With preseason just around the corner, MLS NEXT Pro teams are bolstering their squads ahead of the 2025 campaign. Here’s a roundup of the latest signings and news around the league:
LA Galaxy Sign Five Academy Players to Professional Contracts
LA Galaxy announced the signing of five players from their Academy system to professional contracts. Four players, Owen Pratt, Riley Dalgado, Jose "Pepe" Magaña, and Vicente Garcia, signed Homegrown deals, while Gabriel Arnold has signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract and will play for Ventura County FC in 2025.
Owen Pratt is signed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2026 season and then will join the first team on an MLS contract as a Homegrown player beginning in 2027. The 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Best Goalkeeper led the Galaxy U-17s to back-to-back championships and debuted professionally with Ventura County FC during the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.
18-year-old defender Jose Magaña signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the end of the 2026 campaign and will alsso join the first team on an MLS contract as a Homegrown player beginning in 2027. Magaña nine starts in 2024 for Ventura County FC, recording one assist. He was also named MLS NEXT Cup MVP after scoring in the LA Galaxy Academy's 4-1 victory over Charlotte FC U-17s in the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup final.
Riley Dalgado is signed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the end of the 2025 season and will join the Galaxy on an MLS contract as a Homegrown player beginning in 2026. Dalgado has played a total of 44 matches for Ventura County FC and LA Galaxy II combined, contributing a goal and two assists while earning multiple U.S. U-17 National Team call-ups and MLS NEXT Rising Star awards.
Gabriel Arnold signed a two year contract and will play with Ventura County FC through 2026. In 2024, he recorded one goal and three assists in 20 matches and featured for El Salvador’s U-20 National Team.
CITY2 Bring Back Five Players from 2024 Campaign
St. Louis CITY2 announced it has brought back Dida Armstrong, Ryan Becher, Larsen Hackworth, Matteo Kidd and Gabriel Mikina ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. Each player is signed through the end of 2025.
Gabriel Mikina will be back for 2025 after making 25 appearances and playing a key role in the CITY2’s 2024 playoff run. Mikina had two goal contributions in the postseason, including scoring first professional goal in a 4-2 Western Conference playoffs semifinal win over The Town FC.
One of the longest-tenured players for CITY2, Dida Armstrong will be back for his fourth season with the club. Armstrong has scored four goals and provided one assist in 55 games for CITY2.
Matteo Kidd made an instant impact when he joined CITY2 midseason last year, scoring in his debut match against LAFC2. Kidd ended the season with three goals and two assists in just 15 matches.
Larsen Hackworth made 16 appearances in an injury riddled 2024 season but will be looking to have a strong third season with the team.
Ryan Becher added energy to the CITY2 attack in 2024 contributing two goals and four assists in 31 appearances and will be looked upon to bring the offensive spark once again in 2025.
Real Salt Lake Signs Four Academy Players to Professional Contracts
Real Salt Lake has added four players from its Academy and Real Monarchs to the first-team roster for the 2025 season. Midfielders Owen Anderson, Aiden Hezarkhani, Omar Marquez, and defender Juan Gio Villa were all signed to Homegrown contracts.
A Northern California native, Owen Anderson was the Monarchs’ joint-top scorer last season, netting five goals in 16 matches. His performances earned him the Real Salt Lake Academy Player of the Year award in 2024.
Aiden Hezarkhani was signed midseason during the 2024 campaign and made 15 appearances for the Monarchs, contributing two goals and one assist. The 17-year-old has been a frequent call up to the U.S. Youth National Teams.
Omar Marquez joined the Real Salt Lake Academy from Sacramento Republic FC last campaign and made 17 appearances for Real Monarchs in 2024. The 16-year-old playmaker has also been a consistent call-up for the U.S. U-17 National Team.
Juan Gio Villa joined the RSL Academy from Chicago Fire FC in 2022 and debuted for the Monarchs in April 2024. He holds dual nationality for Mexico and the U.S. and has made youth appearances for both countries.
Colorado Rapids Brings in SuperDraft Picks, Sign Amadou to First Team Deal
The Colorado Rapids have announced a trio of college signings to bolster their squad for the 2025 season, while providing a first team contract to one of their key contributors from last season.
