Academy players to watch in the USL

For anyone tracking up-and-coming U.S. soccer players, one of the best reasons to tune into the USL Championship is the chance for academy players to see league minutes as amateurs.

Players like Sebastian Soto, Alex Mendez and Richie Ledezma have earned a look before making the jump abroad; for others like Cameron Martin and Dylan Teves, it’s a chance to sharpen skills before heading off to college. Then, there are the cases like Wilson Harris or Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal, parlaying success in the USL to deals there or with the MLS team.

MORE: USL young players to watch in 2019

Independent teams are making a push as well, bringing in newcomers to compete this season on amateur deals. Here are 15 players to know in 2019.