North Carolina FC signs midfielder Mikey Maldonado for upcoming 2023 season

North Carolina FC announced they signed midfielder Michael “Mikey” Maldonado for the 2023 USL League for one season on Friday.

The 24-year-old joins North Carolina from Madison FC in Wisconsin, where he spent the 2022 season making over 20 appearances, mainly as a defender. Maldonado joined the 2022 USL League with two goals and four assists and a team-high percentage of 45. He also had 26 interceptions, 34 clearances, 10 blocks, won 29 of 48 tackles and won 145 of 289 duels.

ALSO READ: Officials say Meck, Cabarrus counties experiencing high levels of COVID-19 community spread

Head coach John Bradford said he is looking forward to working with such an adaptable player.

“I am very excited to bring Mikey to North Carolina FC for the upcoming 2023 season. He is a quality player who competes with passion and intensity on both sides of the ball. Mikey has the versatility to play in the midfield or in the back and will be a great addition to our group. “I’m very much looking forward to working with him,” said Bradford.

Originally from San Antonio, TX, Maldonado was part of the San Antonio Surf FC youth academy; later, he joined UPSL side San Antonio Runners SC in 2019. He went to North Texas SC’s open tryout in 2021, which landed him an invitation to their training camp, before he signed with Madison before the 2022 season.

Maldonado’s addition means the North Carolina FC roster now has 21 players. He is the fifth midfielder on the club’s roster, along with Luis Arriaga, Pecka, Jaden Servania, and Raheem Somersall.

(WATCH BELOW: Cain Center of the Arts officially opens in Cornelius)