Union II’s CJ Olney garners MLS Next Pro Rising Star honors for Matchday 12

In a man of the match performance in Union II’s 1-0 win over Atlanta United II at Subaru Park last Friday, CJ Olney showed his ability to not only create dangerous opportunities, but also to finish them off. Olney scored a tidy slotted finish from a Nelson Pierre cross in the 57th minute of the match that ended up being the match winner. For his performance, Olney was named MLS Next Pro’s Rising Star for Matchday 12. 

However, Olney’s goal wasn’t his only contribution of the match. Earlier in the proceedings, he found himself in a one v. one situation out on the left flank with an Atlanta defender, and he took the opportunity to show his craftsmanship. He dipped his shoulder and shifted his weight from his left to his right foot, keeping the defender off balance and creating a bit of separation. With his newfound space on the pitch, Olney caressed an absolute beauty of a curling cross directly into the path of his teammate who couldn’t apply the finishing touches. Had he played the ball in an MLS match with the first team, Olney surely would’ve had an assist to Julian Carranza or Mikael Uhre. 

And while Olney’s goal, which was his third of the MLS Next Pro season and his sixth goal contribution overall, was the icing on the cake – his ability to create goal scoring opportunities with his deftness in tight spaces and visionary passing is what separates him as a prospect. If he continues to showcase his ability to create and produce goals, as well as developing some of the other parts of his game, the sky is the limit for the 16-year-old midfielder’s potential. Having already produced Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Jack McGlynn and several other elite talents, the Union may just have another gem waiting in the ranks.