Charlotte FC's first ever season in MLS is rapidly approaching. A lot has been happing so I forgive you if you can’t name every single one of the current 24 players Charlotte FC has thus far, but that’s what I’m here for.
This is where Charlotte FC’s roster currently stands heading into the inaugural season.
Goalkeepers
Kristijan Kahlina - The Croatian keeper brings with him title-winning experience, reps in the UEFA Champions League, and a skill set that perfectly suits the profile of Miguel Ángel Ramírez’s playing philosophy.
Pablo Sisniega - Pablo Sisniega was acquired through a trade with LAFC. Prior to emigrating to Spain and joining Sociedad's academy, Sisniega spent time climbing the youth ranks of Liga MX giants C.D. Guadalajara, as well as Philadelphia Union's development teams.
Adrián Zendejas - Signed as a free agent who previously has played for Nashville SC and Minnesota United FC.
George Marks - Drafted from the University of Clemson in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft.
Defenders
Guzmán Corujo (Center Back) - Uruguayan Corujo was signed on a free transfer from one of the most successful teams in Uruguay and in all of South American, Nacional. He is a no-nonsense defender that is aggressive but intelligent.
Anton Walkes (Center Back) - Walkes was drafted in the 2021 Expansion Draft from Atlanta United. He's a 6'2 center back that is mobile and comfortable playing with both his feet. He is versatile enough to also play at right-back if needed.
Christian Makoun (Center Back) - Acquired through a trade with Inter Miami, Makoun spent time in Juventus's U-23s before coming to MLS and being a part of Miami's inaugural season.
Jan Sobociński (Center Back) - Sobociński came from Polish side LKS Lodz and has represented the Polish national team at the youth levels. Despite only being 22 years old, he has made over 100 appearances between the first and second divisions of Poland.
Christian Fuchs (Left-Back) - Premier League champion Fuchs was signed from Leicester City this previous summer. He will bring experience and leadership from the highest levels of soccer around the world having captained both Leicester City and Austria.
Jospeh Mora (Left-Back) - Another Expansion Draft pick, Mora, will be bringing plenty of MLS experience to the left flank of Charlotte FC. He’s amassed 97 MLS appearances, averaging 20 or more appearances in each of his four seasons in the league with DC United.
Adam Armour (Left-Back) - Another player from the Carolinas who has represented the United States at the youth levels, 19-year-old Adam Armour is from Raleigh and was acquired from Nürnburg in Germany.
Harrison Afful (Right-Back) - Acquired through free agency, Charlotte FC have acquired another title winning player in Afful. He spent his previous seven years in Columbus and won the MLS Cup with them in 2020. He made a minimum of 20 appearances in every one of those seasons and is yet to slow down.
Jaylin Lindsey (Right-Back) - Lindsey is a 21-year-old Charlotte native who is coming back home after spending the past five years in the Sporting Kansas City academy and first team. He’s also represented the United States national team at the youth levels, most notably at the 2017 U17 World Cup.
Midfielders
Sergio Ruiz - The club’s first ever signing, Spaniard Ruiz was acquired from Racing de Santander in Spain. He was then loaned to Las Palmas in the second division of Spain where he was a key player in his time there.
Brandt Bronico - The original Charlotte native on Charlotte’s roster, Bronico played at the collegiate level at UNC Charlotte and was drafted in 2017 by MLS team, Chicago Fire. He will bring valuable MLS experience to the team.
Jordy Alcívar - Alcívar was signed from L.D.U Quito in Ecuador’s domestic league. He’s notched over 85 games, including several games in the elite South American continental tournament, Copa Libertadores, at the young age of 22.
Alan Franco - The Ecuadorian is returning to play under the coach where he won the 2019 Copa Sudamericana at Independiente Del Valle. He's also been an important player for the Ecuadorian national team in World Cup Qualification.
Cristian "Titi" Ortiz - Charlotte FC's first-ever number ten, Titi was signed on a loan deal from Club Tijuana in Mexico but previously spent time with CLTFC Head Coach Miguel Ramírez at Independiente Del Valle.
Ben Bender - Bender is a Generation Adidas player who drafted as the number one pick in the MLS SuperDraft from the University of Maryland. In each of his two collegiate seasons, the midfielder has received All-Big Ten selections and in 2021 was named the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and a First Team All-American.
Chris Hegardt - Hegardt played 31 games for Georgetown across two seasons where he scored three goals and added six assists. Prior to his time at Georgetown, the San Diego native was part of the Seattle Sounders’ academy where he won the 2019 Generation adidas Cup.
Forwards
McKinze Gaines (Winger) - Gaines is a young, dynamic forward who is aggressive and likes to take defenders on. With his quick feet and blistering speed, he’s a menace for opponents to defend in 1 v 1 situations. He was picked up in the Expansion Draft.
Yordy Reyna (Winger) - Reyna is a 6 year MLS veteran who is a technical, versatile attacker that can play anywhere across the front three. He also has 28 caps for the Peruvian national team, appearing in two World Cup qualifying cycles. He was acquired through free agency.
Karol Świderski (Stiker) - Świderski was signed from Greek side PAOK as the Club's first ever Designated Player. He's also a Polish National Team regular who despite making his debut less than year ago is the current 2nd leading goal scorer for his nation.
Vinicius Mello (Striker) - The 19-year-old Brazilian striker was signed from Charlotte FC head coach Miguel Ramirez’s previous team Internacional in Brazil. He is the club’s first U-22 Initiative player which is a new roster mechanism to encourage MLS teams to sign young players.
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