UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Andrew Privett and Jalen Watson have both signed contracts to play for the professional teams they were drafted to in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Privett signed to play for Charlotte FC and Watson signed to Toronto FC II under the MLS NEXT Pro Contract.
Privett was drafted 69th overall in the third round by Charlotte FC after garnering third team All-North Region accolades, being named to All-Big Ten Second Team, and earning Academic All-Big Ten honors two times throughout his career at Penn State. He made appearances in every game during his freshman season (2019), and led the team in points (22) and goals (9) in his junior season (2021).
The Maryland native trained with Charlotte FC throughout the winter and spring during preseason after being drafted and has now signed a deal through 2023 with option years until 2026. Privett inked his contract on February 24, 2023.
Sporting Director Zoran Krneta at Charlotte FC expressed the team's excitement about what Privett's addition to the roster will bring for the team from his play during preseason.
During his four-year career at Penn State, Watson earned Academic All-Big Ten twice. As a senior, he was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team and started in 16 games totaling 1413 minutes of play. He was selected 32nd overall in the second round of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Watson signed his contract with his hometown on March 17, 2023.
"Jalen is a physical presence that is strong in the defensive duels," said Toronto FC II Head Coach Gianni Cimini in a previous interview. "He is a solid defender that offers versatility on the back line as he is able to play both as a left-back as well as a center-back."
Both players led the team to be Big Ten Regular Season and Tournament Champions in 2021.
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