Upper 90 College Stars Shine in Summer Soccer Leagues: Player Profiles & Pathways!
As the summer soccer season heats up across the United States, a cohort of Upper 90 College clients are gearing up to make their mark in top pre-professional leagues. These college standouts – hailing from Australia and excelling in U.S. college programs – have earned roster spots in USL League Two, the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), and the USL W League. From Iowa to Texas to Pennsylvania, they’ll spend the offseason sharpening their skills and impressing scouts. We’ll highlight each player’s college career achievements and introduce their summer clubs, while also exploring how these leagues provide a vital pathway from college to professional soccer.
Player Profiles: From College Success to Summer Signings
Charlie Prtenjaca – Northwest Iowa CC to Warriors FC (USL League Two)
Upper 90 College client Charlie Prtenjaca in goal for Northwest Iowa Community College (NJCAA D1).
College Career: Charlie Prtenjaca is a sophomore goalkeeper from Perth, Australia (Charlie Prtenjaca - Northwest Iowa Community College) who emerged as a standout for Northwest Iowa Community College. In the 2023 season he was selected as an NJCAA All-Region performer (2024 All-Region | Division II Men's Soccer), reflecting his status as one of the top junior-college keepers in the region. Despite NW Iowa CC being a smaller program, Prtenjaca made a big impact between the posts – recording 42 saves in just 5 matches, which ranked among the top 10 in the conference (Charlie Prtenjaca - Iowa Community College Athletic Conference). He even had multiple double-digit save performances (including a 10-save game that earned him team Athlete of the Week honors) while anchoring the Thunder’s defense. Prtenjaca’s shot-stopping prowess and quick reflexes garnered attention beyond the college season.
Summer Move: Now, Prtenjaca is taking the next step by signing with Warrior FC for the summer. Warrior FC is a new club based in Iowa set to compete in the high-level semi pro ranks. The club was recently established in Everly, Iowa and will join the Midwest Premier League in 2025 (Warrior FC joins MWPL for 2025 season - Midwest Premier League) – a competitive regional summer league. While the Warriors are a fresh name with no history yet in USL League Two, their entry into organized summer competition underscores the growing opportunities in the Midwest for college players to get quality off-season matches. Prtenjaca will be among the inaugural players of this ambitious club, and his experience as an All-Region college keeper will be invaluable as Warriors FC builds its foundation.
Ryan Mrvcic & Keegan Grant – Mercyhurst & Findlay to West Texas FC (NPSL)
Ryan Mrvcic in action for Mercyhurst against Pitt (D1)!
College Careers: Both Ryan Mrvcic and Keegan Grant are coming off stellar college seasons and will unite at West Texas FC this summer.
Ryan Mrvcic – A freshman defender from Sydney, Australia ( Ryan Mrvcic - 2024 - Men's Soccer - Mercyhurst University Athletics ), Mrvcic played a key role in Mercyhurst University’s historic 2023 campaign. Mercyhurst transitioned to NCAA Division I and promptly won the Northeast Conference regular season title in its inaugural D1 season ( Mercyhurst’s Dylan Sumner Crowned NEC Men’s Soccer Player of the Year, Capping Historic Inaugural DI Campaign - Northeast Conference ). Mrvcic helped the Lakers clinch that conference championship with his steady play on the backline, even battling powerhouse programs (he featured in a match against ACC giant Pitt), highlighting Mercyhurst’s rise. While only in his first year of college, Mrvcic adjusted quickly to the higher level of competition and contributed to a championship-winning defense. His college honors include being part of a conference title team, and he has been noted for his composure and distribution out of the back.
Keegan Grant – A junior goalkeeper (and another Perth, Australia native), Grant starred for Findlay University in NCAA Division II. He was named the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 after a dominant season ( Keegan Grant - 2024 - Men's Soccer - University of Findlay ). Grant earned First Team All-Conference and even second-team All-Region honors, anchoring Findlay’s defense. In 19 starts he logged a 10–4–5 record with 4 shutouts, 75 saves and a sterling 0.77 save percentage – statistics that underscore his consistency and shot-stopping ability. Before Findlay, Grant had excelled at Concord University, and his continued development saw him become one of the top D2 keepers nationwide.
