CHARLOTTE, NC (Wednesday, February 14, 2024) - Charlotte FC today announced 2024 MLS SuperDraft picks Tyger Smalls and Jahlane Forbes have signed their first professional contracts with the Club.
Both players have signed through the 2024 season with options for 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Smalls was drafted with the 14th overall pick (First Round) with Forbes coming in at #38 (Second Round).
“We’re delighted for both Tyger and Jahlane to sign their first professional contracts after a successful preseason. Both have come in and impressed Dean and the rest of the coaching staff, and they’ll add depth at their respective positions,” said General Manager Zoran Krneta. “The SuperDraft is a great way to find talented players who can have an impact during their rookie season, and we’ve seen this during our first two seasons. We look forward to them entering our organization where our player pathway can help them maximize their potential.”
Smalls, 21, primarily played as a winger at Loyola Marymount, contributing seven goals and one assist in 20 matches. Before joining LMU, the London native began his collegiate career at Tyler Junior College, where he contributed seven goals and seven assists in 19 matches. Smalls’ youth career started at Tottenham Hotspur and featured spells at Arsenal and Norwich City before moving to the United States.
Forbes, 21, was a left back for four seasons at Wake Forest, earning All-ACC Second Team in 2023 and All-ACC Third Team honors in 2022. The defender notched 66 matches, eight goals and 17 assists in his four seasons. Originally from Florida, Forbes was the #32 overall prospect by TopDrawer Soccer and has been capped for the United States U-17 Youth National Team.
Charlotte FC’s other two draft picks, Jacob Babalai (Portland) and Nathan Richmond (Clemson), have college eligibility remaining and returned to their respective schools with the Club retaining their MLS rights. They will remain eligible to sign with the Club in the future.
Transaction: Charlotte FC signs MLS SuperDraft Picks Tyger Smalls and Jahlane Forbes to contracts through the 2024 season with options for 2025, 2026 and 2027.
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