So much for a learning curve.

It’s taken no time at all for the newest additions to the U.S. Development Academy to announce their presence. There were six add-ons in all heading into this third season of operation and in this young season four of them have already played and won matches.

Save for Kansas City Wizards and NJSA 04, both of whom will start their inaugural season Nov. 21, let’s take a look at the new clubs that have made strong opening impressions.

McLean Youth Soccer U15/16 team record: 3-1-1 U17/18 team record: 1-1-3	Weston FC U15/16 team record: 4-2-1 U17/18 team record: 4-1-2
California Development Academy U15/16 team record: 1-0-1   U17/18 team record:  2-0-0	Houston Dynamo U15/16 team record: 1-0-0 U17/18 team record: 1-0-0

 
Weston, FC, of Florida, is facing the challenge that most squads would when starting a new team: bringing together a group of kids from different backgrounds, clubs and philosophies and asking them to buy into the same concept.

So far, it’s sounded harder than it’s actually been, and U15/16 coach Alvin James explains why.

“When you have the strong talent that you can put on the field it works itself out,” James said. “We knew we had the talent here. It was just a matter of assembling them all together and proving that this region can contest with the best. Everyone we have here is D-I material – we don’t have anyone below that level.”

Both the younger and older teams dropped their most recent match to South Carolina United FC, but are nonetheless proving their region’s worth.

A few players merit some attention and will likely be well known throughout the Academy by the end of the year.

U16 midfielders Brian James and Steeven Saba are a good duo that helps drive the team’s attack. James is technically gifted and has great field vision.

James is capable of getting the ball to scorers like striker Xavier Silva, a raw finisher who leads the team with four goals.

The California Development Academy, of Sacramento, is the result of a merge with Placer United. In four total matches, the club has yet to record a loss and has only one tie.

“We were pretty familiar with the Academy and the teams in it,” said U17/18 coach Bill Wiskel. “This is a special group, they’re all competitive kids who have battled with each other in the area over the years and want to go to the next level. This is a great arena and environment for the kids and when they’re all driven it makes the environment that much better.”

A team of mostly 2010s, Casey Meuser is one of the standouts, using his creativity to wreak havoc in the midfield. A.J. Agha joins him with his nose for goal scoring.

This will be a team to be reckoned with, as will McLean Youth Soccer and Houston Dynamo. The new guys in town might not yet be ready to etch their names next to defending champions Derby County Wolves (U16) – with Reed Losee, Sean Cunningham, Jordan Tyler and Adam Grinwis – or Indiana United Academy (U18) – featuring Harrison Petts and Tyrone Martin – but they didn’t join the Academy for the scenic travel.

The new teams are here to play.