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USL Top 5 – MLS Offseason Signings from USL

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 03/03/17, 11:39AM EST

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Five players from the 2016 USL season who could make an impact in MLS this year

The 2017 Major League Soccer season kicks off on Friday night as newcomer Minnesota United FC visits the Portland Timbers (9:30 p.m. ET | FS1) in the opening game of the season. The offseason has, as usual, been a busy one for the league’s teams, with some of last season’s top performers in the USL earning their chance to shine in North America’s top flight.

Out of those, here are five players to watch throughout the 2017 season as they look to make their name on the big stage.

Sean Okoli, New York City FC

The 2016 USL Most Valuable Player with FC Cincinnati after earning the league’s Golden Boot with 16 goals, Okoli signed in December with New York City FC to make his return to MLS. A former Seattle Sounders FC Homegrown signing, the 24-year-old joins an NYCFC side that finished second in the MLS Eastern Conference a season ago thanks to another MVP, David Villa, whom he will join in the club’s attack. Okoli has seen regular action this preseason and aims to help boost the Blue side of New York to its first silverware in its third season.


Photo courtesy FC Cincinnati

 

 


Photo courtesy Matt Wittmeyer / Rochester Rhinos

Aaron Long, New York Red Bulls

Over on the Red side of New York, the 2016 USL Defender of the Year looks to keep the likes of Okoli off the scoresheet. Long was added to the New York Red Bulls squad following a standout season with the Red Bulls II. Long already made his debut as a full member of the club’s MLS side after going on loan with the team last season in the Quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League last week, and with the likes of Red Bulls II loanees Tyler Adams and Derrick Etienne Jr. also looking set to break through into Head Coach Jesse Marsch’s lineup this year, there could be some very familiar faces to USL fans patrolling Red Bull Arena this season.

 

 

Jack McBean, LA Galaxy

After recording 26 goals in 67 appearances over the past three seasons for the LA Galaxy II, McBean was signed to his second Homegrown Player contract by the Galaxy last summer. He spent time overseas on loan with Coventry City FC in England late last year and he returns to a squad that is very different to the one he departed – one that offers the promise of consistent action over the new season. A 2016 USL All-League selection after recording 15 goals in 17 games, the 22-year-old appears ready for primetime alongside Mexico international Giovani dos Santos and his fellow young standouts in the Galaxy’s attack as former Los Dos Head Coach Curt Onalfo leads the Galaxy into the new season.


Photo courtesy Robert Mora / LA Galaxy II

 

 


Photo courtesy Mark Thor / Orlando City B

Derrick Jones, Philadelphia Union

The first signing in Bethlehem Steel FC history, Jones put together a strong first season in the USL as he finished tied for the team high with five goals and also notched three assists in 26 appearances. Now Jones appears on the brink of making an impact for the Union after signing as a Homegrown Player contract last summer. Named the No. 10 player on the 2016 USL 20 Under 20, Jones has been considered the future of the MLS club since impressing for the Union’s Academy, and Philadelphia Head Coach Jim Curtin likely won’t hesitate in putting the central midfielder, who turns 20 on Friday, into the action. 

 

 

Memo Rodriguez, Houston Dynamo

A year after joining Rio Grande Valley FC for its inaugural season in the USL, Rodriguez’s return to the Dynamo’s squad was confirmed on Wednesday after the standout attacking midfielder shone in an excellent season within the Toros’ organization. Rodriguez had six goals and seven assists for RGVFC, and could be looked to put a shot in the arm of a Dynamo attack that scored only 39 goals last season during a last-place finish. With former Toros Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera taking the reins in Houston as well this offseason, the 21-year-old should be primed to perform at BBVA Compass Stadium this season.


Photo courtesy Steven Christy / OKC Energy FC

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