Charlotte FC Announce End Of Season Roster Moves
Charlotte FC made history in 2023, making the MLS Cup Playoffs in only their 2nd year of existence. This front office has had to make some major changes from the mess of what year one was for this club, some tragedies heading into year two, being competitive in year two, and now once again back into the tough decision making heading into year three. How are Charlotte beginning their off-season heading into 2024? Well, let’s take a look:
Ben Bender
The club announced that they exercised their club options on Patrick Agyemang, Ben Bender, Nick Scardina, Andrew Privett, Hamady Diop, and George Marks. Many of these moves are securing some youth depth for Charlotte FC as they look to build off of another competitive campaign. With question marks around whether Karol Swiderski is staying at the club, I think what we saw from Patrick Agyemang should have Charlotte fans confident they have some striker depth next season. The 22 year old scored 14 goals in 2023 across his time for Crown Legacy FC (Charlotte’s MLS Next Pro side) and Charlotte FC. He seemed to really grow into his first professional season by the time the MLS Cup Playoffs came around, even scoring against the New York Red Bulls off the bench. A similar player who seemed to grow into his role by 2023 season’s end was Andrew Privett. The converted midfielder to centerback developed into the club’s top option at centerback and wound up playing 19 games for Charlotte FC this season. The final player that stands out to me is Ben Bender. The former #1 overall MLS SuperDraft pick had a bit of a sophomore slump in 2023. He went from 9 goals+assists in 2022 within MLS to only 6 goals+assists in 2023. There was a lot of reasons why; injury, formation, role, etc. But I do believe that Ben Bender is a top young talent in MLS, Charlotte FC could really thrive in 2024 if Lattanzio can find a role for this kid in the future.
Charlotte FC decided to not pick up their club options on 6 players heading into the 2024 season; McKinze Gaines, Chris Hegardt, Harrison Afful, Jan Sobocinski, Pablo Sisniega, and Adrian Zendejas. The main losses here to me are McKinze Gaines and Jan Sobocinski. The 25 year old Gaines took a step back from his 2022 campaign where I’d argue he earned his opportunity this past season. Gaines only managed to score 1 goal and 1 assist in 2023, leading to the club needing to find some winger help this summer in the likes of MLS veteran Justin Meram. Jan Sobocinski is a player in which I am not shocked he left, but more disappointed his time in Charlotte fell flat. He was supposed to be a big time signing coming into Charlotte FC, being someone they could rely upon on the backline. The former Poland youth international was continuously outplayed, and would eventually lose out on minutes to the likes of Privett, Adilson Malanda, Bill Tuiloma, and others.
Finally, there are two players that are out of contract with Charlotte FC post this 2023 season; Justin Meram and Derrick Jones. This team needed some veteran leadership last year, when they acquired Justin Meram from Real Salt Lake during the summer window, they got exactly that. The 34 year old Meram wasn’t always at his top game on the field for Charlotte FC, but his locker room presence was felt even from home. There just seemed to be a bit more of a professional sense around the club after his arrival in my eyes. I think it would be ideal for Charlotte to bring back Meram on the right deal if the mutual interest is there. A similar person that I think should return for the right deal that is out of contract, Derrick Jones. The 26 year old Jones has been a solid piece for Lattanzio over the last few years. Derrick Jones has filled in at centerback, defensive midfield, and even into more of the attacking midfield as well. His versatility off the bench has been important for the club and I feel one that you’d want to bolster your roster with. But we will see how Lattanzio, Zoran Krneta, and the rest of the front office want to build heading into season three for the club.
