HPU’s Men’s Soccer: Kudolo Signs Pro Contract with North Carolina FC

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Senior Ebe Kudolo of the High Point University men’s soccer team has signed his first professional contract to play with North Carolina FC of the United Soccer League in 2018, it was announced on Thursday. Kudolo, who graduated in December, will suit up for the team for the 2018 campaign.

“We are extremely proud to see Ebe sign his first professional contract with NCFC,” head coach EJ O’Keeffe said. “His story from five years ago in Ghana to today is one of immense growth and perseverance. It feels as if his first day here at HPU was only a few months ago. He is a special talent and we are excited to see watch the next chapter of his soccer career unfold at NCFC.”

Kudolo is the 11th member of the men’s soccer program to sign a professional contract in the Div. I era (since 1999), all having inked deals in the last nine years. He joins Austin Yearwood (Richmond Kickers) and Shane Malcolm (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC) as former HPU players who are slated to compete in the USL next season. North Carolina FC, formerly of the North American Soccer League, is transitioning up a level to the Div. II USL. The league is the second-highest level of professional soccer in the United States, behind only Major League Soccer.

A native of Accra, Ghana, Kudolo burst onto the scene at HPU, garnering first team All-Big South honors as a freshman and sophomore. After an injury in the 2015 Big South Championship stunted his junior season, Kudolo rebounded in his senior campaign to earn his third career first team all-conference accolade. He is just the third player in program history to earn three all-conference awards. During his four-year career, Kudolo appeared in 72 games, starting 55 and collected six goals and 15 assists for 27 points.

North Carolina FC plays their home games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. The team finished in third place in the NASL combined standings, going 6-7-3 (21 points) in the spring and 5-2-9 (24 points) in the fall.