The first week in April across the USL Championship and League One featured a notable first appearance of the campaign that proved a game-winner for his side, some impressive midweek performances that paved the way to success in the U.S. Open Cup, and a pair of 18-year-old USL Academy signings delivering eye-catching displays for USL Championship clubs.

Here are 7 players you need to know from Week 5 of the campaign.

Nighte Pickering, Las Vegas Lights FC

After his offseason move to Las Vegas Lights, this past Saturday was Nighte Pickering’s first chance to show what he could do in his new club’s colors. Brought on with five minutes to go in a scoreless contest, he didn’t miss out on his opportunity.

The 20-year-old U.S. youth international produced a perfect run in behind the Orange County SC back line and deft left-footed finish from the left side of the penalty area past the advancing goalkeeper to send the Lights to a 1-0 victory, their second of the season.

“[It’s about] just being ready the whole time on the bench, observing the game and seeing what you can do when you get in there,” said Pickering of his goal. “That’s all it is really, just being ready whenever your chance comes, whether it’s five minutes or whatever, just being ready to make a difference when you come in.”

With Las Vegas’ counterattacking style under new Head Coach Antonio Nocerino – the side is averaging 43.7 percent possession this year compared to 58.3 percent a year ago under former Head Coach Dennis Sanchez – Pickering’s ability to stretch the field and finish should prove an important asset moving forward.

Blake Willey, Sacramento Republic FC

It was a surprise when Republic FC Academy graduate Blake Willey was handed a start in Sacramento’s opening game of the season, but the 17-year-old midfielder has shown why there’s a level of faith in him from Head Coach Neill Collins in the three starts he’s made in the first four games of the season in his performances.

Against Louisville City FC on Saturday, Willey continued to be tenacious in winning possession, recording four interceptions and winning 2 of 3 tackles while making four recoveries in his side’s 1-1 draw against the reigning Players’ Shield holder.

Overall this season, Willey ranks second on the team in both tackles won (8 of 11) and possession won in the final third (5). In Republic FC’s high-pressing approach, he’s helping set the tone impressively.

Braxton Montgomery, Phoenix Rising FC

It didn’t take long for new Phoenix Rising manager Pa-Modou Kah to make sure Phoenix Rising Academy product Braxton Montgomery was going to be in the First Team’s plans this season – per Michael Watts on Sunday’s USL on CBS broadcast, the first viewing of the 18-year-old competing at the Academy level was all it took – and his performance in Rising’s 2-1 win against San Antonio FC showed the USL Academy signing’s potential.

From a crucial goal-line clearance early in the second half to a composed display on the ball – he led Phoenix in completing 24 of 31 passes – Montgomery stepped up to the mark as the youngest player in a makeshift back line that helped the side earn its first win of the season.

“We have faced a little adversity with injuries as well as a flight delay yesterday,” said Kah after the game. “I’m super-proud of the boys’ resilience. They never for once showed any doubt in their quality and belief. This is their victory. They deserved it.”

Owen Damm, FC Tulsa

FC Tulsa had a bye in the league in Week 5, but in midweek they delivered their best attacking performance of the season so far in a 3-1 victory against USL League One side Forward Madison FC, and right-sided midfielder Owen Damm was in the middle of the action.

A Louisville City Academy graduate, Damm made a permanent move to Tulsa this offseason after spending last year on loan at the club. He’s been ever-present in the lineup this season and bagged his first goal in the professional ranks to open the scoring at Breese Stevens Field. On top of that, the 21-year-old completed 3 of 4 dribbles and recorded three interceptions while winning 6 of 10 duels in another promising display.

Luis Álvarez, Charlotte Independence

One of the finalists for the USL League One Young Player of the Year award a season ago, Luis Álvarez played a crucial role in leading the Independence to victory against Carolina Core after extra time in the U.S. Open Cup last Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old scored an opportunistic opening goal, stealing possession in the penalty area from Core goalkeeper Andrew Pannenberg before finishing into an open net, but from there his influence on the game remained present as he led the team with 85 touches and made 23 passes in the final third and recorded a team-high 13 recoveries while winning 4 of 6 tackles and four interceptions.

Aaron Hurge, Loudoun United FC

The past week was a notable one for Aaron Hurge, who first played a big role in Loudoun United’s advancement in the U.S. Open Cup against Virginia Dream, and then made his USL Championship debut on Saturday, marking his cameo appearance with his first assist at the professional level.

Signed to a USL Academy contract this preseason, the 18-year-old was impressive in central midfield in Loudoun’s 4-2 victory against the Dream, completing 38 of 46 passes and notching one chance created and two interceptions as he went the full 90 minutes for the side. Then, brought on late against Hartford Athletic, Hurge showed his passing touch on a smooth through-ball into the penalty area that set up Riley Bidois’ first-time finish to ice a 2-0 victory for the hosts at Segra Field.

Kaloyan Pehlivanov, AV ALTA FC

One of the overseas arrivals for AV ALTA FC’s inaugural season, right back Kaloyan Pehlivanov put in a solid display in the club’s League One home opener as he notched his first assist of the season as part of a 2-0 win against Westchester SC.

The 21-year-old Bulgarian set up Emmanuel Alaribe’s opening goal with a precise first-time cross from the right. Defensively, he was also solid, winning 7 of 11 duels and recording four clearances and four recoveries and completing 6 of 10 passes into the final third.