Dec. 12—HIGH POINT — Carolina Core FC has added former Wake Forest goalkeeper Andrew Pannenberg, an MLS Next Pro veteran, to its roster.
During his redshirt sophomore season with the Demon Deacons, Pannenberg played in and started 22 of 23 matches, recording over 2,000 minutes of playing time. He had 50 saves and earned nine shutouts with an average of 0.72 goals-against and was selected All-Atlantic Coast Conference third team.
In 2020, the Charlotte native started all of Wake’s matches during the abbreviated COVID-19 season and earned ACC Defensive Player of the Week.
Pannenberg, now 25, was selected in the second round (49th overall) in the 2021 MLS Superdraft by Orlando City SC. Following training with the club, Pannenberg signed a contract with USL Championship club, Colorado Springs Switchbacks. He made his professional debut with a 4-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Once MLS NEXT Pro was launched, Pannenberg joined Houston Dynamo 2, where he has played the last two seasons.
“Andrew is an extremely technical goalkeeper that exhibits leadership abilities we want from that position,” Carolina Core FC head coach Roy Lassiter said. “Not only is he sound with his shot-stopping, but he possesses the foot skills the team will need to build out of the back.”
Pannenberg began his youth playing career with Charlotte Soccer Academy. He competed with CSA Developmental Academy team starting in 2014, and was selected for the Academy Select game, starting the match. In 2015, Pannenberg was voted Charlotte Goalkeeper of the year and earned recognition as Academy Player of the Week after beating Orlando City. His success with CSA’s Developmental Academy earned Pannenberg two call ups to the United States Men’s U-17 National Team beginning in 2015.
At the age of 17, Pannenberg began his professional playing career, signing an amateur contract with Charlotte Independence.