Daouda Amadou signed a two-year contract that will keep him with the Rapids 2 squad through 2025 before transitioning to the first team in 2026. The Cameroonian midfielder was instrumental in Rapids 2's success in MLS NEXT Pro, playing in 59 games since 2022. A former Cameroon youth international, Amadou shined at the 2019 U-17 World Cup and was named Man of the Match in Cameroon’s African Cup of Nations U-17 Final victory.
Drafted 26th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, Josh Copeland joins Rapids 2 on an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the 2025 season. Copeland was a standout player for the University of Detroit Mercy, starting every match in two seasons while also scoring four goals and six assists.
Anderson Rosa was selected with 43rd overall pick back in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, and after finishing his collegiate career at the University of Central Florida, has signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Rapids 2 for 2025. The 23-year-old defender is UCF's all-time leader in matches played and made 76 consecutive starts during his time at the school.The Salvador, Bahia, Brazil native tallied eight goals and 14 assists across his collegiate career.
Lastly, Colorado Rapids 2 have also added 21-year-old defender Charlie Harper on an MLS NEXT Pro contract for 2025. Drafted 38th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft from UNC, Harper is known for his aggressive defense and was a key player for the Tar Heels during his time at the school.
North Texas SC Signs Forward Gianluca Cangiano
The defensing champs announced it has signed 19-year-old forward Gianluca Cangiano to a professional contract for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, with a club option for 2026.
The Argentine-Italian striker joins from Argentinian side Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro, where he scored six goals in 15 matches for their reserve team in 2024. A native of Buenos Aires, Cangiano developed in Club Atlético Independiente’s Academy for six years before making the move to San Lorenzo in 2023.
NY Red Bulls II Add Szewczyk, Re-Signs Kasule
New York Red Bulls II has re-signed midfielder Ibrahim Kasule to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2026. Kasule has been a instrumental for Red Bulls II over the past two seasons, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists in 48 appearances. He holds the club’s single-season scoring record with 15 goals in 2023, earning MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honors and two Player of the Month awards.
The club has also added 16-year-old goalkeeper Tobias Szewczyk who signed a one-year MLS NEXT Pro deal for 2025. After the 2025 season, Szewczyk will transition to a Homegrown MLS contract through 2029. The young goalkeeper has been a part of the Red Bulls Academy since 2020 and helped the U-15s win the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup. He also represented both the U.S. and Poland at the youth international level.
FC Dallas Sign Six Players from 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup-Winning Squad
FC Dallas announced the signing of six players from their 2024 MLS NEXT Pro championship team to Homegrown contracts. The group includes goalkeeper Michael Collodi, defender Malachi Molina, midfielders Diego García and Anthony Ramirez, and forwards Daniel Baran and Diego Pepi.
Michael Collodi
Collodi played a key role in North Texas SC’s championship season in 2024, making 27 appearances and earning five clean sheets. Thanks to his outstanding play between the sticks, he earned the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year award and was also a 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI selection.
Collodi was a part of the FC Dallas Academy from 2015-2019 before playing at Columbia University and joining North Texas SC for the 2024 season.
Diego García
García had a standout season for North Texas SC in 2024, contributing eight goals and seven assists in 26 appearances. The Denver native became the youngest player in North Texas SC history to reach 50 appearances (18 years, 4 days). He joined NTSC from El Paso Locomotive in 2023 and has earned numerous U.S. youth national team call-ups.
Anthony Ramirez
Ramirez played an important role in North Texas SC’s playoff success, scoring the extra time winner in the Western Conference Final match against St. Louis CITY2.
In 2024, he set career highs scoring four goals and providing three assists. Ramirez joined the FC Dallas Academy at age 12 and has represented both the U.S. and Mexico at the youth level, earning 14 international caps.
Daniel Baran
Baran joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2023 and signed his first professional contract in September 2024 after debuting in April of the same year.
The young forward appeared in 14 matches in the 2024 season for North Texas SC and was also part of the U-19 FC Dallas squad that reached the 2024 Dallas Cup Gordon Jago Super Group final.
Malachi Molina
Molina made 12 appearances in 2024 and scored his first professional goal against Sporting Kansas City II. The 18-year-old has been a part of the FC Dallas Academy since 2017 and has represented Jamaica at the U-20 and U-17 levels, as well as the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship.
