SALT LAKE CITY, UT., January 11, 2024 — Real Salt Lake has made a significant investment in its future with the acquisition of Mexican youth international winger Fidel Barajas from the USL Championship team, Charleston Battery. The club announced the signing of the 17-year-old, who has committed through the 2026 MLS season with an option for 2027-28.

Real Salt Lake obtained the top spot in the MLS waiver order from Toronto FC to secure Barajas’s signature. The deal included an exchange of $50,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) and the No. 17 overall waiver position.

Barajas, formerly part of the San Jose Earthquakes youth system, has established himself as one of the most promising talents in the country. His technical abilities and adeptness with both feet allow him to be a threat from either flank. Sporting director Kurt Schmid highlighted Barajas’s vision and awareness on the field, which have earned him high regard in youth soccer circles.

During his time with Charleston, Barajas was named the 2023 USL Championship Young Player of the Year. He recorded five goals and 13 assists across 37 games in all competitions, showcasing his impact on the pitch. He also played a crucial role for Mexico at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which followed their triumph at the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship. His accolades also include being named to The Guardian’s “Next Generation” list of top rising talents born in 2006.

Barajas expressed excitement about his transition to MLS and joining Real Salt Lake, known for nurturing young talents and offering them significant playing time. He looks forward to following the pathway laid out by the club, which he believes provides the perfect opportunity for his development and potential future moves to Europe.

Head coach Pablo Mastroeni will have additional options on the wing with Barajas joining the ranks alongside Diego Luna and Andrés Gómez. The move comes as Jefferson Savarino reportedly sets to join Brazil’s Botafogo.

Real Salt Lake’s 2024 season is set to kick off on February 21 against Inter Miami CF, with Barajas expected to be an integral part of the squad’s fresh and youthful dynamic. The signing underlines RSL’s continued commitment to integrating promising young players into its first-team setup, aiming to blend homegrown talent with experienced heads to make a strong showing in the league.

ATLANTA, GA., January 11, 2024 — Atlanta United has strengthened its defensive ranks by signing Norwegian international center back Stian Gregersen. The 28-year-old joins from French second-division side Bordeaux, under a contract that extends through the 2027 MLS season, with an option for 2028.

Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra expressed his confidence in Gregersen’s abilities, noting his consistent performances across different leagues and his adeptness in various defensive scenarios. Bocanegra emphasized Gregersen’s game-reading skills, commanding presence, and leadership qualities that are anticipated to bring organization and resilience to Atlanta United’s backline.

Gregersen brings a wealth of experience to the MLS, having tallied eight goals and four assists over 229 career professional appearances. His tenure at Bordeaux, which began in 2021 after a significant period at Molde FK in Norway, has honed his talents at an international level. With eight caps for Norway, including appearances in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, Gregersen has proven his mettle on the international stage as well.

The Norwegian defender is expected to form a robust defensive partnership with Peru international Luis Abram, following the departure of Miles Robinson, who was a pivotal figure for Atlanta United from 2019 to 2023, and has now joined FC Cincinnati in free agency.

Atlanta United, led by head coach Gonzalo Pineda, is set to commence their 2024 campaign with a challenging match against the defending MLS Cup champions, Columbus Crew, on February 24. The acquisition of Stian Gregersen is a clear indication of Atlanta United’s intent to shore up their defense as they seek to make an impactful run in the upcoming MLS season.

CINCINNATI, OH., January 11, 2024 — FC Cincinnati has bolstered its offensive lineup by signing forward Corey Baird through the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with an option for the year 2026. The announcement comes as a significant addition to the club, which has been actively enhancing its squad during the offseason.

Baird, who most recently played for Houston Dynamo FC, is set to bring his experience and versatility to the Orange & Blue. The forward has been a key player in his previous teams, making a total of 161 regular-season appearances and contributing 28 goals and 25 assists. His tenure at Real Salt Lake, LAFC, and Houston has seen him develop into a potent attacking force, capable of altering the dynamics of a game.

His achievements include helping Houston Dynamo FC clinch the US Open Cup title and reach the Western Conference Final. Moreover, his stellar performance in the 2018 season earned him the MLS Rookie of the Year title, and he has since garnered four caps with the US men’s national team.

