CARY, N.C. (Dec. 13, 2019) – Adding stability and experience to its midfield, North Carolina FC announced on Friday that midfielder Graham Smith has signed a new contract and will return for the 2020 season, his third with the team. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and no further details were disclosed, per club policy.

Smith, 25, has appeared in 66 career matches with NCFC across all competitions, starting 56 times and playing 5,128 minutes. In 2019, the New Hope, Penn., native saw action in 28 USL Championship regular-season matches, 19 of which came as starts, and recorded two assists.

“We’re pleased to have Graham back,” NCFC head coach Dave Sarachan said. “He’s a tireless worker, and he comes to training every day with great intent to improve and has a real winning attitude, which is really important for the group. As the season went on and as he gained more experience, he established himself as an important link between our backline and our midfield.”

After playing collegiately at Pittsburgh and South Florida, Smith signed with NCFC ahead of the 2018 season following an impressive preseason as a trialist and went on to appear in 32 matches during his rookie campaign.

In his second season as a pro, Smith developed a niche as a holding midfielder, often helping NCFC build from the back while serving as a reliable defender. In 2019, Smith’s pass completion percentage (86.1%) was the second-highest on the team, and he made the second-most tackles (49).

Smith joins Steven Miller, Nazmi Albadawi, Ben Speas, Alex Comsia, Sam Brotherton, Caleb Duvernay and Robert Kristo on the list of those confirmed to be returning 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.

