United midfielder Chris Durkin was ranked No. 14 in MLS' 22 under 22 list for 2018. The 18-year-old defensive midfielder has impressed in his first full season with the Black-and-Red and is poised to join fellow homegrown star Bill Hamid as one of United's best homegrown prospects.
MLS' 22 under 22 list is voted on by an expert panel and showcases the best players in the league under the age of 22.
The Glen Allen, Virginia, native signed as United’s eighth Homegrown Signing in club history on June 14, 2016, and has impressed in his first full season with the Black-and-Red. Durkin has made 20 appearances this season along with 14 starts as head coach Ben Olsen came to rely on the youngster early in the season. He recorded his first career MLS assist on May 12, 2018 against Real Salt Lake.
"In every aspect of the game, he has grown," Olsen said. "Technically, tactically, and emotionally."
“When he came in this preseason, he meant business, and he wanted to play the whole time,” defender Steven Birnbaum told mlssoccer.com earlier this year.
Durkin has been on an upward trajectory with United since signing with the club, and built upon a strong 2017 where starred Internationally for the Under-17 U.S. Men’s National Team starting in all five of their matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. His consistent play was key in helping the U.S. win their first knockout round game at the tournament since 1999 when they defeated Paraguay 5-0 in the Round of 16. Durkin also scored his first U-17 World Cup goal at the tournament against hosts India in the American’s first match, earning him Man of the Match honors.
With United, Durkin has taken every chance to learn and grow with his peers in the locker room, and as his opportunities come Durkin knows that his hard work will take him far.
"Being a young player you want to absorb everything, be a sponge, see everyone’s habits and replicate it in how you get ready for matches," Durkin said. "In the locker room the guys are great, everyone treats me like an older player and with respect, and I feel loved by all the guys and I feel like they see value in me."
