NYCFC signs Alex Rando to a Homegrown contract which raises roster questions

On Friday, New York City FC announced the club signed Alex Rando to a Homegrown contract. The 22-year-old goalkeeper spent the last two seasons with NYCFC II, gaining valuable experience as a professional. He now gets a chance to prove himself with the first team. His contract will keep him with the club for the 2024 season, but there are options through 2027.

During his time with the MLS Next Pro side, Rando made 32 appearances. In a little under 3,000 minutes, he kept eight clean sheets. This past year, he made 14 appearances. During those games, he had 46 saves with a 64.8 save percentage.

NYCFC signs Alex Rando

Rando joins Zidane Yañez as the latest NYCFC Homegrown signing. Once again, the team illuminates their commitment to the academy and the youth within the club. Sporting Director David Lee had this to say about the goalkeeper and his journey:

"This signing is a fantastic example of our development pipeline and of the different journeys that players from our Academy can take to reach our First Team. It is incredibly rewarding to see a player who began with our Academy and played a pivotal role in our U-19 National Championship victories now earn an opportunity with our First Team. It also shows the continued value and importance of NYCFC II and MLS NEXT Pro competition in player development to ensure we have access to the right opportunities to develop the fantastic talent that exists across the Tri-State Area."

- David Lee

This is a great opportunity for the local New Yorker. It gives him a chance to develop with NYCFC and learn from the veterans on the roster.

At the same time, it raises questions about the roster. NYCFC now has four goalkeepers on the team, which is one too many. With Matt Freese's contract extension and now the signing of Rando, does this mean Luis Barraza or Cody Mizell may be traded? Will the club loan Rando out for the season? It is unlikely the newer keeper will be shipped off so quickly, but one never knows.

New York City FC will eventually answer the questions regarding the roster at some point during the preseason. At least they signed Rando, who has potential, to a friendly Homegrown contract.