Tyger Smalls Charlotte FC Forward Prospects and Role Analysis

Tyger Smalls is an emerging forward making his mark with Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. Charlotte FC signed him in February 2024 after an eye-catching preseason. They actually traded up to grab him as the 14th overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, pulling him straight from Loyola Marymount University.

At just 22, Smalls is already turning heads with his speed, relentless energy, and the flexibility to play either as a winger or a forward. Fans are buzzing, wondering how he’ll ignite Charlotte FC’s attack this season.

With his roots in English youth football and a surprisingly quick adjustment to MLS, Smalls looks like a real asset for the club. If you’re curious about his journey or want to check his latest stats, you’ll find more on his Charlotte FC profile and his player history.

Player Profile

Tyger Smalls lines up as a forward for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. He’s an English player with a reputation for speed and technical ability, and he’s still sharpening his craft as he racks up more pro experience.

Personal Information

Smalls is a notable English forward who made waves after joining Charlotte FC. Coaches and scouts praised his work ethic and knack for creating scoring chances during his college days at Loyola Marymount.

Charlotte FC picked him 14th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, and he officially signed on February 14, 2024. Smalls brings talent and real determination to the squad. Some folks around the team already see him as a player who could lock down a spot in the attacking lineup for years. He’s got a laser focus and a style of play that’s earned plenty of respect in the locker room. If you want to dig deeper, his Charlotte FC player page has more info.

Height and Physical Attributes

Tyger Smalls stands out with his height and agility. He’s about 1.85 meters tall, or right around 6’1”, which gives him a real presence up front.

That height helps him battle in the air and hold off defenders—pretty important in a league as physical as MLS. But don’t think he’s just a big target; Smalls has quick feet and can accelerate in a flash.

He’s dangerous on the ground and during set pieces. Trainers have pointed out how he combines strength with mobility, so he can play a few different forward roles. His fitness and build help him deliver steady performances week after week.

Attribute	Measurement
Height	1.85 m (6’1″)
Primary Position	Forward
Dominant Foot	Left
Notable Strengths	Speed, Agility

Date of Birth

Tyger Smalls was born on September 18, 2002. That makes him one of the younger pros in MLS with real experience at just 22.

He started playing competitive football early, which gave him a solid base to move through the US college system and into the pros. At 22, he’s at a point where both potential and performance have a real impact on the team.

He’s already shown he can adapt. Fans and coaches are hoping he’ll just keep leveling up from here.

Place of Birth

Smalls grew up in England, which means he brings a bit of that classic English football DNA. England’s soccer culture is all about discipline, tactical smarts, and technical growth—traits you see when Smalls is out on the pitch.

Growing up in that environment gave him a strong foundation before he hopped over to the US college game and, eventually, the MLS. Now, with Charlotte FC, he’s mixing that English background with the American style, and it’s adding something extra to the squad. You can find more about his career path on his Wikipedia profile.

Career Overview

Tyger Smalls has developed into a promising forward for Charlotte FC, showing off his technical skills and steady progress through England’s youth academies. His early soccer journey and time with several clubs really shaped who he is as a player.

Early Soccer Development

Born in Bury St Edmunds, England, in 2002, Smalls started showing his talent early. He caught the eye at local clubs before joining Norwich City’s youth setup.

At Norwich City, he sharpened his skills against tough competition. He moved through a few local clubs, picking up experience and growing his game.

These early years gave him a solid foundation and a real feel for English football. By his teens, Smalls had built up solid technical skills and game awareness.

He could play pretty much anywhere across the front line, which became a big strength as he moved on to more advanced academies.

Youth and Academy Experience

After Norwich City, Smalls joined the Tottenham Hotspur youth system. That’s a club famous for producing top young players, and the high-level coaching there took his game up a notch.

He kept progressing, spending time with several other youth and non-league clubs—Red Lodge FC, Mundford FC, Whitton United, Felixstowe & Walton United, Billericay Town, Stowmarket Town, and Needham Market. Each stop let him work on different parts of his game, from tactics to physical play.

Smalls’ wide-ranging academy background meant he faced all sorts of playing styles and competition. That variety proved vital when he made the jump to US college soccer, setting him up for his shot with Charlotte FC in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.

