LEESBURG, Va. – Loudoun United FC announced on Thursday the club had acquired midfielder Chris Hegardt from Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC for the remainder of the 2023 USL Championship season.

“With this last stretch of the season, we wanted to add someone with the quality and personality to help us immediately,” said Loudoun Head Coach Ryan Martin. “His creativity in attack and versatility to play multiple positions will be crucial for our team and we are excited to integrate him in our squad.”

Hegardt featured eight times for Charlotte FC in all competitions this season, recording one assist in the Club’s 4-1 win against USL League One club South Georgia Tormenta FC in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The midfielder signed with Charlotte FC after the club acquired his Homegrown Player rights from fellow MLS club Seattle Sounders FC this past January. Hegardt had previously played as a USL Academy signing for the Tacoma Defiance in the USL Championship, making 17 appearances for the side while in the Sounders Academy, before competing collegiately at Georgetown University.

With the Hoyas, Hegardt made 31 appearances across two seasons and recorded three goals and six assists. Hegardt helped Georgetown win the 2021 Big East Conference Tournament and advance to the national semifinals of the NCAA College Cup.

In addition to competing for Charlotte FC this season, Hegardt also saw action for Crown Legacy FC in MLS NEXT Pro this season, where he tallied one goal and one assist in seven appearances.