Charlotte FC announced the signing of Cape Verde forward Iuri Tavares on Feb. 20, 2024. Tavares originally joined the Crown Legacy FC, the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, from Portuguese club Estoril Praia SAD on Jan. 31, 2023.
Following his impressive season in MLS NEXT Pro, the Cape Verde international earned a First Team contract and was signed ahead of the 2024 campaign. Tavares featured in 32 matches across all competitions for the club, making his MLS debut on Feb. 24 in the season opener against NYCFC. He scored his first goal with the CLTFC in a draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps on March 2 and finished the season with three goals and one assist.
Tavares joined Crown Legacy FC as the Club’s first permanent transfer ahead of the Club’s inaugural season. In his first year, Tavares appeared in 27 matches across the regular season and playoffs, tallying a team-high 12 goals while adding four assists. He secured a brace in his debut against New York Red Bulls II on April 9.
Prior to his time in the Queen City, Tavares began his soccer career at the prestigious Benfica Academy. He made two appearances with the club’s U-19 squad in the UEFA Youth League and debuted in a 3-0 win over FC Bayern Munich’s U-19 side. before making a move to Vitória de Guimarães SC of the Portuguese topflight.
At the international level, Tavares has one appearance with Cape Verde’s senior team, making his debut off the bench in a friendly against San Marino on March 28, 2022.
2024 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Made 28 appearances, eight starts, contributing three goals and one assist. Made his MLS debut against NYCFC on Feb. 24 in the season opener. Leagues Cup – Appeared in both of the Club’s Leagues Cup matches, starting in both matches. MLS Cup Playoffs – Appeared in the first two matches of CLTFC’s Round One matchup against Orlando City SC.
2023 (Crown Legacy FC): MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Featured in 26 matches in the Club’s inaugural season, making 23 starts. Led the team in goals with 12. Contributed four assists. Scored a brace in his debut against New York Red Bulls II on April 9. Led the team in shots (72) and shots on target (32). MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs – Played all 90 minutes in the Club’s first playoff match against Columbus Crew 2.
International: Has one appearance with Cape Verde’s senior squad. Made his international debut as a substitute in an international friendly against San Marino on March 28, 2022.
