Charlie Sharp’s #38 Hilarious Training Surprise — Toronto FC’s Forward Shows Up with an Unexpected Secret Weapon!
So, who’s Charlie Sharp and why should Toronto FC fans care? Charlie Sharp, 24, lines up as a forward in the #38 shirt for Toronto FC, bringing size, skill, and a record of scoring goals at Western Michigan University. At 6’5”, he stands out physically—there aren’t many strikers in MLS who can match that.
You’ll notice his name popping up not just with Toronto FC, but also with Toronto FC II, and now he’s headed on loan to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. That journey says a lot about the club’s belief in his future and their desire to get him meaningful minutes at a tough level. His path from college soccer to MLS, and now the USL Championship, really shows what it looks like for a young striker to develop in North America.
Watch how Sharp found his spot with Toronto, what he did in MLS NEXT Pro, and what this loan spell could mean for him long term. His story ties the college game to the pros, and Toronto FC clearly thinks he’s more than just a backup up front.
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Charlie Sharp’s Role at Toronto FC
Charlie Sharp came to Toronto FC as a big, goal-scoring forward with a clear route to more playing time. He showed his quality at Western Michigan University and has already started to make his mark in MLS.
Squad Number and Position
You’ll spot Charlie Sharp in the No. 38 jersey for Toronto FC. He plays as a center forward, which suits his 6’5” build and knack for finishing inside the box. His height gives him an advantage in the air, but he’s also shown he can set up teammates.
Back at Western Michigan, he racked up 42 goals and 22 assists in 89 games. Toronto FC values that mix of scoring and creating. In MLS, he brings something different compared to the smaller, faster forwards on the roster.
He doesn’t just score. Expect him to hold up the ball, link with midfielders, and pull defenses apart. That flexibility gives Toronto FC another way to change things up during matches.
First Team Contract Details
Toronto FC gave Sharp a Major League Soccer contract through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027. That shows the club’s faith in his future. He earned it after impressing with Toronto FC II in MLS NEXT Pro—five goals and two assists in 16 games.
Here’s a quick look at his pro contract timeline:
| Team | Contract Type | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto FC II | MLS NEXT Pro | 2024 | 5 goals, 2 assists in 16 matches |
| Toronto FC | MLS | 2025–2027 | Signed full contract, options for 2026 and 2027 |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | USL Championship (loan) | 2025 | Loan for remainder of season |
Toronto FC can keep him through 2027 if things go well. If not, they have the flexibility to move on.
Debut and Early MLS Appearances
Sharp made his MLS debut on May 15, 2024, against Nashville SC after Toronto FC II called him up. That moment kicked off his move from college star to pro striker. He got a few short-term call-ups before landing his full contract.
His early MLS minutes were limited, but he made his presence felt. He pressed defenders and brought a physical edge that gave Toronto a new option up front. Even when he didn’t score, he moved well and created space for others.
By the time he went on loan to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2025, Sharp had already played in both MLS and MLS NEXT Pro. The loan means he’ll get more regular minutes in the USL Championship, but he’s still part of Toronto FC’s long-term plans.
It’s pretty clear: Sharp’s already shown he can adapt, and his first steps in MLS hint at a forward with the tools to become a real option.
Performance in MLS and Toronto FC II
Charlie Sharp built his name with steady production at Western Michigan before turning pro. His time with Toronto FC II in MLS Next Pro set him up for MLS action, where he’s flashed composure and a knack for making things happen in the box.
MLS Next Pro Contributions
Sharp got his first shot with Toronto FC II in early 2024. At 6’5”, he gave the Young Reds a physical presence up top and showed a scoring touch right away. In his debut year, he posted 5 goals and 2 assists in 16 games, quickly becoming a reliable option in MLS Next Pro.
He adjusted fast to the league’s pace. His finishing and his aerial game gave Toronto FC II something different. But he wasn’t just a target man. His off-ball movement opened up space, and his link-up play helped stretch opposing defenses.
Here’s what the numbers say:
| Season | Team | Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Toronto FC II | MLS Next Pro | 16 | 5 | 2 |
Those performances led to short-term call-ups to the first team. The coaches clearly trusted he was ready for a bigger challenge.
Transition to Major League Soccer
Toronto FC rewarded Sharp with a first-team deal in September 2024. His contract runs through 2025, with options for two more years. The club wants to see how far he can go at the MLS level.
Sharp made his MLS debut against Nashville SC in May 2024 after one of those short-term call-ups. By the time he officially joined the senior roster, he’d already trained and traveled with the squad, which helped him settle in.
MLS moves faster and demands more physically. Sharp’s size still helps, but his ability to make quick decisions keeps him in the mix. He’s played as a rotational forward, usually coming off the bench to add energy and hold up play.
