Laukoa Santos signed a one-year contract, including three team options, with the Charlotte Football Club on Tuesday after not getting drafted in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, which saw 78 players selected on Jan. 11.
“It’s an unbelievable story over the last month,” said Santos, who said his deal for the reserve minimum of $66,000 plus bonus, includes breakfast and lunch. “We’re on our own for dinner. The fans have been unreal in terms of their support. The city is super excited for this inaugural season.
“The staff loves me. The players love me. It’s mutual and goes both ways. I’m super happy to be here in Charlotte.”
Charlotte FC also signed Clemson goalie George Marks, who was drafted in the third round.
The club, which competes in the Eastern Conference, didn’t draft any defenders, a position Santos is expected to compete at, and he can also play midfield.
Over four years for San Diego State University, Santos, a 2017 Kealakehe graduate, appeared in 58 games with 40 starts in the Pac-12, one of the premier NCAA Division I conferences. He also led the Portland Timbers U23s to the 2021 Western Conference Championship in USL League Two, starting 10 of 11 games with two goals and three assists.
“We’re excited to sign both George and Koa to their first professional contracts. The pair have shown impressive work ethics throughout the preseason, and both earned their opportunities to be part of our inaugural roster,” Sporting Director Zoran Krneta said on the team’s website. “George and Koa have proven to our technical staff they are ready to become professional footballers through their play in training and friendlies, and we’re excited to see them both develop with us at Charlotte FC.”
Charlotte opens its season against D.C. United on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Carolina Panthers. Owner David Tepper owns both clubs. The match will be televised at 9 a.m. on ESPN+.
“The facilities are unbelievable, some of the best I’ve seen,” Santos said from his North Carolina apartment, a five-minute walk from the stadium. “The stuff we have is top notch. It’s a new locker room in Bank of America stadium. The strength coaches and medical teams are really top notch. They’re the best at what they do.
“I love it here. When I first got here, it was snowing and pretty cold. But it warmed up. It’s Southern hospitality here. The people are super social. I’ve never lived in a city. We share the stadium with the Panthers. Growing up as a kid in Hawaii, this is the big leagues. It’s truly special to be part of this.”