Sporting KC Bolsters Attack with Signing of Forward Taylor Calheira
Sporting Kansas City has announced the acquisition of 23-year-old forward Taylor Calheira from USL Championship side FC Tulsa. The transfer adds a promising young goalscorer to Sporting’s roster as they prepare for the 2026 MLS season.
Calheira’s Proven Goalscoring Record
Calheira joins Sporting Kansas City with a strong track record of finding the back of the net. He amassed 38 goals and 10 assists in 69 matches during his time with FC Tulsa (2025) and NYCFC II (2024). In 2025, while playing for FC Tulsa, Calheira recorded 21 goals and four assists in all competitions, leading Tulsa to the top of the Western Conference with a 16-5-9 record and a berth in the USL Championship Final. He finished as the second-leading scorer in the USL Championship with 17 regular season goals, setting a club record.
Transfer Details
Sporting Kansas City secured Calheira’s Discovery Priority from Minnesota United in exchange for $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM). An additional $25,000 in GAM will be sent to Minnesota United if certain performance-based incentives are met. Calheira has signed a two-and-a-half-year MLS contract extending through the 2027-2028 season, with club options for the 2028-2029 and 2029-2030 seasons.
Club and Manager Statements
“Taylor has an impressive goalscoring record at every level he has played from college to MLS NEXT Pro to the USL Championship,” said Sporting Kansas City President of Soccer Operations & General Manager David Lee. “Taylor has consistently shown high levels of performance as he stepped up to a higher level of competition each of the last three seasons and he is now eager to prove himself in MLS. He will provide good instincts around the goal to go along with his clean technical ability and an excellent work rate.”
Early Season Outlook
Sporting Kansas City will begin their 2026 MLS season on February 21st with an away match against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park [Sporting KC News]. The team is entering its first year under new head coach Raphael Wicky [MLSSoccer.com].
Calheira’s Previous Experience
Initially drafted by New York City FC in the 2024 SuperDraft, Calheira showcased his talent with the club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, scoring 2 goals and adding 1 assist in five US Open Cup matches.