Training camp has arrived Charlotte FC. The 28th expansion team will finally enter the league in 2022 and hit the pitch for Major League Soccer’s 27th season.
Following the usual timeline for expansion teams, Charlotte FC was on track with most other teams in terms of signing players. But beginning in December and January, they turned it up to a new level. Entering December, Charlotte had just 7 players on their roster, they’re now at 23. The squad Miguel Ramírez is building is finally beginning to take shape.
The Charlotte FC Newcomers
Charlotte FC signed Brazilian Vinicius Mello; a 19-year-old who played under new manager Miguel Ramírez at Internacional. He’s young and unproven but has a lot of potential, making his first senior appearance in 2021. He appeared for the club 13 more times before being scooped up by Ramírez again. He is the first player signed to the new MLS U-22 Initiative, which incentivizes teams to bring in quality young players.
Charlotte FC have signed 16 players in the last two months for their MLS debut
Charlotte FC then took part in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, the draft for expansion teams to choose other current MLS players. Charlotte FC selected Austin FC forward Mckinze Gaines with their first selection, Atlanta United defender Anton Walkes with the second, and DC United defender Joseph Mora with their third. Their final two picks were LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon, and NYCFC forward Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, both traded away on draft night for General Allocation Money, or GAM.
After Expansion night
Following an exciting expansion night, Charlotte FC brought in a couple more players to the team before December ended.
Charlotte FC signed Yordy Reyna, a 28-year-old Peruvian from DC United. He plays forward and midfielder, but primarily plays forward. He’s made appearances for the UEFA Champions League while with RB Salzburg, as well as the Copa America in South America with Peru.
Signed on a free transfer after he wasn’t able to establish himself at DC United and get consistent minutes, he did show his talent and abilities on occasion. He’s a strong attacker, he can score goals and make plays for others. He’s technical and will bring a lot of creativity to the attacking third. Manager Miguel Ramírez sees potential in him, and it will be exciting to see what role he takes on for Charlotte in 2022.
And the last signing before Christmas, Alan Franco. Franco is a big signing for Charlotte. Worth a few million dollars, he is one of the higher-valued players on the roster. Charlotte FC acquired him on a season loan deal from Atlético Mineiro with an option to buy. He played a big role in the Independiente del Valle squad coached by Miguel Ramírez that won the 2019 Copa Sudamericana, a massive victory for both Ramírez and Franco. He also won the Brazilian Championship with Atletico in 2021. He’ll bring necessary winning experience to the Charlotte locker room.
He’s an energetic versatile midfielder with quick feet. He plays centrally, defensively, and on the right side. He debuted for the Ecuadorian national team in 2018 and has made 18 appearances since then. He’ll have great chemistry with fellow Ecuadorian midfielder Jordy Alcivar, who is also on the team. Franco will be a big piece for Charlotte FC when they get started in February.
Entering January
Charlotte FC kept the train moving into January adding Inter Miami center-back Christian Makoun, a 21-year-old Venezuelan international. He’s left-footed and prefers the left center-back spot. He’s still young, but with 26 starts last year for Inter Miami, he’ll bring quality MLS experience to Charlotte FC’s backline.
Shortly after the Makoun signing was the annual MLS SuperDraft. In this draft, MLS teams select players coming out of college. Being the only Expansion side, Charlotte FC had the first overall pick. With it, they chose Maryland midfielder, Ben Bender.
Bender is an exciting pick for Charlotte, many predictions had him going first overall. The last number 1 pick from Maryland was Maurice Edu in 2007. He’s only 20 years old but he’s a technically gifted and mature player with good vision and good awareness. He plays both ends of the field well but is stronger on the attacking side, notching 7 goals and 5 assists for Maryland in 2021. Bender is an exciting prospect for Charlotte FC but it remains to be seen whether or not that talent will translate to the pro level.
Charlotte currently has 23 players on the roster, they officially began their first training camp on Wednesday. They’ll continue rounding out their team to get to 30 before opening their season against DC United on February 26.
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