General Manager Chris Albright expressed excitement about the signing, noting Baird’s “versatile skillset and an eye for goal” as key attributes that will enhance FC Cincinnati’s attack. Baird joins a forward line that includes Aaron Boupendza and 2023 MLS MVP Luciano Acosta, looking to fill the void left by Brandon Vazquez’s transfer.

Baird shared his enthusiasm for joining a club with one of the league’s best fanbases and stadiums, eager to contribute to the team’s pursuit of silverware. He remarked on the electrifying atmosphere at TQL Stadium and is looking forward to having the passionate Cincinnati fans support him on the field.

FC Cincinnati, under head coach Pat Noonan, is preparing for a competitive 2024 season, starting with their regular-season opener against Toronto FC on February 25. The team is also poised to make its debut in the Concacaf Champions Cup three days prior, facing Jamaican side Cavalier FC.

The acquisition of Corey Baird is a clear statement of intent from FC Cincinnati, signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level and aim for trophies in the upcoming MLS season.

NEW YORK (Thursday, January 11, 2024) – Major League Soccer (MLS) today announced the launch of MLS Innovation Lab, a program designed to shape the future of sports through the identification of cutting-edge startups and advanced technologiesto help develop the next generation of athletes, enhance the fan experience and drive continued growth for the League and its Clubs. MLS Innovation Lab is the latest initiative from Major League Soccer, which has been recognized as a global leader in innovation.

MLS recently became the first major sports league with a global digital streaming agreement when it formed an unprecedented ten-year partnership with Apple that reimagined how soccer fans consumed games – with no blackouts and all matches on a single platform. MLS Season Pass delivered new enhanced live match broadcasts all in 1080p as well as thousands of hours of premium content to a young, digital savvy, global audience. The 2023 season also saw the start of Leagues Cup, a partnership with Liga MX and Concacaf, the first in-season tournament by a major professional league in North America. MLS is also creating the next generation of live enhanced data feeds with industry leader Sportec to power MLS Season Pass. In recent years, MLS has been at the forefront of video review in soccer – with the MLS Video Review program later mirrored by other leagues around the world – and MLS was the first major men’s league in North America to return to play during the COVID-19 pandemic when it hosted the MLS is Back tournament in 2020.

This forward-thinking approach by MLS is the driver behind the creation of MLS Innovation Lab. MLS Innovation Lab gives companies the chance to test their products in real-world environments throughout the MLS ecosystem including MLS NEXT Fest, Generation adidas Cup, MLS NEXT Cup and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate, among others.

With thousands of matches per year, MLS NEXT Pro, MLS NEXT and MLS GO offer an unparalleled breadth of testing opportunities for participating companies and each year, a group of high-potential companies will be invited to immerse themselves in this unique testing environment, fostering rapid development of novel products and technologies. MLS will provide direct access to its expertise, and network, ensuring accelerated development for participants.

Following a rigorous evaluation process which vetted hundreds of companies, six companies from across the globe were chosen to be included in the program’s inaugural cohort. MLS Innovation Lab officially kicked off in December at MLS NEXT Fest in Arizona, where each of the six companies began their journeys by testing and showcasing their respective products and capabilities in a live setting.

• A-Champs: Cognitive and technical training system for athletes of all skill levels (Barcelona, Spain).
• CAMB.AI: AI dubbing platform that instantaneously translates content into any language, all while maintaining the native speakers voice and tone, bringing any type of content, any game alive, in any language.
• Fabric: Gamified mixed reality fan experiences at live events that drives fan loyalty through rewards (US).
• Fitogether: A FIFA Preferred Provider for Wearable Player Tracking, validated as the most accurate solution with centimeter-level data accuracy. The technology utilizes GPS to track on-field performance through a video hybrid system, catering to professional and academy levels. (South Korea)
• Reeplayer: Premium AI camera empowering teams and organizations to automatically record, live stream, share, and monetize soccer footage.
• STAIDIUM U.S.: AI-powered and 5G-enabled camera with an OTT platform that delivers live broadcasts, highlights, and advanced game and player analytics (U.S.).

“Major League Soccer strives to be the front porch of innovation for the sports industry,” said Gary Stevenson, Deputy Commissioner of MLS and President of Soccer United Marketing. “In that spirit, MLS Innovation Lab provides a truly unique offering in global sports. Our 2024 cohort places a spotlight on some of the most exciting tech startups from around the world, and we eagerly anticipate their impact on the sport in the years to come.”

