Rhode Island FC has signed 24-year-old Nick Scardina, a young American midfielder-turned-defender who recently parted ways with Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer. Scardina’s departure from Charlotte comes after the club declined his contract option ahead of the 2026 season.
“Nick is an experienced defender who loves getting forward and adding to the attack,” said Rhode Island FC head coach and general manager Khano Smith. “His experience and skillset on both ends of the pitch will be incredibly valuable for us.”
Scardina, a Portland, Oregon native and University of Washington product, would see his role evolve from an attacking player in college — scored 18 goals and added seven assists in 60 matches — to a versatile right-back and wide midfield presence in the pros.
He was selected 40th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Charlotte FC, where he signed his first professional contract on February 24, 2023.
His early professional years were spent developing at Crown Legacy FC — Charlotte’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate — where he scored nine goals and provided eight assists across 41 appearances. He made appearances off the bench and as a rotational defender during the 2024 season.
In 2025, Scardina cemented his role as a right back with Charlotte FC’s first team, playing 1,029 minutes across 17 matches and earning one assist.
The transition from attacker to midfielder and now defender could very well prove to be the flexibility Smith has been in search of on the right side. That flexibility is likely one of the key reasons Rhode Island FC pursued him.
While not a flashy defender, Scardina will bring a wealth of MLS experience to help RIFC tip the scales in their attack with access to overlapping runs and crossing from the right that was noticeably absent in 2025. How Scardina fits in with Dani Rovira, and the rumored signing of Vélez Sarsfield wingback Isaías Andrada from the Primera Division, will be a major storyline in the 2026 season.
