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With the 2019 NPSL season approaching, we are reminded that many of the players in the league take part in hopes of launching a professional career. Brandon Bye made headlines when his stints in the NPSL Midwest, including with Minneapolis City, helped him make his way into the New England Revolution, and a new wave of players are impressing their way into pro contracts.
Check out the next wave of NPSL Northerners who have made or are approaching moves to the professional or high level semiprofessional game:
Jeremy Bonyaa (TwinStars - Grebbestads IF)
Having spent his first season in the NPSL North with the Minnesota TwinStars last season, Bonyaa will be moving to Sweden to play with Grebbestads IF of the Swedish fourth tier, referred to as Division 2. Grebbestads spent 2018 in the third tier, Division 1, but ended in 14th place and were relegated. Grebbestads is based in the Swedish town of Grebbestad.
Akeem Prince Smith (Dakota Fusion FC - IF Älgarna)
Smith graduated from West Fargo High and played every season of Fusion's young life. He was offered a contract by IF Älgarna in Sweden's Division 3 Mellersta Norrland, which is the country's fifth division.
Movin on up from our NPSL side last year, Akeem Prince Smith ➡️ Sweden pic.twitter.com/6Ud9gWkEtZ
— Dakota Fusion FC (@DakotaFusionFC) April 25, 2019
Jeremy Bonyaa (Minnesota TwinStars - Grebbestads IF)
Having spent his first season in the NPSL North with the Minnesota TwinStars last season, Bonyaa will be moving to Sweden to play with Grebbestads IF of the Swedish fourth tier, referred to as Division 2. Grebbestads spent 2018 in the third tier, Division 1, but ended in 14th place and were relegated. Grebbestads is based in the Swedish town of Grebbestad.
Gonnie Ben-Tal (Duluth FC - Milwaukee Torrent)
Ben-Tal will spend his third season with Duluth FC this summer, during which he’s won both conference and regional trophies, before moving to the Milwaukee Torrent to participate in the Founders Cup. The implication is that he will then remain with the club, which has been professional prior to recent changes in the NPSL, when they move on to the league believed to follow up the Founders Cup.
Please welcome our next player to join the Milwaukee Torrent, Gonnie Ben-Tal. Israeli-born Gonnie played at Baker University, and later with @DuluthFC ,where he played a pivotal role in securing a semi-final berth at Nationals. Show Gonnie some Milwaukee love! # lightthefire pic.twitter.com/ZYolWgtKwO
— Milwaukee Torrent (@MKETORRENT) March 7, 2019
Jacob Weiler (Dakota Fusion - SC Hauenstein)
Weiler worked his way up through the Tri City Storm youth set up and secured a scholarship at Omaha. After graduating as captain, he returned home to Fargo and played for Fusion. In the middle of last season, a professional contract was offered by the struggling Oberliga (5th division) side SC Hauenstein.
Note: Any further additions to the list in the near future will be added to this article and reposted.