MNUFC2 Season Preview, 2025

The Twosies are back for their fourth season in MLS Next Pro this week, beginning with their traditional season opening road swing before their home opener on the 2nd of May. As of Thursday evening, just nine players are signed to MLS Next Pro contracts out of a maximum 35 professional players they are able to sign. Per the club, 30% of the minutes were played last season were done so by academy players. Those players are considered amateurs and each MLS Next Pro side is limited to having five amateur players on the pitch at a given time.

Roster Changes:
Players Out:

• Fred Emmings – currently a free agent
• Oscar Herrera – joined Augsburg University as an assistant coach in 2024
• Francesco Montali – signed with San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
• Rory O’Driscoll – signed with Las Vegas Lights (USL Championship)
• Finn McRobb – contract option declined, signed with Indy Eleven (USL Championship)
• Enrique Nieves – contract option declined, currently a free agent
• Molik Jesse Khan – signed with AS Trenčín (Slovakian top flight)

With MLS Next Pro it’s normal to see a large amount of turnover from one season to the next. Many players are signed to one year contracts and after the contract, some choose to move to other leagues. This year is no different with the young Loons losing seven players over the offseason. Though just like the first team a few huge losses will be felt. Last seasons primary starting goalkeeper Fred Emmings was not retained after making 38 appearances for the Twos across three seasons. Jesse Khan departed for Slovakia on a free transfer after his loan to Danish side HB Køge ended and Rory O’Driscoll has joined second division side Las Vegas Lights. Khan and O’Driscoll combined for 83 appearances during their time with the Twos.

Players In:

• Wessel Speel – Duke graduate signed a one year contract, with a club option for 2026
• Babacar Niang – Wake Forest graduate signed a one year contract, also with a club option for 2026
• Kieran Chandler – 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick from UConn, signed a two year contract
• Luke Hille – North Carolina graduate signed a one year contract on 13-March
• Curt Calov – Rutgers graduate signed a one year contract, with club option on 13-March

As of publication the day before the 2025 season opener, MNUFC2 have brought five new players into the side for the season. Kieran Chandler, one of MNUFC’s 2025 MLS SuperDraft picks signed with the Twos, after being drafted in the second round at 43rd overall by the first team. Three of the other four players come in from playing for different collegiate programs in North Carolina, all three having played in the ACC. Midfielder and Rutgers graduate Curt Calov was signed alongside forward Luke Hille just hours before publication.

Other Notes:

• Britton Fischer – re-signed on a one year contract, with a club option for 2026
• Patrick Weah – left MNUFC after loan with Danish side HB Køge ended. Has since signed for Atlanta United 2
• Roman Torres – 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick from Creighton, signed a one year contract with a club option for 2026. Was immediately loaned out to USL Championship side Birmingham Legion upon signing

The Twosies have a few other notes that are definitely worth mentioning. Britton Fischer re-signed on with MNUFC2 for his third season, with the North Carolina native inking a new deal back in late January 2025. Former Twos and first team player Patrick Weah will not be with the Loons in any capacity this season. The former Wayzata standout left Minnesota United at the end of 2024. He has signed with fellow MLS Next Pro side Atlanta United 2, who opened the season last weekend against New York Red Bulls II.

First round SuperDraft pick Roman Torres signed his deal with MNUFC2 just a few weeks ago on the 6th of March. Torres however is not expected to be with the Twos this weekend as he was immediately loaned to USL Championship side Birmingham Legion. Torres made his first appearance with the Legion in their season opener against Loudoun United, starting the match before being subbed off in the 61st minute of the Legion’s 3–1 defeat.

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