Charlotte FC have officially signed 19-year-old forward Rodolfo Aloko to a contract through June 2030, with an option for the 2030-31 MLS season. The Benin international will occupy a U22 Initiative roster spot and joins the first team after a breakout campaign with the club's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Crown Legacy FC.
Aloko was originally acquired by Crown Legacy in September 2024 from Croatian club NK Kustošija. He remained in Croatia through the end of 2025 before making the move to the United States. The forward wasted no time making an impact, tallying six goals in five matches during the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season and leading the league with eight total goal contributions (six goals, two assists).
Zoran Krneta, Charlotte's general manager, praised Aloko's rapid development and performance. "Rodolfo is another example of our growing list of young talents coming through our development pathway, and we are happy to see him move so quickly to the first team." Krneta added that Aloko "has great physical attributes and an extremely strong work ethic" that will continue to raise his ceiling.
Aloko earned the MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month award for March 2026 and represented Benin at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped the team reach the Round of 16. He has earned seven caps for the national team to date.
The U22 Initiative contract allows Charlotte to add young talent without significant salary cap impact. Aloko's signing reinforces Charlotte's commitment to developing homegrown and international prospects through their affiliate system.
The forward will look to make an immediate impact as Charlotte prepare for their next match. With his speed, versatility, and eye for goal, Aloko could become a key piece in the club's attacking arsenal.
Johnny Cardoso is set to undergo surgery on his right ankle after sustaining the injury during training with Atletico Madrid and later aggravating it in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal. The 24-year-old midfielder is expected to miss significant time with a recovery timeline
20 hours ago
The Springfield Thunderbirds defeated the Providence Bruins, 3-1, in the best-of-seven Atlantic Division Semifinals to advance to the division finals for the first time since 2018. Springfield becomes the first AHL team in 25 years to win two playoff series after finishing the regular season at .500
20 hours ago
The National Hockey League has announced the six finalists for the 2026 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, with three from the U.S. and three from Canada. Fans have until May 24 to vote for their favorite nominee at NHL.com/OReeAward. The winners, one in each country, will each receive a $30,000 don
20 hours ago
The Minnesota Wild defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 in Game 3 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series on Saturday night, evening the best-of-seven matchup at two games apiece. Minnesota scored three unanswered goals in the first period and limited the Avs to just one power-play goal on th
20 hours ago