Sacramento Republic FC center back Chibi Ukaegbu and Tampa Bay Rowdies midfielder Nate Worth were named on Thursday to the United States U-19 Men’s National Team squad that will head to Valencia, Spain for a training camp and international friendlies between October 7-16.

It’s a first call-up for both players in this age group, highlighting the standout performances they’ve produced in the USL Championship this season for two sides on course for top-four finishes in their respective conferences.

It’s also an opening to follow the path previously trod by one of the Championship’s most high-profile exports.

• STEPPING UP: Two years ago, Joshua Wynder was starring on the back line for Louisville City FC. His performances drew the attention of U.S. Soccer, which called him into his first youth national team camp at the U-19 level.

• TURNING HEADS: Wynder seized the opportunity. By the end of the year, he’d captained the U-19s and had been nominated for U.S. Soccer’s Young Player of the Year award. (Yunus Musah won that year).

• WORLD STAGE: What’s more, he’d caught the eye of United States U-20s Head Coach Mikey Varas, whose side was scheduled to compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup the following May. Playing a cycle up, Wynder made the squad and started for the side in Argentina.

Given their skillsets, the USL Championship duo have what it takes to address that.

• MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Worth is approaching 50 regular season appearances in the Championship. This season in a veteran-filled Rowdies squad, he’s made 14 appearances, recorded one goal, one assist and 14 chances created in 516 minutes. His ability to drop into midfield and attacking spaces to receive and distribute the ball in tight spaces stands out, as does his dead ball prowess.

• EMERGING POWER: Ukaegbu, on the other hand, made his Championship debut this season and has generally looked the part in Sacramento’s back line. The 6-foot-2 Republic FC Academy product stepped in due to an injury crisis in midseason and has recorded 16 interceptions in eight games, showing an ability to read play and distribute out of the back as well as being an aerial threat at set pieces.

• CONFIDENCE PLAY: As young as they both are, each brings a swagger and belief in their abilities. Worth’s shining moment this season was a brilliant game-winning late free kick against the Charleston Battery, while Ukaegbu has adapted to the higher level of physicality impressively.

That’s what they’ll be aiming to display over the next two weeks as they look to impress U.S. Soccer’s coaching staff. If they don’t make the jump this time, they’re both going to be eligible for the 2027 cycle, and can start making their case for that opportunity as well.

Safe to say, both will be ready to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’ve been training for this day,” said Ukaegbu after his USL Championship debut. “For us young players, I think it’s just a chance for us to get the opportunity to bring a shock factor to the game. Show everyone what you got.”