Charlotte FC Signs Forward Iuri Tavares to First Team Contract 

The Cape Verde International joins the First Team after leading the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro side in goals for 2023

CHARLOTTE, NC (Tuesday, February 20, 2024) – Charlotte FC today announced the Club has signed Crown Legacy FC forward Iuri Tavares to a contract until 2026 with an option for 2027.

Tavares, 22, will occupy an international roster slot for 2024.

The Cape Verde international joins Charlotte FC after leading Crown Legacy FC in goals during the Club’s inaugural season. Tavares found the back of the net 12 times while also recording four assists in 26 appearances for the MLS NEXT Pro club.

“Iuri is a talented forward who has made the most of his opportunities since coming to Charlotte and is another example of our strategic approach to Crown Legacy FC and the professional pathway,” said General Manager Zoran Krneta. “Iuri showed his goal-scoring and technical ability during his time in MLS NEXT Pro and has impressed the First Team coaching staff during preseason camp which proved him deserving of an MLS Contract. We are excited to add Iuri to our frontline and watch him develop at the next level.”

Born in Portugal, the forward has represented Cape Verde on the international stage, making his senior debut in March 2022 against San Marino in a 2-0 win.

Prior to moving to the Queen City, Tavares rose through the prestigious Benfica Academy but made his professional debut for Vitoria Guimaraes on November 21, 2021. He was most recently with Estoril Praia SAD before signing with Crown Legacy FC in January 2023.

Transaction: Charlotte FC signs forward Iuri Tavares from Crown Legacy FC

Name: Iuri Tavares 

Position: Forward

Height:  6’2”

Weight:  161

Date of Birth: March 8, 2001

Age: 22

Hometown: Lisbon, Portugal

Last Club: Crown Legacy FC

How Acquired: Signed from Crown Legacy FC