Central Valley Fuego Second Club to Depart USL League One in 2024

The Fresno based team is exiting the league after three seasons. Which players can we expect to get looks in the off season?

USL League One announced a “mutual decision to part ways” with Central Valley Fuego after three seasons in USL League One.

No details were provided, but the organization had been in turmoil for most of the 2024 season, dealing with stadium issues, a USLPA and league investigation, coaching suspension and finishing in last place for the second year in a row.

The club issued a statement on X, promising to communicate future plans in the coming weeks.

Earlier today, a representative from El Fuego Pod investigated the scenes at Fresno State Soccer Stadium, the home of the club for the last three years, and found signage and stands had been removed.

While we wait to hear of any details behind the justification to part ways with the league, or any word on future plans, we’ll concentrate on the players, who are now all free agents.

Alfredo Midence (file); image credit Central Valley Fuego FC

Major players that should hit the market with high demand include forward Alfredo Midence; midfielders José Carrera-García, and Chris Heckenberg; defender Clayton Torr; and goalkeeper Carlos Ávilez.

Of course the prize here is 22-year-old Midence. After visa delays, the Honduran forward joined the squad in mid-May and finished the season with a league-high eight assists, and tied for fourth with 39 chances created. Midence had an four goals across the regular season and the Jägermeister Cup, and an additional assist in the cup. Midence won USL League One Young Player of the Year, and was already voted Young Player of the Year by his fellow players in the USLPA.

Jose Carrera-Garcia (file); image credit Central Valley Fuego FC

Jose Carrera-García completed his fourth professional season slightly improved from his 2023 form with the club. He should be a valuable veteran presence and playmaker and two-way midfielder for a team looking for such a profile. Any of the expansion sides would be lucky to have such a player to help build a foundation.

Despite an overall poor defense, defensive midfielder Chris Heckenberg and centre back Clayton Torr will likely find a home elsewhere in the league. Heckenberg had been mentioned last off season for a potential jump to USL Championship, but ended up signing late with Central Valley Fuego. Torr completes his first season with USL League One after a year with NISA side LA Force. The pair led Central Valley Fuego in regular season minutes, interceptions, and tackles won. Heckenberg also captained the side down the stretch.

Carlos Ávilez emerged as the stronger of the two goalkeeper signees, and may find a home elsewhere in the league as a veteran backup, even a contender for number one. At just 25, and with six years experience in the league, he is a serviceable keeper who would compete for the top spot among since without a clear number one.

With the league showing signs of trending younger, there may be a home for forward Angel Ruelas (age 22), midfielders Taran Williams (age 21), Issa Yaya (age 19), and defender Bryan Bustamante (23). It could also present an opportunity for a professional contract for one or more older academy standouts, including 20 year old Javier Mariona and 18 year old Zachary Smuck, unless either decides to head to the NCAA.

It’s a rough market for players this year, with two teams folding, one heading to the USL Championship, and one fewer joining than expected. Combine this with many MLS Next Pro sides shedding older players, USL League One sides showing signs of trending younger, and the usual number of USL Championship free agents and NCAA graduates, and it looks to be a coach’s market.

Still, we expect many on this list to find a home by the start of the 2025 season.