Under 23 players in the USL (I part, goalkeeper and defenders)

One of my favorite things about scouting is seeing potential in underrated leagues, teams and/or players. In recent years I have focused on the USL Championship, from there they have developed players that later go to the MLS and Europe (Joshua Wynder to Benfica, Diego Luna to Real Salt Lake among the most relevant). That is why this list is of players who belong to USL teams, they do not include those on loan from MLS teams. I consider that those from the MLS are already within a structure that is more developed and are already on the radar of big teams. I also only considered players who have relevant minutes this season, there are several who have enormous potential but have not played enough to show themselves (Corcoran for example).

Goalkeeper: It was not easy to find goalkeepers under 23 years old who have played a number of relevant minutes in the USL who do not belong to MLS or an Argentine team. The only 2 options with more than 7 games played are Jackson Lee of Rhode Island and Felipe Rodriguez of Miami FC. Two others have only 3 and 4 games respectively Timothy Syrel (Oakland) and Jacob Randolph (Pittsburgh) so the sample is very small.

Jackson Lee (10/09/2001) played in the 2nd division in his country, Australia, before coming to the USA to play university. LAFC chose him in the 1st round of the draft but Jackson preferred to sign with Rhode Island in his debut season. Tall goalkeeper of 1.90 cm (6'3'') who goes to the floor with a lot of reach for low shots. Good reflexes.

Center backs:

Ashton Miles is one of the youngest on this list and is one of those who has played the most minutes. The OC trusted him this season from the beginning when he was just 19 years old (he will turn 20 in October). Tough in defensive duels, 76% of duels won. He knows how to use his muscles to win those duels. He has good vision and knows how to get out of pressure to give the progressive pass, 81% effective in passes and 60% successful passes in the opponent's field. Potential: MLS starter.

Pape Boye (12/30/2003) It is an interesting case, if he had chosen to go to the MLS draft he would probably have been chosen in the 1st round, there are even those who say that among the top 10, but he preferred to go to the USL, apart from having been part of the Senegal national team beach soccer. He is a central defender with a good run on the ball, with good physique and vision to pass into the opposite field. Generally he is the one who has the role of giving out the ball, looking for the midfielders between the lines although he has given assists and key passes moving into the rival field and giving the pass to the last third. Long legs and strides (185 cm), good aerial game, he is attentive to cover the spaces left by his teammates using his good speed. Potential: Medium-high level league in Europe such as Belgium or Scotland.

Fullbacks:

Shawn Smart (24/02/2004) He is one of the many young players on the Las Vegas team, and he is the 2nd on this list who played at Clemson University (the other is Pape Boye). He is a fullback with offensive potential, good dribbling and speed, he generates counterattacks as if he were a winger with quick transfers. 16 shots and 15 key passes in 1,500 minutes is proof that he can play inside and shoot or assist as he sees the opportunity. Potential: He seems ready for MLS, and potential for Scotland or Switzerland.

Aldair Sánchez (06/06/2002) of Sacramento Republic is more of a wingback than a fullback. He plays a little further forward, putting more pressure on the opponent's field and participating more in the final third. Despite not having any assistance for now, he has 9 key passes. He has a 32% success rate in crosses into the area, his pass effectiveness in the opponent's field is 76%. His rights on the MLS belong to DC United although he does not have a contract with them but with Sacramento Republic (strange MLS rule). Potential: Substitute left back in MLS.

Other options:

Timothy Syrel is a 6′ 5″ GK of Oakland Roots. He is 20 years old, a lot of room to grow in that position.

Sean Suber is my 3rd option for center backs. He played MLSNP last year.?

Owen Damm can play on both sides although he is a natural right-hander. Tall for the position although he lacks muscle. He is brave and insistent in defensive duels, with a good sense of urgency.

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