Rhode Island FC head coach and general manager Khano Smith has signalled his intent for the 2026 USL Championship season, securing the signature of former Major League Soccer forward Leo Afonso.
The 24-year-old Brazilian-born attacker joins the "Amber and Blue" as a free agent following a stint with Atlanta United. Afonso, who brings experience from the highest levels of the North American game, is the first major piece of Smith’s offseason recruitment drive as the club looks to build on its status as a rising power in the Eastern Conference.
Afonso’s arrival in Pawtucket comes after two seasons spent in high-pressure MLS environments. He famously began his professional career with Inter Miami, where he shared a scoresheet with Lionel Messi during a 2-2 draw against Colorado Rapids in early 2024.
The forward's journey from São Paulo to the Ocean State has been one of steady progression, moving through the academies of Boca United and the Philadelphia Union before a standout four-year collegiate career with the University of Virginia Cavaliers.
"Leo is an exciting attacking player with an eye for goal who has been in very high-level environments the past two seasons," said Smith, the former Bermuda international who was recently handed a multi-year contract extension. "His experience at a young age will be invaluable as we build towards having another successful season in 2026."
With the addition of Afonso, Rhode Island FC now has 20 players under contract for the upcoming campaign. Smith has been clinical in his roster management this winter, exercising options on key veterans like goalkeeper Koke Vegas and midfielder Amos Shapiro-Thompson while moving on from others to create space for fresh talent.
Afonso’s versatility—capable of playing as a central striker or on the wing—provides Smith with a dynamic tool in an attacking unit that already features JJ Williams and Albert Dikwa. As the 2026 season approaches, the focus remains clear: turning last year's playoff consistency into silverware.
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