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USL North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC Signs Former NCFC Academy Standout, Triangle Native Conor Donovan

December 20, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
North Carolina FC News Release


CARY, N.C. - In a move that brings home one of the most accomplished players from the North Carolina FC Youth Academy, NCFC has signed center back Conor Donovan, the club announced on Friday. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy.

Donovan, a 23-year-old Fuquay-Varina native, returns to his local club following stints in both Major League Soccer (Orlando City SC and the Houston Dynamo) and the USL Championship (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Orlando City B and Rio Grande Valley FC).

"Conor is another great example of our academy and club and the work that we've done to allow players like him to continue at the pro level," NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. "To bring him back, we're very excited. From the soccer side of it, he will be a great addition to our backline. He's played a lot of matches recently and is a leader with USL and MLS experience. We're so pleased to add him."

As a teenager, Donovan starred for both the NCFC Youth Academy and NCFC U23 before earning a senior team roster spot in October 2013. In 2014, Donovan scored in the then-Carolina RailHawks' 2-1 exhibition win against Puebla FC of Liga MX as an 18-year-old.

After one season at the collegiate level with N.C. State, Donovan appeared at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup for the U.S. National Team and was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City SC.

"We're thrilled to have Conor back with the club," NCFC President and General Manager Curt Johnson said. "Conor's talent speaks for itself, and he's a player we're obviously familiar with. His path from youth soccer player in the Triangle to established professional represents what we believe is possible for young players throughout our community. Conor is undoubtedly a strong addition to our team ahead of the 2020 season."

During the 2019 USL Championship season with Rio Grande Valley FC, Donovan's second with the club, the 6'3" defender appeared in 20 matches, playing 1,764 minutes and scoring once as he captained the Toros 18 times. His 23 blocks were the most on RGV FC, and his 90 clearances ranked second on the team.

Out of college, Donovan signed a Generation Adidas contract and made his MLS debut in August 2015 with Orlando City. From 2016-17, Donovan made 34 appearances in the USL Championship for Orlando City B, as he recovered from injury.

After appearing in 10 matches for RGV FC in 2018, Donovan signed with the Houston Dynamo and helped the MLS side win the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

"It's special," Donovan said of his return to NCFC. "I think you start to realize the important stuff that you had when you were growing up, whether it's the coaches or the people you meet along the line. For me to return home and pay that back and help the team and the club to continue to move forward on the path that they are, I think it's super special."

Donovan joins Steven Miller, Ben Speas, Nazmi Albadawi, Sam Brotherton, Alex Comsia, Caleb Duvernay, Robert Kristo and Graham Smith on the list of those confirmed for the 2020 season, as the club continues to negotiate with additional players.

Season tickets for North Carolina FC's 2020 season 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.

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