Long Island native Cooper Flax signs Homegrown contract with NYCFC | OneFootball

New York City FC has had a slightly quiet offseason thus far. The team released the roster decisions, as they are supposed to do, and brought back Andrés Perea. Fans are still waiting to see who will leave and which new players will join the squad. While they are still waiting, in a way, the Pigeons have announced the first signing of someone who has not played for the first team.

On Monday, NYCFC announced that the club has signed 21-year-old Cooper Flax to a Homegrown contract. He is the 18th Homegrown player in club history, highlighting the continued commitment to giving the best academy and former academy players the chance to make it with the first team.

Cooper Flax is the newest NYCFC Homegrown player

At the same time, the Pigeons want to see what Flax can do, which is why his contract is through 2026 with options for the next three seasons. He was successful in the academy and captained every single youth team he was a part of for NYCFC. Plus, his collegiate career at Wake Forrest University captured the club's eye, which is why he is getting the chance to play in Major League Soccer.

Originally from Dix Hills, Flax attended Half Hollow Hills High School East on Long Island. He spent four years with the NYCFC academy and committed to Wake Forrest. While he was there, he played in 75 games. He scored 21 times and had 18 assists, with his best season occurring in his senior year. He had nine goals and seven assists to earn All-ACC First Team honors and be named the team MVP.

Of course, 2025 was not the best season for Wake Forrest. The team went 7-4-6 and failed to make the NCAA tournament. As such, Flax's best season with the Demon Deacons was his junior year in 2024, when they went 12-5-7 and won the ACC Tournament.

The midfielder's success in college makes him someone who is promising. Of course, many players can be stars in college but fail to make it in MLS. Hopefully, that will not be the case for Flax. Still, he is excited for the challenge. "It’s awesome to sign with New York City FC," he told newyorkcityfc.com. "I grew up here and it really feels like home. There’s something special about walking back in and seeing all the trophies and accomplishments displayed on the walls. This is such a great Club with great people, and it was always a dream of mine to play for my hometown club."

He added, "This is another dream come true in my journey as a professional soccer player, especially having the opportunity to do it in my hometown. I can’t wait to step on the field, give everything for this badge, and play in front of the City’s amazing fans."

The amount of time Flax will play in 2026 is unknown, but perhaps he can prove right away that he can contribute to NYCFC.