Kristijan Kahlina

Charlotte FC announced the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina Dec. 28, 2021. Kahlina signed a contract extension with CLTFC on Oct. 1, 2024, that will see him with the Club through 2026, with an option through 2027.

In 2024, Kahlina became the first CLTFC player to earn an individual award when he was named the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. The Croatian finished the regular season with 121 saves (T-3rd most in MLS), 12 clean sheets (T-2nd most in MLS) and was first in save percentage (75.63%). He was also the first player in Club history to play every minute of a season and made his 100th appearance for CLTFC across all competitions on Oct. 19 against DC United. He finished with a 14W-9D-11L record in the regular season.

The Croatian spent time on the sideline at the beginning of the 2023 season after electing to undergo surgery to address a back injury six weeks ahead of the regular season. He returned to action on April 14 with the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Crown Legacy FC, where he kept a clean sheet against Inter Miami CF II. Following his return to the First Team lineup, Kahlina started 24 matches for CLTFC in its 2023 campaign, where he recorded 78 saves, allowing 33 goals and keeping six clean sheets. He boasted a record of 8W-10D-6L in regular season play.

During the Club’s inaugural season, Kahlina was tabbed as the starting keeper. The Croatian made 31 starts and appearances during the regular season and put up a record of 12W-3D-16L. He made 98 saves during regular season play while keeping seven clean sheets and allowed 48 goals.

Kahlina signed with the Club from Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad. The goalkeeper made 36 appearances and kept 13 clean sheets over his year-and-a-half spell with the club. He joined Ludogorets at the end of the 2020-21 season and started the final five league match en route to the Club’s tenth consecutive title. Prior to his move to the Queen City, he also appeared in matches in both the Champions League qualifying matches and Europa League group stage, on top of a Bulgarian Super Cup title.

The Croatian began his career at the academy level with Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb before he joined NK Vinogradar of the Croatian second division. He started every match as a 19- and 20-year-old in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons, narrowly missing out on promotion each year. He then went on to play at HNK Gorica, where he led the club to promotion to the Croatian topflight and was named captain in 2019. He finished his career with Gorica with 157 appearances and kept 53 clean sheets.

2024 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Named 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Was the only CLTFC player to appear in all 34 regular season matches. First in save percentage in MLS with 75.63%. Tied for second in shutouts with 12. Tied for third in MLS in saves with 121. Third in goals against average with 1.09. Allowed only 37 goals. Posted a 14W-9D-11L record. Made his 100th appearance with the Club across all competitions on Oct. 19 against DC United. Posted a 12W-9D-11L record. Leagues Cup – Started in the Club’s group stage match against Philadelphia Union. MLS Cup Playoffs – Appeared and started in all three of CLTFC’s matches against Orlando City SC. Recorded two saves in the penalty shootout to clinch the Club’s first MLS Cup Playoff victory. Recorded 10 saves across the two matches.

2023 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Appeared and started in 24 matches. Recorded 78 saves. Kept six clean sheets. Posted an 8W-10D-6L record. 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. Made 14 saves in regulation. Made two saves in the penalty shootout victory over FC Dallas in the group stage. Made three saves in the penalty shootout victory over Cruz Azul to send the team to the Round of 16. . MLS Cup Playoffs – Started and played 90 minutes in the Club’s Wild Card match against New York Red Bulls. (Crown Legacy FC): MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season – Appeared in one match against Inter Miami CF II on April 14. Kept a clean sheet.

2022 (Charlotte FC): MLS Regular Season – Appeared in 31 matches in the Club’s inaugural season, all starts. Notched 98 saves and kept seven clean sheets. Made his Club debut during CLTFC’s inaugural match against DC United on Feb. 26. Posted a 12W-3D-16L record. U.S. Open Cup – Appeared in the Club’s match against New York Red Bulls and recorded one save.