Following the conclusion of all testing opportunities, companies will be selected to present to MLS executives and owners with the promising companies having the potential to earn long-term strategic partnerships and investment opportunities from the League. 

For more information on MLS Innovation Lab, or to be considered for the program in the future, visit MLSsoccer.com/InnovationLab. 

January 10, 2024

The San Jose Earthquakes have solidified their midfield lineup by re-signing Jack Skahan, with the contract extending through the 2025 Major League Soccer season and an option for 2026. This move underscores the club’s confidence in Skahan’s abilities and potential contribution to the team in the coming seasons.

Jack Skahan, 25, joined the San Jose Earthquakes as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, following a notable stint at the University of North Carolina. Since his debut, Skahan has made a total of 29 MLS appearances, including six starts. He has contributed significantly to the team’s performance, scoring two goals and recording one assist.

In the upcoming season, Skahan is projected to serve primarily as a midfield depth piece. His versatility and skill set are expected to be vital for the Earthquakes as they continue to develop under head coach Luchi Gonzalez. Skahan’s ability to adapt and perform in various midfield roles makes him a valuable asset to the squad.

Under the guidance of head coach Luchi Gonzalez, San Jose Earthquakes have shown promising signs of growth and competitiveness. Last season, they made it to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs as the Western Conference’s No. 9 seed. The re-signing of Skahan is part of Gonzalez’s strategy to build a balanced and dynamic team capable of achieving greater successes.

San Jose Earthquakes are set to start their 2024 campaign on February 24 at FC Dallas. The match, scheduled for 8:30 pm ET, will be available on MLS Season Pass, offering fans an opportunity to witness the team’s efforts to build on the previous season’s accomplishments.

The extension of Jack Skahan’s contract with the San Jose Earthquakes reflects the club’s commitment to maintaining a core group of players and enhancing the team’s overall strength. Skahan’s continued presence in the midfield will be crucial as the Earthquakes aim for higher achievements in the MLS.

January 10, 2024

Inter Miami CF has made a strategic move by signing 17-year-old academy graduate Tyler Hall as a Homegrown Player. The defender’s contract with the club extends through the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option for 2028. Hall’s signing marks him as the eighth academy product to make it to Inter Miami CF’s First Team.

Tyler Hall, a standout defender, made his professional debut in 2022 with Inter Miami CF II in MLS NEXT Pro, where he was the youngest-ever player to start a match in the league. Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Hall made a total of 29 appearances, including 24 starts, showcasing his potential and skill on the field.

In 2023, Hall’s talents were further recognized when he was selected as one of the top 44 best youth soccer players in North America, earning him a spot in the 2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game. His performance in this game solidified his status as a promising young talent in the soccer world.

Apart from his club commitments, Hall has also been an active participant in U.S. youth international teams. He served as the captain of the U.S. U-17 team at the November 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, where he showcased his leadership and soccer skills on an international stage.

The signing of Tyler Hall as a Homegrown Player underscores Inter Miami CF’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent within their academy system. Hall joins other academy graduates who have successfully transitioned to the club’s First Team, demonstrating the effectiveness of the club’s youth development program.

With the addition of Tyler Hall to their roster, Inter Miami CF continues to build a team with a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Hall’s development at the MLS level will be a key aspect of Inter Miami CF’s strategy in the coming seasons.

Inter Miami CF’s preseason schedule is set to begin next week, including a highly anticipated match against Al-Hilal on January 29, which will feature a riveting encounter between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The club’s regular-season campaign will kick off on February 21 against Real Salt Lake.

January 10, 2024

The Colorado Rapids have announced the signing of 17-year-old goalkeeper Adam Beaudry to a four-year Homegrown Player contract, with an option for two additional years, marking a significant step in the young player’s career.

Adam Beaudry, a product of the Rapids Academy and Real Colorado, has shown exceptional promise in his young career. In the 2023 season, he featured in 16 matches for Rapids 2, starting all of them and achieving three clean sheets. His performances helped Rapids 2 secure the No. 1 overall seed in MLS NEXT Pro. Beaudry’s talent was further recognized as he was named the MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month for both May and July and was a finalist for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Beaudry’s talent extends beyond the club level to the international stage, where he has represented the U.S. at the U-17 level. He was part of the U.S. team that competed in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, making it to the knockout stage. Beaudry also played a crucial role in the U.S. team’s journey to the final of the Concacaf U-17 Championship in Guatemala.

Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith and Head Coach Chris Armas have both expressed high regard for Beaudry’s abilities and potential. Smith highlighted Beaudry’s work ethic, commitment to learning, and experience on the youth international stage as key factors in his development. Armas emphasized the importance of keeping Beaudry in Colorado and expressed confidence in his bright future and potential for further growth.

As Beaudry joins the first team, he becomes a part of a goalkeeping roster that includes U.S. national team player Zack Steffen and Serbian international Marko Ilić. The club is clearly invested in nurturing his talent and providing him with opportunities to develop further.

Adam Beaudry’s signing is a testament to the Colorado Rapids’ commitment to developing young talent and investing in their future. Beaudry’s early achievements and potential make him a promising prospect for the club, and his progress will be eagerly watched by fans and experts alike.

January 10, 2024

D.C. United has officially announced the appointment of Troy Lesesne as their new head coach, marking a significant change in leadership for the storied MLS club. Lesesne, who recently served as the interim head coach of New York Red Bulls, has signed a three-year contract with the Black-and-Red, extending through the 2026 season.

Lesesne’s coaching career, spanning over a decade, has seen him work at various levels in American soccer, starting in 2005 as an assistant coach with the College of Charleston. His journey includes significant stints with the Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, and New Mexico United in the USL Championship. Under his guidance, New Mexico United saw two playoff appearances and reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

In 2022, Lesesne stepped into the MLS as an assistant coach with the New York Red Bulls. He took over as interim head coach in early May 2023 and led the team to a remarkable playoff appearance after a challenging start to the season.

Troy Lesesne’s high-pressing tactical approach and player-first managerial style were key factors in his selection by D.C. United. The club’s General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, Ally Mackay, praised Lesesne’s impressive pedigree and his ability to work at all levels of soccer in the United States. Lesesne himself has expressed gratitude for the opportunity and is committed to leading D.C. United into a new chapter, aiming to connect with the passionate supporters and deliver the results they deserve.

D.C. United, under Lesesne’s leadership, is looking to chart a new path after finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference in the previous season. The club is in pursuit of its first postseason appearance since 2019 and is undergoing a significant squad rebuild. With room to sign a Designated Player to complement the likes of striker Christian Benteke and midfielder Mateusz Klich, Lesesne will have the opportunity to shape the team according to his vision.

Lesesne’s first test as D.C. United’s head coach will be on February 24, 2024, when they face New England Revolution at Audi Field. Fans and observers alike will be keen to see how Lesesne’s strategies and leadership will rejuvenate the team and elevate their performance in the MLS.

January 10, 2024

Orlando City SC has successfully secured the services of Uruguayan forward Facundo Torres for an extended period, with the player signing a new three-year contract. This agreement ensures that Torres will continue to grace the pitch for Orlando City as a Designated Player through 2026, with options for the club to extend his stay in 2027 and 2028.

Since joining Orlando City SC before the 2022 MLS season, Torres, now 23, has proven to be a pivotal figure for the team. His initial transfer, a club-record deal reported to be around $7.5 million plus bonuses from Peñarol, marked him as a significant investment for the Lions. Torres has lived up to the expectations, delivering consistently impressive performances.

In his tenure with Orlando City, Torres has made 79 appearances, including 72 starts, and has been influential in the team’s attacking play. With 27 goals and 16 assists in two full seasons, he has been a key player in the team’s successes, including their 2022 US Open Cup title win and a historic 2023 campaign where they finished as Supporters’ Shield runners-up.

Expressing gratitude towards the club and its fans, Torres shared his happiness in continuing his journey with Orlando City. His commitment to the team is a strong indication of his belief in the club’s project and ambitions. The Uruguayan international has also been pivotal on the international stage, being a regular call-up for Uruguay under head coach Marcelo Bielsa, including participation in the 2022 World Cup and Copa América.

As Orlando City prepares for the 2024 season, the retention of a player of Torres’ caliber is a significant boost. The team has a packed schedule, including their preseason training camp and a series of matches against notable teams such as Flamengo, Rhode Island FC, and various MLS sides. Torres’ continued presence will be vital as Orlando City seeks to build on their recent successes and aim for higher achievements in the upcoming season.

An interesting note for the fans is that Torres will switch his jersey number from No. 17 to No. 10 for the 2024 season, a number previously worn by former captains Kaká and Mauricio Pereyra. This change symbolizes Torres’ growing importance and stature within the team.

