Two teenagers from Merced, California, have taken an unconventional route to professional soccer, leaving home at 13 and 14 to chase their dreams in Ohio.
Early Roots and Academy Breakthrough
Immanuel Ewing and Jorge Salmeron grew up kicking a ball on the fields of Albion SC, a local club that nurtured their talent before they moved to the Columbus Crew Academy.
At the inaugural MLS Next Cup in the U‑19 division, Ewing was named MVP, a testament to his rapid development and competitive edge.
Both players soon signed MLS Next Pro contracts with Crew 2, the reserve side that bridges academy prospects to the first team.
A Local Pipeline Expands
Their ascent mirrors the trajectory of Max Arfsten, a Fresno native drafted by the Crew in 2023, who captured an MLS Cup, earned a spot on the U.S. men’s national team, and made his World Cup debut in the 2026 tournament.
Arfsten now plies his trade for Middlesbrough FC in the English Championship, illustrating how a Valley upbringing can open doors on both domestic and international stages.
Ewing and Salmeron, aware of the path they have forged, urge younger players in Merced to view their hometown as a launchpad rather than a limit, emphasizing that dedication can carry them beyond the city’s borders.
The Columbus Crew organization now counts two Valley‑born athletes on its roster, a sign of a growing pipeline that could reshape the region’s soccer narrative for years to come.