Charlotte FC announced the signing of Colombian forward Kerwin Vargas as the Club’s second U-22 Initiative player on May 2, 2022. Vargas signed a contract extension with CLTFC on May 9, 2024, that will see him with CLTFC through 2024, with options through 2026.
In 2024, the forward began to work his way into the starting XI, making appearances in 38 matches and starting in 34. Vargas scored six goals on the year and contributed one assist. He led the team in shots in league play with a total of 62.
Vargas continued to break through in his sophomore season, appearing in 36 matches overall for CLTFC. The Colombian scored five goals on the year and contributed five assists in MLS play, which tied him for second most in the squad. Vargas scored the match-winning goal against Inter Miami CF on Decision Day that clinched the Club’s spot in the Wild Card Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. In the subsequent match against New York Red Bulls, the forward scored an electrifying bicycle kick.
In his first season with the Crown, Vargas appeared in 16 matches across all competitions and recorded one assist in the Club’s 3-2 victory at Chicago Fire FC. He made his MLS debut off the bench on May 25 in a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Vargas signed with the Club from Portuguese side C.D. Feirense, where he joined as an Academy player before being promoted to the First Team in July 2021. He made his professional debut against FC Famalicão in the Allianz Cup and scored his first goal in his second league match against C.D. Mafra. During his time in Portugal, Vargas scored seven goals in 28 league appearances. He also scored against Portuguese giants FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal.
2024 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Appeared in 33 matches, making 29 starts, totaling 2,465 minutes. Recorded six goals and one assist in the 2024 campaign. Led the squad in total shots with 62. Leagues Cup – Started in both of the Club’s Group Stage matches. MLS Cup Playoffs – Appeared and started in all three of CLTFC’s matches against Orlando City SC.
2023 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Appeared in 29 matches, making 18 starts, totaling 1,493 minutes. Scored four goals and was tied for second-most assists for CLTFC with five. Scored the match-winning goal against Inter Miami CF on Decision Day, clinching a playoff berth for CLTFC. Tied for second in most key passes for the Club with 24. Recorded the third-most shots (35) and shots on target (13) on the year for CLTFC. U.S. Open Cup – Went the full 90 in the Club’s match against Birmingham Legion FC. Leagues Cup – Appeared in all five of Charlotte’s Leagues Cup matches. MLS Cup Playoffs – Started and played 90 minutes in the Club’s Wild Card match against New York Red Bulls, bagging one goal.
2022 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Appeared in 13 matches in the Club’s inaugural season, making eight starts, totaling 636 minutes. Recorded one assist on the year in a 3-2 victory at Chicago Fire FC. Made his MLS debut on May 25 as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC. U.S. Open Cup – Appeared in all three of CLTFC’s matches.
