What makes a USL star attractive to an MLS suitor?
The two biggest-name players that made the jump last winter paint a clear picture. Taylor Calheira was a prime-age striker with experience in MLS Next Pro, and he made his way to Sporting Kansas City. Finn Sundstrom had earned legitimate starting minutes as a teenager, worked his way into the U.S. youth national setup, and was signed by the Philadelphia Union. Those are the buckets that might get a look-in: proven stars with existing ties to MLS and can’t-miss youth prospects.
Which USL standouts are making their case in the 2026 season? I have six picks (and a bevy of honorable mentions) that should get a shot in MLS.
The World Cup is here. So is our biggest discount ever.
Colton Swan, ST, Charleston Battery
There’s a case to be made that Colton Swan is the breakout player of the USL season, and the potential for the 18-year-old to push onto even bigger things couldn’t be clearer. Swan has already proven himself during stints at Indiana University and with Colorado Rapids 2, and he’s emerged as a regular contributor for the U.S. U-18s to boot. At every level, the No. 9 has succeeded. That might just hold true in MLS should a suitor come calling.
