “I am thrilled to welcome Francie and Joanna, and I look forward to working alongside them. The addition of two talented senior leaders is something Steve and I have been working on for a few years. Personally, I’ll now be able to spend more time focused on working directly with our players and coaches, while also serving on the NWSL and USL Boards. I want to thank Steve for again providing us with the resources that will help us reach the full potential of the club.”

In addition to the hiring of Gottsegen, the club has also hired Joanna Holder as its Chief People Officer. Holder brings over 20 years of experience in human resources to the club, as well as a strong track record of partnering with organizations to create engaging work experiences and measurable outcomes. She also holds several professional certifications, including SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) and Six Sigma Green Belt. The Texas native earned her degree from the University of Texas at Austin and later received her MBA from Wake Forest University. She now resides in Holly Springs, where she is an active member of the community and sits on the Planning Board. 

In her role, Holder will focus on providing strategy and oversight of the administration of compensation, benefits, and talent practices, and will spearhead the implementation of training and wellness programs for employees, players, and coaches. She will also serve on the DEI Taskforce and act as an active member of the organization’s Leadership Team while leading the company’s organizational culture, diversity, inclusivity, and growth initiatives. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of this organization and to elevate the workplace experience for all those involved with the NC Football Club,” Holder said. “The team and our fans have experienced a lot of change in this past year. I’m here to empower the voices of the staff and players, and help guide the culture, creating a world class place to work.”

CARY, NC (January 14, 2022) – The North Carolina Football Club announced today it has expanded its club leadership, naming Francie Gottsegen as Club President and Curt Johnson as Chief Soccer Officer. Joanna Holder has also been hired as the club’s Chief People Officer.

“I’m thrilled to join the North Carolina Football Club and lead the growth of this best-in-class organization,” Gottsegen said. “It is an honor to guide the club’s front office in elevating the experience for our players, fans and partners. I’m also looking forward to further strengthening the club ties to our community and to our successes ahead.”

A Durham resident and alumna of Duke University, Gottsegen brings a wealth of business development and sports marketing experience to the club, as well as a valuable perspective on sponsorships and relationship building. Most recently, Gottsegen served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sports Systems, a TicketManager Company, delivering guest management and accreditation solutions to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Prior to working at Sports Systems, Gottsegen served as the Senior Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at JP Morgan Chase, which followed a similar role at Wells Fargo. Gottsegen has also worked at notable professional sports organizations including the PGA of America, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Soccer.

In her role as Club President, Gottsegen will lead business operations and revenue generation. Simultaneously, she will lead front office operations, focusing specifically on marketing, communications, broadcasting, and human resources, and will also serve as one of two board representatives on the North Carolina FC Youth Board of Directors, as well as on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce.

Curt Johnson will transition into a role focused on oversight of the technical and team side of the club, as well as strategic projects and board work.  As Chief Soccer Officer for North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage, Johnson’s responsibilities will include oversight of team performance, player and coach development, player experience, and enhancing the youth to professional pipeline.

Johnson will continue to serve on the NWSL and USL Board of Governors, North Carolina FC Youth Board and the club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce, in addition to other community focused boards. Johnson has been with the club as President and GM since 2011, and his role expanded to also oversee the NC Courage in 2017 when the team relocated from Western New York.  Previously, he served as the General Manager of the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) of Major League Soccer and the Richmond Kickers (USL).

“This is a great day for the club,” Johnson said. “I am thrilled to welcome Francie and Joanna, and I look forward to working alongside them. The addition of two talented senior leaders is something Steve and I have been working on for a few years. Personally, I’ll now be able to spend more time focused on working directly with our players and coaches, while also serving on the NWSL and USL Boards. I want to thank Steve for again providing us with the resources that will help us reach the full potential of the club.”

In addition to the hiring of Gottsegen, the club has also hired Joanna Holder as its Chief People Officer. Holder brings over 20 years of experience in human resources to the club, as well as a strong track record of partnering with organizations to create engaging work experiences and measurable outcomes. She also holds several professional certifications, including SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) and Six Sigma Green Belt. The Texas native earned her degree from the University of Texas at Austin and later received her MBA from Wake Forest University. She now resides in Holly Springs, where she is an active member of the community and sits on the Planning Board. 