Facundo Torres’ contract extension with Orlando City SC is a major statement of intent from the club, signifying their desire to build a competitive team around key, talented players. Torres’ proven track record in MLS and his potential for further growth make this a promising development for the Lions as they look forward to a successful 2024 season.

AUSTIN, TX — Austin FC has bolstered its defensive lineup with the signing of Brazilian defender Guilherme Biro from Mirassol, a second-division team in Brazil. The 23-year-old is set to stay with the Verde & Black through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027.

Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell expressed confidence in Biro’s abilities: “He adds quality and flexibility to our backline.” Biro’s impressive performance in Brazil’s top leagues has caught the attention of Austin FC, marking him as a promising addition to the team.

Primarily playing as a left back, Biro has a record of 3 goals and 4 assists in 115 matches with Coritiba and Mirassol across Brazil’s Série A and Série B. His versatility also extends to midfield, offering tactical flexibility for the team.

Biro’s arrival provides Austin FC with much-needed depth, especially with Žan Kolmanič on the mend from a torn ACL. Additionally, it allows Jon Gallagher, a 2023 MLS All-Star, to continue in his role at right back.

Guilherme Biro shared his enthusiasm for joining the MLS and Austin FC: “I look forward to moving to a new country, meeting the fans, and playing at Q2 Stadium for the first time.”

Austin FC, entering their fourth MLS season, is set to kick off their 2024 campaign on February 24 with a home match against Minnesota United FC. Biro’s addition signifies the club’s continued commitment to strengthening its roster and enhancing its competitive edge in the league.

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The New England Revolution have made a significant roster move, exercising a buyout on goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík’s Salary Budget charge. This decision comes after Vaclík’s short stint with the club, which began in August 2023.

The 34-year-old Czech international joined the Revolution following the transfer of then-starting goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to Chelsea FC. Despite his impressive track record with clubs like FC Basel and Sevilla FC, where he accumulated 501 appearances, Vaclík did not feature in any matches for New England.

This move paves the way for Henrich Ravas, recently signed from Polish top-flight side Widzew Łódź, to possibly take a more prominent role in the goalkeeping lineup. The Revolution also retain Earl Edwards Jr. and Jacob Jackson as goalkeeper options, providing depth and flexibility in the position.

The Revs are gearing up for a competitive 2024 season, starting with an international encounter in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Independiente de La Chorrera in Panama on February 21. Their MLS regular-season campaign commences on February 24 with an away match against D.C. United.

Vaclík’s departure marks a strategic shift for the Revolution as they continue to adjust their roster for the upcoming season. The club is focusing on building a team capable of competing at the highest level, both in domestic and international competitions.

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta United has bolstered its squad with the signing of seasoned midfielder Dax McCarty. The 36-year-old will continue his illustrious MLS career at Atlanta United, extending through the 2024 season with an option for 2025.

With a remarkable 466 appearances in MLS, McCarty ranks third in the league’s all-time appearances since being drafted in 2006. Throughout his career, he has scored 22 goals and provided 71 assists. His journey in the MLS includes playing for Nashville SC, FC Dallas, D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, and Chicago Fire FC.

Carlos Bocanegra, Atlanta United’s VP and technical director, praised McCarty’s consistency and competitive nature: “Dax is a competitor and will bring a good mentality and leadership to our team.”

In the 2023 season, McCarty played nearly 1,900 minutes, contributing significantly to Nashville SC’s journey to the Leagues Cup Final and four consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearances.

McCarty’s addition to Atlanta United comes at a pivotal time. He joins a midfield lineup featuring summer 2023 signing Tristan Muyumba and homegrown talent Ajani Fortune. His experience will be invaluable, especially amid potential transfers and departures within the team.

Atlanta United, preparing for the upcoming 2024 MLS season, will look to McCarty’s leadership and experience to guide the team. They are set to kick off their campaign on February 24 against the Columbus Crew, the defending MLS Cup champions.

McCarty’s signing is a testament to his enduring quality and Atlanta United’s commitment to bringing seasoned leadership and talent to their roster. As they embark on a new season, McCarty’s role will be crucial in the team’s pursuit of success.

TORONTO, ON — Toronto FC has made a significant addition to their squad, acquiring Honduran international midfielder Deybi Flores from Hungarian top-flight club Fehérvár FC. The 27-year-old is signed through the 2025 MLS season, with an option for 2026.

