CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Monday the club had signed midfielder Jacori Hayes to a two-year contract through the 2025 USL Championship season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Hayes brings six seasons of professional experience in Major League Soccer and a pair in the USL Championship to his new club. The 28-year-old recorded 72 appearances and 3,143 minutes of MLS action with an 83.2 percent passing accuracy rate across stints with FC Dallas and Minnesota United before competing in the Championship for San Antonio FC this past season.

“We are excited to welcome Jacori to North Carolina FC,” said NCFC Head Coach and Sporting Director John Bradford. “He’s a true professional and has a wealth of experience at high levels. Jacori has trained in some of the best environments in the country and his belief in us proves our club has a solid reputation in player development and experience. He will be an important piece of our roster and locker room.”

A former standout collegiately at Wake Forest University before joining the pro ranks, Hayes won the ACC Tournament with the Demon Deacons in his senior season. He will now spend his first professional season in the Carolinas.

“I’m happy to be joining the NCFC family and returning to North Carolina,” said Hayes. “The team had great success last season, and I am going to fight every day to help us repeat that same level of success this season in the Championship! Looking forward to seeing everyone at WakeMed Soccer Park.”

Analysis

As a central midfielder, Jacori Hayes offers another experienced option alongside fellow newcomer and former Minnesota United FC player Collin Martin for Head Coach John Bradford who will likely benefit from the more measured approach NCFC tries to employ over San Antonio FC’s directness.

Hayes’ passing accuracy rate dropped 10 points to 73.3 percent in his lone season at Toyota Field from his career MLS mark, but he remained a solid part of a San Antonio side that remained a top-four side in the Western Conference in defending its title. Hayes won’t necessarily contribute much in the attacking third, but his ability to link play and experience should prove valuable here.