CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed veteran midfielder Collin Martin to a two-year contract through the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Martin spent the past four seasons with San Diego Loyal SC in the USL Championship where he made 106 appearances and logged 8,153 minutes, four goals and five assists across the regular season and playoffs.

The holding midfielder made 34 appearances this past campaign, posting an 89.4 percent passing accuracy rate on 1,729 completed passes while making 212 recoveries and 32 interceptions and posting a 64.6 percent tackle success rate and 52.2 percent duel success rate.

“Collin brings a wealth of experience and quality to our midfield,” said NCFC head coach and sporting director John Bradford. “On top of his vision and talent, his professionalism, work ethic, and knowledge of the game will be major assets to our team, both on and off the field. We look forward to having him and are pleased a player with his experience is excited to join what we are building here in the Triangle.”

“I am very excited to be signing with NCFC at a time where the club has just won USL League One and is now pushing to enjoy success in the USL Championship,” said Martin. I can't wait to see what this club achieves in the future and to be a part of something special in North Carolina.”

Analysis

North Carolina continued to add top-level Championship talent with experienced midfielder Collin Martin, who is coming off arguably his best season at this level with SD Loyal. The 30-year-old’s composure on the ball in distribution will be a major plus for Head Coach John Bradford’s side in addition to his ability to win possession and direct teammates.

As important as his individual abilities will be, Martin’s experience should be influential in the North Carolina locker room, where he should take on a leadership role within squad. As someone who’s professional pathway began as a teenager with D.C. United, he could also be a great mentor to the young talent in the NCFC Academy that is aiming to follow his successful career in the professional ranks.