Carolina Core FC Announces First Two Player Signings in Club History

CCFC WELCOMES PLAYERS, DRAKE HADEED AND ARYEH MILLER, TO THEIR SQUAD AHEAD OF THEIR 2024 INAUGURAL SEASON 

CAROLINA CORE, N.C. (October 23, 2023) - Carolina Core FC, an independent club that will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2024 and play its home matches at Truist Point, has signed its first two players in club history. Drake Hadeed and Aryeh Miller will be instrumental to the success of the club ahead of their inaugural season. 

“Carolina Core FC is extremely proud to announce these two incredible players as the first signings in the history of the club. Our staff has worked very hard to find exceptional players who are eager to continue their development, and these two players fit into that category. With these talented young players, we are building the foundation of an elite level team,” explains Eddie Pope, Chief Sporting Officer. 

Drake Hadeed will be joining Carolina Core FC as a midfielder. While playing club soccer in the United States, Hadeed was recently called up to compete with his senior national team, Antigua and Barbuda after his stellar performances for their u20 national team.  

“Drake is someone that we’ve seen show true talent and a willingness to work hard and keep developing his game at every level here at Carolina Core FC. He has been superb in every opportunity presented to him so far and is very deserving of this opportunity to prove himself at the Pro level even though he is still developing professionally,” says Andy Williams, CCFC Head Scout. 

Drake will enter Carolina Core FC’s inaugural season in spring of 2024 with a vast portfolio of elite soccer. When Drake was just 12 years old, he signed his first contract with West Ham's Youth Academy, where he developed his unique playing style for three years. “Drake is an entertaining player that brings quality and talent to the club.  We are thrilled to have such a player in our organization and likewise look forward to his continued development as a professional with the Core,” says Roy Lassiter, Head Coach. 

More locally, Aryeh Miller, NC Core native will be returning to his hometown to represent Carolina Core FC. Raised in Greensboro, Aryeh played youth soccer all around North Carolina including some of the area’s youth academies.  

“We are happy to assist Aryeh with his next level of soccer success with the Core.  His technical qualities and work-ethic are special and we look forward to his growth in development with our club,” states Roy Lassiter. 

Aryeh developed exponentially and earned his first call up to Liberia's u17 national team. With his talent displayed on the global stage, Aryeh caught the eye of CCFC’s Scouting Department. Aryeh is a creative midfielder who is proud to be representing his hometown at the professional level. “We are very excited to add Aryeh to our club as our first homegrown player.  Aryeh has demonstrated that he has the qualities to succeed in MLS NEXT Pro and at the international level,” states Andy Williams. 

These two players will join Carolina Core FC in their inaugural season with MLS NEXT Pro this coming spring. Their commitment to the sport and their development will be instrumental to the success of the club. Carolina Core FC will play their home matches at Truist Point Stadium in downtown High Point, North Carolina.

ABOUT Carolina Core FC  

Founded in 2022, Carolina Core FC is an independent professional men’s soccer club that will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024. The club’s local owners are dedicated to community development through its on-field and off-field activities. Carolina Core FC has diligently worked behind the scenes to build together its experienced executive staff, including High Point Native, Eddie Pope as the Chief Sporting Officer. Eddie is a former U.S. Men’s National Team, MLS legend and USSF Hall of Famer. #CCFC will play its home matches in High Point, N.C. at Truist Point, the $38 million stadium located in the revitalized downtown social district. Supporters can join the club by securing a season seat and ordering Carolina Core FC merchandise at www.carolinacorefc.com.  

ABOUT MLS NEXT Pro  

Launched in March 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT, the youth academies associated with MLS, through to MLS, the top U.S. domestic league. Twenty-one clubs competed during the inaugural season with Columbus Crew 2 winning the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup in October. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities across the country and creating global opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro then expanded to add seven more MLS-affiliated clubs in 2023: Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club, Nashville Soccer Club (Huntsville City FC) and New York Red Bulls. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Carolina Core FC in 2024. Beginning in 2023, MLS NEXT Pro matches became available to be streamed live on the Apple TV platform as part of the partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.