The new USL Championship season begins this weekend as the league continues to grow and develop.
One of the most interesting elements of the league is the opportunities it provides for young players. Over the past year, promising young players have moved to both European clubs and Major League Soccer teams.
With such support, teams have focused their efforts on acquiring young talent. Among them were MLS academy players and local celebrities.
As the new season begins, we would like to introduce some young players who have signed professional contracts to keep an eye on this season.
Isaiah Kirkush, Phoenix Rising FC
A center back and holding midfielder, Kirkush is one of America's top prospects born in 2008. He only turned 16 this year, but it will be interesting to see if he can earn playing time on an ambitious team like Phoenix. He has earned playing time early in the preseason and playing time in the midfield may not be out of the question.
Marco Rios, Colorado Springs
The first player signed from Colorado Springs' youth team, Rios is a midfielder who appeared in several league games in 2023.He is set to turn 19 at the end of the year and can stake his rights to regular minutes
Etzgal Cruz, Auckland roots
Cruz, a longtime member of the Roots organization, signed with Oakland at the end of 2023. The Modesto-born forward made his USLC debut last summer after excelling in USL League 2 playing against his old rivals.
Blake Willey, Sacramento Republic FC
Sacramento is aggressive in promoting and signing players from its strong academy. Davian Kimbrough made headlines when he was signed at just 13 years old, and Chibuike Ukaeb was a huge prospect in his own right. Willie is a midfielder who was signed in November and could break into the matchday squad as the season progresses. He has been in camp with the U.S. youth team for the past two years and hopes to continue his form.
Diego Sanchez, Indy Eleven
A technical, clean-cut midfielder who can adapt to the demands of tight spaces, adapting to the physical demands of the league will likely be a big part of Sanchez's playing time. He just signed a professional contract in December 2023 and will be heading into the first season of his professional career looking to make an impact.
Benjamin Barjolo, Orange County, South Carolina
Bajolo, originally from Atlanta, moved to Orange County from the MLS side and eventually signed. He is a talented and dynamic player who can play as a winger or an outside back. The focus for him this year will be on both continuing to adapt to the pros and showing consistency, which is difficult for a 17-year-old. Bryce Jamison is also expected to be a starter from the opening game.
Matthew Corcoran, Birmingham Legion
A little older than some of the younger players, Corcoran was part of the first wave of talented players from MLS academies looking to start their careers in the USL. The central midfielder, who was also selected for the USA's Under-17 World Cup squad, is a highly technical player and will need to show the right level of dynamism to make the move to Europe. Showing he can play regularly and have an impact on games, even at 18, are both factors worth keeping an eye on at the start of the new season.
Julian Placias, North Carolina FC
North Carolina State, which returned to the USL Championship this season, jumped into the youth movement last year. Placid and Adrian Pelayo were added to the roster after signing LAFC Academy midfielder Kairom Ramsden. Pracias will likely be slightly more likely to feature as he adds an offensive option off the bench.
Xavi Gnaulati, Monterey Bay FC
Gnaurati, a central midfielder and former member of the San Diego Surfs, signed a professional contract with the San Diego Royals shortly before the team disbanded. His two-goal performance against Monterey Bay FC must have left a big mark on the team he moved to shortly after.
Nate Wirth, FC Tulsa
Wirth, who is part of the MLS Academy contingent to the USL, is a midfielder from the Red Bulls Academy. He signed at the beginning of the 2023 season and performed very well at the age of 16. He's a year older now and started his new season by playing in 17 games and playing nearly 1,000 minutes last year. As he eyes a new campaign, taking a step forward is not out of the question.