Merced teens sign pro soccer contracts with Crew 2 in Ohio
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 12:24 AM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Immanuel Ewing and Jorge Salmeron, both from Merced, California, signed MLS Next Pro contracts with Crew 2. The teens moved to Columbus, Ohio, to join an MLS developmental academy after training with Albion SC. Ewing won MVP at the inaugural MLS Next Cup U-19 championship. Their signing comes as the Crew franchise seeks new talent following Max Arfsten's transfer to Middlesbrough FC.
- •Ewing and Salmeron are aged 13 and 14, respectively.
- •Both trained at Albion SC before joining the Crew Academy.
- •Ewing earned MVP honors at the MLS Next Cup.
- •Max Arfsten's departure opens opportunities for Ewing and Salmeron.
- •They aim to represent their hometown of Merced in professional soccer.
- 12:24 AMYahoo Sports — Good Sports: Merced teens leave home to pursue pro soccer dreams
"Leaving home to follow a dream. That's what both Immanuel Ewing and Jorge Salmeron did at just 13 and 14 years old. The boys signed MLS Next Pro contracts with Crew 2.
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