Defender Brad Ruhaak Joins North Carolina FC

North Carolina FC has signed defender Brad Ruhaak from Akron, Ohio, to his first professional contract. Per club policy, details of the deal were not disclosed.
 
“Brad is a young player that has been training with us for the last three weeks and has done very well,” North Carolina coach Colin Clarke said. “He has an upside and will adapt to our back line. He’s versatile and can play anywhere across the back. He’s a smart player and is very clean with the ball. He’s a good passer and communicator. He’s someone we feel that right now is going to be a very important addition to the squad as we move forward.”
 
“I’m extremely excited," Ruhaak said. "It’s my first pro contract and a great opportunity. It’s a great team and a great group of guys. There is a high level to this team. Everything they do in training is sharp and they transfer that to games. They like to attack and keep the ball. It’s a great style to play and exciting to watch. I’m a center back and right back. Nothing flashy, but I’m here to work.”
 
Ruhaak joins the club from college soccer dynasty University of Akron, where he captained the squad for two years and was a First-Team All-MAC selection in 2015 and 2016. During his NCAA career, he made 70 career appearances and 66 starts, while scoring seven goals and three assists.
 
As a three-year starter on the Akron defense, he helped the back line post 27 shutouts. Akron won the MAC regular-season title, the MAC Tournament, and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament every season that Ruhaak was at Akron.
 
Ruhaak also played in the Premier Development League and led the Michigan Bucks to a 2016 PDL National Championship. He made 14 appearances, scored one goal, and added four assists during his season with the Bucks.