Summer Move: Mrvcic and Grant will both spend their summer with West Texas FC in the NPSL. West Texas FC, based in Midland-Odessa, Texas, is one of the premier teams in the NPSL’s Lone Star Conference. The club has a rich history dating back to its days as the Midland-Odessa Sockers in the USL PDL, and it has produced numerous pro players. In fact, West Texas FC’s alumni include players like English defender Andrew Fox, who went on to play for Peterborough United and later in USL Championship, as well as the Hume twins (Tucker and Walker Hume) who became MLS/USL professionals (West Texas FC - Wikipedia). The team itself knows success: in 2024 West Texas FC finished as Lone Star Conference champions and NPSL regional finalists, powered by standout performers such as league MVP Olivier Correa. With Australian coach Scott Murray at the helm, the club is even preparing for a move up to USL League Two in the future. For Mrvcic and Grant, joining West Texas FC means training and playing in a championship environment. They’ll face top collegiate talent from around the country, stay match-fit, and gain exposure to scouts as part of a team known for developing pros. As Upper 90 College founder John Stevanja noted, this pathway – “study at a U.S. college, play high-level college soccer, then sharpen your skills in competitive summer leagues” – is exactly what the two Aussies will be doing in West Texas (Bridging Aussie and American Soccer: Coach Scott Murray’s Inspiring Visit | Upper 90 College).
Angus Till, Dunia Kambona & Jade Brown – Ferrum, Eastern Oklahoma & Lincoln Memorial to Erie Sports Center FC (USL2 / W League)
Jade Brown in action for Lincoln Memorial Railsplitters (NCAA D2)!
College Careers: Three Upper 90 clients are heading to Erie Sports Center FC, an exciting new club launching teams in both USL League Two (men’s) and the USL W League (women’s) in 2025.
Angus Till – A freshman center-back at Ferrum College in Virginia, Angus Till quickly established himself as a defensive pillar. Till, from Sydney, Australia (Angus Till Signs with Erie Sports Centre ... - Instagram), started his collegiate journey in 2024 with Ferrum (NCAA Division III) and was “excelling as a freshman” according to feedback provided to Upper 90. Now Angus is set to test himself in USL League Two with Erie.
Dunia Kambona – An defensive player from Eastern Oklahoma State College, Kambona is coming off a highly impressive NJCAA season. With Eastern Oklahoma (known as the Mountaineers), Kambona brings speed, creativity, and a solid defensive pedigree that he’ll now showcase with Erie’s USL2 squad.
Jade Brown – A junior midfielder/forward at Lincoln Memorial University, Jade Brown will join Erie’s USL W League team this summer. Brown, from Canberra, Australia, has been a standout in LMU’s offense. In 2024 she was second on her team in total points, heading into the postseason with 6 points (tied for the team’s second-highest) via a combination of goals and assists. Described as a crafty playmaker, Brown often operates on the wing or as an attacking mid, where her vision and technical skills shine. She helped the LMU Railsplitters reach the South Atlantic Conference tournament and was an integral part of a program resurgence that saw LMU go unbeaten for a month-long stretch. Before LMU, Jade honed her game at East Central Community College (NJCAA) where she was a top scorer, and that competitive mindset carried over to NCAA Division II. With college accolades including all-conference honorable mentions and consistent production, Brown is poised to thrive in the USL W League.
Summer Move – Erie Sports Center FC: All three players have signed with Erie Sports Center FC, a brand-new club in Pennsylvania that will field a men’s team in USL League Two and a women’s team in the USL W League starting in 2025. The Erie Sports Center is a state-of-the-art sports facility (opened in 2021) that has rapidly built a youth academy and now is expanding into pre-professional soccer (Erie Sports Center to field USL League Two and W League teams in 2025) .
The mission is to provide world-class development opportunities and a “pre-professional program to give players the opportunity to develop at the next level.” Erie’s men’s team will compete in USL League Two’s Central Conference, facing established clubs across the Great Lakes region, while the women’s side joins the USL W League with similar ambitions.
For Till and Kambona, joining Erie’s inaugural USL2 roster means they’ll be part of building a club from the ground up. They’ll train at a 16,000 sq ft performance center and even have access to a residential academy on-site. Despite the club’s youth, Erie’s commitment – led by owner Troy Bingham – has drawn praise from USL executives for its investment in players and facilities. The team will undoubtedly draw on the local soccer culture (Erie has had successful NPSL teams in the past) and the presence of experienced coaches to fast-track player development. Till’s defensive reliability and Kambona’s attacking spark will be crucial as Erie Sports Center FC debuts against seasoned USL2 opponents.
