PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Rhode Island FC announced on Tuesday it has signed forward Noah Fuson for the upcoming 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Fuson joins Rhode Island FC after spending the last two seasons with Columbus Crew 2 of MLS NEXT Pro. The 27-year-old logged 4,392 minutes with Columbus, tallying 20 goals and nine assists. The striker played in 57 matches over the last two MLS Next Pro seasons, starting in 49, and helped the Crew 2 win the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro title.

“As both a regular season champion and overall champion at the MLS NEXT Pro level, Noah brings a championship mentality to our roster,” said RIFC Head Coach Khano Smith. “He’s a versatile player that we are really excited about. Noah is another weapon that knows how to score goals and stretch defenses.”

Prior to joining the Crew, Fuson signed his first professional contract with Forward Madison FC of USL League One on August 17, 2020. The Los Angeles native appeared in 33 League One matches across two seasons, scoring three times.