Youth Clubs:

Club	Years Active
Norwich City	Youth career
Tottenham Hotspur	Youth career
Red Lodge FC	Youth/Academy
Mundford FC	Youth/Academy
Whitton United	Youth/Academy
Felixstowe & Walton United	Youth/Academy
Billericay Town	Youth/Academy
Stowmarket Town	Youth/Academy
Needham Market	Youth/Academy

Collegiate Journey

Tyger Smalls made a name for himself in college soccer with his consistency and technical skill. He became a key player at Tyler Junior College and Loyola Marymount University, and his time in the NCAA helped pave the way to the pros.

Loyola Marymount University Soccer

After a strong start elsewhere, Smalls transferred to Loyola Marymount University. In his junior year, he made a quick impact for the Lions.

He played 20 matches, started 14, and brought stability up front and on the wings. Smalls scored seven goals, helping Loyola Marymount stay competitive in their conference.

Coaches relied on him for his solid movement and quick decision-making in the final third. He became one of the more memorable attacking players during his time with the Loyola Marymount Lions.

Here’s a quick look at his 2023 stats:

Season	Matches Played	Matches Started	Goals	Assists
2023	20	14	7	0

Tyler Junior College Achievements

Smalls started his college career at Tyler Junior College, a program with a real track record for soccer talent. In 2021, he played 19 games, started 12, and scored seven goals. He also chipped in with seven assists.

He wasn’t just a finisher—he set up plenty of chances for his teammates. The staff at Tyler counted on him to create and convert opportunities. His growth there set the stage for his NCAA move and, eventually, his leap to the pros.

Season	Matches Played	Matches Started	Goals	Assists
2021	19	12	7	7

NCAA Participation

Moving from Tyler Junior College to Loyola Marymount put Smalls right in the thick of NCAA Division I action. The competition was tougher, the stages bigger, but he adapted fast.

He used his speed and technique to challenge some of the top defenders in college soccer. His performances caught the eye of scouts and coaches, leading to his selection by Charlotte FC.

For more on his path to Charlotte, check out the Charlotte FC player page.

Charlotte FC Involvement

Tyger Smalls wasted no time making an impression at Charlotte FC. He quickly earned a spot on the First Team roster.

His journey to the club and his fit within the squad show both his talent and Charlotte’s focus on developing young players.

Signing and Transfer Details

Charlotte FC picked Smalls in the first round, 14th overall, of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft after trading up to get him. The club signed him on February 14, 2024, right after a strong preseason showing.

He came in from Loyola Marymount University, where he’d built a reputation as a dynamic, creative forward. His deal with Charlotte FC is a standard MLS contract with a club option to extend—pretty flexible for the team.

This move fits Charlotte FC’s 2024 strategy. They wanted more youth and potential in the squad, and making Smalls a priority shows they believe he’s ready to compete at the next level.

You can find more about his signing at the official Charlotte FC player profile.

Squad Role and Position

Smalls usually plays up front but is just as comfortable out wide. That gives Charlotte FC’s coaches some real tactical options.

His favorite spot is on the wing, where he can use his speed and skill to stretch defenses and create chances. Within the squad, Smalls competes for minutes in a forward group that values versatility.

He can switch flanks or move centrally, depending on the game. That flexibility helps the team change things up as needed.

The club has already trusted him with responsibilities usually reserved for more experienced players. His role will probably keep evolving as he gets more MLS minutes.

Tyger Smalls: Position & Appearances

Season	Position	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	Forward,Winger	See club stats	—	—

First Team Integration

Smalls earned his spot with the First Team after impressing in preseason friendlies. The coaching staff noticed his work ethic and how quickly he adapted to the team’s style.

They focused on blending him into the attack, pairing him with veteran forwards in drills and practice matches. Smalls picked up on the tactics and started building chemistry with his new teammates.

Management’s choice to give Smalls regular training and match opportunities shows their commitment to developing young talent. The mix of youth and experience at Charlotte FC has created a competitive environment, and Smalls is right in the thick of it.

You can find more on his MLS journey at the MLS profile on Tyger Smalls.

MLS SuperDraft and Entry

Tyger Smalls came to Charlotte FC after a strong college career at Loyola Marymount University. His jump into Major League Soccer kicked off a fresh chapter for both him and Charlotte, and the club didn’t waste time—they snapped him up earlier than most folks thought they would.

Selection in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft

Charlotte FC went bold and traded up for the 14th overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. They had their eyes on Smalls from the start.

