Patrick Agyemang’s journey to professional soccer is a story of resilience and determination. Born and raised in East Hartford, Connecticut, to Ghanaian parents, Agyemang discovered his passion for soccer early in his life, honing his skills in his backyard with his father and two older brothers. As a youth player, he competed for Hartford Soccer Club and was a standout at East Hartford High School, where he was a varsity starter for two years and earned All-Conference honors in 2017.
“We are so happy for Patrick and excited for his future,” said Mike Torres, Vice President and coach at Hartford Soccer Club. “He is a great young man, and I am honored to have coached him in his youth days. Patrick’s journey is proof – DREAMS do come true.”
Photo courtesy of Brian Gallagher, Hartford Soccer Club.
Despite his talent, Agyemang faced challenges in gaining recognition from Division I colleges, leading him to begin his collegiate soccer career at Division III program Eastern Connecticut State University. He made an immediate impact for the Warriors, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances during his freshman year and earning the Little East Conference (LEC) Rookie of the Year Award. In his sophomore season, he elevated his game even further, scoring 21 goals while receiving LEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and achieving All-America status.
Seeking greater challenges, Agyemang transferred to the University of Rhode Island before his junior year, where he continued to excel with 19 goals and 12 assists over two seasons. His remarkable play for the Rams captured the attention of Major League Soccer (MLS) scouts, highlighted by Charlotte FC selecting him as the 12th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He officially signed with the club in February 2023.
During his debut MLS season, Agyemang proved his potential, scoring his first professional goal against the Seattle Sounders in June 2023. He also made history as the first player in MLS history to score in both an MLS match and an MLS NEXT Pro game in the same weekend, further showcasing his versatility and commitment. By 2024, he had cemented his role as a regular starter for Charlotte FC, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts.
His soccer dream has now reached its ultimate level after Agyemang made his debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team this past Saturday against Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, receiving the starting nod at forward from head coach Mauricio Pochettino. During the match, Agyemang played 65 minutes and also registered his first-ever international goal in the 39th minute. On that scoring play, Agyemang split a defender to receive a ball from Matko Miljevic, rushing into the 18-yard box before slotting a left-footed strike past the Venezuelan goalkeeper.
“The Connecticut soccer community is excited and inspired by Patrick’s journey,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We look forward to continuing to watch him play at the professional level and with the national team for years to come.”
From backyard dreams in Connecticut to the international stage, Agyemang’s ascent is an inspiring story of perseverance, hard work and unrelenting belief. His journey underscores the power of ambition and the strength of family support, serving as a beacon for aspiring athletes everywhere. His story reminds us all that greatness is not defined by where you start, but by how far you are willing to go.
To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!
