One of Colorado Rapids 2’s key attackers of 2023 will be back for the 2024 campaign.
Marlon Vargas was re-signed to a one-year deal for the upcoming season on Tuesday. Vargas excelled for Erik Bushey’s squad, totaling five goals and 10 assists in 27 appearances as Rapids 2 finished top of the Western Conference during regular season play.
“It is great to have Marlon back with Rapids 2 following a successful first season with the club,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager. “We are excited for him to continue his growth with the team and serve as a leader as we head into the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.”
Vargas previously played for Tacoma Defiance in MLS NEXT Pro and the USL, logging 65 appearances in all competitions. The 23-year-old will reunite with several standouts from last season including Golden Boot winner Remi Cabral, who was also re-signed for 2024 campaign.
Here is a closer look at all of the recent MLS NEXT Pro News:
Chattanooga FC signs fullback Milo Garvanian ahead of MLS NEXT Pro debut
Chattanooga FC’s roster building ahead of their debut MLS NEXT Pro season continued Wednesday.
Full back Milo Garvanian signed a one-year deal through 2024, which includes an option for 2025, the club announced. Garvanian was drafted No. 54 overall by CF Montreal in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a team with such a rich history and so much support behind the club,” said Garvanian. “I look forward to contributing to the legacy and positive culture of CFC.”
Garvanian spent five seasons at the University of North Carolina, logging 10 goals and 11 assists in 59 appearances. He helped the Tar Heels reach the Final Four of the 2020 NCAA Tournament.
He also made eight appearances with USL Championship side New Mexico United in 2023.
“Milo has the abilities that fit our way of playing,” said Head Coach and Sporting Director Rod Underwood. “He brings experiences from the USL Championship, a high-level college and being drafted by Montréal. I am excited to see him with the team.”
Carolina Core FC signs Kai Thomas, Alex Sutton
Two new faces are heading to Carolina Core FC.
Defender Kai Thomas and goalkeeper Alex Sutton have joined the Eastern Conference club ahead of the 2024 campaign, giving Head Coach Roy Lassiter his ninth and 10th signings of the offseason. Thomas, 21, debuted with FC Cincinnati 2 in 2022, and since made 49 appearances for the club over two seasons, scoring two goals.
“Kai is an experienced defender from FC Cincinnati of MLS NEXT Pro where he was the captain of the squad. He has a good physical presence and demonstrates good quality on the ball. We are content with the opportunity to have Kai as part of our team and look forward to his continued development and contribution to the club,” says Roy Lassiter.
Thomas featured for several MLS academies during his youth career including FC Dallas, Inter Miami, NYCFC, and Fort Lauderdale.
The 23-year-old Sutton spent four seasons at Lafayette College, registering 28 clean sheets and a 0.88 goals-against-average (GAA) in 78 appearances. Sutton registered a 0.71 GAA in 2022, which helped him earn Second-Team All-Patriot League honors.
In addition to his NCAA career, Sutton also featured for United Soccer League 2 (USL2) side Manhattan Soccer Club. He totaled a 0.75 GAA and a .865 save percentage in 21 appearances over two seasons in Manhattan.
"Alex is an exciting and wonderful talent. He has the necessary tools to be a top goalkeeper. I am looking forward to working with Alex and seeing his potential grow," said Carolina Core FC Goalkeeper Coach Donovan Ricketts about Sutton.
Rapids 2 sign defender Josh Belluz ahead of 2024 campaign
Colorado Rapids 2 also bolstered their backline this past week, signing Josh Belluz to a one-year contract.
Belluz joins Rapids 2 from Syracuse University where he led the team in minutes played (1,811) during his fifth and final collegiate season. He added two goals and one assist across the 2023 regular season and was one of four players to start in all 21 matches for the Orange.
Prior to his move to Syracuse, Belluz spent four seasons at Villanova University where he made 51 appearances for the Wildcats. He was named to the Philly Soccer Six All-Rookie Team during his Freshman season.
“We are thrilled to add Josh to the Rapids family. His profile is a great match for the evolution of our playing style. He is aggressive and physically dominant while still having the ability to read the game well and find the right pass,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager.
He also featured for Vaughan SC, featuring in the 2023 Canadian Championship competition.
Real Monarchs sign Omar Marquez, Izahi Amparo, and Juan Gio Villa to MLS NEXT Pro contracts
Real Monarchs have signed a trio of promising academy players ahead of their third MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
Winger Omar Marquez, attacking midfielder Izahi Amparo and defender Juan "Gio" Villa all signed to MLS NEXT Pro contracts.
Amparo becomes the latest RSL academy player to make the move to MLS NEXT Pro after making 10 previous appearances over the past two seasons. He follows in the footsteps of Zavier Gozo and Luca Moisa, among several others.
The 17-year-old joins Real Monarchs from the RSL Academy where he appeared in U17 matches during the 2022-23 season. He also lifted the inaugural MLS Next Cup with Monarchs’ U-15 side.
Marquez, 15, joined Real Monarchs on a free transfer from Sacramento Republic in July 2022 and featured for the Under-15’s over the past two seasons. He has also featured for the U.S. Under-15 boys national team to date.
In addition to potential MLS NEXT Pro appearances, Marquez is expected to feature for Monarchs’ U-17 side.
Lastly, Real Monarchs added the 15-year-old Juan "Gio" Villa to their ranks. The dual-national right back was acquired from the Chicago Fire FC Academy in 2022 as a free transfer and has featured for the RSL Academy's U-17 and U-15 squads. Villa has made appearances for both the Mexico and USA U-15 youth national teams and was recently called up to the U-16 USYNT in November of 2023.
