FC Cincinnati sign academy goalkeeper Connor Dale

FC Cincinnati announced on Thursday the signing of academy product Connor Dale. The 16-year-old, a U.S. youth national team representative, is under contract through the 2028–29 MLS season, with options for 2029–30 and 2030–31. He is the second-youngest player to sign a first-team contract in club history.

According to mlssoccer, general manager Chris Albright praised Dale’s approach and work, considering him a standout prospect developing in the club’s environment. Albright emphasized that the goalkeeping staff, led by Paul Rogers, will play a key role in his professional growth.

Dale was part of FC Cincinnati’s 2026 preseason training camp and debuted in MLS NEXT Pro with FC Cincinnati 2 in June. During this year he made seven starts for the second team and played actively in the 2026 Generation adidas Cup and the MLS NEXT playoffs, also being selected to the 2026 MLS NEXT All-Star team.

The club expects the signing to give Dale the opportunity to continue his development and gradually integrate into the first team; as mlssoccer reports, the move reflects FC Cincinnati’s commitment to developing academy talent.