North Carolina FC Secures Return of Midfielder Dre Fortune
Published on February 28, 2020 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release
CARY, N.C. - In a move that brings back one of its most promising young players, North Carolina FC has signed midfielder and Raleigh native Dre Fortune to a contract ahead of the 2020 USL Championship season, the club announced on Friday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy.
Fortune, 23, is entering his fourth consecutive season with NCFC and is coming off a 2019 campaign that saw the Trinidad & Tobago international notch nine goals and two assists in 29 matches across all competitions.
"For us as a club, to have Dre back and to continue where we left off is important," NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. "He became a guy that was capable of creating goals, both as a goalscorer and also by setting up his teammates. Having him back again, his starting point will be that much further, and I think he's going to be a guy who can continue to increase his production."
A product of the NCFC Youth Academy, Fortune had a career year in 2019, setting personal highs in games (29), minutes played (2,179) and goals (nine). A crafty midfielder with an attacking flair, Fortune twice earned USL Championship Player of the Week honors last season, as he scored twice in a Week 14 win at previously unbeaten Tampa Bay and recorded a two-goal, one-assist performance in a Week 24 victory against Pittsburgh.
Fortune's excellent form throughout the 2019 season led to Trinidad & Tobago naming him to its senior squad for the first time in September. In November, Fortune made his senior international debut against Ecuador.
After developing in the NCFC Youth Academy, Fortune began his professional career with the Rochester Rhinos in 2016 before returning to his hometown club in 2017. In three seasons with NCFC, Fortune has recorded 13 goals and seven assists in 70 matches.
With Fortune added, NCFC's roster includes: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis, Trace Alphin and Paulo Pita; defenders Caleb Duvernay, Sam Brotherton, Conor Donovan, Alex Comsia, DJ Taylor, Akeem Ward, Adam Armour and Malick Mbaye; midfielders Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Steven Miller, Graham Smith, Pecka, Manny Perez, Luke Hille and Dre Fortune; and forwards Robert Kristo, Hadji Barry and Daniele Proch.
NCFC opens its 2020 USL Championship regular season at home on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. against Louisville City FC at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 28, 2020
- See One FC Tulsa Match a Month in 2020 with New 8-Match Pack - FC Tulsa
- FC Tulsa Plays Final Preseason Match on Saturday against Sporting Kansas City II - FC Tulsa
- North Carolina FC Secures Return of Midfielder Dre Fortune - North Carolina FC
- Position Group Preview: Goalkeepers - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Gameday: Rowdies Wrap Preseason against USF Bulls in Tampa - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- All Single-Game Tickets Now on Sale - Louisville City FC
- Bold vs 100 Challenge March 4 - Austin Bold FC
- Hiroki Kurimoto Named Switchbacks FC Captain for 2020 Season - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- North Carolina FC Signs 2019 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Malick Mbaye - North Carolina FC
- Hounds Announce Date Change to May Home Match against Hartford - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent North Carolina FC Stories
- Two late goals see NCFC's unbeaten streak snapped at three
- North Carolina FC Signs Finn Sundstrom to Professional Contract
- Match Preview: North Carolina FC vs. Hartford Athletic
- NCFC Stretches Unbeaten Streak to Three
- Match Preview: North Carolina FC vs. Las Vegas Lights
