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Charlotte FC signed veteran midfielder Junior Urso to a one-year contract plus an option for 2025, the club announced Wednesday.

Charlotte also acquired Urso’s right of first refusal from Orlando City SC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money in 2025.

Urso, 34, played in 96 matches (80 starts) in two stints with Orlando City from 2020-23. He had 12 goals and 10 assists.

“We’re delighted to finalize the signing of Júnior after a successful trial with us during the preseason. He came in fit and made an immediate impact on the squad in Coachella,” general manager Zoran Krneta said in a news release, referencing the preseason invitational. “Beyond his quality on the pitch, he knows what it takes to win in this league and is an excellent locker room presence which will benefit many of our younger players.”

Urso had 12 goals from 2020-22 with Orlando City but returned to his homeland of Brazil for personal reasons following the 2022 campaign. He then returned to Orlando City in July 2023 and was scoreless in nine MLS matches.

Before his MLS career, Urso played in over 300 matches for clubs in Brazil and China.

–Field Level Media