Jacob Greene never imagined what a life-changing decision it was to attend a D.C. United Academy tryout along with one of his Crofton Athletic Council teammates seven years ago.

Chris McKinney’s mother had learned about the tryout and planned to take her son. Monya Phillip found out and decided to take her son as well to see what would happen.

Greene wound up being invited to join the D.C. United Academy program at age 12 and his soccer career has taken off ever since. The Crofton resident proved himself at every level, and five years later he is a full-fledged professional.

In November, the 17-year-old signed a “homegrown” contract with D.C. United, foregoing a college scholarship to get an early start on his dream of playing Major League Soccer.

Dave Kasper, general manager and vice president of soccer operations for D.C. United, said the organization has been monitoring Green’s development and was impressed by his performance playing last season for minor league affiliate Loudoun United of the United Soccer League Championship Division.

“Towards the end of the season, Jacob was consistently training with the first team and has proven that he has what it takes to make the jump to the next level,” Kasper said.

Ryan Martin coached Greene at the 12-under level when the youngster initially joined D.C. United Academy in 2014. Greene appeared in 113 games with 99 starts for the academy while progressing through the various age levels.

Martin was named head coach of Loudoun United in 2019 and by the end of that season had signed Greene to a USL contract. Greene played a total of 15 games and totaled 1,195 minutes for Loudoun United, making the type of progression Kasper wanted to see.

“I think the biggest thing for Jacob was consistency and last season he really showed that,” Martin said. “I thought Jacob took a massive step forward with the way he competes, his consistency and individual defending.”

Greene played so well he was called up to train with D.C. United for the second half of the 2020 season. That enabled Kasper and the coaching staff to more closely evaluate the Anne Arundel County native.

“That was a big break for Jacob because it meant was now trying out for the opportunity to earn a living,” Martin said.

Greene realizes now the time playing with Loudoun United and training with D.C. United was to give Kasper and other decision-makers a chance to evaluate whether he was worthy of a homegrown contract.

“In a sense it was a tryout because they wanted to see how I would do in a professional setting against grown men,” he said.

Greene committed to play collegiate soccer at the University of Maryland under renowned coach Sasho Cirovski. However, he was eager to get offered a homegrown contract after watching three teammates go that route.

Midfielders Moses Nyeman and Kevin Paredes along with forward Griffin Yow played alongside Greene with D.C. United Academy’s age-group squads. All three played in games for D.C. United during the 2020 season.

“That definitely motivated me because I wanted to get where those guys are,” Greene said. “I talked to them all the time and they all felt it was good for their development.”

Homegrown contracts are a recent development that allow MLS franchises to sign talented young players in their regions. D.C. United has a 75-mile radius surrounding Audi Field that is considered its homegrown territory. Players become eligible for a homegrown contract after accumulating 120 hours in the academy system.

Dave Sanford, director of D.C. United Academy, said the primary purpose of the program is to prepare players for the first team.

“If you prove your abilities to the D.C. United decision-makers while coming through academy, there is a chance a contract will be put in front of your family,” Sanford said. “It provides these youngsters an avenue to achieve their dream of playing pro soccer.”