Kimbrough, 13, makes historic debut for Sacramento Republic

At 13 years, 7 months, and 13 days, Kimbrough entered Sunday’s game against Las Vegas

Da’vian Kimbrough made a historic pro debut for the Sacramento Republic on Sunday, becoming the youngest professional soccer player to play in a competitive match in the United States.

At age 13 years, 7 months, and 13 days, Kimbrough came on as an 87th-minute substitution in the Republic’s 2-0 win over the Las Vegas Lights in a USL Championship match.

In case you didn’t want to do the math, that means Kimbrough was born in 2010.

Kimbrough broke the record previously held by Máximo Carizzo, who debuted for New York City FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro last year at age 14 years, 4 months, and 26 days.

In August, Kimbrough signed for the Republic out of the club’s academy, making him the youngest professional athlete in American team sports history.

Republic coach Mark Briggs said after the game that even in his brief cameo, Kimbrough showed some glimpses of why he is so highly rated.

“We’ve got to continue to drive our local talent, continue to develop our local talent, and Da’vian is obviously a special one that we’re fortunate to have for a long time,” Briggs said. “And I think you saw in glimpses today the ability the kid has. He’s a special talent and we look forward to developing him.”

Kimbrough admitted that he was feeling some nerves before his history-making appearance, but as soon as he was on the field he felt much more at ease.

“I was a bit nervous at first before I got subbed on,” he said. “But once I got on the field, at the end of the day it’s just soccer. So I was just doing what I love.”

He added: “My main goal when I got in was to touch the ball a little bit, pass, move. Hopefully next time I can score.”

[lawrence-related id=25263,26638,6694]

U.S. youth star Osundina joins Feyenoord from Orange County SC

The 19-year-old joins the Dutch powerhouse from the USL Championship side

U.S. youth international forward Korede Osundina has completed a transfer to Dutch champion Feyenoord from Orange County SC.

ESPN reported that Feyenoord paid $215,000 for Osundina, with that fee potentially rising to more than $1 million if incentives are met. The 19-year-old will be loaned to Dutch second-tier side Dordrecht for the 2023-24 season.

“I’m beyond thrilled to move to Feyenoord and continue my career in the Netherlands,” Osundina said in a club release. “OCSC gave me the opportunity to play professional soccer and develop me, with a clear path to playing in Europe that I couldn’t have found elsewhere. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time in Irvine, and want to thank everyone at the club for their incredible support.”

Over two seasons with the USL Championship club, Osundina made 37 appearances. He’s scored four goals in the current campaign.

Osundina’s transfer is the first between OCSC and Feyenoord, after the two clubs announced a strategic partnership in February of this year.

“Since our partnership with OCSC began, it became clear to me that the club offers a clear pathway to Europe for emerging talents in the USA,” said Mark Rijul, head of global football at Feyenoord.

“OCSC has a very good technical infrastructure, highly competitive environment and a long-term vision that develops players like Korede for the next level. With this move, we believe Korede can take the next steps in his career, and we are thrilled to help him with that at Feyenoord.”

Osundina, an Illinois native, has been capped by the U.S. at the U-17 and U-19 levels.

[lawrence-related id=27222,27085,27077]

David Ochoa, 22, hired as Ventura County Fusion youth goalkeeper coach

The former U.S. and Mexico youth international has been without a club since May

Former U.S. and Mexico youth international goalkeeper David Ochoa has been hired as a youth goalkeeper coach for USL League Two side Ventura County Fusion.

The 22-year-old has been without a club since May, when he was released by Liga MX side Atlético San Luis amid reports of indiscipline. It wasn’t the first time Ochoa had left a club in acrimonious fashion.

Ochoa rose to prominence in 2021 with Real Salt Lake before a very public falling out with the club the following year.

“[Ochoa] was tardy a couple times, and just training habits weren’t up to par,” RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni told ESPN last year.

“At that point, we had quite a few conversations about being a professional footballer. It’s not always about starting. It’s about understanding how to conduct yourself within a club. We have club rules, we have team rules, locker rules, and you have to abide by those, regardless of who you are, or what you did last year.”

