When Birmingham Legion FC’s Matthew Corcoran was told he had been selected to the United States U-17 Men’s National Team’s final training camp before the FIFA Men’s U-17 World Cup in late September, he took it in stride.

“My first reaction was, I was ready,” said Corcoran this week. “I was just really excited because I felt that I’d been having a good year, a good season, so to hear that news come in and to have an opportunity to go make a name for myself for the World Cup was something I was very excited about.”

It was an opportunity Corcoran’s play for Legion FC in the USL Championship seemed to merit.

Part of one of the more experienced squads in the league in Birmingham – per Transfermarkt, Legion FC’s squad averages an age of 26.7 years old, fifth-highest in the league – the 17-year-old logged more than 30 appearances and 1,834 minutes in the Championship’s regular season.

He scored his first professional goal in May with a superb free kick against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and also notched three assists and 29 chances created while helping hold down the center of the field as a distributor and ball-winner in Legion FC’s midfield.

As he joined up with the squad in Brazil in early October for a week of training and two exhibitions against its hosts, Corcoran embraced the opportunity.

“It's really cool to see where you always stack up against the best in the world,” he said. “Brazil is one of the biggest names in world football, so go there and play, it’s cool and fun, especially to see different styles, different players, different ways that people play.

“I think the [USYNT] team also helped me in a way of just being comfortable playing the system. I definitely felt like I made a good case [for the World Cup].”

The exciting winger started in OCSC’s victory against El Paso Locomotive FC last Saturday night – getting robbed of his first postseason goal by a brilliant save by El Paso goalkeeper Benny Díaz – as the qualities he’s sharpened this year continued to shine while competing for club and country.

“A lot of the guys were very helpful,” said Jamison of his teammates. “Helpful with my development and getting me to understand the different levels of the game and different ways to just play.

“[I’ve gained] knowledge, definitely. Understanding different situations, I do that a lot better now thanks to my teammates, for sure.”

Jamison is the third player who will represent Orange County at the FIFA Men’s U-17 World Cup. Four years ago, when the tournament was last held, goalkeeper Aaron Cervantes and midfielder Bryang Kayo were both named in the squad. Both players headed to Europe through the club, and more recently OCSC has secured major transfers for defender Kobi Henry to Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims and forward Korede Osundina to the Eredivisie’s Feyenoord.

With five goals and 10 assists this season for the Battery, Barajas has broken new ground while becoming a star in the Championship’s youth movement. After the overseas moves by Gomez and Henry previously, Louisville City FC’s Joshua Wynder took up the mantle as he featured earlier this year for the United States U-20 Men’s National Team before a league-record transfer to Portuguese giant Benfica.

Barajas, meanwhile, was named to The Guardian’s Next Generation 2023 list earlier this month and voted the USL Players Association’s Young Player of the Year this week. The California native is the latest to attract the spotlight after his individual progression has helped the Battery to a chance at a league title.

“I mean, it's just really putting this league out there,” said Barajas of his World Cup call-up, and those of Corcoran, Ferree and Jamison for the United States. “Being able to go to a World Cup is something not many people get to do. I feel like even though they’re with the U.S. and I’m with Mexico, it just shows that the USL is the right way to go. It helps you improve your game, makes you a really good player.”

In the case of Barajas and Jamison, their respective moves to Charleston and Orange County came after earning opportunities with youth national team programs as Academy players at the San Jose Earthquakes and the Barca Residency Academy in Arizona.

For Corcoran, however, joining Legion FC seemingly provided a pathway into the USYNT program. When he started for the U.S. U-17s against Brazil on October 6, it was the first official appearance he had made for the program overall.

For that, he credits his experience with Legion FC. He’s bonded closely with Juan Agudelo, who in 2009 was in the same place getting ready for a U-17 World Cup. He’s also well regarded by the other members of the squad and has received plenty of feedback from club President Jay Heaps and Head Coach Tom Soehn as this new opportunity arrives.

“Being in a professional locker and professional environment where you have to stick up for yourself, you have to know when you do badly, know when you do good, and just work very, very hard,” said Corcoran. “It’s very, very valuable discussions, learning just how other people view your performances and how you have done this year.

“[Heaps, Soehn and I have] talked a lot about how I’ve grown this year and just continue to grow each time I play, but talking with them has been good and obviously we’ll see what the next step is soon.”

Before that, Corcoran and Barajas could square off this Saturday night as Legion FC visits the Battery in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs. The two connected this week to congratulate each other on their respective call-ups with the knowledge this will be their final club game of the season before they depart for the U.S. and Mexico training camps, respectively.

Jamison, meanwhile, will try to help Orange County continue its pursuit of a second Championship title as they face Phoenix Rising FC in the Western Conference Semifinals. All three are hoping to come home to Championship Final Winner’s medals after taking aim at success in Indonesia.

“I feel like even though it’ll be my last playoff game, I feel like the team has got it,” said Barajas of his Battery teammate’s chances. “I feel like they have what it takes to win it all.”

“It’d be absolutely crazy,” added Jamison. “I’d be buzzing, for sure. I think we have a great shot at it right now with the team and all the work that every individual on the squad has put in. It’s leading up to, hopefully, a championship again.”

After their respective success in the USL Championship, the World Cup stage awaits.

From there, the soccer world may be their oyster.