Diego Pepi
“El Trenecito” made 10 appearances and scored once for North Texas SC in 2024. He scored his first professional goal against St. Louis CITY2 in 2023 and was a key part in the 2023 Dallas Cup U-19 Super Group, scoring goals against the Real Madrid and Monterrey academy teams.
Sporting KC Signs Jacob Bartlett as Homegrown Player
Sporting Kansas City has signed 19-year-old midfielder Jacob Bartlett to a Homegrown Player contract through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029.
A native of Kansas City, Bartlett is the 22nd Homegrown signing in club history and the first to come through Sporting’s Center of Excellence program.
Bartlett was a part of the Sporting KC Academy and represented Sporting KC II in MLS NEXT Pro in seven games before moving on to Notre Dame at the end of 2024.
Austin FC II Adds Forward Vlad Dǎnciuțiu
Austin FC II has signed 18-year-old forward Vlad Dǎnciuțiu to a two-year deal through 2026, with an option for 2027.
Originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, Dǎnciuțiu played for Sockers FC Chicago and Laurel Springs High School before joining Austin FC II. Dǎnciuțiu has played and trained with youth teams in Germany and Italy, including TSV 1860 München, Sassuolo, and Udinese’s U-20 side.
A dual citizen of the U.S. and Romania, Dǎnciuțiu has earned eight caps with the Romania’s U-19 national team so far.
Colorado Rapids 2 Sign Academy Forward Rogelio Garcia
Colorado Rapids 2 have signed 16-year-old forward Rogelio Garcia to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for the 2025 season. Garcia becomes the fourth Academy product to sign with Rapids 2 since the team’s debut in 2022.
Garcia joined the Rapids Academy in 2023 scoring nine goals and providing 15 assists helping the U-17 team reach the MLS NEXT Cup.
Garcia helped lead a young attacking Rapids 2 frontline in 2024, scoring in three consecutive games in August and earning one assist during his first professional season.
Internationally, Garcia has represented Mexico’s U-17 National Team, making four appearances in 2024.
Revs II Add Joe Buck and Keegan Hughes Ahead of 2025 Season
New England Revolution II have bolstered their squad with the signings of midfielder Joe Buck and defender Keegan Hughes.
Joe Buck
Buck joins his hometown club on a one-year deal with an option for 2026. A graduate of the Revolution Academy, Buck returns to New England after a successful collegiate career at Georgetown University, where he scored four goals and five assists in 74 matches.
The 22-year-old Buck previously made two appearances with Revolution II in 2021 and will now play under the same organization as his younger brother, Noel Buck, who’s back with the New England Revolution first team after a loan to Southampton last season.
Keegan Hughes
Hughes signed with Revolution II after spending the 2024 season on loan at Loudoun United FC in the USL Championship, where he made 29 appearances and helped lead the team to the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.
A former Columbus Crew Homegrown Player, Hughes brings professional experience from MLS, USL Championship, and MLS NEXT Pro. During his collegiate career at Stanford University, Hughes earned First Team All-American and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
FC Dallas Loans Carl Sainté to Phoenix Rising FC for 2025
FC Dallas has announced the loan of midfielder Carl Sainté to USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC for the 2025 season.
Sainté signed a first team contract with FC Dallas in March 2024 and made 10 appearances across all competitions in his debut MLS season.
The Haitian midfielder helped anchor the defensive backline for North Texas SC in MLS NEXT Pro, playing in eight regular-season and four playoff matches last season. He scored his first playoff goal in a Western Conference semifinal victory over the Tacoma Defiance, and was a key figure in the back for NTSC en route to securing their first MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
Chattanooga FC Signs Midfielder Nick Mendonca for 2025
Another member of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro champions made a move after Chattanooga FC announced it had signed defensive midfielder Nick Mendonca to a one-year deal with an option for an additional year.
The 23-year-old Miami native joins CFC after helping North Texas SC win the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Mendonca made 22 appearances and logged nearly 1,000 minutes for last season’s champions, including three substitute appearances in the playoffs.
Before joining North Texas, Mendonca played with MNUFC2 in 2022, where he made 23 appearances and added three assists. A product of the Flamengo and Vasco da Gama youth academies, Mendonca has also represented the United States at the U-15 and U-16 national team levels.