In her role, Holder will focus on providing strategy and oversight of the administration of compensation, benefits, and talent practices, and will spearhead the implementation of training and wellness programs for employees, players, and coaches. She will also serve on the DEI Taskforce and act as an active member of the organization’s Leadership Team while leading the company’s organizational culture, diversity, inclusivity, and growth initiatives. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of this organization and to elevate the workplace experience for all those involved with the NC Football Club,” Holder said. “The team and our fans have experienced a lot of change in this past year. I’m here to empower the voices of the staff and players, and help guide the culture, creating a world class place to work.”

Season Tickets are now available for the 2022 season! We can't wait to see you all season long. 

All season ticket options can be found here.

All season ticket member benefits can be found here. 

Feel free to take another look at our schedule to start planning for fun tailgates, good times, and even better soccer! 

If you have any questions, reach out our Ticketing Department via tickets@https://www.northcarolinafc.com or call (919) 459-8144. 

Season Tickets are now available for the 2022 season! We can’t wait to see you all season long. 

All season ticket options can be found here.

All season ticket member benefits can be found here. 

Feel free to take another look at our schedule to start planning for fun tailgates, good times, and even better soccer! 

If you have any questions, reach out our Ticketing Department via tickets@https://www.northcarolinafc.com or call (919) 459-8144. 

CARY, NC (January 6, 2022) – North Carolina FC announced today that defender Christian Lue Young has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season with an option for 2023. The deal is pending league and federation approval.

“I’m very happy to be joining NCFC and grateful to the staff for giving me an opportunity to keep developing here,” Lue Young said. “Looking forward to moving to a great city and getting started.”

The Plantation, FL, native spent the 2021 season with Fort Lauderdale CF of USL League One, for whom he appeared in 16 matches for a total of 1,198 minutes, adding a goal and two assists. He likewise played the 2020 season with the Florida side, appearing in 14 matches and collecting 542 minutes of playing time while maintaining an 82.4% success rate in tackles and a 56.3% success rate in duels. Lue Young previously spent time with South Georgia Tormenta FC 2, where he played with future NCFC teammate Jordan Skelton. A product of the Weston FC Academy, the defender went on trial with Liverpool and West Ham United in 2014.

The 25-year-old played collegiately at the United States Military Academy in 2015 before transferring to Broward College for the 2016 season. In 2017, Lue Young transferred a third time to the University of Akron where he spent two seasons. In his senior year with the Zips, Lue Young scored a goal, added an assist, and registered four points while leading Akron to four shutouts on the season. That same year, Lue Young earned Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference honors, Academic All-Mid-American Conference honors, and was nominated as a CoSIDA Academic All-America District nominee. 

“We are excited to bring Christian into our group at North Carolina FC for the upcoming season,” said Head Coach John Bradford.  “He’s a talented defender with qualities on both sides of the ball and will be an excellent addition to our backline. Very much looking forward to getting to work with him in the coming month.”

More roster updates will be announced in the coming weeks.

Recent Signings:

• Jordan Skelton
• Showkat Tahir
• Pecka
• Raheem Somersall
• Nelson Flores Blanco & Luis Arriaga
• Max Flick & Nelson Martinez

CARY, NC (January 6, 2022) – North Carolina FC announced today that defender Christian Lue Young has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season with an option for 2023. The deal is pending league and federation approval.

“I’m very happy to be joining NCFC and grateful to the staff for giving me an opportunity to keep developing here,” Lue Young said. “Looking forward to moving to a great city and getting started.”

The Plantation, FL, native spent the 2021 season with Fort Lauderdale CF of USL League One, for whom he appeared in 16 matches for a total of 1,198 minutes, adding a goal and two assists. He likewise played the 2020 season with the Florida side, appearing in 14 matches and collecting 542 minutes of playing time while maintaining an 82.4% success rate in tackles and a 56.3% success rate in duels. A product of the Weston FC Academy, Lue Young previously spent time with South Georgia Tormenta FC 2, where he played with future NCFC teammate Jordan Skelton. A product of the Weston FC Academy, the defender went on trial with Liverpool and West Ham United in 2014.

The 25-year-old played collegiately at the United States Military Academy in 2015 before transferring to Broward College for the 2016 season. In 2017, Lue Young transferred a third time to the University of Akron where he spent two seasons. In his senior year with the Zips, Lue Young scored a goal, added an assist, and registered four points while leading Akron to four shutouts on the season. That same year, Lue Young earned Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference honors, Academic All-Mid-American Conference honors, and was nominated as a CoSIDA Academic All-America District nominee. 

