USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Picks up Contract Options on Five Key Players

Published on November 2, 2018 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - In North Carolina FC's first set of roster moves ahead of the 2019 season, the team has picked up options on five key players. Aaron Guillen, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Alex Tambakis and DJ Taylor will return to the club, pending league and federation approval.

The signings bring back an exciting core of talented players that all held starting roles in 2018. Each player logged at least 2,100 minutes during the USL campaign.

NCFC continues to evaluate players currently under option, as the club prepares for the 2019 season.

Aaron Guillen was one the team's breakout stars in 2018. The young defender logged the busiest season of his professional career and played 2,181 minutes in 26 league matches. The El Paso, Texas, native was also voted as the team's Defensive Player of the Year and logged 95 clearances, 46 interceptions, 26 won tackles, 100 won duels and a team-high 16 blocked shots.

Fellow defender and emerging star DJ Taylor will also be back with NCFC for another season. The local product came through the NCFC Youth Academy and is part of the club's growing youth-to-professional pipeline. Taylor was a reliable member of NCFC's defense and played 2,742 minutes in 32 league matches last year. He also contributed 97 clearances, 48 interceptions, 48 won tackles, 145 won duels and 10 blocked shots.

Steven Miller anchors the first group of signings with experience and talent. The versatile playmaker will return to NCFC for his fourth full season with the club. In 2018, the fan favorite once again starred as a midfielder and defender throughout the season. He led the team with 162 won duels and ranked second with 49 key passes. In total, Miller played in 33 games and logged 2,742 minutes. The Elkin Park, Penn., native also scored four goals and chipped in seven assists.

Rookie midfielder Graham Smith will also be back with NCFC for 2019. Smith broke onto the scene after coming through the club's combine and preseason trial process. The midfielder made an immediate impact and played 2,788 minutes - the most of any field player for NCFC in 2018. Occupying the defensive midfield role, Smith recorded 39 interceptions, 150 won duels and a team-high 56 won tackles. Smith's 87.9-percent passing accuracy was also highest on the team.

Alex Tambakis returns as the club's starting goalkeeper. The Greek shot-stopper played in all but one regular-season USL matchup, totaling 33 matches and 2,970 minutes. He made 95 saves and earned seven shutouts. His season was also highlighted with league respect after his playmaking abilities won him the USL Save of the Month contest in April, June, July and October.

Season tickets for North Carolina FC's 2019 season are on sale now and feature many great packages and benefits. 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.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from November 2, 2018


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