Short passes: Charlotte FC keeps youth movement going

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati ran afoul of MLS's Disciplinary Committee, which fined him an undisclosed sum for a dance celebration after scoring the game-winning goal against New England.

It may be an off week for MLS teams during the international break, but that doesn't keep the wheels from turning in front offices.

As the MLS transfer window was closing, we reported the acquisition of Benin national Rodolfo Aloko, an 18-year-old offensive midfielder/winger with NK Kustosija, a team in the Croatian second division. It was confirmed by Dean Smith, pending getting the paperwork done.

The club made it official on Thursday, saying he has signed a contract with Crown Legacy FC through 2029, with an option for 2030. Don’t look for him at the Matthews Sportsplex this year, though, as Aloko will stay with Kustosija before coming to Charlotte in January. The deal had to be completed prior to the MLS Secondary Transfer Window closing on Aug. 21. As an MLS Next Pro signing, there is no effect on the first team spots or designations.

General manager Zoran Krneta sang Aloko’s praises. 

“Rodolfo is a promising, versatile forward with great physical attributes and an extremely strong work ethic,” he said, adding that “Rodolfo’s rapid pace and ability to make a difference in matches made him incredibly sought after by top clubs in Europe, and we are thrilled to secure his signature.”

After joining the Croatian side during the last January transfer window, Aloko made 15 appearances across Kustosija’s squads, scoring four goals and adding seven assists 
Aloko made his international debut for the Benin senior national team this past June, coming off the bench in a friendly against Morocco after playing frequently with his country’s youth teams.
Coincidentally, Idan Toklomati’s father, Tony Toklomety, played 19 times for Benin. 

On Wednesday, the club announced an internal move, as Crown Legacy FC midfielder Baye Coulibaly, 19, who came to Charlotte from NK Kustosija, was elevated to the first-team roster. He is signed through 2028, with an option for 2029. Coulibaly joins the varsity via the U22 Initiative and will occupy an international roster slot.

“Baye is an exciting young talent that has impressed us with his strong performances in preseason and throughout the MLS NEXT Pro season,” Krneta said. “Baye will be a fantastic addition that strengthens our midfield through the final stretch of the 2025 season and beyond.”

The Malian midfielder has featured in 21 matches with CLFC, where he ranks second on the team in minutes played (1,812). He gained attention playing with Mali’s U-17 squad in 2023, earning nine caps and contributing Mali’s third-place finish at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Dance dance revolution

Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, stand aside. It’s Toklomati time. Or it was. After scoring a thundering header to take the win at New England, the 21-year-old striker added a booty shake to his celebration.

Unbeknownst to Toklomati, and everyone else, MLS pitches are twerk-free zones, as it was announced on Tuesday that “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati for making an inappropriate gesture in the 87th minute of Charlotte FC's match against the New England Revolution on August 30th.”

That decision took just three days to make. Five days since Inter Miami’s post-game fracas against Seattle getting handled in the Leagues Cup final, it’s still crickets from the Disciplinary Committee regarding potential suspensions for Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and other players, including those from the Sounders, which could possibly have an impact on the final season standings.

While it’s been stated that the Leagues Cup hierarchy would make its decision on the incidents first, MLS, which has precedence to follow from other suspensions levied for regular season participation stemming from Leagues Cup incidents, has a responsibility to deliver its verdict as quickly as possible. 

Inter Miami published a statement of regret Thursday, offering no internal sanctions. 

“Inter Miami condemns the altercations that took place following the conclusion of the Leagues Cup Final,” it read. These actions do not reflect the values of our sport, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. We are working closely with Leagues Cup and MLS officials to ensure the situation is addressed appropriately.”

Suarez posted his own mea culpa/confession on social media, which said in part, “First of all, I want to congratulate Seattle Sounders on their Leagues Cup victory. But above all, I want to apologize for my behavior at the end of the match. It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where things happened immediately after the final whistle that should not have happened. That does not excuse my reaction. I was wrong and I sincerely regret it.”

No stranger to lengthy suspensions, which have included Premier League (10 matches) and FIFA (nine matches/4 months) bans for separate biting incidents, and another eight games in the EPL for racially abusing Patrice Evra, Suarez added, “This is not the image I want to give - neither to my family, who suffer because of my mistakes, nor to my club, which doesn’t deserve to be dragged into something like this.”

Charlotte hosts Miami on Sept. 13, and there will be massive attention three days later when Seattle travels to Fort Lauderdale to face the Herons. With four games in hand against their Eastern Conference rivals, any discipline handed down could be of significant consequence to the playoff picture.

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