Trio of players to join ahead of CLTFC MLS NEXT Pro's inaugural season
CHARLOTTE, NC (Wednesday, January 4, 2023) – Charlotte FC today announced Philip Mayaka, Ethan Dudley, and Gurman Sangha have singed MLS NEXT Pro contracts with the Club.
Mayaka, a midfielder, was selected third overall by the Colorado Rapids in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft out of Clemson University. The Kenyan spent the 2021 season on loan in the United Soccer League Championship with the Colorado Switchbacks making 19 appearances. The midfielder debuted in MLS NEXT Pro for the Rapids last season, scoring two goals and adding an assist in 18 matches. In October 2021, Mayaka was called into the Kenyan National Team for a World Cup Qualifier against Mali.
Dudley, a central defender, joins after finishing his collegiate career at Northwestern University. Standing at a towering 6’4”, the Florida native was the only Wildcat to start in every match this season. He scored four goals and added two assists during his only season in Evanston. Prior to Northwestern, Dudley played 48 matches for Florida Gulf Coast University and was named ASUN Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.
Sangha, a midfielder and teammate of Charlotte FC signing Brandon Cambridge at the University of Portland, played 21 games for the Pilots in 2022 where he scored six goals and tallied six assists. A former member of the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, the Canadian previously played three seasons at the University of Memphis racking up 45 appearances with six goals and seven assists.
“Philip, Ethan, and Gurman are talented players to help improve our roster with quality in different positions,” said MLS NEXT Pro Head Coach Jose Tavares. “Coming from different backgrounds and experiences, they have the mentality and profiles to be developed under our strong culture and achieve great things with us. We look forward to continuing to build out a strong and competitive roster ahead of our debut season this year.”
