FC Cincinnati signs homegrown goalkeeper Connor Dale

FC Cincinnati announced on Thursday that it has signed homegrown goalkeeper Connor Dale. The 16-year-old US youth international has been placed under contract through the 2028-29 MLS season, with options for the 2029-30 and 2030-31 seasons.

Dale becomes the second-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in FC Cincinnati history. FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright described the move as a milestone for Dale and his family, calling it a reflection of how Dale approaches his development at a young age and expressing that the club expects him to continue growing within its goalkeeping environment.

The club noted that Dale was part of FC Cincinnati’s 2026 preseason roster and that he made his MLS NEXT Pro debut with FC Cincinnati 2 in June. FC Cincinnati also reported that Dale has made seven starts for FCC 2 during the current season.

FC Cincinnati said Dale gained additional competitive experience through youth and development competitions, including the 2026 Generation adidas Cup, and also featured in this year’s MLS NEXT Playoffs. The goalkeeper was named a 2026 MLS NEXT All-Star, according to the club’s announcement.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk