CARY, N.C. (Jan. 23, 2018) – North Carolina FC has added another key part to its developing 2018 roster with the addition of Austrian winger Bernhard Luxbacher. The talented midfielder will join NCFC for the 2018 season pending league and federation approval and receipt of his ITC transfer certificate.

“Bernhard is an exciting talent who was at our invitation tryout,” said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He has some international experience and has played at a high level in Austria which is something that translates well to our league. He’s a versatile midfielder who can play out wide or in the middle of the field. He’s young, hungry and I think he has a bright future with us.”

“I´m really excited and very happy to come to NCFC and looking forward to a new challenge and to meeting my new mates who are for sure as motivated as I am,” said Luxbacher. “We will provide great soccer to the fans and the community and give our best to make the fans happy and celebrate many victories together. I´ll try to help the team wherever I can and I think the fans can expect soccer that is both, effective and enjoyable to watch.”

Luxbacher joins the club after journey through the ranks of Austrian soccer. He began his career as a youth product with FK Austria Wien. He then moved up to Austria Wien II in 2011 and spent five seasons with the side. During his time with the club, Luxbacher also spent time with the senior team on several occasions and made his Austrian Bundesliga debut with Austria Wien in 2013. He also balanced time with the Austrian U19 and U21 sides where he featured for his country at the UEFA U19 Championship.

Luxbacher was sent on several loan spells during his time with the club, going to St. Pölten during the 2014-15 season and Floridsdorfer AC during the 2015-16 season. While at Floridsdorfer, Luxbacher made 25 appearances and scored five goals for the side.

The winger moved from his childhood club in 2016 to join Traiskirchen of the Austrian Regionalliga – the third tier of Austrian soccer. Luxbacher played sparingly with Traiskirchen before making the move to Wiener SK, where he made 15 appearances and scored two goals.

Luxbacher is the latest addition to the North Carolina FC roster that includes goalkeepers Austin Guerrero and George Marks, defenders Peabo Doue, Michael Harrington, Steven Miller and D.J. Taylor, midfielders Austin da Luz, Marcel Kandziora and Ebe Kudolo and forward Marios Lomis.

North Carolina FC season tickets are now on sale and feature the newest membership benefit – Beer for the Year. Fans who opt in to the added membership bonus by March 1 will receive one free Lonerider North Carolina Football Club Captain’s Ale at every regular-season home match for no added cost. To purchase season tickets, sign up for Beer for the Year 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.

Player Profile:

Name: Bernhard Luxbacher

Position: Midfielder

Birthdate: 11/18/1994 (Age 23)

Hometown: Vienna

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 163 lbs

Citizenship: Austria

Previous Club: Wiener SK

Transaction: North Carolina FC has signed Bernhard Luxbacher.