CARY, N.C. (March 14, 2018) - North Carolina FC has strengthened its backline with the addition of a familiar face. The club will welcome back veteran defender Futty Danso pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and league and federation approval.



“We’re happy to sign him,” said North Carolina FC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He’s been with us before and knows what’s expected. He’s someone that is going to bring size and presence to the backline. He’s a good defender. We’re happy to have him back and he’s going to be a big help to us defensively.”



“I’m happy to sign again with a club that has given me a lot,” said Danso. "I’ve been connected since my PDL days here. I’ve seen what the club has accomplished in the Triangle area and I’m excited to see it continue to grow. Going into the season, the only reason you play is to win. That’s the only thing we want accomplish this year – winning the league. That’s the goal for the team and that’s what I’m here to do.”



Danso returns to the area after playing for North Carolina FC in 2015. During his previous season at the club, the center back played 1,450 minutes in 19 appearances and scored one goal.



Danso has journeyed through the ranks of professional soccer in North America during his career. Most notably, Danso logged six years with the Portland Timbers, which included a move from the USSF Division 2 to MLS. He’s also made additional stops with the Montreal Impact and Rayo OKC.



Following the 2016 season, Danso took his talents to Malaysia where he spent the 2017 season with Kelantan FA in the Malaysia Super League. Danso played 1,980 minutes in 22 matches.



Prior to starting his professional career, the Gambian international played college soccer at North Carolina Wesleyan and Southern Polytechnic State University. He also featured for NCFC U-23 in the Premier Development League.



Danso will join a strong roster that features goalkeepers Austin Guerrero, George Marks and Alex Tambakis, defenders Peabo Doue, Wuilito Fernandes, Michael Harrington, Steven Miller, Carson Nsegbe, D.J. Taylor and Connor Tobin, midfielders Kyle Bekker, Nelson Blanco, Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Marcel Kandziora and Bernhard Luxbacher and forwards Donovan Ewolo, Marios Lomis and Daniel Rios.



North Carolina FC season tickets are still on sale. To purchase season tickets or ask questions regarding the home opener, please call the North Carolina FC Ticket Office at 919-459-8144 to speak with a ticket representative. For more information about the club, visit NorthCarolinaFC.com.



Name: Futty Danso

Position: Defender

Birthdate: 4/27/1983 (Age 34)

Hometown: Serrekunda, Gambia

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 190 lbs

Citizenship: Gambia

Previous Club: Kelantan

Transaction: North Carolina FC has signed Futty Danso.

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