CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Thursday, February 19, 2026) – Charlotte FC today announced that the Club has signed MLS SuperDraft defender Andrew Johnson to a professional contract ahead of the 2026 campaign. Johnson is signed through the 2026 MLS season with a Club option for June of 2027, 2027-28 and 2028-29.
“We are excited to sign Andrew to his first professional contract after impressive preseason performances with the First Team,” said Charlotte FC General Manager Zoran Krneta. “The MLS SuperDraft continues to prove to be a valuable path for young players and for the Club to identify exciting talents flying under the radar. He has shown tremendous work ethic and tendencies that will translate seamlessly into our squad. We look forward to his first professional season and the depth that they will provide in an exciting 2026 season and their progression in our Pro Player Pathway that has proven to successfully develop SuperDraft selections.”
Johnson, 22, was selected by Charlotte FC in the Second Round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, taken with the 47th overall selection out of Cornell University. The defender returned for his senior season where he captained the Big Red’s backline to a top ten national ranking and garnered All-Northeast Region and unanimous First Team All-Ivy honors in 2025. He finished his four-year stint at Cornell with 69 appearances, all starts, five goals and one assist across 5,929 minutes. Prior to his collegiate career, Johnson spent five seasons with the Philadelphia Union Academy before transitioning to MLS NEXT side, FC Delco Academy.
The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native has already built-up international experience, having made six caps with St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The defender made his international debut in a friendly against Grenada on March 6, 2025, where he went the full 90 and has further appearances in Gold Cup and World Cup qualification matches.
Transaction: Charlotte FC signs defender Andrew Johnson to a contract through 2026, with a Club option for June of 2027, 2027-28 and 2028-29.
Name: Andrew Johnson
Position: Defender
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Birthdate: 2/3/2004
Age: 22
Height: 6’1”
Last Club: Cornell University
THE PARTY IS BACK
The Crown returns to action on March 7th at 7:30 p.m. against Austin FC. The first fans to arrive will receive the limited-edition party shirt presented by Ally.
