USL League Two boasts some of the most talented players from the pre-professional ranks on the continent. Every two weeks, The USL League Two Scouting Network, presented by The Soccer Syndicate, will highlight some of the top performers in League Two that caught their attention.

Forster Ajago, Tobacco Road – F

Ajago has all the tools necessary to be a deadly striker. He has half of the club’s ten goals this season, and his pace and strength alone can create chances out of nowhere. An intelligent player that can both get in behind and hold the ball up, an even more refined dribble could see him dominate the division before the season’s end.

Hugo Bacharach, Flint City Bucks – D

A mainstay on this Flint City Bucks side, coaches can’t stop raving about Bacharach. The tall central defender has a fast sprint for his size, is attack-minded, and is incredibly solid along the back line. The Bucks’ record is without a blemish to this point, and Bacharach is the first name out of anyone’s mouth when you start to ask why.

Ciaran Dalton, Hudson Valley Hammers – GK

Dalton’s calm is the best thing he has going for him. At his age, it can be difficult to determine when to take which action as a keeper – Dalton doesn’t panic in those moments. The 6’2 shot stopper steps up when needed, makes the big save, and positions himself well to be prepared. Not a giant, net-consuming keeper like some, but agile and intelligent to make up for any reach he may be missing.

Bernardo dos Santos Monteiro Jr., Charlotte Eagles – F

Monteiro lives to embarrass any fullback put in front of him. He elects not to chase through balls in behind – he likes to receive the ball, turn, and beat his marker one-on-one with his high-level dribbling and smooth change of direction. He knows where to be, where he likes to receive the ball, and how to pick a defense apart from the wings. He’ll be a constant threat for the Eagles throughout the rest of the season.

Cooper Flax, Manhattan SC – M

Flax pulls the strings for Manhattan. Extremely creative and forward-thinking, Flax isn’t afraid to hold onto the ball, change the plan, and create his own magic. He’s also high on the team’s list for penalty takers – he calmly converted one against Cedar Stars Rush last month. Flax has all the tools to be a central figure in a strong attack.

Taig Healy, Seacoast United Phantoms – M

Healy’s compact frame and pitch awareness make him a tough player to nail down for a defense – he’s coming off a match where he got a goal off against Boston City FC, and is a regular starter in the middle of the park for the Phantoms. When they build, he’s usually found in the middle of it, and was also a goal scorer in the team’s critical win over Vermont Green FC.

Josh Jones Jr., Ocean City Nor’Easters – D

Jones lives to battle. Whether it’s a corner kick, an opposing cross coming in, an attacking player running at him – Jones wants to engage and win the duel. It makes him an extreme bother for opposing attackers, and his very tall frame makes it almost a non-starter to attack in the air if he’s in position. He reads the match well, and still has room to grow – Jones will only become more self-assured as he keeps playing.

Jeorgio Kocevski, Long Island Rough Riders – M

Kocevski knows how to use his frame extremely well. He is a smooth passer, balanced, and very excited to take on defenders. In flashes, he can glide through defenses without anyone getting a whiff of the ball. As he continues to grow, he will only become more consistent, and will continue to apply more pressure to opposing defenses.

Brigham Larsen Jr., FC Carolinas – F

A poacher’s poacher. Larsen loves to jump on the opportunity to get a ball, link up with teammates, and even get wide to create some of the play. But he’s best equipped to get in the box and shovel balls into the net. He’s strong in the air and in front of goal, using his lanky frame to win tight battles against opposing defenders.

Kyle Linhares, FC Motown – F

Linhares’ explosiveness has reached new heights in the last year, and now with FC Motown, it’s a key trait in their attack. He’s scored the first goal in their last two matches, putting his side at an immediate advantage with his ability on the ball. Linhares is here to take souls, and he’s had a fantastic first half of the season.