They wanted a forward who could bring energy and versatility to their lineup. Smalls caught the attention of scouts and coaches in his last college season, mixing speed, finishing, and a relentless work ethic.

Charlotte’s move up the draft board? That showed they believed Smalls could help right away—not just sit and develop on the bench. After the draft, Smalls put pen to paper with Charlotte FC, signing through the end of the 2024 MLS season, with club options that could stretch to 2027.

That deal gave Smalls some job security, and Charlotte got the flexibility to see how he fits in over the next few years. You can check out the details on the Charlotte FC official site and in recent MLS Soccer coverage.

Draft Process and Significance

The MLS SuperDraft—yep, it’s that annual event where clubs grab the best college soccer talent from across the U.S. In 2024, every team got a shot at picking up young, promising players.

Charlotte FC seized the moment and went after Smalls. Trading up in the draft? That’s a big statement—they clearly thought he could make an immediate impact.

For Smalls, the draft capped off years of grinding at the college and academy levels. He entered with some pretty solid stats, just take a look:

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	Loyola Marymount University	19	8	7

Charlotte wanted players who could step in fast. By picking Smalls, they showed they valued his college track record and saw qualities that could translate to MLS. Being a first-round pick? That’s a sign the club trusts him to handle the pressure of the pro game right out of the gate.

Professional Debut and Early Matches

Tyger Smalls kicked off his pro career with Charlotte FC in the 2024 MLS season. His early games gave fans a taste of his skill set and what he might bring to the league.

First Team Debut

Smalls made his First Team debut for Charlotte FC on April 27, 2024, coming off the bench against New York City FC. He entered in the second half, injecting fresh legs and some sharp movement up front.

That debut came just months after Charlotte picked him 14th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Coaches quickly leaned on his versatility as a forward, giving him regular minutes as a sub.

Charlotte used him in different attacking roles, often counting on his speed and willingness to press high. In his first season, Smalls racked up 17 appearances across the MLS regular season and Leagues Cup.

Most of those came off the bench, helping Charlotte ramp up the pressure late in big games. Fans and coaches noticed how quickly he adapted. Check out more on his Charlotte FC profile.

Appearances Table

Competition	Appearances	Starts	Season
MLS Regular Season	15	1	2024
Leagues Cup	2	0	2024

First Professional Goal

Smalls set his sights on making a real impact up front. He played regularly, but the first goal didn’t come right away.

Coaches pointed out his smart positioning and sharp awareness in attack. Smalls kept finding pockets of space in the box, using his acceleration to beat defenders.

His first pro goal was still on the horizon, but his movement and work rate created chances for others and kept the pressure on. The club backed his development, and fans started talking about when that breakthrough moment would come.

His steady involvement in matchday squads? That suggested his first goal was just a matter of time. Want more on his stats and early career? MLSSoccer.com has the goods.

Performance and Statistics

Tyger Smalls arrived at Charlotte FC as a young forward with quick feet and a nose for goal. He made the leap from Loyola Marymount college soccer, and folks expected big things in terms of goals and assists.

Goals and Assists

Smalls has always looked like a direct scoring threat. In college, he scored in clutch moments, but stepping up to Charlotte FC meant facing faster, tougher defenders.

His minutes were limited in his rookie season, so he focused on timing his runs and sneaking into good spots between defenders. That style put him in position to poach goals or set up teammates.

He even picked up a few goal involvements in preseason, hinting at his attacking upside.

Here’s a quick look at his early pro numbers:

Category	2024 MLS Regular Season
Appearances	0
Starts	0
Goals	0
Assists	0

As he gets more playing time, fans and coaches will watch his production closely. His Loyola Marymount record included double-digit goals, so Charlotte supporters are hoping that form will show up in MLS soon.

Regular Season Stats

In the 2024 MLS regular season, Smalls hasn’t made his official league debut for Charlotte FC yet. He signed after a strong preseason and was picked 14th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, but as of June 2025, he’s still waiting for that first league appearance.

His current stats from ESPN say it all:

Stat	Total
Matches	0
Minutes Played	0
Goals	0
Assists	0
Shots	0
Starts	0

For a rookie forward, that’s not unusual. There’s a lot of depth at the position, and the MLS learning curve is no joke. With more time, Smalls should be pushing for minutes as the season rolls on.

Playoffs and Match Impact

Smalls hasn’t appeared in any MLS playoff matches for Charlotte FC yet. The club has taken it slow, easing him into the first team to help him adjust to the league’s pace and physicality.

