As the current United States U-20 Men’s National Team cycle came to an end in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup to eventual champion Uruguay, it’s never too early to look ahead at what might be next.

With that the case, it’s becoming clear that Memphis 901 FC’s Nighte Pickering is looking ready to be part of the group.

The forward – who turned 18 years old this past January, putting him just inside the age cut-off for the 2025 cycle – is on a tear right now with three goals and two assists in his past four games, coinciding with his first four starts of the season.

A product of the FC Dallas Academy, Pickering turned heads immediately when he turned pro with 901 FC last summer. His first goal came on his debut for the club, a spectacular bicycle kick to round out a victory against Hartford Athletic.

The club has brought him along patiently, though, with that appearance one of only seven he made in the 2022 season. With the departure of Phillip Goodrum to FC Tulsa last month, however, Pickering now seems trusted to be ready to produce.

That’s no small feat considering the talent around Pickering in Memphis, but since his insertion into the lineup his combined five goals and assists are the most of any player in the squad and put him alongside the likes of Tampa Bay’s Charlie Dennis and Ryan Spaulding – both of whom also have five goal contributions since May 13.

While there’s a long way to go between now and the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship, his prior U-19 Men’s National Team experience and current growth in the professional ranks would seem to put Pickering in line to be a contributor for Head Coach Mikey Varas’ next group.

Here are some other young players who caught our eye this past week…

- Marco Rios, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: There’s nothing like scoring your first goal in the professional ranks before a packed crowd cheering for you. Rios got just that moment in capping off the Switchbacks’ 4-0 win against Orange County SC on Saturday night.

“Words can't explain that feeling,” said Rios. “Once you score a goal and you have your teammates come hug you and you have the fans, I just, unbelievable.”

- Miles Lyons, El Paso Locomotive FC: The 20-year-old came on with 20 minutes to go and not only delivered an inch-perfect cross for Luis Solignac’s equalizer but also completed 11 of 13 passes.

- Abdoul Zanne, Loudoun United FC: The 20-year-old dropped in at left back for United and put in a big defensive display, winning 2 of 2 tackles and 5 of 8 duels while making 11 recoveries in Loudoun’s win against Tulsa.

- Kaveh Rad, Hartford Athletic: The 21-year-old has put in consecutive solid performances at center back for the Athletic, completing 58 of 64 passes against Indy Eleven on Saturday and making six clearances.

- Owen Damm, Louisville City FC: It wasn’t a great night overall for the LouCity Academy product, but getting your first assist in the professional ranks is something to take away.