Since joining USL League Two, Salem City FC has set out to be more than a summer destination for college players. The club’s vision is simple and ambitious: to create a true professional environment that prepares players for the next level of the game.

That vision is already paying off.

Several Salem City players have used their time in USL2 as a springboard into the professional ranks, with the clearest recent example being 2024 starting goalkeeper Wessel Speel.

A Summer That Changed a Career

Speel arrived at Salem City FC in 2024 with an impressive résumé that included standout college careers at Hofstra University and Duke University. But he wasn’t just looking for minutes; he was looking for an environment that felt like the professional game.

In his own words (Salem City FC Testimonial):

“I made a conscious decision to join Salem City for the summer… They promised me a professional setup where I would be challenged in practice every day and able to compete in one of the top conferences of the USL2 to gain rhythm, but most importantly, WIN games and set a newly founded club, Salem City FC’ on the map.”

Speel had other strong options, having previously played for successful USL2 sides such as the Long Island Rough Riders, and receiving interest from clubs like the Des Moines Menace and Vermont Green FC. What set Salem City apart was the professionalism and support structure.

“I have to credit the coaches and owners for offering additional motivation of playing for ‘something’ (the club), rather than seeing it just as a getting-fit-for-college camp, which is very common for college student-athletes during the summer.”

Speel also emphasized the off-field support that removed typical summer-league distractions:

“Housing with luxurious amenities, groceries, and more were provided by the club owners with full desire and care. I can attest to the fact that this lacked at one of the best USL2 teams, the Long Island Rough Riders.”

The stability Salem City FC provided allowed him to focus entirely on performance.

From Salem City FC to the Pros

The momentum Speel built at Salem City FC carried straight into his final college season at Duke, where he earned ACC Goalkeeper of the Year and First-Team All-American honors before turning professional.

He is now signed with Minnesota United FC, beginning his pro career through their reserve side in MLS NEXT Pro and training within a Major League Soccer environment in Major League Soccer.

Looking back, Speel is clear about the role Salem City FC played:

“Salem City helped me open a lot of doors to my lifelong dream: becoming a professional soccer player.”

What Coaches Saw

Salem City’s coaching staff point to Speel as the model of what the club wants to develop.

“From day one, Wessel trained like a pro. His standards raised the level of everyone around him. Our job is to create a real professional daily environment, and he showed what happens when a top player fully buys into that process.”

Another coach added:

“He didn’t treat the summer as a break between college seasons. He treated it as the start of his pro career. That mindset is exactly what we want Salem City FC to be known for.”