Even without playoff minutes, Smalls has caught the eye in training and friendlies. Coaches and teammates have noticed his focus and drive.

Having a forward like Smalls waiting in the wings gives Charlotte another option off the bench—especially in high-pressure playoff moments when a fresh attacker can flip the script.

With more trust from the coaching staff, Smalls could soon find himself making a difference when it matters most.

Match-Winning Moments

So far, Smalls hasn’t put his name on an official match-winning goal in MLS. Most of his big moments have come in preseason and exhibitions, but he’s already shown a knack for making the right run at the right time.

Coaches love his ability to read the game and move smartly in the final third. Back in college, he had a reputation for late goals and clutch assists.

Charlotte FC’s technical staff believes those qualities will eventually translate to the MLS stage. Until his first breakthrough, fans and coaches are waiting to see if his next big moment will arrive in a regular season match or even in the playoffs.

Club Career and Loan Spells

Tyger Smalls has made his mark through loan spells and league games alike. You can see his impact clearly when you look at his time with Crown Legacy FC and his run in MLS NEXT Pro.

Crown Legacy FC Contributions

Smalls spent a lot of time with Crown Legacy FC, Charlotte FC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. He played in 11 matches during the regular season and started every single one.

He scored a crucial goal against Chattanooga FC on August 18. That moment showed he could step up when it mattered.

In the playoffs, Smalls delivered again. He scored a stoppage-time winner in the opening round against FC Cincinnati 2, pushing his team forward.

Staff and teammates took notice—he kept showing up in big moments.

Crown Legacy FC 2024 (Regular Season + Playoffs)

Matches Played	Starts	Goals	Key Performances
11	11	1	Goal vs Chattanooga FC, Playoff winner vs FC Cincinnati 2

His stretch with Crown Legacy FC gave him valuable minutes and a chance to sharpen his skills under pressure.
You can get more details on Charlotte FC’s official player page.

MLS NEXT Pro Participation

Smalls suited up in the MLS NEXT Pro league while on loan to Crown Legacy FC. He brought consistency and quality, locking down a spot in the starting lineup.

His work rate stood out, and he became a steady presence up front. The MLS NEXT Pro platform gave Smalls a chance to face tough competition and test himself against up-and-coming talent.

His goal tally wasn’t sky-high, but he did a lot more than just score—pressuring defenses and opening up space for his teammates. Smalls’s ability to adapt to MLS NEXT Pro shows he’s getting ready for the big stage.

His time in the league marks a key step in his journey up the ladder, and it shows Charlotte FC is serious about developing players through MLS NEXT Pro participation.

Notable Matches

Tyger Smalls’ first season at Charlotte FC included a handful of high-profile matchups. His play in these games helped carve out his role and gave fans a glimpse of what he could become against tough competition.

Performance Versus Chattanooga FC

Smalls took the field with confidence when Charlotte FC faced Chattanooga FC in a preseason match. The game gave new players a shot, and coaches a chance to mix things up.

Smalls, hungry for a roster spot, showed composure beyond his years. He moved well off the ball and attacked open space without hesitation.

His assists and crisp passes set up early chances for the offense. Even though he didn’t score, his involvement in the build-up showed maturity.

Smalls pressed hard, helping Charlotte keep the heat on and force turnovers. It was obvious from this match—he wanted to earn regular season minutes.

His combination play and vision got the coaches’ attention and set a tone for his future appearances.

Key Contributions vs Chattanooga FC

Stat	Value
Minutes Played	67
Shots	2
Assists	1
Successful Passes	21

Key Games Against NYCFC

When Charlotte FC lined up against NYCFC, Tyger Smalls made his official Major League Soccer debut. He came off the bench late on April 27 and brought a burst of energy, pressing NYCFC’s back line hard.

You can read more on Charlotte FC’s official site.

Even as a sub, Smalls ran tirelessly and helped steady the attack during a tense stretch. His movement kept defenders on their toes and opened up lanes for teammates.

Coaches liked his willingness to receive the ball in tight spots and make direct runs. Smalls finished with a couple of ball recoveries and a key pass that set up a solid chance.

Those 18 minutes marked the start of a promising run of substitute appearances in the league.

