NYCFC sign D Rio Hope-Gund to first-team contract

(Photo credit: USA TODAY NETWORK)
New York City FC announced the signing Friday of defender Rio Hope-Gund to a first-team contract.

The 24-year-old Brooklyn native's deal runs through the 2024 season and includes options through 2026.

A first-round draft pick by Orlando City SC in 2021, Hope-Gund has yet to make his MLS debut.

He played for the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate New York City FC II in 2023 and posted one assist in