CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Thursday it had signed defender Jordan Skelton for the 2022 USL League One season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

“I am delighted to be joining North Carolina FC,” said Skelton. “I am beyond grateful to Coach John Bradford and the NCFC staff for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting the players and coaching staff and getting to work.”

The Newcastle, England native spent the 2021 season with the Des Moines Menace of USL League Two, captaining the Iowa side and leading them to their second League Two Championship title. Skelton’s performance for the Menace saw him named to the 2021 USL League Two All-League Team, in addition to earning All-Central Conference honors.

Prior to joining the Menace, Skelton played in USL League One with South Georgia Tormenta FC, for whom he made 23 appearances during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. While with Tormenta FC, Skelton clocked 2,025 minutes of playing time and picked up two assists. The center back also made three appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, collecting 270 minutes of playing time and an assist.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jordan to North Carolina FC for the upcoming season,” said NCFC Head Coach John Bradford. “He will be a great addition to our roster, and we expect him to have a fantastic impact on our backline.”

The 24-year-old played collegiately at Gateshead College, for whom he made 75 appearances from 2015 to 2018. In a four-year stint with the Bearcats, Skelton scored 17 goals, seven of which were game-winners, and tallied four assists. He captained the team for three years, and in his senior year was named a United Soccer Coaches First-Team All American, an MV Wells Award winner, and a four-time Peach Belt Defender of the Week.