Four USL Pro players to watch tonight

One of the popular myths that is always placed upon North American soccer is that the lower divisions are terrible and that they don’t produce quality players. Although this might have been true in the past, players like Dom Dwyer of Sporting Kansas City (formerly with Orlando City SC) and goalkeeper Clint Irwin of the Colorado Rapids have proven that there are quality players that can be found in leagues like USL Pro.

With clubs like Los Angeles Galaxy and the Portland Timbers establishing lower division sides in recent years (F.C. Dallas, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake and Vancouver Whitecaps will be joining them in 2015 and Houston Dynamo will field a side in 2016) and teams establishing loan agreements with clubs, USL Pro has become a valuable for developing quality players.

Tonight, USL Pro will be staging two semi-final match-ups with the Richmond Kickers hosting the Harrisburg City Islanders and the Sacramento Republic F.C. taking on their rivals in Los Angeles Galaxy II (Both matches can be found on the USL Pro site and will be shown live on YouTube). Who are some of the players that MLS supporters should keep an eye on? Let’s find out:

Jun 18, 2014; Richmond, VA, USA; Richmond Kickers midfielder George Davis (11) scores a goal on New England Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton (18) as Revolution defender Jose Goncalves (23) defends in the first half of the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup at Richmond City Stadium. The Revolution won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

George Davis IV- Richmond Kickers

The Ghanaian midfielder-forward has had a career season for the Kickers, scoring fourteen goals and tallying five assists. His twenty-seven points in during USL Pro league places him in fifth place among all players.

This is Davis IV’s first season with the Kickers, having previously made stops with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the Los Angeles Blues, and with the Dayton Dutch Lions in the PDL. In Kickers coach Leigh Cowlishaw’s system, Davis IV switches between forward and attacking midfielder. His scoring touch has lifted the Kickers to the top of the league in goals scored with 25. He also scored three goals during U.S. Open Cup play this season.

What will be interesting to see with Davis IV is where he ends up at the end of the season. Not tied to any MLS squad, Davis may very end up in the NASL or trying to get on the roster of an MLS team. At 27, he certainly still has many miles left in him. But then again given the improvements USL Pro is making he may stay with the Kickers.

Jan 30, 2014; Philadelphia Union defender Richie Marquez poses for a portrait photo. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Richie Marquez-Harrisburg City Islanders

Marquez, who is currently on loan from the Philadelphia Union, has been a rock on defense for the City Islanders. Marquez has played in all 28 matches for Harrisburg and has played in 2,520 minutes which is the most out of any player on the roster.

Coming from Redlands University, a Division III school in California, Marquez has had to consistently outperform players with greater pedigrees to earn his spot not only with the City Islanders, but also to remain on the Union roster. At 6’2″ 185 pounds, Marquez is excellent at winning 50-50 balls in both the air and ground and has demonstrated improved passing abilities this year.

Given Philadelphia’s current lack of depth in the back four, Marquez may find an opportunity next season in backing up either Maurice Edu or Carlos Valdes. There of course could also be opportunities with the two new clubs entering MLS, New York City FC and Orlando City SC, should he be available in the Expansion draft.

Aug 4, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; MLS Homegrown Players forward Bradford Jamieson IV (38) carries the ball away from Portland Timbers U-23 midfielder Jacori Hayes (6) and defenseman Dennis Castillo (30) during the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game in advance of the 2014 MLS All Star Game at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Bradford Jamieson IV-Los Angeles Galaxy II

Galaxy supporters should already know about Jamieson, given that he has already played in four matches for the Galaxy senior side this season. But the seventeen year-old has done his best work with their lower division side where the former Academy Product has scored six goals. At 6’1″ Jameson possesses size and speed and has above average passing skills. He has been used as a midfielder in coach Curt Onalfo’s attack, helping set up forward Chandler Hoffman (thirteen goals). Jamieson has also made his first appearance this season with the U.S. U-20 National Team, starting in their 1-1 draw against Argentina in September.

Although Jamieson may just be seventeen, it is clear that he possesses the skills to become a top quality player in MLS. Expect to see him get additional minutes for the Galaxy next season should they qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League this year.

Jun 11, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Steven Lenhart (24) dribbles the ball as Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Rodrigo Lopez (8) defends during the first half at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Rodrigo Lopez- Sacramento Republic F.C.

One of the fun things about watching football in leagues like USL Pro is that you get to see players who have played in the top divisions of the world working on their skills to get back up. Rodrigo Lopez is one those stories. Lopez, who has previously played for Chivas USA and the Portland Timbers in MLS, was the first signing for the expansion Sacramento Republic this season and boy has he paid off for The Republic.

While working in the center of the midfield, Lopez has scored eleven goals (second in the team) and made eleven assists (first). His precision passing has opened up lanes for leading scorer Thomas Stewart and helped propel a young Sacramento side to the top of USL Pro. The vice-captain proved to be integral in helping some of the younger midfielder learn their positions and figuring out how to balance attacking and defending.

With Sacramento possibly heading to MLS in the near future, Lopez may have found the perfect spot to fine tune his defensive work in preparation for “promotion.” At 27, it is clear that he still has plenty to give the game here in the United States.