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North Carolina FC Adds Coan, Re-Signs Pecka, Mbaye

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 02/10/21, 10:15AM EST

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Former Tucson attacker is club's first new signing as a member of League One


Pecka (left) and Mbaye (center) rejoin NCFC after competing with the club in the USL Championship last season, while Coan (right) returns to the club where he spent part of his youth career as a member of the NCFC Academy and U-23 team / Photos courtesy N

CARY, N.C. - North Carolina FC announced this week the signings of three players to the club's 2021 USL League One roster. Josh Coan, who played for NCFC at both the Academy and U-23 levels during his youth career, has rejoined the club after a productive 2020 campaign with FC Tucson, while Pecka and Malick Mbaye return after competing with NCFC during the 2020 USL Championship season.

An exciting attacking option with League One experience, Coan made 11 appearances for FC Tucson last season and led the team in goals scored, tallying four during that span.

"It’s great to welcome Josh Coan back to North Carolina FC, where he came through our Academy Program," said NCFC Head Coach John Bradford. "Josh is a creative, attacking player that had an impact in his first professional season last year within USL League One, scoring some terrific goals and bringing quality to the field. I look forward to working with him again soon."

Brazilian midfielder Wellington “Pecka” Paeckart was a leader in midfield for NCFC in 2020. He played in 14 of the 15 games during the season, starting 13 of those matches. Pecka led the team in assists, passing accuracy, and long pass success rate.

"I’m thrilled that Pecka will be returning to North Carolina FC for 2021," said Bradford. "He is a true professional who brings a wealth of experience to the club, as well as a tremendously competitive mindset. He will be a key player in our system, as well as a great leader to our younger players."

Mbaye enters his second season as a professional following a rookie season where he made his first appearance with NCFC against the Charlotte Independence on September 5, 2020.

Before coming to NCFC, Mbaye was selected by Toronto FC with the 33rd pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The Dakar, Senegal native had a stellar collegiate career at Clemson University where he was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.

"It’s great to bring back a talented, young player like Malick to North Carolina FC," said Bradford. "As a young man who’s still very early in his professional career, Malick has a drive and desire to develop that will be great to have in our group. He will play a massive role in our backline and establishing how we want to compete on both sides of the ball."


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