College standouts earn first-team contracts after successful preseason with Charlotte FC
CHARLOTTE, NC (Tuesday, February 22, 2022) – Charlotte FC today announced the Club has signed goalkeeper George Marks and defender Koa Santos to deals through 2022 with option years until 2025 following successful preseason stints.
Marks, a third-round pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, was a three-year full-time starter for Clemson University, leading them to the 2021 NCAA National Championship in his senior year. He recorded 47 wins, 21 shutouts, and 6,031 minutes for the Tigers, which were all good for 3rd all-time in program history.
Over four years for San Diego State University, Santos appeared in 58 games with 40 starts in the Pac-12, one of the premier NCAA Division I men’s soccer conferences. He also led the Portland Timbers U23s to the 2021 Western Conference Championship in USL League Two, starting 10 of 11 games with two goals and three assists.
“We’re excited to sign both George and Koa to their first professional contracts. The pair have shown impressive work ethics throughout the preseason, and both earned their opportunities to be part of our inaugural roster,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “George and Koa have proven to our technical staff they are ready to become professional footballers through their play in training and friendlies, and we’re excited to see them both develop with us at Charlotte FC.”
Transaction: Charlotte FC signs goalkeeper George Marks
Name: George Marks
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 177
Date of Birth: November 10, 1999
Age: 22
Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina
Last Club: Clemson University
How Acquired: Drafted in third round of 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas
Transaction: Charlotte FC signs defender Koa Santos
Name: Koa Santos
Position: Defender
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160
Date of Birth: September 21, 1999
Age: 22
Birthplace: Waikoloa, Hawaii
Last Club: San Diego State University
How Acquired: Signed to professional contract