Though Ochoa appears to be taking a detour from his playing career, Ventura County’s academy director Keith Costigan hinted that the goalkeeper wasn’t quite ready to hang up his gloves just yet.

“So happy our staff made this happen,” Costigan said on X (formerly Twitter). “David is a top young keeper who will have many great years ahead. Excited to have him mentor our next generation of talent.”

Ochoa has represented both the U.S. and Mexico at youth international levels, and has been called up at the senior level by both countries. He committed his international future to Mexico in 2021.

[lawrence-related id=18751,26638,26543]

USL Championship side San Diego Loyal will fold after 2023 season

The USL franchise was under threat after MLS awarded San Diego an expansion team for the 2025 season

The San Diego Loyal will cease operations after the 2023 USL Championship season, the club has announced.

In a statement, USL said that the decision was made because a “viable near- and long-term stadium solution in the market did not materialize.” The club has been playing at Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that this will be the last season for San Diego Loyal,” the club’s owner Andrew Vassiliadis said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“For those of you who got to know me, spent some time talking to me, you know how much this hurts for me to say. I love our city, I was born and raised here, and I will always be loyal to San Diego.

“I don’t see myself taking this project anywhere else, and I refuse to put an inferior product in front of you.”

The long-term viability of the Loyal was put into doubt this May, when MLS awarded San Diego an expansion franchise that will begin play in 2025.

At the time, Vassiliadis issued a statement declaring his intent to continue on, concluding: “Our plan is simple. We aren’t going anywhere.”

Vassiliadis started the franchise in 2020 alongside co-owner and U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan, who served as the team’s head coach for three seasons. After the 2022 season, Donovan stepped down as coach and took a role as executive VP of soccer operations.

The USL said the Loyal’s franchise rights will be transfered to a new ownership group.

“Having a modern, commercially viable stadium solution is vital to our clubs’ long-term success and is a pillar of the USL’s growth strategy,” said USL Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis. “Despite collectively pursuing multiple potential options with SD Loyal’s leadership in the San Diego area, an appropriate stadium solution has not materialized.”

[lawrence-related id=20017,20049,15394]

Kimbrough, 13, makes American soccer history after signing with Sacramento

Da’vian Kimbrough is a name to remember

The youth movement in U.S. soccer is not slowing down.

Da’vian Kimbrough, aged 13 years, 5 months and 13 days, signed with Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship on Tuesday, making him the youngest person to agree to a professional contract in this country’s soccer history.

The previous record holder is believed to be Maximo Carrizo, who signed a professional deal with NYCFC on his 14th birthday in 2022. It is believed that Kimbrough is the youngest player to sign a contract in any major U.S. team sport.

“Da’vian’s journey with Republic FC is just beginning. He is a remarkable talent who has committed to his dream of becoming an elite player, from competing with players in older age groups and thriving at top competitions, to stepping on to the first team training grounds,” Sacramento general manager Todd Dunivant said in a press release. “We are honored that the Kimbrough family and Da’vian have chosen Republic FC to support his professional pathway, and we look forward to taking the next steps together.”

According to the club, Kimbrough has trained with the first team in the past, and will be placed on a “mixed training regimen” that will see him work with both the Republic senior squad as well as academy teams. Sacramento has also crafted a plan with an education partner to allow Kimbrough to continue with school while he takes these first steps as a professional player.

Kimbrough has yet to appear for a U.S. youth national team, though he did participate in a U.S. Soccer youth national team identification camp in October 2022. The clock may be ticking already, as Kimbrough is eligible for both the U.S. and Mexico.

Per Sacramento, Kimbrough boosted his profile at the Bassevelde U13 Cup, a notable Belgian youth event featuring Under-13 sides from traditional European powers like Benfica and Juventus. Kimbrough, playing as a guest for the New York Red Bulls, ended up as the tournament’s MVP after scoring six goals.

[lawrence-related id=24169,7044,15972]

Louisville City defender Wynder completes record transfer to Benfica

The 18-year-old is the first USL player to be sold for a seven-figure fee

Louisville City defender Josh Wynder has completed a record-breaking transfer to Portuguese giants Benfica.

