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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Adds Former College Stars Graham Smith, Cameron Steele

March 15, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C - North Carolina FC continues to fill its roster with talented players ahead of the USL season with the addition of former college stars Cameron Steele and Graham Smith. The signings are pending league and federation approval.

Both players joined the squad after spending the preseason on trial with the team and coming through the club's invite-only combine.

Smith will make his professional debut for NCFC following his college career at the University of South Florida. The central midfielder was a star with the Bulls from 2014 to 2016 where he dominated the defensive midfield and made 60 appearances with the team.

"Graham is someone who came to our invitation combine and did very well," said North Carolina FC Head Coach Colin Clarke. "He was then invited into our preseason camp and had a very good preseason. He's an exciting young talent and I think he's someone that is going to see time on the field. He works very hard and has a great attitude. He's learning a lot right now and wants to get better. His work rate is exceptional and he's going to help us a lot this year."

"I'm very excited to be here and play for North Carolina FC this season," said Smith. "I'm grateful for this opportunity and can't wait for the season to get started. As a center midfielder, I think I bring a lot of hard work and good technical skill to the table. I'm willing to help out the team in whatever way I can."

Steele joins NCFC after wrapping up his college career at Penn State. The central midfielder, who hails from Clayton, N.C., and played for TFCA (now NCFC Youth), is the latest product to come through the club's youth-to-pro pipeline. Steele spent three seasons with NCFC U-23 and has been on trial with the club for the last few weeks. While at Penn State, Steele saw action in 23 matches and logged over 1,000 minutes on the pitch for the Nittany Lions.

"Cameron has been around us for quite a few years as a youth player and with our U-23 team - where he's done very well with them," added Clarke. "We've helped develop him as a young player and we're looking forward to seeing him develop as a professional. He's another player with a great attitude, work ethic and bright future."

"It means so much to me to be part of my hometown club," said Steele. "I grew up in this area and I love the coaches here. They've been so good to me and given me this opportunity. I'm very excited to see what we can do this year and hopefully we can win the league."

The duo will join a strong roster that features goalkeepers Austin Guerrero, George Marks and Alex Tambakis, defenders Futty Danso, Peabo Doue, Wuilito Fernandes, Michael Harrington, Steven Miller, Carson Nsegbe, D.J. Taylor and Connor Tobin, midfielders Kyle Bekker, Nelson Blanco, Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora and Bernhard Luxbacher and forwards Donovan Ewolo, Marios Lomis and Daniel Rios.

North Carolina FC season tickets are still on sale. To purchase season tickets or ask questions regarding the home opener, please call the North Carolina FC office at 919-459-8144 to speak with a ticket representative. For more information about the club, visit NorthCarolinaFC.com.

Name: Cameron Steele

Position: Midfielder

Birthdate: 1-29-96 (Age: 22)

Hometown: Clayton, N.C.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 180 lbs

Citizenship: United States

College: Penn State

Transaction: North Carolina FC has signed Cameron Steele.

Name: Graham Smith

Position: Midfielder

Birthdate: 4-9-94 (Age: 23)

Hometown: New Hope, Penn.

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 155 lbs

Citizenship: United States

College: South Florida

Transaction: North Carolina FC has signed Graham Smith.

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