CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Thursday it had re-signed veteran midfielder Austin da Luz for his seventh season with the club, with the experienced campaigner expected to continue to play a key role as the club joins the USL for the 2018 season.

North Carolina also announced NCFC Youth Academy products D.J. Taylor and George Marks would remain with the club for a second season, with Taylor signing professional terms with the club and Marks an Academy contract.

Da Luz returns to North Carolina FC as one of the most tenured players in club history. The 30-year-old has played in 128 matches across all competitions for the club, totaling more than 9,000 minutes on the pitch while adding 14 goals and eight assists.

“I couldn’t be happier to be staying with the club for what’s sure to be another exciting season,” said da Luz. “This is home for me, and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the club’s progress over the past few years. The opportunity to continue that progress and chase a championship in a new league is one that I will relish.”

READ MORE: Potential Rivals Eager for NCFC Arrival

Da Luz also spent one season with Orlando City SC in 2014, where he made 18 appearances and recorded five goals and one assist as the Lions claimed the USL Regular Season Championship in their final season before making the move to Major League Soccer.

“Austin is a very important player for our club,” said North Carolina FC President and GM Curt Johnson. “He’s a proven leader on and off the field and we look forward to his contributions next season.”

Off the field, da Luz created Playing for Pride, a global fundraiser to benefit the Human Rights Campaign and draw attention to LGBTQ issues. To date, the campaign has raised over $13,000 and has involved players and fans from across the globe.

Taylor remains with the club after having seen his first professional action in the 2017 season. The 20-year-old defender recorded 133 minutes of action in league play, and featured in NCFC’s international exhibition against the Premier League’s Swansea City AFC.

“We’re excited to bring back D.J. and George,” said Johnson. “Both are exceptional players who developed in our academy system, showing the strength of our youth programs. We look forward to their contributions next season.”

Marks is a local product who came through NCFC Youth and debuted for the Academy in 2015. The starting goalkeeper for NCFC U19, Marks has played in 48 matches with the Academy since 2015 and remains eligible to compete collegiately as an Academy signing after having previously committed to Clemson University.

“I’m really happy to be back for another year with the club,” said Marks. “Last year was a major year for me, as I learned a lot from the older guys and earned some time on the bench towards the end of the year. This year I really look forward to being part of the team and pushing to contribute.”