Patrick Agyemang's path from Division III gives him a shot at USMNT

Patrick Agyemang rose from Division III college soccer to score double-digit goals in the English Championship and is competing for a spot on the U.S. men's World Cup roster.

Patrick Agyemang arrived at the U.S. training camp in Atlanta after an uncommon climb from Division III college soccer to professional play in England. He began at Eastern Connecticut State University, moved to Rhode Island, and played for the Western Mass Pioneers before being drafted by Charlotte in 2023. After 2½ seasons in MLS he transferred to Derby County and has scored double-digit goals in the English Championship this season. He has also scored for the national team and is competing for a World Cup roster spot as the U.S. prepares warmup matches. Key details: - Agyemang is 25 and had five goals in 12 appearances for the U.S. in 2025. - He played at Eastern Connecticut State (Division III), then Rhode Island (Atlantic 10) and for the Western Mass Pioneers (USL League Two). - He was drafted by Charlotte in 2023, spent 2½ seasons in MLS, then moved to Derby County and has 10 goals in the English Championship this season. - Team USA has several in-form strikers, including Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, and Agyemang entered camp after an opening created by an injury to another player; tuneup matches against Belgium and Portugal are scheduled. Summary: Agyemang's ascent provides additional depth at striker for a U.S. team hosting the World Cup this summer. His scoring form in England and goals for the national team have placed him in contention for a roster spot. The immediate next steps are warmup matches against Belgium and Portugal, followed by final roster decisions ahead of the tournament.