“We are excited to bring Christian into our group at North Carolina FC for the upcoming season,” said Head Coach John Bradford.  “He’s a talented defender with qualities on both sides of the ball and will be an excellent addition to our backline. Very much looking forward to getting to work with him in the coming month.”

More roster updates will be announced in the coming weeks.

Recent Signings:

• Jordan Skelton
• Showkat Tahir
• Pecka
• Raheem Somersall
• Nelson Flores Blanco & Luis Arriaga
• Max Flick & Nelson Martinez

CARY, NC (December 22, 2021) – North Carolina FC released its 2022 USL League One schedule on Wednesday. The club will play 30 games over the course of a regular season that spans 195 days from April through October.

North Carolina FC will begin its season campaign on the road against South Georgia Tormenta FC, facing the Ibises on Saturday, April 2 at Erk Russell Athletic Park in Statesboro, GA. The fixture marks the first of fifteen away games and the only away match during the month of April, as John Bradford’s team will host three home games at Sahlen’s Stadium following their opening match against Tormenta. 

NCFC will play three matches against long-time regional rivals Richmond Kickers, twice at home on May 28 and July 27, and once away on July 2. Last season, NCFC recorded a 2-0-2 record against the Kickers, last meeting in a regular-season match in late August 2021. Prior to North Carolina FC’s move to USL League One, the two sides competed against one another in the 2019 US Open Cup, in which NCFC recorded a 4-1 victory over the Virginia squad. 

Similar to last year’s schedule, 2022’s fixtures will emphasize regional matchups against the Richmond Kickers, the Chattanooga Red Wolves, and Greenville Triumph SC, as well as the rekindling of a rivalry with the Charlotte Independence, who join USL League One from the USL Championship league. NCFC will face Chattanooga, Greenville, and Richmond three times apiece throughout the season. 

NCFC will wrap up their regular season with an away match against the Charlotte Independence on October 15, traveling to American Legion Memorial Stadium to face their league rivals for a third time. Following the conclusion of the regular season, the top six teams in League One will qualify for the 2022 USL League One Playoffs, which will feature quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds before deciding its champion. 

John Bradford and his staff have been busy during the offseason, continuing to build the NCFC roster in preparation for 2022. The team’s current squad includes goalkeeper Nicholas Holliday, defenders Nelson Flores, Max Flick, Britton Fischer, and Jordan Skelton, midfielders Pecka, Nelson Martinez, Raheem Somersall, and Luis Arriaga, and forwards Showkat Tahir and Cole Frame. 

All matches can be viewed in the United States on ESPN+, with international viewers able to stream the games on YouTube. To view the complete League One schedule, click here.

Season tickets for North Carolina FC’s 2022 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.

Date	Home Team	Away Team	Location
Sat 2022/04/02	South Georgia Tormenta FC	North Carolina FC	Erk Russell Athletic Park – Eagle Field
Sat 2022/04/09	North Carolina FC	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/04/16	North Carolina FC	Greenville Triumph SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/04/30	North Carolina FC	Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/05/07	FC Tucson	North Carolina FC	Kino Sports Complex – North Stadium
Sat 2022/05/14	North Carolina FC	South Georgia Tormenta FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/05/21	North Carolina FC	Greenville Triumph SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/05/28	North Carolina FC	Richmond Kickers	WakeMed Soccer Park
Wed 2022/06/08	Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC	North Carolina FC	Future Legends Complex
Sat 2022/06/18	North Carolina FC	Charlotte Independence	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/06/25	Central Valley Fuego FC	North Carolina FC	Chukchansi Park
Wed 2022/06/29	Greenville Triumph SC	North Carolina FC	Legacy Early College
Sat 2022/07/02	Richmond Kickers	North Carolina FC	City Stadium
Sat 2022/07/09	North Carolina FC	Union Omaha	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/07/16	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	North Carolina FC	CHI Memorial Stadium
Sat 2022/07/23	South Georgia Tormenta FC	North Carolina FC	Erk Russell Athletic Park -Eagle Field
Wed 2022/07/27	North Carolina FC	Richmond Kickers	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/07/30	FC Tucson	North Carolina FC	Kino Sports Complex – North Stadium
Wed 2022/08/10	North Carolina FC	Forward Madison FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/08/13	North Carolina FC	Central Valley Fuego FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/08/20	Union Omaha	North Carolina FC	FNB Field
Wed 2022/08/24	Forward Madison FC	North Carolina FC	Breese Stevens Field
Sat 2022/08/27	North Carolina FC	FC Tucson	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/09/03	Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC	North Carolina FC	Future Legends Complex
Sat 2022/09/10	North Carolina FC	Central Valley Fuego FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/09/17	Forward Madison FC	North Carolina FC	Breese Stevens Field
Sat 2022/09/24	Charlotte Independence	North Carolina FC	American Legion Memorial Stadium
Sat 2022/10/01	North Carolina FC	Union Omaha	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/10/08	North Carolina FC	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/10/15	Charlotte Independence	North Carolina FC	American Legion Memorial Stadium

CARY, NC (December 22, 2021) – North Carolina FC released its 2022 USL League One schedule on Wednesday. The club will play 30 games over the course of a regular season that spans 195 days from April through October.

North Carolina FC will begin its season campaign on the road against South Georgia Tormenta FC, facing the Ibises on Saturday, April 2 at Erk Russell Athletic Park in Statesboro, GA. The fixture marks the first of fifteen away games and the only away match during the month of April, as John Bradford’s team will host three home games at Sahlen’s Stadium following their opening match against Tormenta. 

NCFC will play three matches against long-time regional rivals Richmond Kickers, twice at home on May 28 and July 27, and once away on July 2. Last season, NCFC recorded a 2-0-2 record against the Kickers, last meeting in a regular-season match in late August 2021. Prior to North Carolina FC’s move to USL League One, the two sides competed against one another in the 2019 US Open Cup, in which NCFC recorded a 4-1 victory over the Virginia squad. 

Similar to last year’s schedule, 2022’s fixtures will emphasize regional matchups against the Richmond Kickers, the Chattanooga Red Wolves, and Greenville Triumph SC, as well as the rekindling of a rivalry with the Charlotte Independence, who join USL League One from the USL Championship league. NCFC will face Chattanooga, Greenville, and Richmond three times apiece throughout the season. 

NCFC will wrap up their regular season with an away match against the Charlotte Independence on October 15, traveling to American Legion Memorial Stadium to face their league rivals for a third time. Following the conclusion of the regular season, the top six teams in League One will qualify for the 2022 USL League One Playoffs, which will feature quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds before deciding its champion. 

John Bradford and his staff have been busy during the offseason, continuing to build the NCFC roster in preparation for 2022. The team’s current squad includes goalkeeper Nicholas Holliday, defenders Nelson Flores, Max Flick, Britton Fischer, and Jordan Skelton, midfielders Pecka, Nelson Martinez, Raheem Somersall, and Luis Arriaga, and forwards Showkat Tahir and Cole Frame. 

All matches can be viewed in the United States on ESPN+, with international viewers able to stream the games on YouTube. To view the complete League One schedule, click here.

Season tickets for North Carolina FC’s 2022 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.

Date	Home Team	Away Team	Location
Sat 2022/04/02	South Georgia Tormenta FC	North Carolina FC	Erk Russell Athletic Park – Eagle Field
Sat 2022/04/09	North Carolina FC	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/04/16	North Carolina FC	Greenville Triumph SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/04/30	North Carolina FC	Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/05/07	FC Tucson	North Carolina FC	Kino Sports Complex – North Stadium
Sat 2022/05/14	North Carolina FC	South Georgia Tormenta FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/05/21	North Carolina FC	Greenville Triumph SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/05/28	North Carolina FC	Richmond Kickers	WakeMed Soccer Park
Wed 2022/06/08	Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC	North Carolina FC	Future Legends Complex
Sat 2022/06/18	North Carolina FC	Charlotte Independence	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/06/25	Central Valley Fuego FC	North Carolina FC	Chukchansi Park
Wed 2022/06/29	Greenville Triumph SC	North Carolina FC	Legacy Early College
Sat 2022/07/02	Richmond Kickers	North Carolina FC	City Stadium
Sat 2022/07/09	North Carolina FC	Union Omaha	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/07/16	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	North Carolina FC	CHI Memorial Stadium
Sat 2022/07/23	South Georgia Tormenta FC	North Carolina FC	Erk Russell Athletic Park -Eagle Field
Wed 2022/07/27	North Carolina FC	Richmond Kickers	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/07/30	FC Tucson	North Carolina FC	Kino Sports Complex – North Stadium
Wed 2022/08/10	North Carolina FC	Forward Madison FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/08/13	North Carolina FC	Central Valley Fuego FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/08/20	Union Omaha	North Carolina FC	FNB Field
Wed 2022/08/24	Forward Madison FC	North Carolina FC	Breese Stevens Field
Sat 2022/08/27	North Carolina FC	FC Tucson	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/09/03	Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC	North Carolina FC	Future Legends Complex
Sat 2022/09/10	North Carolina FC	Central Valley Fuego FC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/09/17	Forward Madison FC	North Carolina FC	Breese Stevens Field
Sat 2022/09/24	Charlotte Independence	North Carolina FC	American Legion Memorial Stadium
Sat 2022/10/01	North Carolina FC	Union Omaha	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/10/08	North Carolina FC	Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	WakeMed Soccer Park
Sat 2022/10/15	Charlotte Independence	North Carolina FC	American Legion Memorial Stadium

