Josue Monge commits to University of South Florida

A promising playmaker in the Philadelphia Union system has verbally committed to play college soccer at the University of South Florida this fall.

Josue Monge, of Philadelphia, announced his decision on social media on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old started in the midfield for Bethlehem Steel FC in a friendly against local NPSL club Junior Lone Star FC on Wednesday. He made two appearances and played 19 minutes for Steel FC last season.

He has three goals in 10 appearances for the U18 team this season, but is known more for creating chances with his skill on the ball and passing ability. Monge has played for the U14, U16 and U18 teams since joining the club from FC Delco ahead of the Union’s first season in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy in 2013-14.

Monge is the second player from the academy to commit to South Florida’s incoming class. Defender/midfielder Frederick Gil verbally committed back in November.

South Florida, which competes in the American Athletic Conference with Temple, qualified for the NCAA tournament last season and has made the NCAAs nine of the last 10 seasons. Philadelphia Union rookie Marcus Epps played there for the last four years and was one of three players from last season’s team to be selected in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

If Monge and Gil both make it to campus in the fall, it will be under a new head coach. Former Florida Gulf Coach coach Bob Butehorn was hired to take over the program in December after George Kiefer was hired at NC State.