Erik Peña Boardman

Crown Legacy FC announced the signing of Academy midfielder Erik Peña on Dec. 21, 2023. Peña became the first CLTFC Academy player in Club history to sign an MLS NEXT Pro contract.

In Peña’s first full season as a professional in 2024, he featured in 12 matches, making two starts, and contributing one assist, which came against Chattanooga FC on Aug. 18.

The Saltillo, Mexico native’s first taste of professional minutes came while he was still within Charlotte’s Academy system, appearing in 12 matches during the Club’s inaugural season. Peña originally suited up for Queen City Mutiny before joining the CLTFC Academy at 15-years-old. He made his professional debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Inter Miami CF II on April 14, 2023, at 17 years, 10 months and 14 days old.

2024 (Crown Legacy FC): MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Appeared in 12 matches, two starts, totaling 283 minutes. Recorded his first professional assists against Chattanooga FC on Aug. 18. MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs – Featured and started in both of the Club’s playoff matches,

2023 (Crown Legacy FC): MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Featured in 12 matches, two starts, tallying 296 minutes as an Academy player. Made his professional debut as a substitute against Inter Miami CF II on April 14.