As the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season draws closer, more and more players are locking down their futures for the current campaign.
Beto Avila and Hal Uderitz became the latest familiar faces to sign contracts ahead of the season. Avila spent parts of the last two MLS NEXT Pro campaigns with Houston Dynamo 2 before making the offseason move to Sporting KC II.
Uderitz was a standout performer for Tacoma Defiance, but now is headed to Colorado to be part of the Rapids 2 squad.
Here is a closer look at the latest group of familiar faces in new places for 2024:
Beto Avila - Sporting KC II
Sporting KC II received a major attacking boost this winter following Beto Avila’s move to the club.
Avila signed a one-year contract with Benny Feilhaber’s squad following parts of two seasons with Houston Dynamo 2. The 23-year-old also featured in the USL Championship last season with Charleston Battery, earning additional playing time in a different league.
Avila registered 11 goals and nine assists over the past two seasons and should be a key piece in the SKC II attack.
Hal Uderitz - Colorado Rapids 2
One of the challengers for MLS NEXT Pro Cup this season have added one of the league’s premier defenders.
24-year-old Hal Uderitz makes the move to Colorado Rapids 2 after spending the last two seasons with Tacoma Defiance. He has 43 appearances, six goals, and one assist under his belt, which should translate nicely to Erik Bushey’s squad for 2024.
Adrian Gonzalez - Columbus Crew 2
Columbus Crew 2 will have a new playmaker to call on for the upcoming campaign.
Adrian González made the move to Crew 2 this winter, signing a one-year contract. Gonzalez featured in 26 matches for LA Galaxy II in 2023, registering 2,152 minutes, two goals and a club-high six assists.
With several of last season’s talented playmakers already on the move, Gonzalez should be expected to play a large role.
Julian Bravo - Crown Legacy FC
Julian Bravo’s move to the Crown Legacy FC squad is one of the top signings this offseason.
Bravo, 23, spent the last two seasons with Timbers2 in MLS NEXT Pro, totaling just under 4,000 minutes of playing time. The young center back scored two goals and added one assist in Portland.
Crown Legacy FC impressed in their debut campaign in 2023 and will be keen on following that up in 2024.
Tyler Freeman - Carolina Core FC
Expansion side Carolina Core FC added more attacking talent to its roster for 2024.
Tyler Freeman joined the Eastern Conference club on a one-year deal, bringing past MLS NEXT Pro experience to the fold. The 21-year-old made 10 appearances last season with Huntsville City FC, registering one assist for the then-expansion club.
Freeman’s versatility could see him used in a few different roles with Carolina Core FC.
