CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JULY 05: Nick Scardina #35 of Charlotte FC in action against Orlando City during their game at Bank of America Stadium on July 05, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
PAWTUCKET, RI– Free Agent defender Nick Scardina has signed for Rhode Island FC.
He will occupy a senior roster slot.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JULY 5: Nick Scardina #35 of Charlotte FC scans the field during a game between Charlotte FC and Orlando City SC at Bank of America Stadium on July 5, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Nick Scardina is a 24-year-old, 5’11, 165lb, defender/midfielder from Portland, Oregon.
At the club level, Scardina has played 64 career games (4,897 minutes) in the United States. During a 4-year collegiate career at the University of Washington (2019-22), Scardina appeared for Portland Timbers 2 (2019). He also played for USL League Two side PDX FC (2021) & NPSL side Crossfire Premier SC (2022). At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he entered the MLS SuperDraft. On December 22nd, 2022, he was drafted 40th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Charlotte FC (2023-2025). During his time with Charlotte, he was loaned twice to Crown Legacy FC (2023-25), Charlotte’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. Rhode Island FC will be considered his fifth professional club.
In total club numbers, the defender has contributed 9 career goals, 10 assists, along with 8 yellow cards and 0 red cards.
Internationally, Scardina has never appeared for his national team. He can represent the United States.
In the early morning on Monday, January 12th, Rhode Island FC announced the signing of Scardina for the 2026 season pending league and federation approval.
He joins a talented Rhode Island FC backline that features Hugo Bacharach, Hamady Diop, Aimé Mabika, Frank Nodarse, Dani Rovira, Aldair Sanchez, Grant Stoneman, & Karifa Yao.
RIFC Logo. Image Courtesy of Rhode Island FC.
RIFC head coach Khano Smith will look to make improvements to his squad ahead of the 2026 season with Rhode Island FC. For more USL Championship content, you can find it on ESPN+
(Editor’s Note: For more of Burt Granofsky’s photos, click on the link)
Rhode Island FC
January, 2026
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