The past week in the USL Championship and League One saw some of the league’s top U-22 talents produce some impressive performances, including a pair of stellar displays prior to exits this week for international duty at the senior and youth levels, while also seeing North Carolina FC’s Finn Sundstrom become the latest young pro signing in the USL Championship, and 10 players earn call-ups to U.S. Youth National Team camps.

Here are seven young standouts you should know after impressive performances over the past seven days.

Want to learn more about the young homegrowns in the USL Championship and League One? Check out the Crystal Geyser USL Academy to Pro Tracker on USL-Academy.com.

1. Pedro Guimaraes, Orange County SC

For much of this season, United States U-17 international Pedro Guimaraes has been deployed on the back line for Orange County SC.

This past Saturday, however, he showed off his versatility moving into midfield and played a major part in one of the games of the season in the USL Championship.

Guimaraes’ goal and assist in OCSC’s 4-4 draw against Birmingham Legion FC were the highlights – including setting up fellow U-22 standout Ashton Miles for his second goal of the season off a set piece – but he was sharp in all facets of the game. Signed to his first pro contract just over a year ago, Guimaraes completed 50 of 54 passes – third most on the team – and made four recoveries while winning 7 of 12 duels.

Ahead of this week’s United States U-17s camp to prepare for November’s FIFA U-17 World Cup, Guimaraes is heading in with positive momentum.

2. Arquímides Ordóñez, Loudoun United FC

The Guatemala international hasn’t found a shot he doesn’t like since arriving at United – in four games, he’s now fifth on the club with 15 shots in the regular season – but Arquímides Ordóñez has helped push Loudoun forward, recording the game-winner on Saturday night in an important 3-1 victory for the hosts against Miami FC at Segra Field.

The 22-year-old recorded six shots overall against Miami while completing 7 of 10 passes, but his work-rate was positive throughout as he contributed on the defensive side of the ball as well. Ordóñez won 3 of 3 tackles and 4 of 8 duels, including winning possession twice in the attacking third as Loudoun’s turned possession over seven times overall in Miami’s defensive third.

Ordóñez now has three goals in United’s past three league outings as he heads for international duty in FIFA World Cup Qualifying, a positive run that could set him up for success in two crucial games against El Salvador and Panama.

3. Steven Ramos, AV ALTA FC

Since his introduction to Antelope Valley’s lineup, Steven Ramos has been one of the side’s most consistent performances. Facing the most direct team in League One on Saturday night in league-leader Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, the 19-year-old put up another sterling display to help earn his side a point at CHI Memorial Stadium.

Ramos tied his single-game best winning 5 of 5 tackles against the Red Wolves and was impressive in the air, winning 3 of 4 aerial duels and making six headed clearances out of seven overall to help the visitors record a shutout. He was also solid in possession, completing 30 of 44 passes.

The local product is now tied for 10th in the league with 26 tackles won out of 35 – a 74.3 percent success rate – as he continues to build a stellar first season.

4. Daniel Flores, Phoenix Rising FC

Daniel Flores’ arrival at Phoenix Rising FC on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara was almost a homecoming for the Tucson, Arizona native, and on Saturday the 22-year-old full back produced his brightest performance so far for his new club.

Flores notched his first assist in Rising’s colors on Ihsan Sacko’s opening goal against El Paso Locomotive FC, lifting his pass over the backline for the French forward to latch onto and finish comfortably, and completed 16 of 19 passes overall before being brought off with 14 minutes to go.

The final two months of the season are essentially serving as an extended audition for Flores. Rising has the option to bring him on board with a permanent deal from the historic Liga MX club at the end of the season. With the faith Phoenix has shown in young talent this season, more performances like this should make a case for a permanent return to his home state for Flores.

5. Rafael Jauregui, Charlotte Independence

Brought on in an attempt to turn things around for the Independence as they trailed Portland Hearts of Pine on Saturday evening, Rafael Jauregui wasn’t quite able to change the game individually.

The performance the 20-year-old did produce in 16 minutes, though, showed why he should be pushing for a return to the lineup in short order.

Jauregui was sharp with and without the ball. He completed all five of his passes, providing the assist on Juan Moreno’s late consolation goal at Fitzpatrick Stadium, as well as completing 3 of 4 dribbles and recording one shot. On top of that, the Sacramento Republic FC product won 5 of 6 ground duels, made three recoveries and won the lone tackle he contested.

The Independence have been in a downturn of late, losing three of their last four league outings. Jauregui’s performance in the latest setback was a bright spot.

6. Ashton Miles, Orange County SC

It probably feels a bit strange for a center back to appear here after his side gave up four goals in a game, but Ashton Miles’ performance for Orange County in its eight-goal thriller against Birmingham Legion FC was a solid one overall despite the side’s concessions.

The 20-year-old bagged his first goal of the season off Pedro Guimaraes’ corner kick to level the game midway through the first half and was impressive on the ball, completing 41 of 43 passes, and put in a solid shift defensively winning 3 of 3 duels while tying for the team-high winning 2 of 3 tackles.

Miles is still growing as a player, having logged 18 appearances across all competitions so far this season to pass a half-century of appearances for his hometown club. He’ll be hoping to help lead the side back into the playoffs again down the home stretch.

7. Jackson Kasanzu, South Georgia Tormenta FC

After being sidelined for the entire 2024 season having shown promise at San Diego Loyal SC previously in the USL Championship, this has been a comeback year for center back Jackson Kasanzu at Tormenta.

On Saturday night, the 22-year-old put in a sterling display to help his side take a 4-0 victory against Forward Madison FC that helped lift the 2022 title-winners closer to the playoff line as they try to make a return to the postseason for the first time since winning the title.

Kasanzu was solid defensively for South Georgia, recording a team-high seven recoveries, making four headed clearances while tying for the team-high with seven overall and winning 2 of 2 aerial duels. He also blocked three shots and completed a team-high 37 of 47 passes to put together his second consecutive positive individual display.