Wynder will join Benfica on a deal worth a reported $1.2 million plus add-ons, the first seven-figure sale of a player from the USL.

Pro Soccer Wire reported in March that the teenager would join the Portuguese champions after his 18th birthday in May, with Monaco and Red Bull Salzburg also interested in the U.S. youth international.

Wynder is coming off a solid performance at the U-20 World Cup, where he started four of the team’s five games despite being one of the youngest members of the squad.

“I’m very grateful to Louisville City for everything the club has done for me,” Wynder told the club’s website. “It’s a dream come true to sign with Benfica, and I can’t wait to get started there. Although my career’s taking me overseas, I’ll always be proud of where I’m from and represent Louisville to the best of my ability.”

Wynder, a Louisville native, signed his first professional deal with his hometown club in 2021 and has gone on to make 45 total appearances, scoring two goals.

The teenager also received his first senior USMNT call-up for April’s friendly against Mexico.

“This is a proud moment for Louisville City, our youth academy and our community,” said coach Danny Cruz. “We are going to miss seeing Josh in the locker room each day, but I could not be more proud of the path that he is on in his career. The type of person he is continues to stand out to me, and we look forward to watching him reach new heights to also become the best player he can be.”

[lawrence-related id=17389,15739,21112]

USL Super League aims to compete with NWSL — but it won’t be easy

The USL Super League is giving itself a mountain to climb

The USL Super League will seek Division One sanctioning from U.S. Soccer, a major shift for the burgeoning women’s league that would position them as a potential rival to the NWSL.

The Super League’s aim is to launch in August 2024 with 10-12 teams, but their ambitions have grown since stating in 2021 that they would pursue Division Two sanctioning. Per an announcement on Tuesday, USL intends to create a top-flight competitor for the NWSL that runs from fall to spring.

The USL says that this more ambitious posture is one “reflecting its commitment to the highest standards in American soccer and a collective vision to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field. The USL Super League will follow U.S. Soccer’s sanctioning process.”

Per a press release, USL CEO Alec Papadakis said that the new league “will sit at the top of our women’s pyramid with strong ownership groups, modern stadiums, and passionate fans that will deliver immediate viability and long-term sustainability.”

Papadakis added that the intention is “to make the USL Super League globally recognized and admired for its financial stability, operational excellence, community building and high-level competition. We are establishing and growing our national footprint while ensuring that all our teams are owners or primary tenants of a soccer stadium.”

That group of initial markets includes the following eight, with the league saying that more will be announced in the coming months:

  • Charlotte, N.C.
  • Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
  • Lexington, Ky.
  • Phoenix, Ariz.
  • Spokane, Wash.
  • Tampa Bay, Fla.
  • Tucson, Ariz.
  • Washington, D.C.

Six of those markets have some significant connection to an existing USL team on the men’s side. In some cases, the links are straightforward: the Phoenix, Lexington, and Tucson teams will be run by the ownership groups that control Phoenix Rising FC, Lexington SC, and FC Tucson. The Spokane entrant in the Super League is linked in the release with a forthcoming USL League One team set to begin play in 2024.

In some cases, the connections are present, if not outright stated. While the release makes no mention of USL League One’s Charlotte Independence, the Charlotte group is planning to play in the same venue (American Legion Memorial Stadium) and share the same majority owner (Dan DiMicco) as the Independence, whose CEO Jim McPhilliamy is leading “the formation of the club’s ownership group.”

DiMicco was previously said to be in the process of selling his Independence shares in the wake of Covid-19 conspiracy theory tweets and, per a report in The Athletic, concerns over alleged racial stereotyping. DiMicco was in 2021 condemned by the Independent Supporters Council for “hate speech, blatant racism, and conspiracy theories.”

The Washington, D.C. group will be run by Loudoun United FC majority owner Attain Sports and Entertainment, with the USL release saying that the new team would be operated “in partnership with D.C. United.” United already has the NWSL’s Washington Spirit as a tenant at Audi Field, as well as at their training facility in Leesburg, Va.