Key Matches and Highlights
Sharp’s debut against Nashville SC stands out—he got key minutes and looked calm even with the higher stakes. He had three short-term call-ups before signing permanently, which is pretty unusual and shows how steadily he’s risen.
In MLS Next Pro, he had a few games where he combined goals and assists, cementing his place as a go-to attacker.
By 2025, Sharp had 6 goals and 2 assists for Toronto FC II and earned his move to the senior team. Most recently, he joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan in August 2025, giving him a chance for regular minutes while Toronto FC keeps an eye on his progress (Rowdies loan announcement).
If you’re following Toronto FC, Sharp’s journey is a great example of how a player can climb from college soccer, to MLS Next Pro, and then MLS—still growing his game through loan spells.
Loan Move to Tampa Bay Rowdies
Charlie Sharp’s loan to the Tampa Bay Rowdies gives him a shot at more minutes in a challenging league. It’s a new stage to prove his finishing and keep developing after limited time with Toronto FC in MLS.
USL Championship Experience
The USL Championship is tailor-made for guys like Sharp who need games to keep growing. At 24, he joins the Rowdies halfway through his second pro season, bringing MLS experience and a strong college résumé.
The Rowdies play in one of the USL’s toughest divisions, where matches tend to be fast and physical. That should push Sharp to adapt and get even sharper in the final third.
During his time with Toronto FC II, Sharp scored six goals and had two assists. That production earned him his first-team contract, but he didn’t get much MLS time. Now, the USL Championship gives him a more stable platform to show what he can do.
Impact with Tampa Bay Rowdies
Expect Sharp to compete for a starting spot up front with Tampa Bay. Head coach Dominic Casciato said he’s followed Sharp since college and likes his scoring and link-up play. That kind of trust could mean he’ll get real chances right away.
The Rowdies play a structured system that focuses on pressing and winning the ball back quickly. Sharp’s size and movement fit well—he can finish chances and hold the ball up for others.
Projected Role for Sharp:
- Compete for starting striker minutes
- Provide depth off the bench
- Help in pressing schemes
He also gives the squad more depth as they chase the playoffs (playoff ambitions). For Sharp, this loan is about proving he can deliver week after week at the first-team level.
2025 USL Championship Season
Timing matters here. With the 2025 USL Championship already in its second half, Sharp will jump straight into important games. Tampa Bay is in a playoff race, and any goals from him could make a real difference.
Sharp is available for the Rowdies’ away match against North Carolina FC on August 9. That quick turnaround shows how much the club wants him involved as they push for the postseason.
Charlie Sharp Career Snapshot
| Level | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan Univ. | 89 | 42 | 22 |
| Toronto FC II (MLSNP) | 20 | 6 | 2 |
| Toronto FC (MLS) | 8 | 0 | 1 |
As the Rowdies chase results, Sharp’s scoring record at Western Michigan and Toronto FC II suggests he’s got the tools to make an impact. Now, he just needs to turn that into production in a league that doesn’t make it easy.
For Tampa Bay, bringing in a forward with MLS experience on loan is a smart, low-risk move. For anyone watching Sharp’s career, 2025 could be the year he proves he’s ready to contribute regularly as a pro.
You can check out the Rowdies official announcement for more details.
Collegiate Career at Western Michigan University
At Western Michigan University, Charlie Sharp grew from a promising freshman to one of the most productive forwards in NCAA Division I. His time in Kalamazoo brought steady scoring, national honors, and a spot among the program’s best.
Achievements and Honors
Sharp made an impact right away as a freshman in 2019, winning Mid-American Conference (MAC) Freshman of the Year. By the time he finished college, he’d racked up a bunch of awards that showed his consistency and influence.
He picked up All-MAC First Team honors twice, including in 2022 when he had 11 goals and 8 assists. As a junior, he landed on the All-MAC Second Team.
His work in the classroom matched his play. He was named to the Academic All-America Second Team and earned the title of United Soccer Coaches National Scholar Player of the Year.
| Season | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | MAC Freshman of the Year, All-MAC First Team |
| 2021 | 8 | 6 | All-MAC Second Team |
| 2022 | 11 | 8 | All-MAC First Team, Academic All-America |
| 2023 | 19 | 8 | All-American First Team, MVC Scholar-Athlete |
With all those achievements, Sharp finished as one of Western Michigan’s most decorated players.
MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist
In 2023, Sharp made history as the first player from Western Michigan to earn a spot as a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is the top individual honor in college soccer. That nod wasn’t just about his goal count—it showed how he came through when the pressure was on.
You probably remember that postseason run. He notched a hat trick in the opening round against Green Bay. Then, he followed it up with a clutch game-winner at Duke.
Those moments pushed WMU into the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for a second year in a row.
Being a finalist put him among the elite in NCAA Division I soccer. For Western Michigan, a program outside the usual powerhouses, that meant a lot.
