January 25, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Hartford Athletic News Release
HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic have signed 18 year old midfielder Ian Shaul to a USL Academy Contract prior to the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval. Shaul is Hartford’s first Academy signing of 2024 and is the youngest player on the current roster.
The Saint Paul, Minnesota native began playing for Minnesota United’s Academy in 2018 before joining the Portland Timbers Academy in 2020 at just 14 years old. He made his MLS Next debut with Timbers 2 in 2022, and was named a starter for the MLS Next All Star West team. That same year, Shaul was called up to the U17 U.S. National Team Camp in Chula Vista, California.
“Signing a player as young and talented as Ian is massive for our Academy,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “Few players his age have his level of quality and experience. We expect him to compete for minutes on our first team and be a prime example of the talent that can develop rapidly through the professional environment that we provide.”
Shaul is committed to play collegiately at the University of Notre Dame next year. USL Academy contracts allow young players like Ian to play professionally while retaining their NCAA eligibility.
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