The USL Super League announcement lists five more cities as “initial markets for subsequent seasons (pending completion of a stadium project).” Those groups include:

  • Chattanooga, Tenn.
  • Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Jacksonville, Fla.
  • Madison, Wisc.
  • Oakland, Calif.

Four of those groups will be partners with existing USL men’s teams, while Jacksonville is connected to a future USL Championship expansion side aiming to begin play in 2025, and has an ownership group including former NFL player Tim Tebow.

“Following the inaugural season, the USL Super League will strategically expand its national footprint. Multiple expansion teams are confirmed to join the league upon completion of their stadium and infrastructure projects,” read the USL Super League statement. “In the coming months, the USL Super League will announce additional markets whose clubs will play in the inaugural season, and additional markets for future expansion.”

Challenges ahead for Super League

There is surely more room for a larger pool of professional soccer clubs for women in the United States, and the USL Super League knows it. Their announcement points to the fact that there are 101 professional clubs for men, while the NWSL’s 12 teams represent the entire pool in the women’s game.

It’s also no secret that the player pool exists to stock more teams. Dozens of players leave college for European contracts to keep playing, while NWSL teams often have unsigned players training with them. Many more players simply opt out of pursuing a career in soccer, taking their degrees and heading off into careers outside of sports.

There is also some degree of value in testing the oft-stated theory that a fall-to-spring league might have success on some fronts that U.S.-based leagues have found to be a headache. Will winter weather be too difficult to play through, or too daunting to draw crowds? Will aligning on a transfer market and international window front make for a smoother season? It hasn’t been tested, and the USL Super League could end up being a pioneer if the idea proves to be a success.

However, on two fronts, the USL has taken on a massive challenge. Firstly, there is some degree of precedent for multiple leagues wanting to hold Division One sanctioning, and it is ugly. The NASL, after years of acrimony with MLS and the USL, collapsed over a lack of a pathway to gain that approval from U.S. Soccer, and an inability to maintain a stable of teams that could actually meet the standards involved.

Moreover, in the women’s game, the NWSL’s very recent history is a crystal clear example of what happens when individual team resources aren’t significantly higher than what is listed in U.S. Soccer’s Pro League Standards.

NWSL clubs, even the ones that went through the worst troubles in the wake of the Yates and joint NWSL/NWSLPA investigations, met those standards, yet were still demonstrably unsafe environments. Players were subject to a lack of institutional protections at the club level, whether that be from harmful staff or owners or from the perspective of adequate facilities on the soccer side.

There is surely room for a hypothetical team that that meets USSF Division One standards and does not have a billionaire owner, Many of the problems the NWSL has run into were not entirely down to lack of funds, but instead involved bad actors, a lack of professionalism, and a lack of desire to do right by players. However, the resources help prevent all of those things, and in so many cases across the NWSL, better investment has lead to better outcomes.

It has been difficult for all of soccer’s history in this country to find the number of stable, well-run ownership groups needed to run any league. MLS was infamously pronounced dead by its cadre of team owners before Lamar Hunt rallied them to carry on, while USL has seen six fully professional men’s teams fold since the end of the 2019 season.

Two whole women’s soccer leagues have gone under since the turn of the century, and most of the early history of the NWSL (and many of its failings) centers around fear of collapse rather than striving to build something great. NWSL has had multiple teams fold or relocate in a hurry, and its 2023 progress still has to be seen as the fragile early moments of something more sturdy taking root. This is a hard business to be in, and an even harder one to do right.

The USL Super League, if it can meet the goals it has laid out, would be a dramatic step in the right direction. However, when placed in the context of both women’s sports and professional soccer in the United States, their own stated objectives — 10-12 teams, at soccer-specific venues where they hold control over the schedule, beginning play in 15 months — are going to be immensely difficult to pull off.

[lawrence-related id=19561,19120,16748]

Paul McDonough, once banned from MLS, is the new USL president

McDonough was Inter Miami sporting director when the club violated MLS roster and budget rules

The United Soccer League announced on Monday that Paul McDonough has been named president and chief soccer officer.

