Boise and Naples Add Defenders Ahead of Second Half Push
AC Boise and FC Naples announced signings of defenders today, with both sides struggling to slow goals allowed.
AC Boise Adds Veteran Defender Josh Yaro on Loan from St. Louis CITY SC
Boise added center back Josh Yaro on loan from MLS side St. Louis CITY SC for what is expected to be the remainder of the season.
The 31-year-old brings extensive MLS and USL Championship experience. Drafted by Philadelphia Union in 2016, Yaro made 17 MLS appearances during his rookie season and spent three years with the Union organization before moving to the USL Championship. He later played for San Antonio FC and San Diego Loyal.
Yaro's time with San Diego in 2021 saw him play under current AC Boise Head Coach Nate Miller, who served as an assistant there under Landon Donovan. That connection appears to have played a key role in bringing him to Boise, despite reported interest from other USL clubs. One league coach told us off the record that the signing is an "unbelievable" acquisition for Boise.
The move comes at an important time for the club. Boise have conceded seven goals across their last three league matches, a stretch that coincides with the injury absence of defender Jake Dengler. While Dengler has been one of the league's standout defenders this season, Yaro's arrival provides an immediate boost and could prove to be an upgrade at the position.
Yaro joined the St. Louis CITY SC organization ahead of its inaugural MLS season in 2023 and made 18 appearances across all competitions in 2025. He had not appeared for the club in 2026 prior to the loan move.
Given his experience, Yaro is likely to arrive as one of the league's most accomplished defenders. Boise travels to Spokane this weekend for USL Cup action before hosting the Richmond Kickers next Wednesday in league play. The club has not announced whether Yaro will be available for either match.
FC Naples Acquires Jaylen Yearwood on Transfer from Orlando City B
FC Naples also announced today the addition of defender Jaylen Yearwood from Orlando City B.
The 21-year-old arrives with both professional and international experience. Selected 14th overall in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, Yearwood made 10 appearances for Orlando City B, including six starts.
Yearwood also earned a pair of senior international caps for Trinidad and Tobago this year, appearing in friendlies against Venezuela and South Korea.
For Naples, the signing adds depth to a back line that continues to evolve during the club's second season in USL League One. In its last six matches, the squad has conceded 14 goals in a slide that has seen five losses and just one win.
Given his age and pedigree, Yearwood arrives as a player with significant upside and could become an important piece for Naples over the second half of the season.
Naples faces Sarasota Paradise in USL Cup action this weekend, followed by a regular season match at Charlotte Independence next weekend. There is no word on Yearwood's availability.
FC Naples is expected to announce a midfield signing in the coming days as the club regroups amidst the slide. Despite the recent woes, the club is currently 5th in the table thanks to a strong start.
MLS Prospects Continue to Find Opportunities in USL League One
The two moves follow Forward Madison's acquisition of 20-year-old forward Hakim Karamoko on loan from D.C. United for the remainder of the season. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft has already made two appearances for the Mingos, both as a substitute.
Taken together, the three signings highlight a growing trend across USL League One. As the league continues to mature, more MLS and MLS NEXT Pro organizations appear willing to send young prospects to League One clubs, where they can earn meaningful minutes against experienced professionals. For players looking to bridge the gap between youth development and first-team soccer, League One is becoming an increasingly attractive destination.
