West Virginia University men’s soccer standout Marcus Caldeira has officially signed a one-year contract with Minnesota United FC (MNUFC). This agreement includes options for the 2027, 2027-28, and 2028-29 seasons, following his selection as the 20th overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The contract is pending the receipt of his P-1 Visa.
MNUFC’s Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Khaled El-Ahmad expressed enthusiasm about Caldeira’s addition, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Marcus to our club and look forward to seeing him continue his development while adding depth and competition to our team this season.”
Caldeira’s Impressive College Career
Caldeira enjoyed an outstanding four-year career at WVU, beginning in 2022. Over the course of his time with the Mountaineers, he played in 84 matches, starting 77, and accumulated an impressive 5,956 minutes on the pitch. He scored 42 goals and provided 15 assists, becoming the second-highest goal-scorer in Mountaineer history.
Last season marked a significant achievement for Caldeira, as he netted a career-high 14 goals, leading the Sun Belt Conference. His total of 35 points also topped the conference, earning him the title of Sun Belt Player of the Year. Caldeira’s performance was particularly notable in high-stakes moments, ranking fourth in the nation with six game-winning goals and scoring three goals in two matches against in-state rival Marshall. He even recorded a hat-trick in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against St. John’s.
Looking Ahead to Professional Play
In 2024, Caldeira continued to shine, scoring 11 goals and aiding WVU in securing the Sun Belt Conference Championship. His contributions earned him recognition as a second-team All-American by United Soccer Coaches and a spot on the All-Sun Belt first team during his sophomore year. Even in his freshman season, Caldeira displayed his potential with five goals and four assists in 18 games.
Now transitioning to professional soccer, Caldeira aims to make a significant impact at MNUFC, a team that finished fourth in the Western Conference last season. In his own words, he stated, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to join this ambitious club and take the next step in fulfilling my lifelong dream of playing professionally. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the continued success of this club, its supporters, and the incredible atmosphere that Allianz Field brings.”
With the backing of MNUFC’s staff since draft day, Caldeira is ready to make his mark and leave a lasting impact on his new team.
