We're just two weeks away from CT United FC kicking off its inaugural match at Highland Heights, Kentucky’s NKU Soccer Park, when the club squares off against FC Cincinnati 2.
While I’m excited to see what every player on this CT United FC roster can do in the club’s inaugural season, here are five names fans should be excited about.
1 - Alex Monis
It might be my Revolution II bias, but Alex Monis was a tremendous addition for this CT United FC side as he brings an immense amount of experience in MLS NEXT Pro and on the international stage.
Monis arrives in Connecticut with 80 appearances for Chicago Fire II and New England Revolution II, where he tallied 20 goals and seven assists.
On top of his time in MLS NEXT Pro, Monis made four appearances across all competitions with the Fire first team, plus one Open Cup appearance with the Revolution.
Monis’ time with Revs II led to him becoming a constant presence with the Philippines National Team, where he earned 16 caps since his debut on June 5th, 2024.
Considering his immense amount of experience he has in MLS NEXT Pro, expect Monis to be a true leader for this newly formed MLS NEXT Pro side in 2026.
2 - Ibrahim Kasule
Ibrahim Kasule arrives in Connecticut after showing out with Red Bull NY II over the last few years.
Since arriving in 2023, Kasule has gone on to net a club record 30 goals plus 13 assists in 66 appearances.
Kasule’s on-field efforts led New York to success last year as the club secured the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup title.
On top of success at the club level, Kasule has experience at the international level, earning one cap with the Ugandan National Team.
3 - Ernesto Gomez
At just 18 years old, Gomez looks to be a young prospect with an incredibly high upside.
Despite his age, the midfielder arrived in Connecticut with vast experience at Panamanian side CD Universitario, where he made 43 appearances, tallying three goals and two assists.
Gomez’s time with Universitario also led to him breaking through on the international stage, making three appearances with Panama’s U17 squad, seven with the U20s, and four with the U21s. His time with the Panama Youth National Team also saw Gomez help the U21 side secure silver in the 2025 Central American Games.
4 - Michael Boamah
Boamah was another incredible addition for CT United as the 22-year-old arrives with experience at the youth and senior levels in Finland.
After starting his career in the HJK Helsinki youth setup, Boamah went on to have spells with third-division side Vantann Jalkapalloseura before returning to Helsinki to ascend to the senior level. His stint with Helsinki also featured a loan to second division side FC Haka.
The New York City native’s time with HJK Helsinki saw him tally one goal in 31 appearances across all competitions, and helped the club secure the 2025 Finnish Cup title.
5 - Rickson Van Hees
The 23-year-old arrives in Connecticut following an extensive career at the youth level in the Netherlands.
Van Hess’s time with the NEC Nijmegen, FC Twente, and FC Utrecht youth setups saw the dual national clock 11,022 minutes in 133 appearances, where he tallied two goals and an assist.
Considering his vast experience and versatility to play both outside back positions, I think Van Hees will be a solid presence in this CT United FC defense.
