THREE STEPS AHEAD

  In the Fall of 2023, Central Raleigh FC announced it would be no longer be under the Owens, Benowitz & Rosenberg Ownership Group (OBR). After this change, a six-year plan was made to build a fully homegrown First Team by 2030. A key step would be to develop the future "Veterans" of the club immediately, with an emphasis on the correct character traits.

  The year before, Yahir Maldonado was already on the club's radar, making a name for himself within North Carolina FC's Youth Academy, in addition to a phenomenal season with the Fuquay Varina Bengals. The string of impressive performances made him one of the top names in the scouting reports for years.

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  Before the ink could dry on the clubs ownership transfer, efforts were immediately made to bring Yahir to the First Team. Since his arrival, he has grown into a key support in the defensive third. All of the veterans within the first team agree that the investment into his future is invaluable, and that the future of the club is in good hands.