Tom Bogert, an insider for MLS and USMNT, recently published an article spotlighting potential breakout stars among MLS U-20 players for the upcoming season. Among the prospects highlighted were two talents from Charlotte FC – Nimfasha Berchimas and Nikola Petković.
Berchimas, who was with the club's academy since its inception, made waves by signing an MLS contract at the age of 14 years and 268 days in November 2022, making him the sixth youngest player to do so. He quickly transitioned to the professional stage, making his debut for CLTFC's MLS Next Pro Team, Crown Legacy FC, and maintaining a consistent presence throughout the season.
The 15-year-old caught national attention when he earned a spot on the final U-17 World Cup roster for the USYNT, marking the youngest inclusion since Freddy Adu two decades earlier. Berchimas further impressed by emerging as the top scorer for the team, netting three goals and becoming the second youngest American player to score a brace in the tournament.
Nikola Petković was acquired by Charlotte shortly after he made his first team debut for the Serbian National Team against the U.S. Men's National Team. He initially joined Legacy, playing entire season with the second team, helping lead them to the number one seed in the East. The midfielder has spent the entirety of the preseason with Charlotte FC, and his first team contract was just recently announced by the Club.
Make sure to head to The Athletic for to read more of Bogert's breakdown of the Charlotte FC prospects and other exciting young players in the league.
