Andrew Dayton Privett Bio
Andrew Dayton Privett (born August 2, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer. A center-back known for his physicality and reading of the game, Privett entered MLS through the 2023 MLS SuperDraft and quickly became a regular starter for his club. Standing 185 centimeters tall, he combines aerial strength with a calm distribution style that has helped anchor Charlotte’s back line.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Dayton Privett was born on August 2, 2000, in Fallston, Maryland, United States. He grew up in the greater Baltimore area and attended the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, where he played four seasons of varsity soccer. The McDonogh program gave Privett an early platform against top regional competition and helped shape his development as a defender.
During his high school years, Privett helped McDonogh capture MIAA championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018. In 2017, he was named second team All-State and first team All-Metro and All-MIAA. The following season, he elevated his profile further, earning first team All-State, All-MIAA, and All-Metro Boys Soccer Player of the Year honors, along with selection to the United Soccer Coaches High School All-Mid-Atlantic Region Team and All-America Team.
Outside of school soccer, Privett played six seasons with the Baltimore Celtic 2000s in the U.S. Youth Soccer National League. With that club, he won back-to-back national championships in 2017 and 2018, reinforcing his reputation as one of the top defensive prospects in his age group.
Path to Professional Soccer
After high school, Privett enrolled at Pennsylvania State University in 2019 to play college soccer with the Nittany Lions. Over four seasons in the program, he made 68 appearances, scored 14 goals, and added 13 assists, contributing on both sides of the ball despite his defensive role. In his junior year, he led the Big Ten Conference in goals scored with nine and was named to the All-Big Ten Conference Second Team, while also receiving Third Team All-North Region recognition from United Soccer Coaches.
While completing his college career, Privett also gained experience in the USL League Two. In 2021, he made a single appearance for the Ocean City Nor’easters. The following summer, in 2022, he featured three times for Christos FC, continuing his progression against older and more experienced players.
Andrew Dayton Privett Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Privett’s early senior career unfolded primarily around his college commitments. His lone appearance for the Ocean City Nor’easters in 2021 provided a brief introduction to the USL League Two environment, while his three outings for Christos FC in 2022 offered additional minutes against competitive amateur opposition. These short stints allowed him to refine his defensive habits in match conditions away from the college schedule.
Across those developmental years, Privett built a foundation that would soon attract professional attention. His combination of size, positional discipline, and goal-scoring threat from central defense made him a distinctive prospect heading into his final college season.
MLS Breakthrough (2023)
On December 22, 2022, Privett was selected 69th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Charlotte FC. He signed a professional contract with the Major League Soccer side on February 24, 2023, officially beginning his top-flight career. His first-team debut came on April 25, 2023, when he entered as a 64th-minute substitute during a 4–1 win over USL League One side South Georgia Tormenta in the U.S. Open Cup.
Later in the 2023 MLS season, Privett transitioned fully to defense and emerged as a regular starter at center-back. The move signaled Charlotte’s confidence in his long-term role at the heart of the back line and set the stage for a more prominent 2024 campaign.
Charlotte FC Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, playing under the management of former Premier League defender Dean Smith, Privett continued to start regularly and earned a new contract with Charlotte FC running through 2028, with an option for 2029. The extension reflected his growing importance within the squad and the club’s commitment to building its defense around him.
Privett formed a productive central-defensive partnership with Adilson Malanda, helping Charlotte allow the second-fewest goals in Major League Soccer during the 2024 season. Their partnership became a defining feature of the team’s improved defensive record that year.
Driving Style and Strengths
Privett is a tall, physically imposing center-back who excels in aerial duels and one-on-one defending. His comfort stepping into midfield, combined with his distribution from the back, allows Charlotte to build attacks from deep. The understanding he has developed with Adilson Malanda has become a cornerstone of his game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Privett’s career has been marked by several milestones, including back-to-back U.S. Youth Soccer national championships with Baltimore Celtic in 2017 and 2018, his 2023 MLS SuperDraft selection, and his U.S. Open Cup debut against South Georgia Tormenta. His 2028 contract extension and central role in Charlotte’s second-best defensive record in MLS in 2024 further underline his rapid rise.
Andrew Dayton Privett Career Highlights
Privett’s competitive résumé spans youth national championships, standout college production, and an emerging professional career in Major League Soccer. While comprehensive win totals in the senior professional ranks are still developing, his trophy-laden youth and high school years, paired with his growing influence at Charlotte FC, have already defined his early trajectory.
Youth and High School Highlights
With the Baltimore Celtic 2000s, Privett won back-to-back U.S. Youth Soccer National League national championships in 2017 and 2018. At McDonogh School, he contributed to MIAA championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018, and was named All-Metro Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2018 along with United Soccer Coaches All-America honors.
Other Performances
At Penn State, Privett’s nine-goal junior season led the Big Ten Conference, and he earned All-Big Ten Second Team and United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Third Team recognition. His brief USL League Two stints with the Ocean City Nor’easters in 2021 and Christos FC in 2022 rounded out his amateur development before turning professional.
Andrew Dayton Privett Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Andrew Dayton Privett’s family background is limited. He grew up in the Fallston area of Maryland and developed his soccer career in the greater Baltimore region, a region known for producing professional players.
Personal Life
Privett resides in the Charlotte, North Carolina area while playing for Charlotte FC. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Soccer season, Privett remains a central figure in Charlotte FC’s defensive plans. His contract runs through 2028, and the club’s continuity on the back line, built around his partnership with Adilson Malanda, gives the team a stable foundation. With Dean Smith’s tactical framework still in place, Privett is expected to play a leading role once again.
Charlotte’s 2024 defensive performance, which finished second-best in the league in goals allowed, sets an ambitious benchmark for the new campaign. Maintaining that level will be a priority for Privett and the entire back line as the team targets a deeper playoff run.
For Privett personally, 2025 represents an opportunity to further establish himself among the league’s reliable young center-backs. With multiple years remaining on his deal and a clear role in the starting eleven, his focus will be on consistency, leadership, and helping Charlotte compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.