On the women’s side, Jade Brown becomes part of Erie’s first USL W League squad. She’ll benefit from a summer of top-tier competition against other elite college and post-college players. The USL W League, which launched in 2022, is a national women’s pre-pro league that “serves as the nation’s premier pre-professional league, enhancing the pipeline between college and professional soccer.” (USL (Women) – Eagle FC) Brown will get a taste of playing in a high-level environment similar to the NWSL, which can only elevate her game. Erie’s W League team will play in the Central Conference as well, and although the club is new, Brown’s experience and leadership (as an upperclassman with international background) will likely make her a key figure in the squad.
Liv Riddel – Jefferson University to Eagle FC (USL W League)
Liv Riddel in action for Jefferson University Rams (NCAA D2)!
College Career: Olivia “Liv” Riddel just capped off a phenomenal college career as a goalkeeper at Jefferson University (Philadelphia). A senior from Jerrabomberra, Australia (NSW), Riddel has been the backbone of the Jefferson Rams women’s soccer team and accumulated an impressive list of accolades. In 2023 she was honored as the CACC Goalkeeper of the Year after leading her team to a conference title. That season, Riddel posted a 12–4–3 record with 6 shutouts, 81 saves, and a 1.21 goals-against average, ranking 2nd in save percentage and 3rd in total saves in the entire conference. She was named First Team All-CACC and earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors as well ( Liv Riddel - 2024 - Women's Soccer - Jefferson University ).
Not only reliable in goal, Riddel had a knack for shining in big games – for example, in the 2024 regular season finale, she made five saves to shut out Holy Family and clinch Jefferson’s undefeated conference season and regular season championship. That clutch performance encapsulates her college journey, which also included a conference tournament title in 2021 and multiple academic awards for her excellence in the classroom . At 5’7”, Riddel is an agile and vocal keeper who also brings international experience, having competed for Australia’s U16 and U19 national teams earlier in her career. With her college days now complete, she’s set to guard the net at the next level.
Summer Move: Riddel has signed with Eagle FC to play in the USL W League this summer. Eagle FC, based in Central Pennsylvania, is a club with a long and storied history in youth soccer (established in 1976) that recently expanded into the women’s pre-professional arena (USL (Women) – Eagle FC). The Eagle FC Women made a splash in the 2023 USL W League season – compiling a 13–2 overall record and winning the 2023 USL W Mid-Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference championships, reaching the national semifinals. This rapid success in their inaugural W League campaign shows Eagle FC’s pedigree in developing talent. The team is built on a strong local core: many of its players are Eagle FC youth alumni or local college standouts, and the club prides itself on a true developmental pyramid from the grassroots to elite levels (Hometown Spotlight: Eagle F.C.).
For Riddel, joining Eagle FC means entering a competitive environment where she’ll face shots from some of the nation’s top forwards outside the NCAA. Eagle FC’s notable alumni include players who have gone on to NCAA Division I programs and even professional opportunities. (In 2023, Eagle FC’s roster featured multiple Big Ten and ACC players, such as an alumna from University of Maryland (Player Signing: Eagle FC Signs Emily McNesby). The club’s head coach, Toan Ngo, emphasizes giving homegrown talent a platform – and Riddel, though an import from abroad, fits right in as an experienced leader who can help the team continue its winning ways. Fans can expect Riddel to contend for the starting goalkeeper spot. Given her college track record of consistent excellence (she led the CACC in multiple goalkeeping categories and even stood fourth in all of NCAA Division II with a 0.903 save percentage at one point in 2024, Riddel has the potential to be a game-changer for Eagle FC. Her summer will be all about showcasing her shot-stopping skills in front of scouts and enjoying a higher level of play, as Eagle FC seeks another deep run in the W League playoffs.
Max Trushell – D’Youville University to FC Buffalo (USL 2)
Max Trushell in action for D’Youville Saints (NCAA D2)!
College Career: Max Trushell, an Upper 90 College client who has leveraged these opportunities to advance his career. Trushell, a defender from Canberra, Australia, made an immediate impact in his freshman year at D’Youville University. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 17 matches (15 starts) for D’Youville, logging 1,297 minutes of game time.
Despite playing primarily as a defender (and thus not tallying goals or assists), his contributions were vital to the team’s success. He helped the D’Youville Saints clinch their first-ever East Coast Conference postseason berth in program history, a milestone achieved with a 3–1 victory that sent the Saints to the ECC playoffs.
