YNT-eligible lower-division pro players: 2019/2020 Offseason thread

I wouldn't be surprised if Solar resisted Josh trying to break his academy contractual obligations mid-season. Even if that were the case, Solar wouldn't block a Sporting transfer but be okay with San Antonio FC one.

 

I agree with your latter point. I had heard that the former point was the point of contention about Ramsey moving last summer. Done too late for the club's liking. It was before any of the games had started, but the season had already begun, and I suspect the player-agreement was already signed. I would've let him move because I think Solar needs to see the bigger picture and let a player that age better his development, if he thinks thats best done elsewhere.

 

I don't know about his HG eligibility, but this dude is from the absolute middle of nowhere.

 

I think the rule is a year with no number of appearances requirement.

 

I think FC Dallas and Solar are letting their competitive juices hamper their judgement on kids. I’m sure both have reasons but once kids are ready for pro seals coaches should as professional as possible and tell kids how it is. If that means FCD is the best choice for a bit then they should say that. And FC Dallas needs to do something ( not sure what) for local teams when they sign one of their kids to a pro contract. If Solar ever gets their own adult teams my opinion would be different. But then I also think it’s not all bad to play a year or two with an MLS team and move when you’re 19-21 and an established starter instead of just a prospect. We shall see where Cannon ends up but he’s exactly what I’m talking about. Would he have been better off going straight to a random Bundesliga team like Llanez did instead of Fall season at UCLA and then 2.5 years at FCD?

 

A live look at Eric Quill and his staff looking over the #FCDallas roster to see who they would like to add when USL-1 play begins July 18.#DTID #NTXSC pic.twitter.com/MBFjKwVara

— 3rd Degree (@3rdDegreeNet) July 6, 2020

 

I think (don't hold me to the "who") Lucci told a group at the pre-season tailgate that if a players family moves to a new territory the player can change academies. I don't remember if there's a period they have to wait before they're eligible to play. That might answer why a few players have been able to change. Most families can't just up and move because so their kid can change amateur academies but Lederman's parents went to Spain and Pulisic's dad went to Germany (but after he was signed).

 

https://redbullhub.net/2020/07/08/new-york-red-bulls-ii-usl-championship-return-to-play-preview/

 

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros have signed Jonathan Jimenez, a '97, the fire drafted him 26th overall in the last SuperDraft but he didn't end up signing for whatever reason. They also signed James Murphy, a '97, who was with LAFC in the past.

https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1112675

Real Monarchs signed Ryan Sierakowski, also a '97, from Timbers 2.

https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1112621

 

If the article is to be believed, he's an '02.

 

It appears that Birmingham Legion have signed a late '02 named Braxton Najib, no word if its a pro or amateur deal. He played for RSL's academy as well as Pateadores in the past. It looks like he was training with Orange County in the spring based on his Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/braxnaj11/

 

I didn’t realize USL was coming back today. Have I not been paying enough attention or did others see this?

 

First game of the day is Real Monarchs vs. San Diego. The Monarchs don't tend to use that many academy kids in USL.

Jeff Dewsnup ('04) is on the bench for Real Monarchs. If he wants (and doesn't prefer Europe instead), I'm sure he'll be signing a HG contract within the next year. It'd probably be best to spread things out, and not have two YNT keepers competing with each other for the same eventual starting spot.

Zack Farnsworth ('02) and Bode Davis ('02) both are starting. Two good academy level players. Maybe they amount to something after a few years of college soccer. Not high level prospects though IMO. Devin Vega ('98), a former highly rated FCD academy player, is also among the YNT-eligible starters. I always thought he was very talented, and could've amounted to a good player (present tense, as well).

Nothing interesting on the San Diego side from my perspective, although I admittedly don't know their roster as well.

 

Is there a running list of US YNT eligible kids on USL rosters right now?

 

Carleton starts for Indy vs Saint Louis.

 

Big name here is Wiley. Pretty good player IMO. Matthew Edwards is a newer recruit to the Atlanta academy, so he might be as well. I also like Reilly and Reyes.

#ATLUTD 2 lists 8 academy players in the media resources for tomorrow's match against Tampa Bay Rowdies, including 5 who have yet to make their pro debut. Some clue as to who may get a chance in USL in the next few weeks #ATLUTD pic.twitter.com/AZNrUyiqyb

— ATLUTD Prospects (@ATLUTDprospects) July 10, 2020

Liked how this guy played at the Nike Friendlies. Looks a much improved player this year. One to watch out for.

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I think I've mentioned this before, but look how fast he closes on the ball. It frightens defenders. They know that they cannot show him the ball, otherwise he's taking it from them, and they have no chance to catch him.

Nice pressing action and assist by @KingYaya051 during #NYRBII inter squad scrimmage pic.twitter.com/KIpYbyz5LO

— Eric Friedlander (@Efried97) July 11, 2020

 

It’s very long and the Olympics delay is only making it worse!

This is the season when every random USL signing out of a college is YNT eligible.

 

Too bad Toure’s soccer IQ is abysmal and his ball skills are sub par. Outside of speed I don’t see it with this kid. He isn’t the prospect he was 2 years ago.