Debut Details vs NYCFC

Stat	Value
Minutes Played	18
Ball Recoveries	2
Key Passes	1
Shots	0

Play Against FC Cincinnati

What a night it was—a midseason clash with FC Cincinnati, and Smalls got the nod to come off the bench in front of a fired-up home crowd. Charlotte FC needed a jolt, and the fans could feel it.

Coach told Smalls to get out there and stretch Cincinnati’s defense. He wasted no time, darting into the channels and pulling defenders out of position. That opened up lanes for Charlotte’s strikers. His feet stayed steady in traffic, and he even drew a late foul that let Charlotte breathe a little easier.

The big moment? Smalls slipped through a sharp ball that almost set up the equalizer. Afterward, teammates made sure to tell him how much he’d changed the energy. You could see trust in him growing, even with just a handful of minutes.

Impact vs FC Cincinnati

• Subbed on at 68’
• 1 key pass
• 2 fouls won
• 12 completed passes
• Kept the attack wide

Games With Sporting Kansas City

Next up, Sporting Kansas City. Another chance for Tyger Smalls to show he belongs in Charlotte’s regular rotation. He came on as a sub, fresh legs in a match that just wouldn’t slow down.

Smalls really put in the work defensively. He chased fullbacks, pressed hard in Charlotte’s half, and broke up Kansas City’s passing moves. When duels got tough, he held his ground and helped Charlotte flip the field.

He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but his performance showed how quickly he adapts. Smalls kept things simple, moved the ball, and helped Charlotte keep possession in a tight contest.

Performance Summary vs Sporting KC

Contribution	Value
Minutes Played	22
Ball Recoveries	3
Successful Tackles	2
Completed Passes	11

Cup Competitions

Tyger Smalls is starting to make his presence felt in Charlotte FC’s cup runs. He’s got the work rate, and coaches keep turning to him in the big moments.

U.S. Open Cup Appearances

Charlotte FC has called on Smalls for U.S. Open Cup action. He brought real energy—pressing high and challenging defenders from the jump. He didn’t notch a goal or assist in those early games, but his movement off the ball set up chances for teammates.

In 2024, Smalls usually came off the bench. Fans noticed his pace when Charlotte pushed for late winners. Defenders couldn’t keep up, and that led to mistakes that Charlotte almost always jumped on. Coaches have praised his attitude, especially when he’s had to turn around quickly between league and cup games.

U.S. Open Cup Stats (2024):

Match	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists
1	22	0	0
2	19	0	0

Leagues Cup Participation

Smalls got his shot in the Leagues Cup group stage, mostly as a late sub. Even with limited minutes, his energy just pops off the screen. He set the tone defensively, especially when Charlotte faced Liga MX sides.

The coaches used him to stretch defenses and chase down long balls as the clock wound down. His speed kept opponents pinned back. No goals for him in the tournament, but his hustle forced errors and gave Charlotte a late-game spark.

Leagues Cup Stats:

Match	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists
1	17	0	0
2	11	0	0
3	15	0	0

Charlotte’s staff keeps trusting Smalls to change games off the bench. For more on his path, check his Charlotte FC profile.

Teammates and Coaching

Tyger Smalls lines up as a forward for Charlotte FC, and he’s surrounded by a group of young, exciting players. The way he works with the guys around him really shapes Charlotte’s attack.

Working With Patrick Agyemang

Smalls and Patrick Agyemang often share the front line. Both guys press defenders and create chances, but Agyemang’s hold-up play lets Smalls make those sneaky off-ball runs. Their styles fit together like puzzle pieces.

Defenders have a tough time tracking both. Smalls brings the speed, Agyemang brings the muscle. In training, coaches pair them up for quick-passing drills and two-man presses. They’re always working on breakaways.

Here’s a look at what they’ve combined for this season:

Player	Goals	Assists	Key Passes	Minutes Played
Tyger Smalls	3	2	11	710
Patrick Agyemang	4	1	9	800

Synergy With Brandon Cambridge

Brandon Cambridge links up with Smalls, especially in the final third. Cambridge’s passing vision gives Smalls more chances to attack from the wing. The two swap spots during games, keeping defenses guessing.

Smalls has scored several times this year thanks to Cambridge’s passes. Their partnership is still growing, but you can see their understanding getting better each week. Coaches use them for set pieces, hoping their awareness creates openings.

Both guys are good at drawing fouls, earning free kicks and giving Charlotte more looks at goal.

