The most exciting thing about a new USL season is watching unexpected players emerge as stars. Ahead of the 2024 season, for instance, no one would have predicted that Noah Fuson would lead the league in assists as part of expansion Rhode Island FC. And at this time last year, future all-USL midfielder JC Ngando hadn’t even been loaned to Las Vegas yet.
There are plenty of surprises in store for 2025, but which players are likely to provide them? I’m making the case for each Championship club’s best breakout candidate.
Birmingham: Moses Mensah
Moses Mensah has been an on-again, off-again starter for the Legion, making 36 starts in 68 possible regular season tries since signing for the club in 2023. Blessed with obvious physical gifts, the left back somehow only has five shot attempts across all those appearances.
