Charlotte FC lands first goalkeeper, international slots during MLS trade window
Charlotte FC is adding goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega to its Major League roster via a trade with LAFC, the team announced during Sunday’s MLS trade window.
Charlotte will send $50,000 in General Allocation Money up front to the Los Angeles club with the potential for an additional amount of up to $50,000 in GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met.
Sisniega, 26, has spent the last three seasons with LAFC, appearing in a total of 29 regular-season and playoff matches. During those games, he recorded three clean sheets, once this season against Austin FC and twice in 2020. His regular-season save percentage has been above 58% each year with Los Angeles.
“The half-day trade window is an excellent opportunity for us to add MLS experience to our roster ahead of the 2022 season, and Pablo fits the style of goalkeeper we are looking for,” Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a statement.
Sisniega is a native of Mexico City, Mexico. The 6-foot-3 goalie holds U.S. citizenship, so he will be considered a domestic signing for Charlotte.
As part of Sunday’s trade window moves, Charlotte-native Jaylin Lindsey will also join the team’s roster via a trade with Sporting Kansas City for $100,000 in GAM and additional performance-based incentives. Additionally, Charlotte acquired two international slots from Nashville SC in exchange for $500,000 total in General Allocation Money. Nashville will reserve the right to swap first-round picks with Charlotte in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft as part of that deal.
Charlotte FC, led by Spanish head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez, sees value in drawing international talent, and Sisniega fits that mold with overseas training.
Prior to joining LAFC, Sisniega played for La Liga’s Real Sociedad Academy team between 2014-18, recording 14 clean sheets in 38 matches. He also trained with the Philadelphia Union’s development teams and C.D. Guadalajara in Mexico before moving to Spain.
“(Sisniega’s) background is from a good academy in Europe,” Krneta said. “And we believe he is yet to reach his full potential as a goalkeeper. We expect to foster a competitive environment in our goalkeeping group and Pablo will be a good addition to our squad.”
Sisniega is the first goalkeeper named to Charlotte FC’s roster. He’ll work with English goalkeeper coach Andy Quy.
This story was originally published December 12, 2021 at 11:34 AM.