CARY, NC (December 16, 2021)– North Carolina FC announced today that defender Jordan Skelton has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season. The deal is pending league and federation approval.

“I am delighted to be joining North Carolina FC,” Skelton said. “ I am beyond grateful to Coach John Bradford and the NCFC staff for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting the players and coaching staff and getting to work!”

The Newcastle, England native spent the 2021 season with the Des Moines Menace of USL League Two, captaining the Iowa side and leading them to their second League Two Championship title. Prior to joining the Menace, Skelton played in USL League One with South Georgia Tormenta FC, for whom he made 23 appearances during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. While with the Ibises, Skelton clocked 2,025 minutes of playing time and picked up two assists. The centerback also made three appearances in the US Open Cup, collecting 270 minutes of playing time and an assist. 

The 24-year-old played collegiately at Gateshead College, for whom he made 75 appearances from 2015 to 2018. In a four-year stint with the Bearcats, Skelton scored 17 goals, seven of which were game-winners, and tallied four assists. He captained the team for three years, and in his senior year was named a United Soccer Coaches First-Team All American, an MV Wells Award winner, and a four-time Peach Belt Defender of the Week.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jordan to North Carolina FC for the upcoming season,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “He will be a great addition to our roster and we expect him to have a fantastic impact on our backline.”

CARY, NC (December 16, 2021)– North Carolina FC announced today that defender Jordan Skelton has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season. The deal is pending league and federation approval.

“I am delighted to be joining North Carolina FC,” Skelton said. “ I am beyond grateful to Coach John Bradford and the NCFC staff for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting the players and coaching staff and getting to work!”

The Newcastle, England native spent the 2021 season with the Des Moines Menace of USL League Two, captaining the Iowa side and leading them to their second League Two Championship title. Prior to joining the Menace, Skelton played in USL League One with South Georgia Tormenta FC, for whom he made 23 appearances during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. While with the Ibises, Skelton clocked 2,025 minutes of playing time and picked up two assists. The centerback also made three appearances in the US Open Cup, collecting 270 minutes of playing time and an assist. 

The 24-year-old played collegiately at Gateshead College, for whom he made 75 appearances from 2015 to 2018. In a four-year stint with the Bearcats, Skelton scored 17 goals, seven of which were game-winners, and tallied four assists. He captained the team for three years, and in his senior year was named a United Soccer Coaches First-Team All American, an MV Wells Award winner, and a four-time Peach Belt Defender of the Week.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jordan to North Carolina FC for the upcoming season,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “He will be a great addition to our roster and we expect him to have a fantastic impact on our backline.”

CARY, NC (December 7, 2021)– North Carolina FC announced today that forward Showkat Tahir has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season. The deal is pending league and federation approval, as well as P1 Visa approval.

“I’m very excited for this new chapter in my career in the U.S.,” Tahir said. “I want to thank everyone at the club for giving me this opportunity and putting their faith in me. I can’t wait to get started and I look forward to playing in front of the fans at WakeMed!”