Colorado Rapids 2 Sign Goalkeeper Nicolas Defreitas-Hansen
Colorado Rapids 2 have added goalkeeper Nicolas Defreitas-Hansen to their 2025 roster. The 23-year-old joins after a season with Houston Dynamo FC 2, where he made 10 starts and recorded two clean sheets in 2024.
Defreitas-Hansen began his career with Weston FC Academy in Florida before moving to Europe, joining Everton FC’s youth system at age 16. He later signed a professional contract with Everton in 2019, and played for their U-23 team in Premier League 2. After stints with other European teams, he returned to the U.S. and joined Houston Dynamo 2 in 2024.
Internationally, Defreitas-Hansen has represented Denmark’s U-19 National Team and previously received call-ups with the U.S. U-16 and U-17 squads.
OCB add former Academy goalkeeper Tristan Himes
Orlando City B has signed Academy goalkeeper Tristan Himes to an MLS NEXT Pro contract ahead of the 2025 campaign.
A 24-year-old native of DeBary, Florida, Himes spent two seasons at the University of South Carolina before transferring to Coastal Carolina University for his junior and senior years. Himes appeared in 23 matches, recording 57 saves and three clean sheets in college, despite missing his junior season due to injury.
Roster decisions
Click the links below to check out the roster decisions announced so far.
Antony García Stays with Colorado Rapids 2 for 2025
Colorado Rapids 2 have extended Honduran midfielder Antony García’s loan from Costa Rican club F.C. Moravia through the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
García had a solid first year with Rapids 2, making 18 appearances and scoring six goals, the second-most on the team in 2024. He grabbed Player of the Matchweek honors twice last season, scoring a brace in games against the eventual champions North Texas SC and Houston Dynamo 2 to earn the honor.
The 20-year-old brings experience from stints with C.D.S Vida and F.C. Motagua in Honduras before joining F.C. Moravia. He’s also represented Honduras at the U-20 and U-23 levels, debuting internationally during the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
Rapids 2 are hoping that the young forward continues to build on his strong debut season as he returns for 2025.
New England Revolution Transfers Esmir Bajraktarević to PSV Eindhoven
New England Revolution have announced the transfer of Homegrown Player Esmir Bajraktarević to PSV Eindhoven. This move marks a significant step in the career of the 19-year-old, who rose through the Revolution’s pro player pathway and spent valuable time in MLS NEXT Pro with New England Revolution II.
Bajraktarević joined the Revolution Academy in 2021 and quickly climbed the ranks, making an immediate impact. The young midfielder made 36 professional appearances with Revolution II in MLS NEXT Pro and was a key figure during their 2023 season, helping them reach the Eastern Conference Final.
Bajraktarević signed a Homegrown Player contract with New England on May 23, 2022, becoming the first player from the Revolution Academy’s residency program to ascend to the first team roster.
His time with Revs II helped Bajraktarević prepare for the jump to MLS, where he played 45 matches, scored three goals, and provided three assists over three seasons. In 2024, the midfielder set new career-highs in appearances (29), starts (22), and minutes played (1,990), while also scoring two game-winning goals in league play.
Chicago Fire Signs Dylan Borso as Homegrown Player
Chicago Fire FC has announced the return and signing of midfielder Dylan Borso to a Homegrown Player contract through the 2027 season, with options for 2028 and 2029. The 18-year-old Chicago native becomes the 25th Homegrown Player in the Club’s history.
Borso joined the Fire Academy in 2017 and progressed through the U-13 to U-19 levels, eventually joining Chicago Fire II in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023. Over two seasons, he made nine appearances, scoring his first goal against Sporting Kansas City II in 2023, earning Rising Star of the Matchweek honors for his performance.
Most recently, Borso played collegiate soccer at Wake Forest University, appearing in 24 matches during the 2024 season. He recorded four goals and a team-high four assists, including a golden goal in the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 that sent Wake Forest to the Elite Eight.
North Texas SC Brings Up Academy Midfielder Caleb Swann
The reigning MLS NEXT Pro champions announced the signing of 17-year-old midfielder Caleb Swann to a professional contract for the 2025 season. Swann is the ninth FC Dallas Academy player to join the club.
Swann joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2022 and spent the 2024 season training with North Texas SC while also competing in MLS NEXT Fest and Flex tournaments.
A Dallas native, Swann started his playing career with Solar Soccer Club, where he won the U15 Dallas Cup in 2022. Swann stands out thanks to his hard work on the field and smart play with the ball. He'll be another exciting talent coming through the FC Dallas development system to watch in 2025.
