Pathway to Pro: 16-year-old Moses Nyeman rises through D.C. United’s development ladder

At 16-years-old, Moses Nyeman became the 13th homegrown signing in D.C. United club history on October 3, 2019. The young midfielder ascended the Pathway to Pro ladder and is now on the first team roster after his time with the D.C United Academy and with USL Championship affiliate, Loudoun United FC.

The Riverdale Park, Maryland native began his rise up the Pathway to Pro system in 2015, when he joined D.C. United’s academy at the U-12 level. In his four years in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, Nyeman made 83 appearances (70 starts) and scored 10 goals. With this impressive academy resume, he was a promising midfield prospect during Loudoun United’s inaugural season in 2019.

He earned a call up to the USL Championship club and made his professional debut as a sub in a 3-2 win over Swope Park on June 5th, 2019. Nyeman continued to develop throughout the year, scoring his first professional goal in a 3-0 victory over Louisville City on July 29. The young star turned heads across the league in his 15 total appearances with Loudoun, making the USL Championship 20 under 20  list at No. 15 as the youngest player selected.

Almost a year after signing with the Black-and-Red, the Homegrown midfielder is a month away from completing his first full MLS season. In 2020, Nyeman has made five appearances (one start) and totaled 170 minutes for D.C. United. He made his full debut for the club as a starter on September 27 against New England and played the entirety of the match. The 16-year-old will now look to continue his steady improvement in the club’s final nine games as he builds on an impressive first season in MLS.

(Photo by Xavier Dussaq)

(Photo by Xavier Dussaq)