Aron John gets a taste of MLS play with Charlotte FC

CROWN LEGACY FC

Aron John earned a call up to Charlotte FC after impressing the first team coaching staff during preseason training sessions.

Aron John earned a short-term taste of Major League Soccer.

The MLS club signed the Crown Legacy midfielder to a first-team contract the day before his March 7 debut against Austin FC at Bank of America Stadium. Short-term agreements allow MLS clubs to sign players on loan from their Next Pro affiliate for league, U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions League, Canadian Championship, and exhibition matches.

“He's such a good guy,” Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith said of the 19-year-old John. “On top of that, he's a really good footballer as well. Got that goal with getting his debut. He's got that out the way. I don't think he did the ball away about 10 passes when he came on as well, but he's just a really he's got a really good frame. He's got a really good engine. The features right for him.”

John, 19, who plays with MLS Next Pro side Crown Legacy FC, trained with Charlotte FC during preseason as well as the week ahead of the home opener. John tallied an assist in Crown Legacy’s season-opening 4-1 win against Chattanooga.

John, a Charlotte native, made his professional debut as a 17-year-old in 2023 with six appearances as a substitute. A Charlotte native, he joined Charlotte FC’s academy program at 16 and earned the first-ever Charlotte FC Academy Player of the Year award after tallying six goals and six assists in the 2022-23 season.

John’s best season with Crown Legacy FC was 2024, when he was third in MLS Next Pro goal contributions with 18 (eight goals) to earn Best XI accolades. His 10 assists also tied him for the league’s single-season record. John scored a goal and three assists over 13 games played in 2025.

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