Flores, familiar to MLS fans from his time with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, brings a wealth of experience and skill to Toronto. General Manager Jason Hernandez expressed his enthusiasm for the new signing: “He is a warrior in the middle of the field and will be an important piece in our evolution as a group.”

Deybi Flores, known for his role as a defensive midfielder, joins Toronto at a crucial time following the retirement of club captain Michael Bradley. His signing addresses a key position of need for the team. Flores will complement Alonso Coello as another No. 6 option for head coach John Herdman.

With a professional career starting at Honduran side Motagua, Flores has accumulated 9 goals and 4 assists in 233 matches. His journey includes stints at Olimpia in Honduras, Panetolikos in Greece, and most recently at Fehérvár in Hungary.

A seasoned international player, Flores has participated in two Concacaf Gold Cups and has made 35 appearances for the Honduran national team, known as Los Catrachos.

Coach John Herdman shared his excitement about Flores joining the team: “Deybi’s fighting spirit and competitiveness have always stood out for me. We are eager to integrate him into the team, forging connections that will fortify our midfield.”

Toronto FC, embarking on a new era, will kick off their season on February 25 against the FC Cincinnati, the defending Supporters’ Shield champions. Flores’ arrival is anticipated to strengthen the midfield and contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming MLS season.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (January 9, 2024) – MLS NEXT Pro today announced the addition of a new independent club to the League: Connecticut United Football Club joins MLS NEXT Pro with a target start date of 2025. Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut United is the fifth independent team to be added to the League since its inaugural season in 2022. Pending sanctioning approval by the U.S. Soccer Federation, the Club follows independents Carolina Core FC, Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC and Chattanooga FC.    

CT United FC has been established by Connecticut Sports Group (CTSG) and its founding partner André Swanston, a longtime Connecticut resident and technology entrepreneur. The University of Connecticut alumnus and his wife Michelle Swanston are active investors in minority and women-owned businesses, among other investments, donating to education and community focused initiatives across the country.

“André has a proven track record of building transformational companies and valuing community development,” said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro. “His leadership, entrepreneurship, and determination will be key to the success of the Club, and we are thrilled to partner with André, his wife Michelle, and the CTSG team. Today’s announcement marks a historic milestone as André takes the helm as one of our youngest club owners and breaks barriers as one of only a few Black principal owners in U.S. sports history.”

The team plans to play in a brand-new soccer stadium as part of a premier family-friendly entertainment and sports destination in Bridgeport, the state’s most populous city. The City of Bridgeport’s Planning and Zoning Commission granted Connecticut Sports Group unanimous approval to develop a waterfront soccer stadium and mixed-use destination. The project encompasses a mix of residences, retail and dining space, community greens, a river walk and a hotel.

“As CT United FC embarks on its MLS NEXT Pro journey, I want to extend deep gratitude to the incredible fans, community leaders and government officials who have embraced our vision. I am confident that, united, Connecticut can compete against anyone,” said Swanston. “We are committed to building the infrastructure – from a free youth academy to a state-of-the-art stadium – needed to propel Connecticut to the highest levels of soccer.”

The state of Connecticut has proven to be a strong hub for the sport of soccer, with consistently high television viewership and having hosted large crowds for U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches in the past.

“Bringing an MLS NEXT Pro expansion team to the state of Connecticut is a tremendous opportunity to ignite the spirit of our communities, foster local talent, and showcase our state on the national stage,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “This exciting endeavor will invigorate our economy, inspire our youth, and unite our diverse soccer loving population.”

“Bridgeport is in the midst of a renaissance, rebranding from an industrial city to now the capital of arts and entertainment of Connecticut. I am proud to announce that MLS NEXT Pro will join that landscape in providing entertainment opportunities for Bridgeport residents and the region at large. I also applaud the major investments that Mr. Swanston has made in Bridgeport and his vision to bring professional soccer to our city,” stated Mayor Joseph Ganim.

CT United FC is the third independent expansion team to be announced by MLS NEXT Pro in just the last two months, following Jacksonville Armanda FC and Chattanooga FC in November 2023. In late 2022 the League announced the addition of Carolina Core FC , based in High Point, NC, and Cleveland. Carolina Core and Chattanooga will both begin play in 2024, the full season schedule for which will be released in the coming weeks.