Summer Move: One of the clubs where college players have flourished is FC Buffalo, and this is where Max will be further developing his ability at the highest levels. Based in Buffalo, NY, this club has a rich history in the NPSL and recently USL League Two. FC Buffalo was formed in 2009 and began play in the 2010 NPSL season quickly earning the nickname “Blitzers” after a supporter contest garnered national attention (even CNN’s Wolf Blitzer took notice!). From the start, the club provided a high-level platform for local and international talent – in its inaugural year, FC Buffalo boasted two NPSL All-Stars and signaled that big things were ahead.
Crucially, FC Buffalo has proven to be a springboard for players aspiring to go pro. Numerous alumni have graduated from the club to professional careers in MLS, USL, and abroad. A notable example is Krystian Witkowski, who starred for FC Buffalo in 2011 and was drafted by the Philadelphia Union of MLS in 2012.
Others include Liam Callahan (FC Buffalo 2014), drafted by the Colorado Rapids, and Russell Cicerone (FCB 2014), who went on to play for the Portland Timbers organization and became a standout in the USL Championship with teams like Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
The club’s alumni list also features players who signed with the Rochester Rhinos and various overseas teams. This track record shows that an ambitious college player competing for FC Buffalo in the summer could catch the eye of pro scouts.
It’s not just the men – FC Buffalo’s women’s team has also made waves. The club’s women’s side won the 2021 UWS Eastern Conference regular season title, demonstrating the strength of the women’s program. Now competing in the USL W-League, FC Buffalo’s women’s team provides a top-tier summer platform for collegiate women, mirroring the men’s team’s role on the male side.
Summer Clubs Overview: History & Pathways to Pro
USL League Two and NPSL are widely regarded as the top men’s summer leagues for college players, and the USL W League plays a similar role for women. These leagues bridge the gap between college soccer and the professional game by providing high-level competition during the offseason. Below, we give a brief overview of each club our Upper 90 clients are joining, including their background, successes, and notable alumni who have gone pro.
Warriors FC (Iowa) – A brand-new club, Warrior/Warriors FC is based in Iowa and will compete in the Midwest Premier League (a regional summer league) from 2025 (Warrior FC joins MWPL for 2025 season - Midwest Premier League). The club was only just announced in January 2025, with coach Tre Thomas declaring the team’s eagerness to “challenge itself against formidable teams” in an expanding league. While Warriors FC has no on-field history yet, its formation is part of a growing trend of new clubs investing in pre-professional soccer. The Midwest Premier League focuses on sustainability and high-level amateur competition in the Midwest. Though not in USL2 proper, Warriors FC’s move to join summer soccer indicates ambitions to eventually climb the ladder. Being a first-year team, it has no notable alumni yet, but by providing local college players like Prtenjaca a platform, it hopes to develop future pros. It’s worth noting that in the same region, clubs have used strong MWPL performances as springboards to join bigger leagues, so Warriors FC could follow a similar path in coming years.
West Texas FC (Midland, TX) – West Texas FC is a club with a decade-plus legacy in pre-professional soccer. Formerly known as the Midland-Odessa Sockers, the club competed in the old PDL and now the NPSL. West Texas has a “history of excellence”: it reached the PDL national semifinals in 2016 and later, as an NPSL side, were 2017 NPSL National Runners-Up. Most recently, in 2024 West Texas FC dominated the NPSL Lone Star Conference, finishing first in the regular season and winning the conference playoff title . They produced the 2024 NPSL Golden Ball winner (Olivier Correa, the league’s MVP) and have consistently been one of the top programs in the NPSL. The club is also known for developing talent: more than a half-dozen West Texas alumni have gone on to play professionally. Notable former players include Tucker and Walker Hume, who both went from West Texas to MLS contracts (Tucker with FC Dallas and Nashville SC; Walker with FC Dallas and USL Championship), and Andrew Fox, who used a stint with West Texas to earn a move to England’s League One and later became a stalwart for El Paso Locomotive in USL Championship (Andrew Fox (footballer) - Wikipedia). With such a track record, it’s no surprise that West Texas FC’s head coach (Scott Murray) has ambitions to move the club into USL League Two soon (Bridging Aussie and American Soccer: Coach Scott Murray’s Inspiring Visit | Upper 90 College). For players like Mrvcic and Grant, West Texas offers a proven platform: the club has extensive scouting attention on it, given its reputation, and a culture that prepares college players for the demands of pro trials.
