The 2020 USL Championship season kicks off this weekend.
It continues an interesting time for a league that likes to brand itself as one of the best second divisions in world soccer.
There’s no doubt that the league’s growth is impressive, even if it’s unclear just how stable a handful of the time just might be. Some teams simple look to leverage the league as a chance to prove that they are ready for MLS, some teams are obviously used to develop players for MLS and others look to simply excel in the USL.
Ahead of the new season, young domestic players continue to receive playing time in the league. It can be rare for some USL independent teams, but with the league trying to emphasize academies and development, there are some players that either leave college soccer early, and the rare few that have bypassed college altogether to turn pro.
Keep an eye on these eight young, domestic players who are signed to independent USL Championship teams and could make strides forward in the 2020 season.
