North Carolina FC Boosts Back Line

North Carolina FC announced today the signing of 27-year-old defender Christian Ibeagha. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

"Christian is someone who has a history with the club," North Carolina FC coach Colin Clarke said. "He's someone we knew about and followed for a time. We are very impressed by him in a lot of different areas. He has a great work ethic and is a great communicator and organizer. He is someone who is really going to help us this year in our back line."

The Nigeria native most recently played with the Colorado Switchbacks of the United Soccer League. Ibeagha played there for the 2016 season, where he appeared in 30 games, amassing 2,656 minutes and contributing one assist.

He played collegiately at Duke University, where he played in 61 games and was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team in 2007.

Ibeagha was a member of the club's U-23 team in 2009 and played for USL PDL team Brandenton Academics prior. He also spent two seasons with the Carolina Dynamo fro 2011-2012. Ibeagha has made one appearance for the United States as a member of the U.S. U-17 national team.

In 2012, Ibeagha signed his first professional contract with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the North American Soccer League.

In October 2013, he signed with Bohemians 1905 in the Czech Republic. Ibeagha then signed with the Faroese club FC Suouroy on loan in February 2015, where he had 29 appearances and one goal.

"This feels like a homecoming for me, and I'm glad to be back," Ibeagha said. "Since I've been here, the guys have been great transitioning me to the team and making me feel welcome. I'm going to perform the best that I can and win as many games as possible, and win a championship along the way"

North Carolina FC also announced today that it has mutually parted ways with midfielder Matt Watson.

Watson joined the club in 2008, spending four seasons in North Carolina, before moving to the Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. He returned to the club in 2016 for one more season.

North Carolina FC thanks Watson for his service and wishes him all the best.