The London, England native has spent time with Chesham United FC of the Southern League Premier Division South and Cheshunt FC of the Isthmian League Premier Division, as well as with Fulham FC’s U18 squad of the U18 Premier League. While with Fulham, the 20-year-old collected 1,121 minutes of playing time in 22 appearances and made one appearance in the FA Youth Cup over two seasons with the club. Tahir is also a product of the Fulham Youth and Brentford Youth programs.

“Showkat is a talented young player that we are excited to bring into our environment,” Head Coach John Bradford said. “His creativity, ability to take players on, and impact in the attacking half will help us at North Carolina FC. I think Showkat will quickly become a fan favorite and be a force in our league.”

Additional NCFC roster updates will be announced in the coming weeks.

CARY, NC (December 7, 2021)– North Carolina FC announced today that forward Showkat Tahir has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season. The deal is pending league and federation approval, as well as P1 Visa approval.

“I’m very excited for this new chapter in my career in the U.S.,” Tahir said. “I want to thank everyone at the club for giving me this opportunity and putting their faith in me. I can’t wait to get started and I look forward to playing in front of the fans at WakeMed!”

The London, England native has spent time with Chesham United FC of the Southern League Premier Division South and Cheshunt FC of the Isthmian League Premier Division, as well as with Fulham FC’s U18 squad of the U18 Premier League. While with Fulham, the 20-year-old collected 1,121 minutes of playing time in 22 appearances and made one appearance in the FA Youth Cup over two seasons with the club. Tahir is also a product of the Fulham Youth and Brentford Youth programs.

“Showkat is a talented young player that we are excited to bring into our environment,” Head Coach John Bradford said. “His creativity, ability to take players on, and impact in the attacking half will help us at North Carolina FC. I think Showkat will quickly become a fan favorite and be a force in our league.”

Additional NCFC roster updates will be announced in the coming weeks.

CARY, NC (December 6, 2021) – North Carolina FC announced today that veteran midfielder Pecka has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season, returning in a transitional role. The deal is pending league and federation approval, as well as P1 Visa approval.

Pecka is returning to North Carolina FC with a blended role of professional transition and Academy coaching. The Brazilian international collected 19 appearances with the club last season, scoring a goal and receiving a nomination for USL League One Goal of the Week. 

“​​I am very happy to be back at NCFC, a big club with a great stadium and training facilities,” Pecka said. “I return to NCFC because I fully believe in the club project and that we are going to fight to be in the playoffs and win the league championship. I am happy for this challenge and it only motivates me more.”

The veteran was also selected by his teammates as the recipient of the Leadership Award, having sported the captain’s band in 11 of his 19 appearances.

“I’m excited to bring Pecka back into our roster as his experience and leadership will be vital to our group going forward,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “I’m also thrilled to bring him into our NCFC Academy staff, as he will have a great impact on our future players on the field and in their transition to the next phases of their careers, whether that be to college or to professional soccer.”

Additional Roster Updates:

North Carolina FC has parted ways with Thorn Simpson as he returns to play in the Jamaican Premier League this month.

“I'd like to thank Thorn for his contributions this past season and wish him the best as he returns to Jamaica,” said Bradford.

CARY, NC (December 6, 2021) – North Carolina FC announced today that veteran midfielder Pecka has signed a contract with the club for the 2022 season, returning in a transitional role. The deal is pending league and federation approval, as well as P1 Visa approval.

Pecka is returning to North Carolina FC with a blended role of professional transition and Academy coaching. The Brazilian international collected 19 appearances with the club last season, scoring a goal and receiving a nomination for USL League One Goal of the Week. 

“​​I am very happy to be back at NCFC, a big club with a great stadium and training facilities,” Pecka said. “I return to NCFC because I fully believe in the club project and that we are going to fight to be in the playoffs and win the league championship. I am happy for this challenge and it only motivates me more.”

The veteran was also selected by his teammates as the recipient of the Leadership Award, having sported the captain’s band in 11 of his 19 appearances.

“I’m excited to bring Pecka back into our roster as his experience and leadership will be vital to our group going forward,” said Head Coach John Bradford. “I’m also thrilled to bring him into our NCFC Academy staff, as he will have a great impact on our future players on the field and in their transition to the next phases of their careers, whether that be to college or to professional soccer.”

Additional Roster Updates:

North Carolina FC has parted ways with Thorn Simpson as he returns to play in the Jamaican Premier League this month.

“I’d like to thank Thorn for his contributions this past season and wish him the best as he returns to Jamaica,” said Bradford.