Another prospect at an MLS Academy is off to a USL Championship side to begin his pro career.

Forward Fidel Barajas signed with the Charleston Battery, the club announced on Frday. Barajas has previously been in the San Jose Earthquakes Academy.

"I feel euphoric to sign my first professional contract,” Barajas said in a statement. “It’s everyone’s dream to be a pro soccer player and being able to accomplish that at the age of 16, it just feels amazing. To all the Battery fans, I can’t wait to have you all come out and cheer us on. I can’t wait for them to see me play with the team, let’s create something special here at the Charleston Battery.”

Ranked No. 5 in the 2024 Boys IMG Academy Player Rankings, Barajas has earned call-ups to both the U.S. and Mexico youth national teams over the past year. He was part of the U.S. squad that played at the UEFA Development Tournament back in May.

⚫️ ¡Bienvenido, Fidel Barajas! 🟡#CB93 | @fideljr_barajas pic.twitter.com/bpHxEmpg7Q

— Charleston Battery (@Chas_Battery) September 2, 2022

“Fidel is a very talented young player who has been impressive; he’s smart, crafty on the ball and has very good technique,” Battery head coach Conor Casey said. “He’s played with the U.S. youth national team and the Mexico youth national team, and both countries are after him as he’s one of the bigger names in the youth game right now. We’re just so excited that he chose the Charleston Battery to start his professional career. We’re a club that wants to be a place where young players can come through, develop, perform and help us win games. So, I think it’s a great move for the club to have put in the work to be able to recruit a player like him.”

Before joining the Quakes Academy, he played at Sacramento Republic and FC Sacramento.