Chattanooga FC Re-Signs Minjae Kwak and Tate Robertson for 2025
Chattanooga FC has announced the return of winger Minjae Kwak and defender Tate Robertson for the 2025 season. Both players have signed one-year deals with options for an additional year.
The 24-year-old Kwak returns to CFC after making 15 appearances in 2024 and earning Matchweek 28’s Goal of the Week honors. Known for his attacking style on the right flank, he’s poised to be a key player in Chattanooga’s offense in 2025.
Robertson, 27, returns to CFC after two seasons with Lexington SC, where he earned USL Players’ Association Best XI honors in 2023. A versatile defender with over 4,000 minutes logged in his first stint with Chattanooga (2021-2022), he'll bring valuable experience to the team.
Poreba signs first team deal
The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro MVP has inked a first team deal.
Chicago Fire FC announced this week that it had signed midfielder David Poreba to an MLS contract through 2025, with options to extend through 2028.
Poreba is the first Chicago Fire FC II player to move up to the First Team.
The 22-year-old led Fire II with 18 goals and six assists in 28 matches during the 2024 season, earning the MLS NEXT Pro MVP, Best XI honors, and the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot.
A Chicago-area native, Poreba started his career in the Chicago Fire Academy and played for Polish club Stal Mielec. After a loan stint with Crown Legacy FC in 2023, he joined Fire II for his record-setting 2024 season.
John Gall signs contract extension
North Texas SC announced this week that it had re-signed head coach John Gall to a two-year contract through 2026, with an option for 2027.
Gall, who joined North Texas SC as an assistant in 2023, led the team to a strong 7-1-4 record last season before joining the first team as an interim assistant coach.
Renowned for his dedication to player development and deep understanding of the FC Dallas organization, Gall will be determined to bring another championship to Frisco in 2025.
St Louis CITY2, Chicago Fire II announce new head coaches
Two playoff teams from the 2024 season have introduced new head coaches as they gear up for the 2025 campaign.
CITY2 has named David Critchley as head coach following Bobby Murphy's departure. A key figure in St. Louis CITY’s academy since 2021, Critchley has been pivotal in developing young talents like Mykhi Joyner and Tyson Pearce, with 14 of his academy players making debuts for CITY2.
Chicago Fire II has appointed Mike Matkovich as its new head coach, bringing over 30 years of coaching experience to the role.
Matkovich, previously the club’s Head Domestic Scout, brings extensive experience to his new role as Fire II’s head coach. With a strong background in player development, Matkovich has also worked at the national and first-team levels, including coaching the U.S. U-18 Men’s Youth National Team and holding different roles with multiple MLS clubs.
Kelvin Jones departs Columbus Crew 2
Columbus Crew 2 will be looking to for a new head coach as they announced this week that head coach Kelvin Jones has departed the Columbus Crew organization to pursue new professional opportunities.
Jones joined the Crew in 2017 and served as Academy Director from 2020-23. He led Crew 2 to their third consecutive Eastern Conference Final in his first season as head coach. Under his leadership, Crew 2 had 18 different goal scorers and ranked third in MLS NEXT Pro for minutes logged by players under 19.
During his tenure as Academy Director, Jones helped five players secure Homegrown contracts with Columbus and worked as an assistant coach for the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team during the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
New York Red Bulls sign Omar Valencia
New York Red Bulls added a new defender to its roster this week when they announced that the signing of Omar Valencia to a three-year MLS contract through 2027, with an option for 2028.
The 20-year-old Valencia joins the first team after spending two seasons with Red Bulls II, where he made 37 appearances and provided four assists.
Valencia’s strong play earned him seven first-team call-ups during the 2024 MLS season and made his MLS debut on June 8th against the New England Revolution.
Internationally, he has represented Panama across multiple levels, debuting for the senior team in 2022 and and made history in 2024 as the first active MLS NEXT Pro player to compete in Copa América.
Yosuke Hanya loaned out for 2025 season
Colorado Rapids 2 have announced the loan of forward Yosuke Hanya to USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks for the 2025 season.
This will be Hanya’s second stint with the Switchbacks after spending the 2024 season with the club. Hanya contributed five goals and two assists across 37 matches, helping the team win its first USL Championship title by providing an assist during the final.
