PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC announced on Friday the club had signed Liberian international Prince Saydee for the club’s inaugural season in the USL Championship in 2024. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Saydee is coming off a career season in which he recorded 10 goals in 32 appearances for Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship, while also recording three assists and 30 chances created. Overall in the past four seasons since arriving in the Championship, Saydee has recorded 16 goals and 15 assists, having previously competed for Miami FC and Phoenix Rising FC before joining Hartford for the 2022 campaign.

“As we prepare for our inaugural season, we continue to prioritize building a roster that has players with the skill and USL Championship experience to help us compete in a very tough league,” said RIFC Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith. “Prince will contribute to our team from day one and will bring valuable league experience to our team.”

“I am incredibly excited to wear the Rhode Island FC crest and to represent a team that is committed to being a team for all Rhode Island,” said Saydee. “I am already looking forward to our first practice. Thank you to Coach Smith for this wonderful opportunity.”

Saydee began his professional journey as a 17-year-old with Barrack Young Controllers FC in Liberia, showcasing his skills with 23 goals in 47 matches. In 2013, Saydee made his national team debut, representing Liberia in FIFA World Cup Qualifying.

Analysis

In two years at Hartford Athletic, Prince Saydee found his footing in the USL Championship, recording 14 goals and 11 assists in 64 games while proving a bright spot for a side that struggled to be part of the playoff picture overall. As he joins fellow former Athletic teammate Conor McGlynn in making the move to Rhode Island FC, the Liberian figures to be an important piece in the club’s inaugural campaign.

Saydee’s breakout year in front of goal was impressive, but it’s his ability on the ball and to create that might end up mattering most for RIFC. While he recorded 53 chances combined over the past two seasons, 18 of those were high-premium opportunities – nine Big Chances Created in each of the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. More of that would be a big positive for the forward contingent Khano Smith will be bringing in.