Last season, San Diego Loyal SC’s Jackson Kasanzu had positive moments after stepping into the professional ranks late in the season after previously starring for USL League Two club AFC Ann Arbor.

The Tanzanian even bagged his first professional goal, in SD Loyal’s late-season victory against Phoenix Rising FC, his first professional start.

Saturday’s 2023 season opener, though, felt like a statement for where the 19-year-old who has Simba – his middle name – on the back of his jersey might be headed this season. He put in a stellar display in San Diego’s 1-0 victory against Detroit City FC, highlighted by the lone goal of the game.

“I think I’ve said before, Jackson, and [Ebenezer Ackon], we added them late, and they were from last year but really they were signed for this season,” said SD Loyal Head Coach Nate Miller. “You could see what they give us, just a lot of dueling athleticism, and they were incredible tonight. And Jackson, you know, he’s a gamer. He’s a teenager. He’s 19, and he’s learning, but he performed really well.”

Kasanzu tied for the most interceptions by an individual player in the Championship on opening weekend with six. He also won both of his contested tackles and 4 of 6 aerial duels as SD Loyal was one of only two teams to notch a shutout.

It’s a bright start for a player that SD Loyal believes has plenty of potential for not only this season, but the future.

“[Miller] supported me a lot,” said Kasanzu. “He’s saying, ‘keep going, keep going, every day you want to step [forward],’ so I appreciate that.”

Here’s who else caught our eye this weekend…

Fidel Barajas, Charleston Battery – The Mexico U-17 international was impressive for the Battery, making good decisions on the ball and completing 4 of 5 crosses alongside two chances created in his side’s 1-1 draw with Phoenix Rising FC.

Abdoul Zanne, Loudoun United FC – The 20-year-old picked up a late assist to help ice Loudoun’s victory against Memphis 901 FC and completed 9 of 13 passes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Bryce Jamison, Orange County SC – The 17-year-old looked bright after coming on as a late substitute for the hosts against Louisville City FC, completing 3 of 4 dribbles and winning 4 of 4 duels.

Collin Smith, Birmingham Legion FC – Smith was employed in a more advanced role in midfield, but his defensive qualities showed in winning 4 of 4 aerial duels and 7 of 9 duels overall in Legion FC’s 1-1 draw with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

Dylan Hernandez, Rio Grande Valley FC – Shout-out to the 15-year-old, whose late cameo in the Toros’ 1-1 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC marked his professional debut and made him the youngest player to appear in the Championship for RGVFC at 15 years, 314 days old.