Erie Sports Center FC (Erie, PA) – Erie Sports Center FC is a new entrant to USL League Two and the W League, backed by an impressive sports complex. Opened in 2021, the Erie Sports Center facility quickly built youth and residential academy programs before acquiring USL2 and W League franchises for 2025 (Erie Sports Center to field USL League Two and W League teams in 2025). The club’s philosophy is rooted in development – Owner Troy Bingham has said they are “introducing a pre-professional program to give our players the opportunity to develop at the next level”. Erie will compete in USL League Two’s Central Conference, which will pit them against established clubs like the Michigan Bucks (Flint City) and others. While Erie SC FC has no competitive history yet, the region is not devoid of soccer pedigree: the city’s previous NPSL team, the Erie Commodores, produced players like Ryan Johnson (who had a stint in the USL Championship) and provided a competitive outlet in the area. Erie SC FC essentially replaces that tradition with a more structured USL umbrella. The club has already begun signing international talent – including players from Northern Ireland and Australia – signaling its intent to field a strong side from year one. Notably, the presence of a high-end facility and full-time academy could make Erie an attractive spot for MLS Next and USL Academy prospects to spend their summers. With both a men’s and women’s team, Erie Sports Center FC is positioning itself as a new pipeline for professional clubs looking for talent in the Great Lakes area.
Eagle FC (Harrisburg, PA area) – Eagle FC is one of the most established clubs entering the USL W League, though its W League team is only entering its third season. The club itself has been “operating successfully in Central Pennsylvania since 1976” (Overview - Eagle FC), formerly known as HMMS (Highland youth soccer) before rebranding to Eagle FC. Over decades, Eagle FC’s youth program has developed countless collegiate players and some professionals. (For instance, Emily McNesby, a University of Maryland alumna and NWSL draftee, suited up for Eagle FC’s W League team in 2023 (Player Signing: Eagle FC Signs Emily McNesby).) In their inaugural W League season in 2022, Eagle FC embraced a hometown ethos – 18 of 29 players on the roster were products of the club’s own youth system (Hometown Spotlight: Eagle F.C.). This local core paid dividends in 2023 when Eagle FC went 13-2-0, capturing the division and conference titles and reaching the national semifinal (USL (Women) – Eagle FC). That Cinderella run instantly made Eagle FC Women a respected name nationally. The team’s head coach, Toan Ngo, noted that establishing the W League side “completed the club’s player development pyramid” by giving female players a clear path from U-6 youth teams all the way to pre-pro and beyond (Hometown Spotlight: Eagle F.C.). Notable Eagle FC alumni on the women’s side include Haley McGee (a long-time Eagle youth GK who starred at West Chester University and played in W League), and Lizzy Weis (Washington State University midfielder who returned to play for Eagle in summer). Eagle FC’s impact goes beyond just results; it has increased visibility for women’s soccer in central PA and given players like Liv Riddel a chance to play high-level matches near her college stomping grounds. With a culture of success and a community-oriented roster, Eagle FC will aim to continue being a launching pad for players eyeing the NWSL or European pro opportunities. Riddel’s addition in goal could be a final piece that helps push the team toward a national title – and simultaneously puts her in the shop window for pro scouts.
The Advantage of Summer Soccer for College Players
Playing in USL League Two, NPSL, or the USL W League is about more than just filling the offseason – it’s a critical stepping stone toward a professional career. Upper 90 College, which specializes in connecting Australian student-athletes with U.S. college opportunities, also plays a hands-on role in guiding its clients into the summer soccer scene. Here are some key advantages and insights into the pathway these leagues provide:
High-Level Competition & Player Development: Summer leagues like USL2 and NPSL offer a level of competition comparable to professional reserve teams. They “provide elite collegiate players the opportunity to [compete] at a higher level” during the summer months (USL League Two). For players such as those profiled above, this means facing older, more experienced opponents (including former pros and top college All-Americans) in games that matter. The intense environment accelerates development – players must adapt to faster speed of play and greater physicality, which in turn prepares them to return to campus as improved athletes. Upper 90 College emphasizes this as part of its strategy: staying “match-fit” and sharp when the NCAA season is on break is crucial (Bridging Aussie and American Soccer: Coach Scott Murray’s Inspiring Visit | Upper 90 College). The results speak for themselves – many Upper 90 clients who take the summer route come back to lead their college teams or even earn looks from pro clubs sooner.
