Throughout the 2019 USL season, TDS will highlight some of the academy players getting a chance to compete in the USL Championship (or League One) on amateur contracts.

Who doesn’t love a young, up-and-coming American that could potentially play as a left back?

One of the most surprising amateurs to find his way on the starting lineup during last weekend’s opening was Joshua Penn. The Sockers FC Academy player joined Indy Eleven on an amateur deal, and slotted into the starting lineup as the left wing back in the season opener at Saint Louis FC.

There was plenty to like about Penn’s debut, particularly when placing an emphasis on the fact that he was competing in his first official professional match. Listed as a midfielder in a 3-4-3, Penn more than held his own.