Hanya joined Rapids 2 during the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season in 2022, tallying 17 goals and 13 assists in 47 appearances. His impressive performances earned him a place in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI.
LAFC signs Jude Terry
LAFC has signed 16-year-old academy midfielder Jude Terry to a Homegrown contract through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029.
Terry, the eighth Homegrown player in LAFC history, joined the Academy in 2021 and made his professional debut with LAFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro during the 2024 season.
A native of Chula Vista, California, Terry has been a standout for the U.S. Youth National Team, helping win the 2023 Concacaf U-15 Championship and earning a training camp spot in preparation for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifiers.
New England Revolution II re-signs Marcos Dias, bring on Jayden Da
New England Revolution II has re-signed forward Marcos Dias and added forward Jayden Da to the squad ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Dias returns for his fourth season with Revolution II after becoming the team’s all-time leading scorer in 2024, scoring 24 goals and nine assists across 68 appearances.
The 22-year-old posted a career-best nine goals and five assists in MLS NEXT Pro action and earned his MLS debut against Seattle Sounders FC on July 6th.
Jayden Da, also 22, joins Revolution II after a solid debut season with Columbus Crew 2, where he recorded seven goals and four assists in 24 league matches and helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals. A native of Boston, Da played three seasons at Duquesne University and earned numerous accolades, including All-Atlantic 10 second team honors.
The duo will look to boost a Revs II attack that was tied for last place in goals scored in 2024.
Huntsville City FC sign pair of midfielders
Huntsville City FC announced the signings of two midfielders in Alan Carleton and Moisés Véliz ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Carleton joins Huntsville after making 56 appearances for Atlanta United 2, scoring four goals and providing three assists since 2022.
Véliz arrives on loan from Panamanian club Tauro FC, where he has made 59 appearances, contributed two goals and two assists, and won two Liga Panameña de Fútbol Championships. The 20-year-old has also made six international appearances for Panama's U-23 team.
Tacoma Defiance signs midfielder Jackson Khoury
Tacoma Defiance has signed 22-year-old midfielder Jackson Khoury to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. The Australian-born Lebanon international joins after two seasons with South Georgia Tormenta FC in USL League One, where he earned the 2023 Young Player of the Year award with seven goals and six assists in 33 appearances.
Chattanooga FC announce reinforcements
Chattanooga Football Club has added key pieces to its roster with the addition of three players ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season: Eldin Jakupović, Darwin Ortiz, and Steeve Louis Jean.
Eldin Jakupović
CFC has started off the off season by bringing in veteran goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović on a one-year contract following a career that includes stints with Premier League clubs like Leicester City and Hull City, as well as LAFC in MLS. The 40-year-old will provide valuable experience and leadership to the young squad while also helping Chattanooga’s pursuit of MLS NEXT Pro success.
Darwin Ortiz
Honduran midfielder Darwin Ortiz has signed his first professional contract with CFC on a two-year deal, with an option for a third. The 18-year-old previously played for Southern Soccer Academy and has trained with Chattanooga’s first team in recent years. Known for his versatility and potential, Ortiz will aim to make an impact in his first professional season.
Steeve Louis Jean
Haitian midfielder Steeve Louis Jean joins CFC from Austin FC II, where he was part of the squad who secured the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup. In two seasons with Austin FC II, Louis Jean played in 45 matches and spent nearly 2,500 minutes on the field.
Timbers2 signs two players to MLS NEXT Pro deals
T2 has bolstered its roster with the additions of forward Gage Guerra and midfielder Daniel Nuñez for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
The 22-year-old Guerra joins on a two-year deal through 2026 after being selected in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The Houston native recently completed a standout collegiate career at the University of Louisville, where he scored 16 goals and added three assists in two seasons.
Daniel Nuñez became the youngest signing in T2 history signing his first professional contract at 15 years old, through 2026 with an option for 2027. A Timbers Academy product, the Bakersfield, California native made his MLS NEXT Pro debut in 2024 and has earned two call-ups to Mexico’s U17 national team.
Chicago Fire signs Omari Glasgow to first team deal
One of MLS NEXT Pro’s brightest stars is making the jump to the first team.
Chicago Fire announced this week that it had signed winger Omari Glasgow to an MLS contract through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028.
