Charlotte FC resets offseason roster ahead of 2024

FILE PHOTO

McKinze Gaines is one of six players to have his contract option declined by Charlotte FC. Gaines was on the team's inaugural roster in 2022.

Charlotte FC has set its base roster for the 2024 season.

The Crown exercised club options on six players: Patrick Agyemang, Ben Bender, Hamady Diop, George Marks, Andrew Privett and Nick Scardina while declining options on veterans Harrison Afful, McKinze Gaines, Chris Hegardt, Pablo Sisniega, Jan Sobocinski and Adrian Zendejas. The latter six were part of the original roster set by inaugural coach Miguel Angel Ramírez.

Derrick Jones’ contract has expired, qualifying him for free agency while Justin Meram is in talks with the club for a new deal.

The future of Charlotte’s designated players will be the focus of much offseason speculation, especially striker Karol Swiderski, the club’s all-time leading scorer, who reportedly drew interest from European clubs. Enzo Copetti, who was inconsistent in his first season with the Crown still had some bright spots with seven goals in all competitions and striker Guzmán Corujo, who was limited to seven games in 2023 following knee surgery.

Another factor is the readiness of players who spent part or most of the year with Crown Legacy FC, the MLS Next Pro side. Agyemang, a striker, showed promise when he moved up to the top club during his rookie campaign and could be among the young prospects ready for MLS on a full-time basis in his second season.

Under contract for 2024

• Goalkeepers: Kristijan Kahlina, George Marks.

• Defenders: Nathan Byrne, Guzman Corujo, Hamady Diop, Jaylin Lindsey, Adilson Malanda, Jack Neeley, Andrew Privett, Bill Tuiloma, Jere Uronen.

• Midfielders: Scott Arfield, Ben Bender, Brandt Bronico, Brandon Cambridge, Brecht Dejaegere, Kamil Jozwiak, Nick Scardina, Brian Romero, Ashley Westwood.

• Forwards: Patrick Agyemang, Nimfasha Berchimas, Enzo Copetti, Vinicius Mello, Karol Swiderski, Kerwin Vargas.

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