NCAA Division I Leading Goal Scorer
Sharp’s 2023 season really jumped off the page because he led all of NCAA Division I with 19 goals. He scored in all sorts of situations—game-winners, set pieces, you name it. Seven of those goals decided matches, which says plenty about his knack for big moments.
Western Michigan leaned on him for their attack. Even when defenses keyed in on him, he managed to create opportunities and chipped in 8 assists.
That output drove WMU to another Sweet 16, and it also made Sharp one of the most efficient forwards in the country. He led the nation in goals while still setting up teammates, which you just don’t see every day in NCAA Division I soccer.
Notable Matches and Opponents
Charlie Sharp, a forward from Brighton, Michigan, played college soccer at Western Michigan University and now builds his early pro career through a mix of MLS matches and USL Championship loans. You can see both his adjustment to higher-level play and his knack for handling different types of opponents.
Debut Against Nashville SC
You first caught Sharp in MLS when he debuted against Nashville SC. He came off the bench in a match that really required him to keep his cool against a well-drilled defense. Nashville’s back line doesn’t give much away, so Sharp’s job was to stretch the field and open up space.
He didn’t score, but his movement off the ball caught the eye. He pressed defenders, tracked back when needed, and showed the same work rate that made him a standout in college.
For a debut, it wasn’t about goals—it was about showing he could hang with the pace and physicality of MLS.
That game pretty much set the early blueprint for how coaches would use him: a late sub meant to run at tired defenders. It also gave him a real taste of MLS action against one of the league’s most organized teams.
Key Performances in MLS
Sharp hasn’t logged a ton of MLS minutes yet, but if you look closely, you’ll spot progress. In 2024, he got into two league matches for Toronto FC, both times coming on as a sub. He chipped in with some nice link-up play in the final third.
MLS Match Snapshot
| Date | Opponent | Minutes Played | Role | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Nashville SC | 17 | Substitute F | Draw |
| June 2024 | New York City FC | 14 | Substitute F | Loss |
Every time he got on the field, you noticed his pressing and the way he challenged defenders one-on-one. He hasn’t found the net yet in MLS, but his early appearances show why Toronto wants to see what he can become as a forward.
Influential Games in USL Championship
Loan spells can really shape a young player’s path, and Sharp’s time with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship gave him steady minutes. Against second-tier opponents, he flashed more attacking skills—better finishing, sharper movement in the box.
One of his most notable games came in a wild 5-4 win for Toronto FC II over New York City FC II. He played 45 minutes and created space that led to several scoring chances. That night, he proved he could impact games even when he wasn’t the one scoring.
Playing regularly in the USL Championship helped him sharpen his timing and decisions. Facing veteran defenders at that level gave him the confidence to take more risks—something he’ll need as he gets more MLS time.
Player Profile and Background
Charlie Sharp brings size, a scorer’s touch, and a steady climb through college and into the pros. You see a forward who put together standout seasons at Western Michigan before making his jump to Major League Soccer with Toronto FC.
Early Life and Development
Sharp’s story starts in Brighton, Michigan, where he was born on June 23, 2001. Growing up in the Midwest, he learned to stand out by being consistent and working hard, not by chasing the national spotlight.
He spent five seasons at Western Michigan University and left a big mark. Sharp scored 42 goals and added 22 assists in 89 games, balancing finishing with playmaking.
His freshman year brought him Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year honors, which really set the tone for his college career.
By his senior year in 2023, he led NCAA Division I men’s soccer with 19 goals, including seven game-winners. He became the first player in school history to become a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist, an award for the nation’s top college player. That recognition spoke to his production and reliability.
Physical Attributes
Watch Sharp for a minute and his size jumps out. At 6’5” and 185 pounds, he’s got a rare build for an MLS forward. His height makes him a natural target in the box, but he’s lean enough to move better than you’d expect for a guy that tall.
He uses his body well to hold up play, opening space for teammates and forcing defenders into tough spots. On set pieces and crosses, his aerial game is a real asset—there just aren’t many defenders who can match up with him in the air.
Player Measurements
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’5” (196 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Position | Forward |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
Pathway to Professional Soccer
Let’s start with the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Toronto FC picked Sharp 61st overall.
Instead of tossing him straight into the first team, they put him with Toronto FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. That move gave him a chance to get used to the pro level, but he still played real, competitive matches.
In 2024, he scored five goals and chipped in two assists across 16 games for Toronto FC II. Those performances caught some eyes and led to short-term call-ups to the first team.
He made his MLS debut against Nashville SC on May 15. That moment felt like a reward for all the years he spent working his way up.
Toronto FC gave him a full MLS contract through 2025, with team options for 2026 and 2027. So, the club clearly views Sharp as more than just a backup—they’re betting on him as a real part of their forward group.
Honestly, his mix of size, solid college stats, and how quickly he’s grown as a pro make him pretty interesting to watch.
Check out more on his signing and career over at Toronto FC’s official announcement.
