New York City FC (NYCFC) announced today that it has signed Goalkeeper Alex Rando to a First Team contract as a Homegrown from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate NYCFC II for the 2024 season with options through 2027.
The 22-year-old becomes the second NYCFC II player to receive a First Team contract in Club history and becomes the 14th Homegrown signing for the ‘Boys in Blue.’ Signing ahead of the inaugural 2022 season, Rando went on to make 32 appearances for NYCFC II across two seasons, keeping eight clean sheets while playing just under 3,000 minutes.
“I am delighted that Alex has signed a First Team contract and continues his professional career with the Club,” Sporting Director David Lee said. “Alex has been training with our First Team regularly since he joined NYCFC II and signing this contract is a deserved next step to reward his development and potential as a goalkeeper. He has worked incredibly hard to improve his game with the help and guidance of both Danny Cepero and Rob Vartughian and we are looking forward to supporting him in the next stage of his career.
“This signing is a fantastic example of our development pipeline and of the different journeys that players from our Academy can take to reach our First Team. It is incredibly rewarding to see a player who began with our Academy and played a pivotal role in our U-19 National Championship victories now earn an opportunity with our First Team. It also shows the continued value and importance of NYCFC II and MLS NEXT Pro competition in player development to ensure we have access to the right opportunities to develop the fantastic talent that exists across the Tri-State Area.”
While in New York City FC’s Academy, Rando won two U-19 U.S. Development Academy National Championships, while being named the 2019 U-19 Golden Glove Winner. The goalkeeper was also a member of the 2017 Generational Adidas Cup Championship Team.
“I am thrilled to sign a First Team contract with New York City FC. It’s an organization that has been with me from the beginning of my career and given me all the tools to further my development,” said Goalkeeper Alex Rando. “To breakthrough to the First Team from the Academy and Second Team is truly special and something I am very proud of. I know this is just the beginning. I will continue to work hard every day to continue to improve and help this team in any way I can to compete for championships.”
In 2020, Rando made the choice to attend college and represent the University of Virginia. Playing for the Cavaliers, Rando made 11 appearances, finishing the year tied fourth in clean sheets in the ACC. Additionally, he earned ACC co-Defensive Player of the Week accolades that season. Prior to joining NYCFC II, the Goalkeeper featured for USL Championship side, Las Vegas Lights, making 27 appearances and recording two clean sheets.
Transaction: New York York City FC Signs Goalkeeper Alex Rando to a First Team Contract as a Homegrown from MLS NEXT Pro affiliate New York City FC II through 2024 with options through 2027.
Name: Alex Rando
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: April 15, 2000
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 180lb
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
