The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season is drawing closer and the roster moves across both conferences have not slowed down.
Papa Ndoye and David Poreba became the latest familiar faces to make new moves in their club career. Ndoye has made the move from West to East, while Poreba is back in MLS NEXT Pro after a successful loan spell with Crown Legacy FC in 2023.
Jayden Reid and Jacob Evans also made new moves in their respective careers, continuing what has been a busy offseason for several MLS NEXT Pro clubs.
Here is a closer look at the latest group of familiar faces in new places for 2024:
Papa Ndoye - Carolina Core FC
Papa Ndoye is taking his talents to the Eastern Conference.
The 24-year-old Senegalese striker joined Carolina Core FC for the upcoming season after spending 2022 and 2023 with Houston Dynamo 2. Ndoye has an eye for goal after contributing 19 goals in 46 appearances over the past two seasons.
Carolina Core FC will be seeking immediate goalscoring help and Ndoye certainly can provide that.
Jayden Reid - St. Louis CITY2
Jayden Reid’s time with the New York Red Bulls might be over, but a new chapter begins with St. Louis CITY2.
Reid, 22, signed a one-year deal with the Western Conference club, making the switch from Red Bulls II. The former Red Bulls homegrown made 21 appearances for Red Bulls II last season, registering one assist.
Reid’s strong two-way abilities should help greatly in Bobby Murphy’s squad.
Andrew Pannenberg - Carolina Core FC
Not only will Carolina Core FC have MLS NEXT Pro experience in its attack, midfield, and defense but also in between the posts.
Andrew Pannenberg was one of several former Houston Dynamo 2 players to make the move to the expansion side. The 25-year-old shot-stopper made 13 starts for Dynamo Dos over two seasons, registering 33 saves and four clean sheets.
It very well could be Pannenberg’s job to lose to based off his experience.
David Poreba - Chicago Fire II
Chicago Fire II received a major attacking boost for 2024, in the form of David Poreba.
Poreba is back in MLS NEXT Pro after joining Fire II on loan for the upcoming season. The 21-year-old enjoyed a positive debut season with Crown Legacy FC last year, scoring six goals and contributing five assists as team captain.
Although Poreba’s long-term goals might be in Europe, Fire II will be hoping the attacking midfielder can provide greatly this year.
Jacob Evans - Carolina Core FC
Carolina Core FC’s midfield is starting to take shape.
Jacob Evans became the latest player to make the move from Houston Dynamo 2 to the expansion side this winter. Evans’ production increased from 2022 to 2023 with Dynamo Dos, going from 22 to 29 appearances and also registering four goals and four assists.
Carolina Core FC now has 14 players signed for 2024, and Evans is one of several to have MLS NEXT Pro experience already under his belt.
