Huntsville City FC and Charlotte FC make first MLS NEXT Pro signings

Huntsville City Football club will begin life in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023 and the club took its first step towards that goal by signing its first player on Monday.

Isaiah Johnston was signed on Monday, pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval, the club announced. The 21-year-old makes the move to the United States after featuring heavily in his native Canada.

“Isaiah is a talented young midfielder who has the qualities we look for in a potential first team player for Nashville SC,” Huntsville City FC General Manager Mike Jacobs said. “In many ways, he embodies the project behind Huntsville City FC as a talented prospect who has the potential to influence winning, and will continue to grow and make strides in MLS NEXT Pro with HCFC.”

Johnston spent the last three seasons with Canadian Premier League side York United FC, where he totaled 53 appearances for the club. The 5-feet-8 midfielder previously spent his freshman year at Cape Breton University, where he won the Atlantic University Sport Rookie of the Year Award after claiming the national bronze medal. 

Johnston is one of many roster signings for Huntsville City FC ahead of next spring’s second-ever MLS NEXT Pro season.

Charlotte FC signs midfielder David Poreba to MLS NEXT Pro contract

Charlotte FC joined Huntsville City FC in the roster construction on Monday by adding David Poreba on loan for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season. 

Poreba joins from Polish first-division side Stal Mielec on a one-year loan, which includes a permanent option to buy him outright. He is the first signing for Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT pro squad. 

The 21-year-old made four appearances for Stal Mielec during his time with the club. He joined Stal Mielec in 2021 from Chicago FC.

“David is a talented player who has shown his potential at the professional level throughout the Stal Mielec system,” said Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro President Darrius Barnes. “He is the exact type of player we are passionate about developing and we’re delighted to sign the Club’s first-ever player. 2023 is a groundbreaking year for player development and player progression at Charlotte FC and we look forward to continuing to build out our MLS NEXT Pro roster this winter.”