CARY, N.C. (January 29, 2019) –North Carolina FC has landed a big signing for 2019 with the addition of New Zealand and former Sunderland center back Sam Brotherton. The signing is pending league and federation approval, as well as receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.



“Sam is an experienced international center back and will be an important piece to our back line defending,” noted North Carolina FC Head Coach Dave Sarachan. “Sam is excellent in the air and comfortable in distribution. More importantly he has the ability to organize and lead a backline. I look forward to having Sam play an important role for us this season.”



The 22-year-old already has a wealth of international and professional soccer experience. A key starter for the New Zealand national team, Brotherton has made 15 appearances at the senior level for the All Whites, including action in World Cup qualifying matches. Brotherton was also selected to the New Zealand squad for the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. He’s represented his country at the 2015 U-20 FIFA World Cup and at the Pacific Games with the U-23 team.



Brotherton earned a professional contract with Sunderland in January of 2017, where he primarily played with the Sunderland U-23 squad. Most recently, he was loaned out to Blyth Spartans of England’s National League North, but saw limited playing time due to an injury.



Prior to his stint in England, Brotherton spent two seasons at the University of Wisconsin. He made 33 appearances for the Badgers en route to making the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2015 and earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors in 2016.



The New Zealand native also played in the ASB Premiership – the top flight of New Zealand soccer – with Wanderers SC in 2014 where he notched 1,440 minutes in 16 appearances.



North Carolina FC’s roster includes goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, defenders Sam Brotherton, Aaron Guillen, Timmy Mehl, Steven Miller and DJ Taylor, midfielders Austin da Luz, Dre Fortune, Victor Igbekoyi, Austin Panchot, Graham Smith and Duval Wapiwo and forwards Yamikani Chester, Donovan Ewolo, Robert Kristo, Marios Lomis and Ben Speas.



As the start of the 2019 season nears, now is the perfect time to purchase season tickets for North Carolina FC. This year’s deals feature many great packages and benefits, including the brand-new Auto-Renewal Program and traditional benefits such as priority purchasing for exclusive international exhibitions. 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.



Player Profile:

Name: Sam Brotherton

Position: Defender

Birthdate: 10/2/1996 (Age: 22)

Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand

Height: 6’2

Weight: 161 lbs

Citizenship: New Zealand

Previous Club: Sunderland A.F.C.

College: Wisconsin

Transaction: North Carolina FC has signed Sam Brotherton.



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