Francesco Montali
- Years with club: 2024
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Nationality: American
- Acquisition Type: MLS NEXT Pro Signing
Francesco Montali is a young goalkeeper who joined the Minnesota United organization in July 2024, initially signing an MLS NEXT Pro contract with the reserve side, MNUFC2. Montali was highly decorated at the collegiate level for Boston University, where he was a two-time Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year (2022, 2023). He signed a short-term agreement with the first team during his time in Minnesota, making him available for selection in Major League Soccer matches due to extreme hardship rules.
Key stats with Minnesota United (MLS):
- MLS regular season appearances: 0
- MLS short-term agreements: 2 (Was on the bench for two first-team MLS matches)
- MNUFC2 appearances (MLS NEXT Pro): 5 (in 2024)
- MLS SuperDraft: Selected 82nd overall (3rd Round) by the Philadelphia Union in 2024, though his MLS rights were later traded.
Memorable moments:
- Collegiate success: Earned the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America First Team honors and holds the distinction of being the first Boston University goalkeeper to formally join the MLS ranks.
- Development pathway: His time with MNUFC2 and subsequent short-term agreements highlighted his potential and the importance of the reserve team as a professional proving ground.
- Academy pedigree: He developed in the academies of both Orlando City SC and the New York Red Bulls.
Where is he now?:
- Montali’s rights were acquired by the San Jose Earthquakes in a trade with the Philadelphia Union, and he signed a first-team MLS contract with the Earthquakes in March 2025.
- He spent the 2025 season on loan with the Earthquakes’ MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, The Town FC, where he excelled, earning MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month honors in August 2025.
- He is currently a goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes, where his MLS contract runs through December 2026 with club options through 2027.
