Sporting Kansas City defender Jaylin Lindsey has been named the No. 19 player on the USL Championship's 20 Under 20, an annual list highlighting the best young talent to play in the league this season.
Earning his second consecutive selection to the list, United States U-20 international Lindsey has not allowed time on the sideline after a torn meniscus suffered early this season to hinder his progression, with his performance for the Swope Park Rangers since his return highlighting the reason some had him tabbed for a breakout campaign with Sporting Kansas City at the end of 2018.
Lindsey had helped the United States claim its second Concacaf U-20 Championship last November, completing 71 of 76 passes across three appearances at the event, only to miss out on a trip to the FIFA U-20 World Cup this past May in Poland due to injury.
That passing ability has also been evident in 10 appearances for the Rangers this season, where he has completed 84.7 percent of his passes and recorded one assist and seven key passes in the attacking third.
Set to turn 20 next March, Lindsey’s breakout campaign in the top flight might have been deferred by a season, but the future still looks extremely bright for the North Carolina native.
Club Perspective: Sporting KC Technical Director & VP of Player Personnel Brian Bliss
Jaylin has been a visible prospect since bring called into the U.S. youth national team program at the U-14 level, what is it that has kept him ahead of the curve in his development through the U-20 level?
Jaylin has been unbelievably dedicated to his goals. He’s very professional and disciplined. This is why he has been recognized and every age level with the national team.
The meniscus injury earlier this year was obviously disappointing, but it looks as though Jaylin has quickly gotten back up to speed with Swope Park since his return. What’s stood out to you about his performances recently?
The main thing that’s been so impressive is how quickly he got back up to speed from where he left off before the injury. His overall ability to still get up and down the flank and be a threat with his service in the box has been a highlight every game.
One of the biggest things that stands out is Jaylin’s ability to be a strong two-way player who will contribute consistently in the attacking third. Looking ahead to 2020, what’s the most exciting aspect of his potential?
We’re looking forward to him proving that he has the stamina that’s required to play in the Sporting system. If he can maintain that, along with his positive outlook, the first-team roster is shaping up for him to have opportunities to contribute more in the near future.
