USL-C U19 Impact Rankings

Jamison was the most impactful U19 player by a landslide and is a top 20 2006 prospect. He got off to a slow start this season and I start to worry about his progression, but he started to play with a lot more confidence in the second half of the season. I would expect that his move is coming, whether that is to MLS, where has been reported interest, or to Europe.

Pickering moved to Memphis two and a half years ago from FC Dallas' academy. He is a unique player, not an out and out striker, not a winger, but he's always found ways to score goals. This year, the goal contribution production has gone down. Still, he was a solid contributor for Memphis. I am not sure he is ready for a jump in level. USL might still be the best place for him to develop.

It's encouraging to see USL academy products on this list. USL has struggled to produce it's own talent, but Neidlinger is an Indy Eleven product through and through. He had a very solid season playing right-back, right wing-back and left-back, showing his positional versatility. One more year as a full-time starter and he could be looking at a move to MLS.

Gnaulati moved from San Diego Loyal to Monterrey Bay after San Diego Loyal dissolved. Gnaulati is a son of a coach and got his first real opportunity to have a key role on a first team. He did well to progress the ball with his dribbling this year, but struggled a bit defensively and with his passing. Another year in USL is the right path for his development.

Perez was loaned to Birmingham from St. Louis City for the 2024 season. He appeared in 27 games, but only started four times. This isn't the level of involvement I was expecting from but his G+ grade was above replacement level and he was a reliable squad player for Birmingham all season. I am not sure he showed St. Louis he is ready to be a contributor for their first team, so another loan to USL could make sense for him next season.

Worth is one of the top prospects in USL and a top 50 prospect from July's rankings. He moved to USL last season from the New York Red Bulls academy. His first season in USL was with FC Tulsa where he had a breakout year of sort, earning over 900 minutes. It looked as though he would be in line for a big time role with Tulsa, but a change in leadership interrupted those plans. He struggled find playing time early in the season and subsequently found a move to Tampa Bay. There he played more of a significant role and started to pick up where he left off last season.

He turns 18 before the next USL season, but after the transfer window. It's possible that his representation lines up a move to Europe that will be triggered during the summer transfer window. Until then, he will continue to develop at Tampa Bay.

Ukaegbu is one of the most improved players I have seen in 2024 and he was rewarded eight appearances, six of them being starts. The top 20 2007 player struggled at time defensively, but he showcased his elite ability on the ball as a dribbler and passer. As he continues to develop physically and learn the intricacies of his position, he will become a more reliable defender. Hopefully we see him earn over 1,500 minutes next season. He turns 18 in March and at that point he would have the opportunity to be sold to Europe. I am sure there is also significant interest in MLS. FC Cincinnati tried hard to recruit him into their academy before he signed with his hometown club, Sacramento Republic.

Alekseev is another homegrown prospect that was developed within Oakland's 510 Project, their academy equivalent. Alekseev struggled at times, but got into some good positions off of the ball and found the bag of the net twice.

I have been a big fan of Norris' game since he first started getting minutes with Orange County last season. I expected a bigger role for him this year, but he got on the field a bit and showed his ability to win balls and progress the ball through the midfield. Norris has another year before he needs to decide the next step of his soccer career. He has committed to Washington University and there has been some MLS Next Pro interest, but it's unclear what he will do next.

Hamouda is the second top 50 prospect on this and he is also the youngest player to crack the top ten. Ramouda played in 14 games and started six times, mostly as a left-back even though his natural position is center-back. Hamouda does not turn 18 until May of 2026, so he at least one and a half more years in USL to grow. I would expect a bigger role for him next year, potentially at center-back.