Increased Exposure & Scouting Opportunities: Summer leagues are crawling with scouts and coaches from higher tiers. It’s well known that USL League Two is a proven pipeline to MLS and USL pro teams – over 70% of all MLS SuperDraft picks since 2010 have USL League Two experience (PATH2PRO). In some draft years, that figure has been as high as 80%. NPSL, while slightly more regional, also has its share of success stories (for instance, NPSL alumni like Miguel Berry and Ryan Meara eventually reached MLS). For our players: when Keegan Grant suits up for West Texas FC, he’ll be watched by scouts from USL Championship clubs in Texas; when Liv Riddel plays for Eagle FC, NWSL club scouts and European agents tracking the W League will see her name in clean-sheet summaries. Upper 90 College’s network also helps – they maintain close connections with coaches and can ensure their players land in clubs where they’ll get visibility. By performing well in these leagues, players can earn invitations to pro trials or be drafted. It’s truly a “path2pro” as USL calls it, and the exposure is invaluable.
Professional Environment & Mentorship: Unlike the shorter college season, summer leagues mimic a pro season rhythm – with regular training sessions, travel for away matches, and sometimes playing in front of passionate local fanbases. Players learn to handle long bus rides, back-to-back games, and mixing with teammates from diverse backgrounds (often including international players and former pros). This environment teaches accountability and consistency. Many clubs also have coaches or staff with pro experience. For example, players at Erie Sports Center FC will train in a professional-grade facility and could rub shoulders with coaches who’ve played internationally. At Eagle FC, Liv Riddel will work with a staff that includes former Division I coaches and players who’ve competed at high levels. Such mentorship and professional atmosphere help college players mature. “These summer semi-professional leagues are a game-changer for student-athletes,” notes Upper 90’s John Stevanja. “They allow college players to stay sharp and match-fit…and they attract scouts and coaches from higher levels.” The confidence and tactical growth players gain over 2-3 months can be equivalent to an entire extra college season.
Upper 90 College’s Role: Upper 90 doesn’t just secure college scholarships; it stays involved with its athletes year-round. By leveraging its connections, Upper 90 has been able to place clients in ideal summer situations – often with coaches who understand the developmental needs of college players. In the case of West Texas FC, Upper 90’s relationship with coach Scott Murray (himself an Aussie who came through U.S. college soccer) directly opened the door for Mrvcic and Grant. Upper 90 also provides guidance on balancing summer play with rest and academics. Not every college player knows how or where to find a summer team; Upper 90 bridges that gap by identifying the right level of competition for each athlete. The success of Upper 90 clients in these leagues validates the approach. By following the tailored plans – e.g., a year of junior college to build stats, then a summer in USL2 to gain exposure – players maximize their development and remain on the radar for pro opportunities. Essentially, Upper 90 creates a bespoke roadmap for each athlete that often includes summer league placement as a key milestone on the journey to a pro career.
Key Takeaways:
Summer leagues amplify exposure and development. The majority of MLS draftees have played in USL League Two (PATH2PRO), and collegiate players use leagues like USL2, NPSL, and USLW to elevate their game and get scouted.
Upper 90 College’s clients are capitalizing on this pathway. From All-Conference NCAA performers (like Liv Riddel and Keegan Grant) to rising underclassmen (like Angus Till and Jade Brown), these athletes are seizing the summer to accelerate their growth. Each has joined a club that fits their trajectory – often facilitated by Upper 90’s network and guidance.
The clubs they join benefit too. Teams like West Texas FC and Eagle FC gain talented, highly-motivated players hungry to prove themselves, which can help win games and trophies. It’s a symbiotic relationship: players get a proving ground; clubs get quality reinforcements and possibly future pros in their ranks.
Pathway to pro: from college to summer league to professional contract. This is the emerging norm in American soccer. A player’s development no longer pauses between college seasons – it continues through the summer. By fall, these Upper 90 clients will return to campus or head to graduations with invaluable experience under their belts, and for a select few, perhaps direct pro interest.
In summary, the summer of 2025 promises to be an exciting chapter for Upper 90 College’s cohort. Charlie Prtenjaca will be guarding goals for a new Iowa club, Ryan Mrvcic and Keegan Grant will chase an NPSL title in Texas, Angus Till and Dunia Kambona will embark on an ambitious project in Erie, and Jade Brown and Liv Riddel will shine in the women’s game. Each is writing their own story, but all share a common theme: using the summer leagues as a springboard to future success. And with Upper 90 College orchestrating these opportunities, the pipeline from college soccer to the pros grows ever stronger – one summer at a time.