The 21-year-old Guyana international spent the last three seasons with Chicago Fire II, where he became a standout in MLS NEXT Pro.
Glasgow racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in 62 appearances for Fire II and helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. In 2024, he made history as the first Fire II player to feature in an MLS match for the Fire, making his debut on May 4th against New England Revolution.
Internationally, Glasgow has been a key figure for Guyana and recently became his nation’s all-time leading scorer with 20 goals.
This is the Fire’s second big move from Fire II in just a week, following the signing of 2024 MLS NEXT Pro MVP David Poreba to a First Team contract.
Atlanta United 2 signs academy defender Dominik Chong Qui for 2025
After an impressive debut season in MLS NEXT Pro, Atlanta United 2 has signed 16-year-old defender Dominik Chong Qui to a professional contract through the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Chong Qui will make the jump to Atlanta United’s first team as a Homegrown player starting in 2026, with a deal that runs through 2028 and an option for 2029.
Born in Alpharetta, Georgia, Chong Qui has been making waves in Atlanta United’s Academy for some time. In 2024, Chong Qui made the jump to the professional ranks and played 1,128 minutes across 17 matches. The young defender scored two goals, and earned MLS NEXT Player of Matchweek 18 honors.
Orlando City SC signs Colin Guske to Homegrown contract
Orlando City is adding a young star to its roster for 2025, signing midfielder Colin Guske to a first team contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028.
A product of the Orlando City Academy, Guske played 25 games for the Young Lions last season, scoring one goal and recording two assists. He also logged the most minutes of any MLS NEXT Pro player born in 2007 and earned a spot as a 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star.
The St. Johns, Florida native joined the first team for preseason training in 2024 and signed several short-term agreements during the year, showcasing his readiness to take the next step.
Crown Legacy FC signs midfielder Baye Coulibaly
Crown Legacy FC has signed 18-year-old Malian midfielder Baye Coulibaly from Croatian side NK Kustosija ahead of the 2025 season.
Coulibaly caught the attention of many, including La Liga side Atletico Madrid, when shined at the 2023 U-17 World Cup, playing a key role in Mali’s third-place finish.
He earned nine caps with Mali’s U-17 team before joining NK Kustosija, where he made 12 appearances during the 2024-25 season, scoring two goals.
The signing brings exciting young talent to Crown Legacy FC as they look to strengthen their side ahead of the upcoming campaign.
North Texas SC signs FC Dallas Academy midfielder Caleb Swann
The reigning MLS NEXT Pro champions have signed 17-year-old midfielder Caleb Swann to a professional contract for the 2025 season. Swann is the ninth FC Dallas Academy player to join the club.
Swann joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2022 and spent the 2024 season training with North Texas SC while also competing in the MLS NEXT Fest and Flex tournaments.
A Dallas native, Swann started with Solar Soccer Club, where he won the U15 Dallas Cup in 2022. Known for his hard work and smart play in the midfield, Swann is another exciting talent coming through the FC Dallas development system that will look to make an impact in 2025.
Chattanooga FC signs Ameziane Sid Mohand
Chattanooga FC has strengthened its attack with the signing of Algerian forward Ameziane Sid Mohand on a one-year deal, with an option for a second year.
The 21-year-old joins after a brief spell with Columbus Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro during the 2024 season.
Before arriving in MLS NEXT Pro, Sid Mohand played in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle with Union Sportive Medina d’Alger, where he registered seven goals and four assists.
Chattanooga FC is coming off a season where they narrowly missed the playoffs on goal difference but has now added a creative player in Sid Mohand as they aim to make a stronger push for the playoffs in 2025.
Grand Rapids to join MLS NEXT Pro in 2027
MLS NEXT Pro has announced a new independent club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, set to join the league in 2027. This will be the first MLS NEXT Pro and MLS-affiliated team in the state, marking a big step for soccer in Michigan.
The team, led by the Van Andel and DeVos families, will play at the planned 8,500-seat Amway Stadium, with construction starting in 2025. The families bring extensive experience from professional sports, including ties to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), Orlando Magic (NBA), and MLS clubs FC Cincinnati and Orlando City SC.
Grand Rapids will join other independent teams like Chattanooga FC and Carolina Core FC in MLS NEXT Pro, adding another exciting chapter to the league's continued growth.
