FC Cincinnati have signed FC Cincinnati Academy goalkeeper Connor Dale as a Homegrown Player, the club announced today. Dale joins the Orange and Blue on contract through the 2028-29 Major League Soccer Season, with options for 2029-30 and 2030-31.
Dale, 16, becomes the second-youngest player, and 11th FC Cincinnati Academy player, to sign a first team contract. Dale is the third current or former academy goalkeeper to ink a first team deal with the Orange and Blue.
“This is an exciting moment for Connor and his family,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “It is a testament to how he approaches his craft, even at such a young age. He’s an elite prospect that has continued to develop in our environment, and we look forward to his continued growth under Paul Rogers and the rest of our Goalkeeping staff.”
Dale was part of FC Cincinnati’s 2026 preseason roster and made his MLS NEXT Pro debut with FC Cincinnati 2 on June 7 against New England Revolution II. Dale has made seven starts for FCC 2 this season, the second-most of any goalkeeper this year, and has one clean sheet to go along with 37 saves.
The goalkeeper also featured heavily in both the 2026 Generation adidas Cup and in this year’s MLS NEXT Playoffs. At the Generation adidas Cup, Dale started in five of six matches for the U16s including shutouts in the Round of 16 and Quarterfinal stages of the competition.
At the MLS NEXT Playoffs in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dale played up with the U18s and made three appearances against IMG Academy (Round of 32), FC Delco (Round of 16) and LAFC (Quarterfinal). For his performances throughout the academy season, Dale was named a 2026 MLS NEXT All-Star and played 45 minutes in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game in July.
Dale has represented the United States at the youth levels. In February, Dale participated in a U16 National Team training camp in Fayetteville, Georgia before being selected to the U16 roster for the 2026 Vertex Cup, an exclusive youth tournament featuring Argentina, England and Mexico, in April. He was recently named to the U.S. U17 National Team roster for the upcoming international training camp beginning Sept. 21.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati sign goalkeeper Connor Dale as a Homegrown Player on September 17, 2026 though the 2028-29 season with options for 2029-30 and 2030-31.
CONNOR DALE
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’3”
Birthdate: June 29, 2010 (16)
Birthplace: West Palm Beach, Florida
Nationality: American
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