The veteran soccer executive replaces Jake Edwards, who stepped down last month after 10 successful years with the USL, including eight as president.

McDonough has plenty of experience at the highest levels of American soccer, having previously served as chief soccer officer at the Wasserman agency, chief operating officer and sporting director at Inter Miami, and vice president of soccer operations for Atlanta United, among other roles.

He will now oversee the sprawling USL, which has three professional leagues (USL Championship, USL Super League, and USL League One), seven total leagues, 36 professional clubs, and nearly 200 pre-professional teams across the United States.

“The USL is thrilled to welcome Paul McDonough, one of the most respected and qualified soccer executives in the United States, at a pivotal moment in our evolution as the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States. His experience and knowledge of soccer in America and football abroad are unmatched as it relates to both the on-field product and the business of sports,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said in a news release.

Unsurprisingly, that release did not mention the one rather glaring blight on McDonough’s otherwise sterling resume: his MLS suspension for league rules violations during his time with Inter Miami.

In May 2021, MLS announced that McDonough had been banned through the 2022 season after Inter Miami violated league roster and budget rules by having four designated players on its roster in 2020. The club also underreported the salary budget amounts for three players.

In addition to McDonough’s ban, Inter Miami was fined $2 million and MLS reduced the amount of allocation money the club could use for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

After the suspension, McDonough was forced to leave his position with Atlanta United, which he had joined after leaving Miami.

In March 2022, McDonough was reinstated from his ban early.

[lawrence-related id=19100,19095,19052]

Source: Josh Wynder completes $1.5m Benfica transfer

The 17-year-old has completed a transfer to Portuguese giants Benfica

Louisville City defender Josh Wynder has completed a transfer to Benfica, a source in Portugal tells Pro Soccer Wire.

The highly rated 17-year-old will make the move to Europe this summer. All medicals have been conducted and Wynder’s contract has been signed with the Portuguese club.

The transfer is worth $1.5 million plus potential add-ons, making it the largest in USL history. The previous record was Kobi Henry’s move to Reims from Orange County SC for a reported $700,000.

Pro Soccer Wire reported last week that Benfica fended off offers from Monaco and Red Bull Salzburg to land Wynder, one of the top prospects in the United States youth national team setup.

Wynder already has 32 career appearances in the USL Championship, despite not turning 18 until May.

Last season, Wynder started 21 games for Louisville City as well as appearing in five games for the United States U-19s. His breakout season saw him nominated for the 2022 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year.

Going into the weekend, Benfica has an incredible 22-2-1 record in the Primeira Liga, sitting eight points clear atop the table. Last week, they thoroughly dismantled Belgian outfit Club Brugge to advance to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

[lawrence-related id=15685,15550,15673]

Source: Louisville City defender Josh Wynder set for Benfica transfer

The 17-year-old has become one of the best prospects in the American pipeline

Louisville City defender Josh Wynder is closing in on a move to Portuguese giant Benfica, a source tells Pro Soccer Wire.

The fee for the 17-year-old is expected to be somewhere between $1.3 million and $1.5 million, which would be a USL record.

The move could be completed as soon as this weekend, with Wynder able to move to Europe when he turns 18 on May 2.

Wynder started 21 games for Louisville City in the USL Championship last year, while also making five appearances for the United States U-19s. The center back’s exploits in 2022 earned him a nomination for U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year.

There was plenty of interest across Europe for the 6-foot-3 defender, considered one of the best American prospects at any position. Benfica has beaten out Monaco and Red Bull Salzburg, among other European clubs.

The move sees yet another American sign with a top European club, but this one is unique in that Wynder is coming not from MLS but the second division. It is another seminal moment for the USL as they continue to forge a developmental pyramid independent of the top domestic league in the United States, offering young players another way to not just earn professional minutes but eventually make a high-profile move overseas.

Last summer, Kobi Henry broke the USL transfer record when he joined Ligue 1 side Reims from Orange County SC for a reported $700,000.

[lawrence-related id=14134,15186,14981]