CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Friday the club had signed defender Ezra Armstrong to a two-year contract through the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Armstrong was born in Gastonia, North Carolina and has several years of professional soccer experience in the United States and Europe, most recently with St. Louis CITY 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.

“We are pleased to welcome Ezra to North Carolina FC and back to his home state,” said NCFC Head Coach and Sporting Director John Bradford. “He is well traveled for his age and is a proven defender that can also get forward and be a play-maker in the final third. We are excited about what he brings to the mix as we build a versatile and complete roster.”

Across two seasons with CITY 2, Armstrong appeared in 41 matches, racking up seven assists in 2,393 minutes. On the defensive side, Armstrong won 52.1% of his duels and made 78 interceptions.

“I am thrilled to be joining NCFC because it means I will be playing professionally in my home state,” said Armstrong. “This is where my journey to become a professional player began at a young age, and I am grateful for the opportunity to come full circle. I chose to sign with NCFC because I see the club's determination to win more trophies and their commitment to operating at a high level.

“I am excited to compete every day and help the team achieve their goals. After completing my second year at CITY 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, I knew I wanted to come back to the USL Championship and prove myself. What better way to do so than with a team that values me as both a person and a player? I am thankful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started.”