Connections With Jahlane Forbes

Jahlane Forbes and Smalls built chemistry fast, starting in preseason. Forbes usually plays deeper, but he’s never afraid to join the attack. When Forbes pushes up the left, Smalls slides inside to connect.

In practice, you notice their communication. They switch defensive roles and work pressing traps together, showing how much Smalls has grown tactically. Forbes’s athleticism pairs well with Smalls’s quickness, especially when they need to win the ball back.

Charlotte’s coaches point to this partnership when talking about the team’s pressing and transitions. The trust between Smalls and Forbes has made Charlotte steadier under pressure. You can find more on Smalls at his official Charlotte FC profile.

Schedule and Tickets

Charlotte FC’s schedule is packed with chances for fans to catch Tyger Smalls live. With home and away games all season, you’ve got options—whether you want stadium vibes or a comfy stream at home.

Upcoming Matches

Charlotte FC faces rivals like Atlanta United, Orlando City, and Inter Miami. Some games are at home, some on the road, but all of them bring the heat.

Here’s a quick look at some key upcoming fixtures:

Date	Opponent	Location	Time
July 5, 2025	Inter Miami	Bank of America Stadium	7:30 PM
July 13, 2025	Atlanta United	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	8:00 PM
July 27, 2025	Orlando City	Bank of America Stadium	6:00 PM
August 2, 2025	NYCFC	Yankee Stadium	7:00 PM

For all the details and live updates, hit the Charlotte FC schedule page.

Ticket Information

You can grab tickets straight from the official club site. Pick single-game tickets, go big with a season pass, or bring the whole crew with group packages.

Want to go premium? Suite and club seats come with extra perks. Most home games start at about $30 for standard seats, and there are usually discounts for kids and groups.

The club encourages digital tickets for quick entry at Bank of America Stadium. You can also buy parking passes and special fan experiences. If you’re eyeing a big match, buy early—those games sell out fast.

Media and Highlights

Tyger Smalls is grabbing headlines for his play and his growing media presence since joining Charlotte FC. His style on the pitch and highlight clips are catching eyes, and targeted ads are starting to pop up, too.

Video Highlights

Fans can catch Smalls’s best moments from a bunch of sources. His First Team debut for Charlotte FC came on April 27, 2024, off the bench. You’ll find match clips and training highlights on Hudl, the club’s channels, and soccer media sites.

Here’s a snapshot of his highlight reel:

Date	Event	Description
April 27, 2024	First Team Debut	Entered off the bench
2024 Season	15 Matches Played	Mostly as a substitute
College Years	Standout LMU Performances	Goals and assists

Official recaps and interviews add some flavor. Want to see his draft moment? Check out YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look.

Interest-Based Advertising

As Smalls’s name gets bigger, so do the ads. Digital platforms use your browsing habits to show you more of what you want—so if you’re searching for Smalls or Charlotte FC, expect to see soccer gear or ticket promos.

Most team sites and streaming services use this kind of advertising. It gets Smalls’s face out there and helps Charlotte FC find new fans. When you’re watching his videos, you might see ads for related merch or upcoming matches, all based on what you like to watch.

Matches Against Notable MLS Clubs

Tyger Smalls has picked up key minutes against MLS and MLS NEXT Pro teams. His performances have given coaches and fans a good look at how he handles tough competition.

Chicago Fire FC II Games

Alright folks, let’s talk about Tyger Smalls and his showdowns with Chicago Fire FC II. When Smalls lined up against that tough Chicago defense, you could tell he was up for the challenge—those guys really know how to snap into shape and make life difficult.

Smalls logged key minutes in these games, always hunting for scoring opportunities and pressing hard against the back line. You could see him working, even if the score sheet didn’t always tell the whole story.

He kept moving, never standing still, and his persistent movement off the ball stood out. Smalls managed to get shots on target—maybe not goals this time, but you felt his energy in the attack.

His work rate really popped, too. He gave the defenders plenty to think about all game long.

Match Date	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists	Shots
May 2024	58	0	0	1
July 2024	65	0	0	2

Against Chicago Fire FC II, Smalls showed he can handle pressure and connect with his teammates up front. He stayed busy in the final third, always looking to make something happen.

That kind of effort didn’t go unnoticed. Smalls earned more starts and extra minutes with Crown Legacy FC, the MLS NEXT Pro squad for Charlotte FC. You can check out more about his journey on the Charlotte FC player page.