CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati continued to build its roster for the 2018 USL season on Friday with the signing of veteran goalkeeper Evan Newton. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

A former standout at both Sacramento Republic FC and OKC Energy FC, Newton has made almost 100 appearances over the past four seasons in the league, and reached the USL Cup Playoffs each of the past three seasons after competing for Phoenix Rising FC in the 2014 season.

“Evan is an experienced goalkeeper in the USL who has had a taste of the MLS,” said FCC Head Coach Alan Koch. “He is an excellent shot stopper and commands his box very well. I firmly believe that he has not yet peaked and am excited to see what Jack Stern and our club can get out of him. He is a fantastic guy who will mesh very well with the group that we have assembled. Our goalkeeping unit is going to be incredibly competitive and will bring out the best in each other.”

The Virginia Beach, Va. native spent the past two seasons with Republic FC, where he helped the side reach the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs this past season. Newton recorded seven shutouts in 26 appearances in 2017, and played the hero in a penalty shootout victory against USL Regular Season-champion Real Monarchs SLC in the opening round of the postseason.

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Prior to his spell in Sacramento, Newton helped Energy FC reach the Western Conference Final of the 2015 USL Cup Playoffs, and was nominated for the USL Goalkeeper of the Year award after recording 10 shutouts in 27 appearances.

Originally selected in second round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Houston Dynamo, Newton made his professional debut for the Tampa Bay Rowdies after being sent on loan in his rookie season. A former standout at Old Dominion University, Newton was also named the 2007 Premier Development League Goalkeeper of the Year as a member of the Hampton Roads Piranhas.