Orange County Soccer Club has added forward Benjamin Barjolo to its first-team roster, following his arrival from Atlanta United’s highly regarded MLS Academy program.
The 16-year-old, who was a key member of the Atlanta United’s MLS NEXT Cup-winning U16 team, signs his first professional contract, and will be the latest player to be part of Orange County SC’s internationally renowned Pathway to Professional model.
“We are delighted to sign Ben, he is a special talent and a player we have high hopes for,” OCSC Sporting Director Peter Nugent said. “With the right guidance, we believe he has all the attributes required to follow in the footsteps of previous OCSC players, who have flourished in our professional environment and made the transition to Europe.”
Earlier this week, teenage striker Korede Osundina became the fifth player to transfer from OCSC to a major European team, when he was signed by reigning Dutch Eredivisie champions Feyenoord Rotterdam. Osundina follows teenage U.S. international defender Kobi Henry, who shattered the USL Championship transfer record with his move to French top-flight side Stade de Reims last summer.
“I’m beyond excited to be joining Orange County SC and to get started with the group,” Barjolo said. “This is the perfect platform for me to develop and with the plan the club has laid out for me, I believe it gives me the best opportunity of realizing my dream of playing in Europe.”
OCSC’s unique Pathway to Professional & Next Wave model breaks the mold of traditional college or MLS routes by giving promising young players the experience, development and opportunities to succeed at the highest levels of the European game.
As part of its trailblazing development strategy, and commitment to nurturing the best American talent, OCSC has also established first-of-its-kind technical partnerships with both Feyenoord Rotterdam and Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers.
Barjolo is eligible for selection for Saturday’s match at the Las Vegas Lights, where OCSC will be seeking to add to its impressive seven-game winning streak. Under head coach Morten Karlsen, the club currently occupies a playoff spot and is in the hunt for their second USL Championship title in three years.
Per club policy, terms of the deal and player contracts will not be publicly released.