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North Carolina FC Adds Emerging Talent Nelson Blanco

October 11, 2017 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. (Oct. 11, 2017) - North Carolina FC has added another young talent to its roster with the addition of Nelson Blanco. Blanco joins NCFC on his first professional contract after spending the last three seasons with the D.C. United Academy. Blanco signed with NCFC ahead of the deadline on Oct. 6, per club policy, further details on the deal were not disclosed.

"Nelson has been in training with us before, previous to this stint of training. I liked him and invited him back, and he wanted to come back," said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. "When the time came, we were in a position to offer him an opportunity to turn pro here and we're delighted that he said yes. He's a great kid and good player. He's very good technically and we're looking forward to helping him and watching his development over the next couple of years."

In total, Blanco made 52 appearances and scored 21 goals from 2015-2017 between seasons with D.C. Academy's U16 and U18 squads. In his last season with D.C. United's U18 team, he scored 10 goals in 23 appearances.

The native of El Salvador midfielder can play on the wings or in the middle as a No. 10. Blanco is the second D.C. United Academy prospect to sign a contract with the first team this season, joining U.S. U18 Men's National Team standout Jose Carranza.

"I'm very happy and blessed to sign my first professional contract," said Blanco. "I'd like to thank God, my family and the coaches that I've worked with. I couldn't have done it without them. I'd also like to thank Colin [Clarke] and Dewan [Bader] for the opportunity. I've been working hard since I was a kid for this moment. It's a dream come true."

"I want to help the club win as many matches as possible during the push to qualify for the playoffs," added Blanco. "I'd like to get on the scoresheet as much as possible and bring the excitement of my game to the club."

Blanco and North Carolina FC will continue the playoff push as they travel to face Jacksonville Armada FC for a match on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Hodges Stadium. NCFC will return home on Saturday, Oct. 21 to host the San Francisco Deltas at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Tickets are available online or over the phone by calling the North Carolina Football Club Ticket Office at 919.458.8144.

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