Good Sports: Merced teens leave home to pursue pro soccer dreams

Leaving home to follow a dream.

“At first, it was hard leaving my family,” says Jorge Salmeron.

That’s what both Immanuel Ewing and Jorge Salmeron did at just 13 and 14 years old.

“It’s super hard, especially the first year,” Ewing said.

“Leaving your family behind, your siblings behind, but he’s definitely willing to make that sacrifice and work hard for it,” says Mariana Rivera, Ewing’s mother.

Both Immanuel and Jorge grew up playing soccer in Merced with Albion SC.

To reach their goal of the pros, the two made a sacrifice: leave home and join an MLS developmental academy.

“We see them competing at the highest level,” says Albion SC Coach Rafael Valencia. “You see it in the intensity they bring in practice.”

The Merced kids found their way to Columbus, Ohio, earning a spot with the Columbus Crew Academy.

Each has made appearances with Crew 2, the last step before becoming a pro.

In the inaugural MLS Next Cup, Immanuel won the MVP award for the U-19 championship.

“It’s definitely something I didn’t think I would end up getting,” he said. “I never thought I would be able to achieve something like that.”

Now, both Immanuel and Jorge are making more than just an appearance.

The boys signed MLS Next Pro contracts with Crew 2.

“It’s just something you’ve been wanting for your whole life,” Jorge said.

The Crew franchise gains two Valley natives after losing one in July.

Fresno native Max Arfsten was picked by the Crew in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, won an MLS Cup with the team before being named to the U-S men’s national team roster and debuting in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Max is on his way to the English Championship side with Middlesbrough FC, passing the reins to Immanuel and Jorge to represent the Valley here in the States.

“All the hard work is finally paying off,” Jorge said. “It’s just a small step to keep pushing forward.”

“For all the little kids out here, kind of just give them something to look up to,” Immanuel said. “Show them that there’s stuff outside of Merced. It’s not just this small town. You can do whatever you put your mind to.”

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