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USL 20 Under 20 – No. 16 through No. 20

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 07/27/16, 4:47PM EDT

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Two LA Galaxy II standouts highlight the first group to be unveiled

The USL 20 Under 20 countdown kicks off with three standout forwards, one midfielder having a breakout season, and a defender whose attacking skills have played a big role in his side’s success in 2016.

20. Victor Arboleda, Portland Timbers 2

The 19-year-old Colombian was signed by the Timbers this offseason and has shown glimpses of the potential he has to offer with a pair of goals in his 14 appearances for T2 this season. A former Colombia U17 international, Arboleda has been slightly hampered by injury over the season, but goals like this against the Swope Park Rangers in June highlight what he can be capable of when fully fit.

TopDrawerSoccer.com Scouting Report
A hybrid forward/winger type, the Colombian’s blend of speed and ability makes him one of the most exciting younger players in the USL. Arboleda is a quick, fleet-footed attacking force, with the strength that belies his 5-foot-6 frame. Most effective when he’s running onto the ball in space or lingering on the shoulder of the last defender, an injury has limited his goal output during this season. If he continues to add to his defensive game and can stay healthy, there’s every reason to believe he could be one of the best in USL.

19. Bradford Jamieson IV, LA Galaxy II

A finalist for the USL Rookie of the Year award when he was just 17 two years ago, Jamieson represented the U.S. at last year’s FIFA U20 World Cup. The Homegrown signing has made 31 appearances in the USL, recording nine goals and three assists, but has been hindered by injury so far in 2016. When on song, however, Jamieson is a dynamic player who is as comfortable on the wing as is he as a second forward.

TopDrawerSoccer.com Scouting Report
Jamieson made an early impression as a wispy attacker utilizing space both for the Galaxy Academy and at the U.S. youth national team level. When Jamieson signed for the Galaxy in 2014, it only cemented what those in the know had already seen: He has a unique enough skill set to translate well to the pro ranks. Jamieson has the ability to play either underneath a primary striker or, perhaps more dangerously, as a winger pressing fullbacks. In either scenario, his speed and length give opposing defenders fits, and his goal-scoring exploits from all over the field prove he can beat a goalkeeper from just about anywhere.

18. Kadin Chung, Van. Whitecaps FC 2

Chung signed with WFC2 last August as a 16-year-old from the Whitecaps Academy, and this season has shown why the club believes his future both at the club level and internationally is a bright one. Chung has already logged more than 1,000 minutes of action this season for WFC2 while also competing for Canada’s U20 National Team, and pulled off one of the more memorable highlights of the season so far with his assist on Kyle Greig’s goal against Tulsa in May.

TopDrawerSoccer.com Scouting Report
After joining the Whitecaps Residency program back in 2011, Chung has made impressive strides since, signing his first pro contract last August with Whitecaps FC 2. It crowned an impressive 2015 for the outside back, and he’s picked up where he left off in his first full season as a professional. Chung has shown flashes of everything you’d want from an outside back in the modern game; he can get forward to chip into the attack, doesn’t look out of place defending older, more experienced pros and is comfortable and confident with possession.

17. Ryo Fujii, LA Galaxy II

Fujii returned to the Galaxy organization last year when the former Academy player signed with the Galaxy II, leaving UC Santa Barbara after a season where he was named to the All-Big West Freshman Team. This year, the central midfielder has seen a big uptick in playing time with three goals in 13 appearances for Los Dos, helping the side remain a strong contender in the Western Conference.

TopDrawerSoccer.com Scouting Report
The former UC Santa Barbara midfielder has emerged in the USL as a key piece for the LA Galaxy II. The 19-year-old is a hard-working midfielder that has displayed potential as a prospect for the Galaxy’s MLS squad. He is a good ball-winner and makes solid decisions while in possession. Fujii is looking to carve out his role within the Galaxy system as one of the next prospects who could make the transition to the Galaxy in the future.

16. Caleb Calvert, Clt. Independence

On loan with the Independence for a second consecutive season from the club’s MLS partner the Colorado Rapids, Calvert is tied for the team-lead with five goals, and has also chipped in two assists as Charlotte has put itself in position for a first playoff berth in its second season. With 36 games under his belt for the Independence over the past two seasons, the 19-year-old is growing into the player people believed he could be when he turned professional three years ago.

TopDrawerSoccer.com Scouting Report
Calvert is one of the final pieces floating around U.S. Soccer from the Chivas USA Academy. The striker signed a Homegrown deal with Chivas USA in 2013, but he never made the breakthrough at the MLS level before being taken by the Colorado Rapids in 2014’s dispersal draft. Calvert is a target forward who is solid in the air and good with his feet. He has the tools to develop into a significant contributor in the future at the top level of professional soccer in the U.S. 

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