Charlotte FC’s Summer Signings Make Their Mark

August 28, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release

Charlotte FC returned to MLS action this past weekend with a few new faces. Several of the team’s summer signings made their debuts for the Club, which gave us some insight into the exciting future ahead for this team as the playoffs loom.

The Crown were one of the busier MLS teams during the transfer window. They kicked it off with the return of Karol Swiderski, who had already scored against Austin and added another this past Saturday. The front office then finished up the window with the acquisitions of USMNT defender Tim Ream, attacking midfielders Pep Biel and Jamie Paterson, and an exciting youth prospect in Idan Toklomati.

TIM REAM

Ream slotted right into the starting eleven last Saturday to face his former team the New York Red Bulls. He received a warm welcome from the crowd with a booming “REAAAAMMM” on his first touch. It had been over ten years since Ream had played in an MLS match, and he was thoroughly impressed.

“It was amazing. I’m really, really happy,” said Ream after his first night at Bank of America Stadium. “It really drives home the reason to come here: the fans, the team, the club, and everything the city brings.

“It just confirmed everything tonight, without a doubt, one hundred percent.”

The U.S. international delivered exactly what you’d expect: a calm and composed presence in the back. He was constantly directing the team in front him, and nearly ended up on the scoresheet with a glancing header off a corner kick.

“Tim was steady,” said Head Coach Dean Smith. “You can see his confidence and calm on the ball.”

PEP BIEL

As the match progressed, Charlotte remained on the hunt for a game-winning goal, and that’s when Biel entered the stage. After a speedy visa process, the Spaniard made it onto the bench with just three days of training with the Club under his belt. Brought in for his creativity, it didn’t take long to see the spark he brings to the attack.

“Pep came on and looked really bright on the ball,” praised Smith. “You can see the technical ability when he gets on the ball, and he’ll only get better.”

Things have moved quickly for Biel who left to play outside of Europe for the first time in his career. He had been on the Club’s shortlist and was signed on deadline day of the MLS window. Less than 10 days later, he was stepping on the pitch wearing his new colors in a new city.

“My feeling was that it was very nice to be able to play some minutes on Saturday. It…