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Fortune, Blanco Re-Sign with NCFC

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 01/29/18, 7:16PM EST

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Roughnecks announce Tavares as latest addition to squad


Photo courtesy North Carolina FC

CARY, N.C. – North Carolina FC announced on Monday it had re-signed Dre Fortune and Nelson Blanco for the upcoming 2018 USL season, pending league and federation approval.

The midfield duo returns for a second season with the club and will look to continue to perform at the level that helped lead North Carolina FC to the postseason in 2017.

“We’re very excited to have Dre back with us this year," said NCFC Head Coach Colin Clarke. “He had a good breakout year with us last season. He’s a good kid with a lot of potential and he can accomplish big things. He has a bright future in the game and will go a very long way.

“Nelson is a young kid that we brought in last year. He can play wide. He’s got pace and good one-on-one ability,” Clarke added. “It’s an important year for him to step up, get minutes on the field and contribute to the team. I think he’s another exciting young talent.”

In 2017, Fortune worked his way into a starting role in the midfield and played more than 1,300 minutes across all competitions. The Raleigh native tallied three goals and added three assists during the season. Fortune is part of a thriving pipeline between the senior team and NCFC Youth Academy. The midfielder became the first ever Academy prospect to sign a professional contract with the club in 2017, and is one of three players currently on the roster that have also starred with the Academy, joining D.J. Taylor and George Marks.

Blanco returns to North Carolina FC after the club signed the emerging talent to his first professional contract in October of 2017. The speedy midfielder did not feature for the squad last season but has continued to develop as a promising prospect. The native of El Salvador can play on the wings or in the middle as a No. 10.

TULSA TAGS UP TAVARES: Tulsa Roughnecks FC continued to build its squad as it agreed to terms with former Real Monarchs SLC attacker Eti Tavares, pending league and federation approval. The 5-foot-10 winger arrives in Tulsa as the Roughnecks look to add speed to their attack.

“Eti is a winger with a lot of speed and flair,” said Roughnecks Head Coach David Vaudreuil. “He will give us another option on the flank to get in behind the defense and create chances for himself and the other forwards.”

Tavares made 44 appearances for the Monarchs between 2015-16, recording three goals and one assists for the club. This past year he appeared in the Premier Development League for the Fresno Fuego.

MONARCHS ADD ROOKIE LEEKER: Real Monarchs SLC announced the signing of goalkeeper Jake Leeker after a successful trial period during the first week of preseason with Real Salt Lake’s first team. Leeker’s signing is pending league and federation approval.

“Signing with the Monarchs feels amazing honestly,” Leeker said. “To come into a team that won the regular-season title last year makes me feel like I have big shoes to fill. I’m excited for the opportunity and I’m excited to get started.”

The 6-foot-5 Leeker was three-time American Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Week at the University of Memphis, where he appeared in 47 matches for the Tigers while playing more than 4,200 minutes in his college career. Leeker totaled 10 shutouts to earn a save percentage of .749 in four years as a starter.

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